And the Winner Is...

Last week, we kicked off Trek Tech's first Official Giveaway with The North Face Kishtwar Softshell Jacket. Entrants had four ways to throw their names in the virtual hat: "Like" Trek Tech on Facebook, follow Trek Tech on Twitter, subscribe to Trektechblog.com, and/or share the contest link on their Facebook page. Contestants had to leave a comment on the contest post letting us know which one(s) they did. We appreciate everyone who posted, but there can only be one winner. The good news is that for the next contest, all the previous entrants need to do is leave a comment saying that "I already Liked/followed/subscribed...ect." to enter the next contest. For this week's contest, it looks like strategy was the key.

One strategy in particular made the big difference: having your spouse/significant other enter also, thus doubling your chances. An effective tactic, apparently, because this week's winner (chosen by Random.org) is...Adriana Niculescu! Well done, Adi. Yori's going to be stoked.

Thanks to everyone who played along this week! And keep an eye out for the next contest coming up either this Friday or next. Here's a ridiculously vague clue as to what the next prize is: it's one-size-fits-all.

Summer Boot Roundup: Salomon Wings Sky GTX, Wolverine Compass iCS GTX, and Keen Delta

There are almost as many types of hiking boots as there are people to wear them.

Different foot shapes, different comfort preferences and different uses require the need of a range of options when looking for hiking footwear. If you're in the market for a pair of hiking boots, it pays to look at a broad range of boot features.

Trek Tech has been taking some hiking boots out to test over the summer and we've brought back a few standouts, including a boot that pretends to be a trail running shoe, an insulated boot for cold-weather wear, and a boot with adjustable cushioning. Take a look after the jump.

Most Wanted: Easton Mountain Products Kilo 3-Person Tent

Maybe I'm getting old, but I'm starting to lean more towards comfort when I'm out in the backcountry. Mummy bags leave me claustrophobic, and bivy sacs aren't exactly palatial. I'm not a huge guy, but man, I need space, especially if I'm sharing a tent with somebody. The problem is, the bigger the tent, the more weight you're dealing with as you haul it to your campsite.

Not so with Easton Mountain Products' Kilo 3P tent ($499, Summer 2012). Part of EMP's Kilo family of ultralight tents, the three person doublewall kilo 3 offers 40 square feet of floorspace and almost four feet of headroom in a three pound package. 

Forty square feet of floorspace and 3 pounds in the pack. That's a pound per person.

It doesn't feel like a three pound tent when you're in it.

I got to see the Kilo 3 in person at the outdoor retailer trade show, and it felt cavernous with just me in it. Hopefully I'll get my hands on one of these guys in the near future so I can try it out in the field.

Until then, take a look at the Kilo 1P on Easton Mountain Products' website to see how the tech keeps the weight to a minimum.

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Most Wanted posts are profiles of gear that catches our eye. Since we haven't gotten our hands on these pieces (yet), MW posts aren't reviews; they're just overviews on what the gear is designed to do. More often than not, we'll try to get a tester to see how well they work, but until then, we'll be content with just drooling over it. If you know of a piece of gear that deserves to be featured on Most Wanted, shoot us a note at editor@trektechblog.com.

Trek Tech Giveaway: The North Face Kishtwar Jacket

Alright, here we go. I've accumulated way too much stuff, and my office is packed. I need to pack it less, which is good news for you guys. Round 1: The North Face's Kishtwar softshell jacket, size medium. Last year, Outside Magazine gave it the Gear of the Year Award, and for good reason. This soft shell sports Polartec's Power Shield Pro fabric, which is almost completely waterproof, but allows the Kishtwar to be as stretchy and breathable like a soft shell should be. It's got an alpine fit, adjustable hood, three pockets, and a hem cinch-cord to keep the elements from creeping up on you.

You'll dig it.

I'll be doing a drawing, and you can get an entry for each of the following (up to four entries per person).

1. "Like" Trek Tech on Facebook (the button's on the right) and leave a comment on this post letting me know that you did. If you've already "liked" me on Facebook, leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

2. Follow this blog (the button's on the right, too), then leave a comment on this post letting me know that you did it.

3. Follow Trek Tech on Twitter (the button's...come on, you know where it is), then leave a comment here letting me know.

4. Post a link to this giveaway on your Facebook page, then leave a comment here with the link.

I'll do the drawing on Friday the 30th. Go get 'em.

My Camera Can Beat Up Your Camera: SeaLife Mini II Review

"It takes more than a puny Jeep to break the mighty Mini"

If you’re klutzy like me, you know the value of a good, solid camera. Nobody wants to drop a couple hundred bucks on a machine that can’t handle any outdoor abuse, and if you’re going on an adventure, there will definitely be some abuse involved. SeaLife's Mini II camera will take your abuse and come running back for more. Read more after the jump.

Ask Trek Tech: Best Road/Trail Shoe Combo?

 Yo Billy, I'm in the market for a new running shoe, something mostly for trails but could work on road too. Any suggestions?

-Tim M.  Redding, CA

Finding a shoe that works well on both roads and trails can be a tricky process. The majority of trail running shoes sport some form of rigid protection integrated into the sole to keep feet safe from rocks, roots, and other bone-bruising trail obstructions. That's great when you're trail running, but a stiff, protective sole usually makes the shoe a bit too firm for long pavement runs.

It's hard to find the balance between cushioning and protection without sacrificing performance on either the trail or the road, but there are a few shoes that successfully straddle the line between the two opposing types of terrain. Read my suggestions after the jump.

Gear Review: Pearl iZumi Infinity LD Running Short

Pearl iZumi Infinity LD Short

A few months ago I was in the second half of a 15-mile run on a well-populated trail when it started raining. I'm a fan of running in the rain, so I was happy to feel the clouds opening up. After a few minutes, my shorts started to feel...slippery, I guess is the word. I looked down, and my shorts were foaming like a rabid dog. Suds were everywhere - on my shorts, sliding down my legs, leaving soapy footprints behind me. Apparently, I put too much detergent in the washer the last time I washed the shorts. The rain, combined with the agitation that my running provided, had started washing the shorts all over again. It was a mortifying, but very clean, run back to the car.

Gear Review: Brooks Cascadia 6

While training for the Gore-Tex TransRockies Run, I held an ongoing tryout for the shoes that I’d be taking with me to run the 120-miles. I rotated through six pairs of shoes, and the Brooks Cascadia 6 trail runners were the clear winners.

Read All About It: Northern California Guidebooks

It's Labor Day weekend, and by now, those of you lucky enough to have Monday off probably have big plans for your extended weekend.

If you're anything like me, you're a bit of a procrastinator, and you're not sure what's going on Monday.

Don't worry, though — there are plenty of resources for someone who wants to take advantage of Northern California's outdoor playground. Whether you want to climb a rock, hike a trail, or summit a 14,000-foot mountain, there are resources that can help seize your day (or days) off, all of which are available at Redding bookstores or gear outfitters. Read the rest of the article here.