Intro
Most of our reviews are quite lengthy — and take a considerable amount of time to produce — because we want to provide enough information for you to determine whether the gear we tested will work well for you.
However, we are asked to review an increasingly wide range of products, and sometimes we just want to share with you something we’ve been using and loving lately.
That’s where this monthly series — Stuff We Like — comes in. It’s where we keep you current on a broad range of things we’re digging. Check out this month’s submissions, and let us know if there’s any gear you’ve been loving!
Cycplus AL7 Air Pump
MSRP: $129
Dylan Wood: Iʻve been testing Cycplusʻs AL7 Electric Air Pump for the past few months, and it’s proven to be more versatile and useful than I expected. This is a portable air pump, designed for use with bike tires, car tires, and inflatable balls. At 6.5” by 6.5” by 3.5” (165 x 165 x 89.5 mm) and 2.78 lbs (1260 g), this pump is easy to carry along in a car or truck. It also features a 5200 mAH capacity battery that can reportedly inflate a 26” by 1.95” mountain bike tire from 0-50 psi 40 times, or a 215/60 R17 car tire from 0-36 psi 7 times. More details on the AL7’s battery capabilities are available on the AL7 product page.
The AL7 Air pump is charged via USB-C, and this USB-C port also doubles as a handy charger for smaller devices. I found the AL7 air pump to be especially convenient while camping, where I can keep my phone alive without needing to turn my car on or find an outlet. I could also see it being handy on family roadtrips, where demand for charging is high and the car’s outlets might all be spoken for. It also features a light, which could certainly be useful for situations like fixing a flat tire roadside in the dark.
The AL7 Air Pump comes with adapters for presta and shrader valves, as well as one for inflatable balls. Each of these adapters is stored conveniently within the door of the pump, which also houses the hose used to inflate tires and/or balls. Iʻve found it very easy to use and convenient; I can put the hose on my tire as I’m getting ready and let the pump inflate it.
The AL7 air pump has a few different modes for the different things it can inflate, and within each mode, it lets you select a max psi to inflate to. Then, just press a button, and the pump automatically inflates your tire or ball until it reaches the desired psi. Itʻs quite easy to use.
The pump is pretty loud, though, and I could see it being a bit disruptive during an early morning at a crowded campsite, or outside your neighbor’s window. Also, the psi gauge isn’t super accurate, and I find myself double-checking the AL7ʻs work with a digital pressure gauge. It takes a little bit to figure out how to best attach it to your tire so you get an accurate gauge reading, but once figured out, it works really well.
Overall, the Cycplus AL7 Air Pump is a really handy gadget that will stay in my car indefinitely. It makes getting ready for a ride easier, airing down tires for off-road driving attainable, and it’s also useful for off-the-grid camping.
Hedgehog Buddy Black Ionic i3
MSRP: $199
Kristin Sinnott: I’ve been using boot dryers for my ski boots for decades — from the old-school stand-style dryers where you place your boots upside down, to compact and travel-friendly options from Dry N’ Warm and DryGuy. They’ve all worked fairly well, but now that I have a kid, I’ve been looking for a gear dryer that can handle multiple pairs of shoes, boots, mittens, and gloves. I considered a large wall-mounted unit, but ultimately couldn’t justify giving up that much wall space.
When I came across the Hedgehog Buddy Black Ionic i3, I immediately liked its minimalistic Scandinavian design — and I loved that it could dry up to three pairs of shoes, gloves, or mittens at once. The flexible tubing at the bottom also works great for ski boots, which made it even more appealing. I’ve been using the i3 since this past spring, and it’s been a great fit for our family of three.
If we ever decide we need more drying capacity, the i3 is compatible with Hedgehog’s Wall Adapter, which expands the setup to hold up to four additional pairs of shoes or gloves. And you can add multiple adapters to really increase your capacity.
The i3 offers multiple temperature settings, drying times, and modes, making it adaptable for everything from delicate gloves to heavy ski boots. My whole family has been impressed with its ease of use and speedy drying times. And while we never look forward to wet shoes or gloves, it’s nice knowing we can dry them quickly when it happens.
Rab Evolute Hoody
MSRP: $160
Luke Koppa: PrimaLoft Evolve quickly became one of my favorite ‘active insulations’ after I first tried a piece that used it, and the Rab Evolute Hoody is the latest layer I’ve tested with this lofty fleece-like insulation.
The Evolute falls between what I’d call the ‘raw’ implementations of PrimaLoft Evolve, where the fleece-like material itself serves as the sole fabric (e.g., Backcountry Highliner), and more traditional ‘puffy’ style constructions where the insulation is paired with a wind- and water-resistant face and/or lining fabric (e.g., Sitka Ambient 75 Hoodie). In the case of the Evolute, Rab lines it with 75-g PrimaLoft Evolve, but adds their “Motive Aero” jersey knit fabric as the outer layer.
In use, I really like this combo for high-output activities in cool and cold temperatures. The Evolute’s outer jersey fabric cuts a bit of wind (PrimaLoft Evolve offers basically zero wind resistance on its own), but it retains a bit more breathability than alternatives I’ve used with a more traditional, woven puffy shell fabric.
The result is a piece that provides a really impressive combo of warmth and breathability, especially for how light and low-profile it is.
I’ll grab something with a more robust outer fabric if I know I’ll be wearing my midlayer as an outer layer in windy or snowy conditions, but the Evolute serves that role well in more moderate temps and weather. And, for how impressively breathable it is, the Evolute offers a lot of warmth when used as a midlayer under a more protective shell.
To put it into perspective, I’d say the Evolute offers similar warmth under a shell vs. the standard Patagonia Nano-Air; the Nano-Air is more wind and water-resistant as an outer layer, but the Evolute breathes better when my heart is pumping, and it’s a bit less bulky overall.
In terms of fit, the Evolute is quite slim, but the sleeves and hem are fairly long, and the fabric has a good deal of stretch to it, so I haven’t found it restrictive. So, if you’re looking for a slim-fitting fleece that offers a lot of both breathability and warmth, the Evolute is worth adding to your list.
Norrøna Senja 15L Pack
MSRP: $249
Jed Doane: Norrøna recently introduced the 15L cousin to its Senja 7L trail-running vest. I’ve been using it on longer trail-running days and have been very impressed. Overall, it’s a full-featured running vest with a well-thought-out design. The recycled 70D ripstop nylon shell feels tough for its weight, and the water-resistant zippers add peace of mind when the weather turns. Despite its light build, the pack has handled plenty of abrasion from rock and brush without issue.
The large elastic bottom pocket is one of the smartest design touches — it’s perfect for quickly stashing a layer or shell, and easy to access without stopping. Multiple accessible front and side pockets make it easy to manage snacks and sunscreen mid-stride, and the front pocket secures a phone comfortably and securely without jostling (one of my pet peeves with running vests).
Overall, carry comfort has been excellent, even with larger loads. I took the Senja 15L on several long days of running and scrambling in the Tetons, and even when fully loaded with layers, food, and water, it stayed comfortable all day. The side compression straps aren’t strong enough for heavy external loads, but they do a great job tightening the pack’s volume when it’s half full, keeping the profile sleek and stable. If I could tweak one thing, it would be adding a small internal zip pocket in the main compartment for keys or small valuables.
Overall, the Norrøna Senja 15L Pack has proven to be a durable, comfortable, and adaptable large-volume running pack. Whether you’re a veteran runner or are just looking to add a little trail running to the flatter sections of your long day hikes, consider this pack.
Cycplus AS2 Ultra E-Pump
MSRP: $119
Dylan Wood: Cycplus’s AS2 Ultra E-Pump is another handy pump that Iʻve enjoyed using, for both similar and different reasons as the AL7. While the AL7 is great to leave in your garage or car, the AS2 is much more compact and suitable for bringing along on rides.
At just 3 ounces (87 grams) and 2.5” by 1.9” by 1.1” (65 by 47.5 by 28 mm), the AS2 Ultra is very lightweight and compact. As a result, this E-Pump has taken the place of three different tools in my pack — my threaded CO2 cartridge, CO2 pump, and digital pressure gauge. I’m of the opinion that a flat tire should not ruin your ride, but I’m also picky when it comes to tire pressure, so I always carry a digital pressure gauge with me. The AS2 Ultra both inflates tires and gives digital pressure readings, making it extremely handy.
Because the AS2 Ultra is so light and compact, it is a bit more limited in terms of available charges.
It can inflate a 29” by 2.2” tire from 0-30 psi, or a 700C by 32 mm tire from 0-80 psi, but can only do each twice on one charge. In my mind, this categorizes it more along the lines of 2 CO2 cartridges, rather than a hand pump, which basically provides infinite inflations. However, I really do my best not to flat more than twice on any given ride.
The AS2 Ultra is rechargeable via USB-C, and this is a tool that I always make sure is fully charged before each ride. It’s a super handy little tool that I havenʻt left behind on any ride since Iʻve started using it.
Nemo Double Haul 70L Convertible Duffel & Tote
MSRP: $199
Luke Koppa: I’ve now written about several gear-storage solutions during my quest to figure out how to organize and transport five or six sports’ worth of equipment throughout the year. Nemo’s 70L Double Haul Convertible Duffel & Tote is the latest.
David Golay wrote about the 55L version in a prior edition of Stuff We Like, and I was instantly intrigued. I love big totes like the Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote, especially for grocery trips and keeping things contained in my car or campsite, but they have limited utility if you need to fill them up and haul them more than a couple hundred yards. The Double Haul’s ability to convert to a duffel (with backpack straps) seemed like a promising way to increase its versatility, and I’ve been quite happy with it so far.
Compared to our favorite dedicated totes, like the Black Hole Gear Tote, RUX 70L, and Gregory Alpaca Gear Basket, the Double Haul doesn’t stand up and open on its own quite as well.
But that’s really the only downside I’ve noticed so far, and it stays open pretty well once it’s about ⅓ full.
Converting it into a duffel is quick and easy. Once there, the Double Haul does its job as well as my trusty Black Hole duffels, with a similarly burly and water-resistant 420D recycled nylon ripstop fabric. And, unlike my usual totes, the Double Haul also has some additional pockets to keep smaller items organized.
Worth noting — the 70L in this bag’s title refers to it in duffel mode; when fully opened as a tote, it’s giant (Nemo claims 105L of capacity, and that feels about right). I suspect the 55L version will be the most versatile variant for most folks, but the 70L has been great when I’m dealing with bulkier pieces of gear, have to pack for longer trips, or simply refuse to carry a few weeks’ worth of groceries in more than one bag.
If you need a big bag to stow, organize, and carry gear, Nemo’s Double Haul series offers a lot of versatility.
Bert Shoes
MSRP: $115
Dylan Wood: Bert shoes have quickly become my go-to, quick slip-on shoes. Called “the other shoe,” Berts are designed to be worn whenever you donʻt have specialized footwear on your feet. Think driving to the trailhead or ski parking lot, hanging out at awards post-race, or sitting at the campfire after a nice ride or run.
These shoes are super light, comfortable, and minimal. They’re almost like durable slippers. This minimalist design also makes them super convenient for activities like backpacking, bikepacking, and ski-touring hut trips. At just 267-397 grams (depending on size) and about an inch thick when smushed together (upper-to-upper), Berts can be shoved in tight places in a pack.
With their neoprene uppers, these shoes are quite warm for their weight, even with wet feet. They let previously cramped feet spread out and relax, and offer a natural, almost barefoot-like feel when walking around.
Whether you need light, compact footwear to take on an epic hut trip, comfy shoes to show off on the podium, or quick and easy slippers for taking out the trash, Berts are worth checking out.
Glade Hep Sunglasses
MSRP: $59–$69
Luke Koppa: This summer, I finally managed to break my well-loved pair of Glade Apres sunglasses, which had been my daily drivers for almost four years (pro tip: don’t step on glasses with ski boots). Fortunately, I’d already started testing one of their newer shades, the Hep.
Like Glade’s first line of sunglasses, the Hep offers a ton of value for the price, but Glade’s current sunglasses are also available with the photochromic lens tech that has made their goggles stand out for years. And, importantly for me, Glade offers versions that are both photochromic and polarized — a relatively rare combo in my experience, especially at this price point.
That’s what’s made the Hep my go-to option for days on the water, especially during all-day fishing outings where the light can change dramatically throughout. These photochromic lenses don’t change tint the moment the sun peaks out or the clouds roll in, but their adaptability has been really nice when I start or end a day in the dark, or I’m floating a stretch of river that transitions between long stretches of full sun and ones covered by dark shade.
The polarization of the lenses has also worked just fine when it comes to spotting fish before they see me.
For the Photochromic Polarized Brown lenses I’ve been using, Glade lists a VLT range of 10-30% (i.e., “CAT 2-3”). In practice, that’s proven really versatile. The lenses look almost clear when I take them out of a pocket or case, but I’ve never felt like they didn’t provide enough shade, even during bluebird days on highly reflective snow.
Glade offers several different frames with the same lens tech. The Hep strikes me as a sort of rounded Wayfarer-style shape. I’d call the overall fit / coverage pretty average; it’s a tad small on my very big head, but I think it’d work for a variety of face shapes and sizes.
Knockaround Campeones Sunglasses
MSRP: $55
Dylan Wood: Of every piece of outdoor gear I’ve owned in the past decade or so, I find myself going through sunglasses more than anything. This is usually just because I misplace them, but my need for them never goes away. If you’re like me, Knockaroundʻs Campeones Sunglasses offer excellent performance at a very digestible price.
With a sleek but bold style, the Campeones sunglasses fit in nicely when cycling, golfing, playing pickleball, and more. For the price, these glasses offer excellent coverage and great optics that enhance natural views without distorting them. The fit has been comfortable on my face, though it did take a few wears for them to bend a bit around my head. Once they did, I really enjoyed these glasses while mountain biking, golfing, and more.
Overall, Knockaroundʻs Campeones sunglasses provide the looks and performance that make me question why I’d spend double (or more than triple) on a different pair of sunglasses.
