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Post Your Geek Gear Reviews in Our New Group!

GeekSugar — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:30:12 -0800

We all get excited when we get a new tech toy, so don't keep your opinions to yourself - post your thoughts about the new products in your life to our Geek Gear Reviews group! Tell us if your new iPhone case is crappy, if your shiny new laptop is totally worth the price, or if that new video game you bought (and spent hours playing) is really worth our time. What you review is totally up to you, as long as it's geeky!

What do you have to do to get started? First, you'll want to log in with your PopSugar Network account (or create one if you aren't a member yet). Then join the Geek Gear Review group, and get to blogging! Bonus - your review may end up being featured on GeekSugar! If you need some additional tips, here's a detailed guide on how to post to groups if you are new to the PopSugar Community. Happy reviewing!

Gear Review: Sanita Professional Clogs

FitSugar — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:00:32 -0800

When you think clogs, chances are high the term "fitness gear" doesn't spring to mind. However, I couldn't have made it teaching Pilates for all those years without wearing my trusty clogs - slip them off, demo an exercise, slip them on. The company Sanita Clogs, which bills itself as "The original Danish clog," recently sent me a pair of holiday clogs to test out - the Holly Red Professional clog ($135).

I wore these clogs in the kitchen for all my holiday cooking. To see how they fared read more.

Standing over a stove for hours, my body can take a beating and the Sanita clogs saved my back and my feet. I felt like my professional chef friends who cook in similar clogs. The clogs provide tremendous arch support, exactly what my pronating feet need. Although the sole is stiff, it still has a nice shock absorbing quality. Although I enjoyed holiday shopping in my holiday clogs, they can be difficult to run in when dodging traffic and chasing small children because they don't have a lot of lateral support. But, these clogs are great for walking and the sole is designed to rock a bit and help propel you forward. The toe box is quite roomy so you can spread your toes out wide and are great if you have bunions. The Sanita clogs feel a bit more narrow than the Dankso clogs that I have worn, so if you have narrow feet you should try these clogs.

I found these clogs super comfy and supportive. Happy feet when not running, make for happier feet when training. The Sanita clogs are accepted by American Podiatric Medical Association, which is why you see plenty of nurses, doctors, and chefs sporting clogs. Try a pair on at a store near you, or pick up a pair from an online retailer.

Have you ever worn Sanita clogs? Tell me your experience below. Be sure to post a review of your gear in the Good Gear / Bad Gear group.

Gear Review: Cloudveil Rayzar Windstopper Softshell

FitSugar — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:00:25 -0800

If you're an active snow bunny, you need a jacket that will protect you from the elements and allow you to move freely. Softshells are the way to go because they'll keep you warm but are lightweight enough to prevent you from overheating. I just got a new one from Cloudveil. This Rayzar Windstopper ($300) has been great for skiing on the slopes and snowshoeing in the woods.

I love the flattering fit, the bulkless shape, the soft fleece lining inside, and the adjustable hood that can be cinched down to prevent wind from getting to my head and neck. In 20° F weather, all I wore underneath was a wicking sports bra, wicking tank, and a baselayer, and this wind-blocking jacket kept me toasty warm. I even got a little sweaty, but the fabric inside helps your perspiration vapor escape, so I didn't feel damp or chilly. The outer material allows snow and water to just slide off, so you don't have to worry about getting wet or feeling weighed down. Another plus is the two outer zippered pockets that keep my cell phone, keys, and tissues safe, and there are two pockets on the inside to hold even more stuff. If you're not a fan of blue, this jacket comes in three other colors.

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If you've recently tried some fitness or sports gear that you loved or hated, tell us about it in the Good Gear/Bad Gear community group.

Gear Review: Pinda Yoga Backpack

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:30:23 -0800

If you're in the market for a new mat bag, look no further than the unique Pinda Yoga Backpack ($79) made by Saka. Innovatively designed to unify your practice and your life, this pack fits comfortably on your back, so you can walk or bike to class while easily towing along your mat, water bottle, change of clothes, phone, or whatever else you need. Pinda's signature Mat Wrap Panels keep any size mat secure, and the weight is evenly distributed so it stays put when you're moving.

I'm in love with all the little spaces for your things. There's one large zippered compartment that can hold bigger items like clothes or a towel, and it houses three smaller pockets for things like your wallet or personal items. The zippered pocket on the top of the pack is perfect for easy access to my phone.

To hear more about the Pinda Backpack and see other photos read more.

On the inside flap, there's a spot for your ID card, a velcro pocket for gum, energy bars, or tissues, and a mesh zippered pocket for more stuff, like money or lip balm. The secret zippered compartment on the inside bottom of the bag holds an elastic pocket in case you need to protect the bottom of your mat from the elements. I also love the pocket on the side that reveals a water bottle holder when unzipped. So clever! The Pinda Backpack is versatile because although it's perfect for yoga, I also use it when I'm hiking or biking, since the Mat Wrap Panels hold extra layers beautifully. All the pockets keep me organized no matter what I'm using it for. There's really no mat bag like it.

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Just so you know, the mat and water bottle are not included.

Gear Review: Pinda Yoga Backpack

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:30:23 -0800

To hear more about the Pinda Backpack and see other photos read more.

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Just so you know, the mat and water bottle are not included.

Gear Review: Pearl Izumi SyncroSeek III WRX Trail Runners

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:21 -0800

For hardcore runners who won't let a little snow stop them from running outside, you need a waterproof sneaker that has a rugged sole. I tested out these Pearl Izumi SyncroSeek III WRX trail runners ($120), and was floored by how much I loved them.

Even in 20° F temps my feet stayed toasty warm, and after a 40-minute run through snow-covered woods trails, these shoes were completely dry. The upper part of the shoe is actually one seamless piece with the tongue attached, so no wind or wetness had any chance of getting to my feet. The rugged soles gave me incredible grip, even on slippery hills and uneven terrain. I really liked the way the shoe felt rigid and sturdy on my feet, which gave me a feeling of stability and strength. Another plus? I hardly felt like I was wearing anything since these trail runners are so lightweight. Although these retail for $120, I found them for $80 here.

If you've never tried Pearl Izumi sneakers on your tootsies, you're really missing out. Check out more pics below.

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These Pearl Izumi trail runners definitely get a hearty double thumbs-up in my opinion. If you've used gear that you want others to know about, share it in the Good Gear/Bad Gear community group.

Gear Review: Pearl Izumi SyncroSeek III WRX Trail Runners

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:21 -0800

If you've never tried Pearl Izumi sneakers on your tootsies, you're really missing out. Check out more pics below.

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These Pearl Izumi trail runners definitely get a hearty double thumbs-up in my opinion. If you've used gear that you want others to know about, share it in the Good Gear/Bad Gear community group.

Gear Review: Clear2Go Water Bottle With Filter

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:56 -0800

I've been carrying a reusable water bottle with me for years now, filling up on tap water as needed. Well, portable water just got a little cleaner with the Clear2Go water bottle ($16). It's your standard water bottle with a squeeze top made for cycling, but it comes with its very own water filter. The filter adds a little weight to the bottle, but it filters out 99.9 percent of microbial cysts (cryptosporidium and giardia), reduces the chlorine taste of water, and reduces lead and mercury. Using "trickle down technology" developed originally by NASA, one filter, which actually filters the water on the way out of the bottle, lasts for 100 gallons, or 533 refills - keeping an estimated 757 plastic bottles out of landfills. Replacement filters are available in two packs and cost $13.

Lance Armstrong is a fan of these eco and health friendly reusable bottles, and if you become of fan of Clear2Go on Facebook you can enter to win a bike ride with the seven-time winner of the Tour de France. You can purchase your mobile filtration system directly from Clear2Go. They make great holiday gifts and would definitely get you well on your way to filling a loved one's stocking.

Review: $10 Runkeeper Pro versus $315 Garmin Forerunner 405

spacekatgal — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:46:54 -0700

Review: $10 Runkeeper Pro versus $315 Garmin Forerunner 405

Running is generally a cheap sport - good shoes and good music are generally all you need. However, like most other sports, the deeper you get into it the more you start eying professional gear. For runners, that means heart rate monitors and GPS devices. They help you quantify data about your speed, your heart rate, and your distance. When used properly, they can help push your runs to the next level.

Runkeeper Pro is a $10 download for iPhone, and one of the highest rated running apps available. It tracks your distance and time with your iPhone’s GPS chip. The $315 Garmin Forerunner 405 is a top-of-the-line GPS watch. It uses the same technology to track your runs, and has an optional heart rate monitor. Can a $10 iPhone app compete with one of best reviewed pieces of running equipment available? Read more to find out!

For intermediate runners out there, Runkeeper Pro will do just fine. The interface is actually superior to the Garmin Forerunner. Tap the green button, and it starts tracking your run, end of story. If you’ve downloaded music to your iPhone, you can specify a playlist to listen to while you’re working out.

There are several problems with Runkeeper Pro. First of all, it doesn’t track your position or speed with a great deal of accuracy. You can watch it estimate your speed, and it will fluctuate between much slower and much faster than you’re actually going. The second problem is the dealbreaker - if you try to turn the screen off to save battery power while running, it sometimes accidentally ends your run! Eventually, I learned to just leave the screen on the whole time and it helped - but then I ended up with a half-drained battery for the rest of the day.

Looking at your runs afterwards is really fun with Runkeeper Pro! You just swipe over and you get an interactive map of where you’ve been. I really preferred having this information on my iPhone instead of on my home computer like my Garmin.

The $315 Garmin Forerunner 405 is great piece of gear, but has a lot of problems. The interface just sucks. The idea is that the metallic bezel of the watch acts like the scroll wheel of an iPod, but it doesn’t work in practice - it’s not very sensitive. The watch is a non-intuitive mess of menus and submenus. A glaring mistake is that you can’t easily lock the watch in heart-rate monitor mode for running on a treadmill.

Secondly, the watch is massive for a woman. I have very thin arms - but the Garmin is almost as thick as my wrist! It’s the smallest one they make, and it’s surprising to me that including a GPS chip is an afterthought in an iPhone, yet has to be this big in the Garmin.

I also found installing this watch on the Mac to be a total pain. It syncs wirelessly with an Ant transmitter that goes in your USB port. Once you get it set up it works fine, but I found the process to be clunky and very un-Maclike. When you do have it set up, you can review your heart rate, elevation, and speed data after a run - which is extremely helpful. But I wasn’t thrilled at having my single USB port blocked since I use a Macbook Air.

All its problems melt away when you take the Garmin for a spin outside. Given the problems, I was doubtful - but the experience is excellent. It tracks your speed much more accurately than Runkeeper Pro. It was very helpful in telling me to speed up and slow down. The accuracy of the GPS is far superior to Runkeeper. Looking at the map after a run, it was even able to tell which side of the sidewalk I was running on! There is no doubt that when you get it working, the Garmin is a more accurate piece of gear. I’m a lot more likely to run off and explore a new part of Boston when I know my mileage will be tracked accurately.

But is it $305 better that RunKeeper pro?

The Runkeeper does it’s job impressively for just $10. On top of that it’s easier to use, though it’s less accurate and prone to ending your runs prematurely. Also, as a woman, I would really prefer to always carry my cell phone with me for emergencies. Sexual violence is not an imaginary threat.

But if you’re a serious runner, I would say the Garmin is worth stepping up to. Most runners hit a wall in their development at some point. The Garmin has been very useful in helping me determine when I am in the aerobic and anaerobic thresholds. You don’t feel as guilty about slowing down when you can justify it with heart rate data.

Gear Review: Beyond Yoga Spring Line

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00:42 -0800

Although it may still be chilly or snowy in your neck of the woods, it's March, and that means Spring is not too far away. You can celebrate with some new Spring-inspired fitness gear in bright colors and uniquely fresh designs, like these from Beyond Yoga. The company sent me some pieces from its new Spring Collection: a Supplex Shirred Cami ($73) in Blue Ice, a Supplex Long Curve Jacket ($124), also in Blue Ice, and a pair of Supplex Knee Length Leggings ($66) in Graphite. My new outfit looks so adorable, and it feels so supportive and easy to move in. I was instantly inspired to exercise the minute I slipped it on.

I know these items seem pricey, but the Supplex fabric feels so much more luxurious than less expensive fitness gear. It's unbelievably soft and on the thicker side, so it's not at all see-through and is very durable. I've had clothes from Beyond Yoga for a while, and even with frequent sweat sessions and washings, the colors and material look exactly the same as the first day I wore them - really! These are the kinds of clothes you'll enjoy for years, and that makes it worth the dough. Check out the other new items in the Spring line when you read more.

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Tried any new fitness gear or clothes lately? Share your thoughts about it in the Good Gear/Bad Gear community group.