New Balance Leadville 1210 Review - By Jeff Kozak

The Leadville 1210 is a great addition to New Balance’s quiver of trail shoes, providing a more substantial option to the arsenal of truly minimal footwear options they have been near the forefront of for the past few years (think the Tony Krupicka-inspired  100/101 and Minimus Trail lines). It is neither a featherweight nor a heavyweight, splitting the difference at 10.3 ounces but, in my opinion, it does feel lighter on the foot than its actual weight. And, with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop it certainly blends in more with the traditional shoe crowd and its offsets of 10-14mm than it does with the pancake-flat and wafer-thin minimalists. My observation is that the 1210 feels as though it rides higher than the Brooks Cascadia, even though the Cascadia has a 10mm drop. This could be due to the supreme amount of cushioning in the heel of the 1210.

Leadville 1210

 The shoe design was born out of three-dimensional measurements of ultrarunners’ feet and how they morph over the course of a hundred miles (such as the Leadville Trail 100 in Colorado the shoe is named after). Although this is a great concept for shoe design in theory, in everyday-life actuality it creates a sizing dilemma.  In addition, the shoe is constructed on New Balance’s UL-1 last which has a wider heel and instep height.

 The shoe is VOLUMINOUS from the heel through the forefoot and wearing my normal size I was swimming in the shoe and no amount of lacing trickery or sock-thickness adjustment seemed to adequately alleviate this. I decided to step-down ½ size and this mostly took care of the issues, although I still use the “rabbit-ears” heel-lock lacing technique and I’ve noticed that my big toes are somewhat-irritated by rubbing against the toebox where it begins to taper toward the toe bumper. This is a minor nuisance but something that would definitely become an issue on long runs or outings with long descents. So, essentially, my normal size would work for ultra-distance runs (and would make an ideal drop bag shoe for the late stages of a 100-miler) but I decided to go with the smaller size in order to put the shoe in the weekly training rotation. To the contrary of my sizing issues, a friend of mine started running in the Leadville 1210 in his normal size in April and ran the High Sierra 50 Mile with them to great satisfaction.

Tons of heel cushion

In spite of my difficulty dialing in my size I really enjoy running in the Leadville 1210. I recently took them for a spin on some alpine singletrack in the Eastern Sierra’s Rock Creek Canyon, just north of Sage To Summit’s home in Bishop, CA. Taking the shoe and testing its flexibility with your hands gives the impression of a fairly stiff outsole, however the shoe feels incredibly responsive when running. I’ve even pounded some pavement on mixed terrain loops and was impressed with its smooth heel/mid-foot to toe ride. It did not feel clunky on the asphalt.

The 1210s are incredibly well-cushioned (maybe overly so for technical trails) with a RevLite foam material that is 30% lighter when compared with the weight of comparably-cushioned midsoles. New Balance calls this a stability shoe but I would quibble with that label. There is a medial post of higher density compression-molded EVA in the rearfoot but it feels soft directly beneath the arch in the midfoot zone and this combined with an elevated stack height and a roomy synthetic mesh upper with only modest overlay reinforcements leads to a feeling of decreased stability on uneven surfaces and descents.

The outsole is well-lugged and constructed with durable Vibram rubber giving you confidence in traction. With a flexible rock plate and a well-cushioned midsole the protection underfoot is solid without creating a clunky, four-wheel drive “tank” feel.

Finally, the upper has been assembled with limited seam and flexible overlay construction making for a very comfortable feel. The tongue is sown to the upper all the way forward which helps to eliminate debris intrusion. There have been some complaints that the tongue is too short causing issues with laces slipping over it directly onto the foot and also that the tongue is not padded enough to soften the lace pressure. I have not experienced either of these issues.

Great Vibram Outsole

I still need some more technical trail miles underfoot with this shoe to know for sure whether it will be a go-to mountain running shoe for longer hauls for me but, regardless of that, I am really psyched on the Leadville 1210. If you’re looking to start experimenting with dropping your heel down towards zero without initially sacrificing any cushioning or protection this shoe would be a great option.  Those same features would make it a solid choice for a fastpacking trip where the extra 15-20 pounds on your back will add to the impact forces your feet are forced to absorb. And, finally, for those that rarely have more than 1 or 2 arrows in their running shoe quiver the Leadville 1210 would make a great all-around shoe, performing well on smooth dirt roads (and pavement when necessary), and rougher trails, both flat and with significant elevation change.

The North Face Hightail 2S Sleeping Bag Review

Casual desert naps, sleeping until the sun gets to be too much:  That's livin'!

Summer's coming!  And it's coming fast.  With summer comes trail-running, rock climbing, and lazy Sundays and live music under desert blue. But summer also means backpacking, bicycle touring, and alpine climbing basecamps.  In our "light-and-fast" athletic community, we often lose sight of the joy of multi-day explorations. Sure, it's tempting:  "Kozak busts out eighteen passes in a day, why can't I?  I'll be back at the Burger Barn before the homemade ice cream is gone".  Is that all we're here for though?  I love an athletic challenge as much as the next guy, but our mountain wild is more than that. Regardless of the season, I challenge each of you to get out further.  Carry your "home" on your back and get way out there for a night, 4 nights... heck, all summer long.

Pushing the limits of a dry winter and a summer sleeping bag.  However, like anything else,
ski touring is nicer with a smaller, lighter backpack.  

Overview
Whether you are new to the challenges of lightweight mountain travel, or an old hand, you will soon find yourself seeking a comfortable sleeping bag.  For virtually all summer travel across the country, look no further than The North Face Hightail 2S.  Sleeping bags are difficult to construct well, but very easy to purchase.  Basically, you get what you pay for, warmth is subjective yet crucial, and lighter is better all around.  With the Hightail 2S, rated to 35 degrees, The North Face has cooked up an offering that hits the nail on the head for a summer sleeping bag. 

Warmth, Comfort, and Weight
With goose-down insulation, ultralight fabrics, and a tailored cut, the Hightail 2S cuts no corners in warmth and comfort.  In fact, whether we were reviewing ultralight gear or "standard" gear, the Hightail would stack up to all summer sleeping bags very well.  Goose down is the best insulation for a sleeping bag, period.  It lasts longer than synthetic offerings and just "feels" better to sleep under.  And it happens to be the lightest option.  Similarly, light-weight fabrics feel better against the skin.  Nylon fabric can feel cold against the skin initially.  Ultralight nylon presents less mass to warm up on first entry.  Basically, with sleeping bags, light weight construction and design is a win-win situation. 

Among it's competitors, The North Face Hightail 2S is within an ounce or two in weight.  For that weight, from the competitors you may get a shorter zipper and simpler hood.  While the hood on the Hightail is not perfect, and the zipper hangs up in the fabric as much as any, The North Face has done well to keep the weight under a pound and a half with all the bells and whistles.  Actual weight, with stuff sack, is 1 lb 5 oz. 

I tested the bag, admittedly beyond it's recommended rating, on a multi-day spring ski tour in the High Sierra.  With measured temperatures down to at least 23F, I stretched the bag well below its recommended rating.  I wore all my lightweight clothing, and never shivered.  I slept well, but woke chilly.  Sierra sun warmed the bones as the mornings wore on and I never suffered for poor rest that trip. 

Also, and unique among it's North American competitors, The North Face tests and labels the Hightail 2S to the European EN 13537 standard.  Standard temperature ratings are non-standardized and very subjective.  Essentially, sleeping bag manufacturers assign single temperature ratings for marketing purposes.  The third-party review and more nuanced rating scale involved in meeting the European standard provides far more, and more valuable, information on the insulating value of a sleeping bag.  In my opinion, presence of the EN 13537 rating tag is a worthy criteria by which to narrow sleeping bag shopping. 

The label required of European temperature rating certification.

Features, Construction, and Value
As noted in the weight discussion, the Hightail bag is a fully featured sleeper that happens to be ultralight.  Many bags eliminate hoods, shorten zippers, and confine the interior space in order to cut weight.  The North Face has intelligently left the bag fully intact, kept the construction tight and simple, and provides a bag that competes for weight with the lightest in the class.  For the most part, these features are well-done.  The regular-length separating zipper means the sleeper can vent from the bottom or zip the bag together with another for shared warmth.  One strange trend in recent sleeping bags, and a qualm that is solidly in the nit-picky category, is that the main zipper pull only has one tab.  This tab pivots inside or out, depending on where the user wants to pull from.  I prefer two independent pull tabs, one in and one out.

Down insulation is not inexpensive, nor is it simple to work with.  These facts result in down-insulated products that need to be thought of as an investment more than consumable gear.  Thankfully, sound construction coupled with the inherent long-term resilience of down insulation means that The North Face Hightail sleeping bag will last you 10s of years of regular backcountry usage.

Summary

I spend a great deal of time out camping in the backcountry.  I carry packs over large distances and to great heights.  For summer-time camping, anywhere in the lower-48 below 12000 feet or so, one can do no better than The North Face Hightail.  It will last 4-5 times longer than synthetic bags at half the cost.  It weighs less than bags that aren't as insulating nor as well-featured.  The fabrics used are comfortable and, with proper care, will hold the down in and the cold out for years and years to come.  Enjoy!

The Northface Hightail 2S is available at Sage to Summit.

Gear Review: Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set

A one-of-a-kind hydration system bringing variety to your hydration capabilities.

Salomon continues to spark innovation with its recent release of the Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set; this handheld hydration system is unlike any other product currently on the market, which is apparent at first glance of it. For a retail price of $40, you receive two gloves (right and left-hand specific) and one 237 ml (8 oz) soft flask. You can purchase a second flask separately and use both gloves. The soft flask is secured to the palm of your hand via the glove’s nylon palm strap and bungee cord.

The setup: two gloves (left and right-hand specific) and
one 237 ml (8 oz) soft flask.

I will say that I was a bit skeptical about testing the

Hydro Set, as I am very partial to my hydration preferences. I generally dislike running with a hydration pack or belt and I have always enjoyed the simplicity of a well-designed handheld bottle. Still, I was eager to try out such an innovative product from a brand I’ve come to respect over the past few years. 

The

Hydro Set is simple enough to figure out at first go- throw on the gloves, fill the soft flask and secure it to the right or left glove via the nylon palm strap and bungee cord. It took a little extra work slipping the flask through the palm strap at first try, and after a few days of use, I still have to focus more than I’d like to on securing it to the glove. As previously mentioned, I appreciate a simple handheld bottle- fill it up and slip it on. I found that the process for removing and re-securing the flask to require more time and effort than I really care for, especially for a small 8-ounce flask.

The S-Lab Hydro Set full (top)
and empty (bottom).

Even though the flask removal/replacement process is not as simple as I’d like, there is a lot of functionality to like about the 

Hydro Set. Access to water is instant and hands-free via a squeezable bite-valve, and the flask can be squeezed in your hand without any loss of water- all in a sturdy design. The whole hydration system is extremely light- having an empty flask still attached to the glove feels similar in weight to having a couple of empty gel packets in your hand. It is great to have the ability to carry a little bit of water for a short run and finish feeling like you never actually brought any. The gloves and flask are also very compact and can be quickly stowed away in a pack or belt pouch when empty. Even when my 20 ounce handheld bottle is empty, it’s still a bulky extension of my hand. If you are someone who is completely turned off by traditional handheld water bottles, the

Hydro Set may be a viable option for you.

A notable drawback I experienced contradicts the claim Salomon makes that this hydration system is “slosh-free.” This claim stands to be true when the flask is completely full, but not so much when it is partially empty. When the flask is anywhere from two-thirds to a quarter full, the slosh creates for an interesting sensation- one that I would describe as feeling like you have a partially-deflated water balloon strapped to the palm of your hand. Given the featherweight construction of the whole system, I can see it not bothering some runners. Still, I can’t say that I would prefer the slosh in the soft flask over the slosh one experiences with a standard handheld bottle.

 

The gloves are light, vented and low-key. Despite this, I did find that my hands ran a little sweaty with them on, even on a cool, overcast run. I’m not so certain I would enjoy wearing them on a warm, sunny day in the Eastern Sierra.   

In spite of a few quirks, I am happy to have added some much-appreciated variety to my hydration lineup.This setup has motivated me to now bring along water on runs where I normally would not in the past. I see myself using the

Hydro Set on shorter runs when a 20-ounce handheld is just way too much. Here in the Owens Valley, things get HOT in the summer and it is always nice to have some water even for the shorter runs. And for those of you seeking to go for an ultralight run the High Sierra, this could be a great hydration option where access to water is abundant. I also appreciate the ability to carry water in my hand in such a way that still allows for a natural, relaxed grip. I do feel that for the price ($40 USD), Salomon should have included a second flask. If you have the ability to, I highly recommend dropping by your local running store and try out the 

Sense

Hydro S-Lab Set beforehand...the design, although truly innovative, is not for everyone.

Testing out the Hydro Set on a warm, dry day in
 Bishop...perfect conditions for this little setup!

Pros

-Extremely light and compact, especially when empty

-Great for shorter runs or runs where access to water is abundant

-Bite valve allows for fast, hands-free access to fluid

-Comfortable design provides a natural, relaxed hand grip

-Viable option for runners turned off by traditional handheld bottles

Cons

-Multiple components and a few extra steps for removing and replacing the soft flask make for a complex system.

-A partially filled flask does slosh around, which one might find annoying

-Gloves run slightly warm, despite breathable fabric design

-Price is a bit steep for only receiving one 8 ounce flask.

The North Face Casimir 32 Backpack Review

Jed testing gear and working hard on Esha Peak.  High Sierra, CA.  Andy Lewicky Photo

Overview
The North Face calls their Casimir 32 a lightweight alpine daypack for further and faster adventures.  And I couldn't agree more.  In short, I recommend this pack for anyone who has difficulty getting "off the shelf" packs to fit well and is looking for one pack for rock and ice climbing and backcountry skiing.

The Casimir 32 holds all one needs (and then some) for a day in the
Owens River Gorge.  Eastern Sierra, CA.  Scott Morgan photo.

Fit and Comfort
It is in this department that the North Face Casimir excels.  This pack is an ultralight, purpose-built alpine pack.  Also, it comes in two complementary sizes.  Generally packs in this category come with fixed "suspension" systems and often in only one size.  Extension or contraction of the hipbelt circumference and torso length adjustment is impossible on most alpine packs on the market.  However, The North Face equips this pack with a simple-to-operate comprehensive adjustment system.  Through a system of velcro flaps, torso length can be fully customized.  Similarly, the padded "wings" of the waistbelt can be adjusted.  In addition, of course, to the standard hipbelt front buckle and adjustment.  For me, apparently falling at the small end of what they designed the "M/L" size pack for, the waistbelt goes just small enough.  If I waste away any more through the spring ski and alpine season, the belt will not get tight enough.  Torso length adjustment on the Casimir pack serves to align the padding and chest strap for optimal placement.

In the end, all this adjustment moves well-padded and intelligently designed pack straps into optimal placement for comfortable carriage of even the heaviest ice climbing loads.  I've been able to lock the load in place for some of the steepest skiing around.

Features and Usage
The Casimir toes the line between simplicity and excessive features.  I have regularly used every pocket and strap on the pack.  However, some of these features may be unnecessary and additional straps for carrying skis would be occasionally appreciated.

The bulk of my testing mileage has been on skis.  In that context the pair of spacious waistbelt pockets are great.  Being able to retrieve sunscreen, wax, and snacks without removing the pack is invaluable.  In a climbing context these pockets can get in the way of harness usage.  In that case, one will want to clip the waistbelt around the back of the pack, out of the way.  If one finds themselves carrying enough weight to require the waistbelt and harness gear loops, this probably isn't the ideal pack.  Basically, that implies technical climbing on an overnight trip.  In this setting one should choose a simpler and at least slightly larger pack design.

Detail of waistbelt "OptiFit" solution. Jed Porter photo

Additional pockets are found on the sides and back, as well as under the zippered main-compartment flap.  The external pockets are stretchy lycra style and can quickly and conveniently stow and deploy water bottles, extra layers, and climbing skins.

The main compartment of the pack is accessed with a large u-shaped zipper.  This construction has it's pros and cons, as compared to the more traditional alpine pack drawstring and pocketed "brain" flap.  It is far faster to get in and out of the Casimir main compartment than it is a "typical" pack design.

Inside the main compartment is one zippered mesh pocket for small accessories and an open-topped "hydration" compartment.  In the mountains, on technical terrain, I use proper water bottles.  Water is just too important to trust to a bag, in my opinion.  However, I am pleasantly surprised to report that the Casimir hydration envelope is cut wide enough to hold a shovel blade and handle, probe, and snow saw. While skiing, guiding, and collecting information for the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center, having this essential snow-study and rescue equipment secure yet readily deployed is a crucial feature in a backpack.

Interior view of avalanche safety equipment stowed securely and handy.  Jed Porter photo.

The most notable short-coming of the Casimir pack feature-set is the option for ski carry.  "Off the shelf" the Casimir has no way of securely attaching skis.  However, as detailed in the linked video, it is easy enough to improvise an excellent ski-carry program on any pack.

Whether skiing or climbing, carrying a helmet securely and efficiently is problematic.  We want to be able to put the brain bucket away for safe times and immediately don it in exposed positions.  We want to save valuable pack space for other gear yet keep the helmet from flopping around while walking.  The North Face addresses all this with a stretchy and elegant helmet flap just outside the main zipper.  One can stow their helmet there and still get at the main compartment.

Finally, the Casimir pack has a pair of simple "traditional" ice axe loops down low with bungee tethers to hold the shaft of the axe near the top.  For a classic-style mountaineering ice axe these are just the ticket.  Much ado has been made of attaching modern steep ice and mixed "tools" to one's pack.  Companies come up with elaborate combinations of fabric flaps and clicky buckles to hold them in.  You see, technical tools without a hammer or adze cannot be secured in the same fashion.  However, in my experience, the traditional attachment equipment can be easily adapted to carry any tool with a hole in the head (which includes every single ice and snow axe on the market).  The picture shows it best.

The North Face Casimir packed up for a day of ice climbing.  Attaching hammerless tools requires a
slightly different strategy, but no special pack configuration.  Simply run the ice axe loop
through the hole in the head and capture that loop with a carabiner.  Also shown is the excellent helmet attachment. Jed Porter photo

As far as capacity, the ultimate test of an alpine day pack is filling it with ice climbing equipment. For a day of ice guiding I fit in the Casimir pack an emergency kit, a rack of cams and slings, 10 ice screws, water, food, puffy jacket, crampons, harness and one small rope.  On the outside I strapped two ice tools and my helmet.  A bigger 70m rope would have to be slung over the top.

Weight and Durability 
The North Face Casimir pack weighs 2 pounds 5 oz.  Right around 2 pounds is where most alpine daypacks weigh in.  Heavier isn't necessary, while going lighter, in my opinion, results in undesirable compromise.  That doesn't mean that a 2 pound pack doesn't strike compromises.  Basically, pack designers can choose to optimize for 2 of 3 criteria:  Durability, comfort, and/or features.  As noted above, the Casimir pack scores well for comfort and features.  That comes at the expense of durability.  On rocky terrain, the thin fabric will generate holes fairly easily.  The small zipper enclosing the main compartment will wear out sooner than a heavier option.  The same can be said for the small (and somewhat fiddly) waist and chest buckles.  However, I feel it is all worthwhile.  The feature set is comprehensive and the harness adjustment range will be crucial for anyone for whom comfort is key.

Summary
Again, this offering from The North Face comes out near the top of the heap.  I have used a number of packs, mass-produced, custom-built, and experimental.  I have a number of packs at my disposal and have found, for the last month, that I grab the Casimir pack more than any of the others.

More "testing".  It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it.  Alex Few photo.

If you don't feel like reading, then you can watch my video review of the TNF Casimir 32

Altra Lone Peak 1.5 Review

Altra is a relatively new company out of Salt Lake City making some very innovative running footwear and the Lone Peak 1.5 is no exception. This is a sweet trail running shoe for a variety of reasons.

When I first put a pair on I thought there was no way I could wear it without going down at least ½ size from what I typically wear. The shoe felt way too roomy in the heel and especially in the toebox where my forefoot felt like it was swimming. Once out on the trail though I found the fit to be excellent. I did have to use the heel-lock lacing technique (also known as the “rabbit ears”) to adequately secure my heel in the fairly roomy heel cup but that did the trick.

I have not been much more than a casual convert to zero drop footwear (for short, easy runs on mellow terrain), finding that more often than not, zero drop is generally accompanied by minimal cushioning and underfoot protection. The Lone Peak 1.5 may soon have me going long in the mountains in zero drop for the first time as it is very well cushioned (with a 23mm stack height) and provides just enough stiffness and protection in the outsole to enhance stability and minimize the uncomfortable pounding of a rough, rocky trail without totally eliminating ground feel.

I had a chance to wear test the shoe in late April on the Paiute Pass trail in the Sierra Nevada west of Bishop where I live and work at Sage To Summit. Normally, you would still be strapping on skis instead of shoes this time of year at that elevation but the range was already going through its transition to early summer conditions with a rapidly melting snowpack. This made for a great opportunity to test the shoe in a wide variety of conditions in one 10 mile trail run, everything from dry, sandy, and rocky trail, to wet, muddy and very slick water-covered rock trail to a very soft, slushy snow surface. The shoe performed great in all of these conditions. What impressed me most was the grip of the outsole as I was running hard downhill at the end of the run, taking tight switchbacks quickly and with complete control. Although the shoe was soaking wet from post-holing in “suspended water” snow conditions and the outsole was covered in a layer of gritty, decomposed granite (sand) I never slipped or lost my footing once even when landing on a flat, cambered rock surface.

The Lone Peak 1.5 has an extremely aggressive outsole

As far as specific shoe features go, as I have already mentioned, and as is the case with all Altra models, the Lone Peak 1.5 is zero drop (with 23mm stack height) and has an exceptionally roomy toebox. The shoes are built on what Altra calls a natural or foot-shaped platform. They recommend that there be a 1/2” gap between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe. This will feel overly roomy to a lot of people but as long as your heel is secure and the midfoot feels comfortably snug this abundant forefoot room allows your toes to fully splay out as they would when barefoot which enhances the stability of the ride and allows for extra force, or propulsion, as you push off into your next stride. The heel cup is very soft and comfortable due to a minimally stiff heel counter. The lateral and medial sides of the midfoot are reinforced with a more durable material which gives the shoes a slightly more stable and supportive feeling than it otherwise would have. The outsole is well-lugged and super-grippy, giving you confidence on even the most technical descents.

One very unique feature of the Lone Peak 1.5 is the built-in Velcro tab on the outside of the heel counter. If you use lightweight trail gaiters (such as the Running Funky or Dirty Girl lines) this feature will be much-appreciated.

Finally, the outsole extends slightly out from the heel creating what Altra calls a “trail rudder” for enhanced balance and stability, say when making tight turns running downhill; whether this benefit is really accomplished or not, I’m not really sure, but it certainly does not take away from the shoe’s overall performance. It is very similar to the feature on the Adidas Trail Response, one of the original trail shoe options from the mid-90s.

I would highly recommend the Lone Peak 1.5 to anyone who wants to experiment with zero drop footwear but is unwilling or biomechanically-incapable of running without either cushioning or underfoot protection. If stiff heel counters aggravate your Achilles/ankle area or if you have a very wide forefoot, this shoe would be a great option. 

The shoe weighs in a 10oz, making it more of a mid-weight than a featherweight option, but still plenty light enough for a racing shoe. I would consider using this shoe for short runs, long runs, flat and smooth, steep and technical terrain, and everything in between. Also, because of its zero drop stability and adequate cushioning and protection, it could be a solid choice for a multi-day fastpacking trip, when you might have a 15-25 lb pack on your back. And, when your feet start swelling from the duration of your outing you’ll have plenty of shoe volume to accommodate it comfortably.

Get out there and give ‘em a try.  Available at Sage to Summit.

Happy trails!

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra Review

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra - Available at Sage to Summit

The Ferrari of natural trail running shoes.

The past couple of years have been exciting if you are a trail runner interested in natural trail running shoes. Not to be confused with minimalist, or “barefoot” running shoes, a natural running shoe still offers a low heel-to-toe offset (which promotes a more natural mid to forefoot-first landing), while providing adequate underfoot protection for those longer or more technical trail runs. Natural running shoes should also offer some flex, as the shape of the foot is dynamic during that landing to push off transition. The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra not only falls into that natural trail running shoe category, it lays down its own standards. Everything about the Ultra screams heart-pounding performance, from the light and low profile (7.5 ounces for Men’s size 9; 4mm heel to toe drop), to the slipper-like feel and insane amount of shoe flex. Salomon designed this shoe with long-distance trail races and training runs in mind.

The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra: a lean, mean racing machine.

Fit

The my initial reaction when slipping on the Sense Ultra for the first time was that of complete awe! The shoe immediately felt like a featureless extension of my foot, which was a completely new sensation for me. I’ve read of other reviewers describing these shoes as “ninja shoes,” and I totally agree with that description. The shoe sports a slightly narrow fit in the forefoot, which strays away from the large toebox-style minimalist shoes we’ve been seeing a lot of these days. If you find that you need more volume up front for your feet, you might not enjoy the fit of the Ultras. The length felt just fine to me, though I would say the fit is maybe slightly longer than normal- still, I did not find the need to size down (I wear a men’s size 8).

The S-Lab Sense Ultra side-by-side with two comparable shoes.
From left to right, the Pearl Izumi E:M Trail N1, S-Lab Sense Ultra and the Inov-8 TrailRoc 255.

Comparing sizes of the 3 models. 

Upper

The upper is completely seamless, with Salomon’s Sensifit overlays providing for a secure fit through the midfoot. The shoe feels like a slipper thanks to Salomon’s Endofit technology-which I would describe as an inner shoe liner. The Endofit liner makes the shoe a little bit difficult to slip on, but once your foot is in there you have a very secure and comfortable fit. The toes are well protected by a rubber toe cap that would not be out of place on a durable pair of hiking boots. Open mesh is also inter weaved throughout the upper, which offers plenty of breathability. The overall construction of this shoe feels well made and extremely durable, which is something I find very refreshing... I am usually quick to destroy the uppers on light-weight trail running shoes (it is not uncommon to see my toes poking out of my shoes to say “hello”), but I can already tell that the upper on the Sense Ultra will hold up well. Salomon has also included its quicklace system, which is not a new feature, but I've always been a huge fan of it as you never have to worry about shoe laces while out on a run.

Midsole/Outsole

The Ultra strikes a terrific balance between firmness and cushion. Runners who are new to lighter natural trail running shoes will find that there’s just enough cushion to help get them through those longer training runs and races. Heel strikers looking to transition to a mid-to-forefoot-first stride will also find that the heel cushion provides for plenty of forgiveness. The shoe is still a fairly firm ride, providing for increased stability and a fluid, snappy turnover. Salomon’s OS Tendon technology (as noted by the two white bands running lengthwise underfoot of the outsole) further enhances that experience by flexing the shoe during the heel-to-toe transition. I am used to wearing clunkier trail running shoes, and switching to the light-weight and fluid Sense Ultras has left my stride feeling mind-boggling effortless at times.

View of the Sense Ultra's outsole. The Contragrip design offers relentless traction!
The OS tendon is also visible (the two white bands). 

Performance

The Ultra rides incredibly well on all surfaces, including pavement, though I found the ProFeel Film (Salomon’s rock plate technology) was noticeable and provided for a somewhat stiff feel when running on roads. Where the Ultra really excels is on steep and technical terrain. The ProFeel Film (which runs from the forefoot to the midfoot of the shoe) provided for adequate underfoot protection from sharp rocks but still manages to compliment the low-to the ground ride of the shoe; the Ultra excels at providing plenty of feedback when running on uneven terrain. The shoe’s outsole design- referred to as Contragrip- features triangular lugs which offer some of the best traction I have ever experienced from a running shoe. The lug pattern is offset, giving the shoe uniform traction on varying terrain. One thing I’ve noticed with the triangular lugs is that they are prone to tearing off when moving over pavement or rock- I have put in only 100 miles on my Ultras as I write this and a couple of lugs have partially ripped off. Still, the traction is relentless and composed of very durable rubber and I would feel confident wearing these shoes on any terrain.

The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra is the most exciting trail running shoe that I have worn. Ever. Salomon is raising the bar with the Sense Ultra, and I highly recommend these shoes if you’re seeking a truly great performance-based natural trail running shoe. Though the Sense Ultra will set you back $180 USD, the performance and quality of these shoes make them worth every penny.

Having way too much fun on the trails in the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra!
Please note the reviewer's belief that he is a ninja in these shoes.


Check out Ryan's Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra Video Review

CAMP USA TRAIL VEST LIGHT - Review

Mountain Running packs are becoming an exploding category, it is difficult to decide which ones to carry.  We are testing out quite a few packs this spring.  Here is our most recent review by Frank Klein, a runner, climber, and mountaineer.  The CAMP USA Trail Vest Light is available at Sage to Summit.

The vest is very light (310g or 10.9oz). It has a lot of storage options; four zippered storage pockets and two water bottle holders in front, one large zippered main compartment with two small Velcro pockets inside of it on back, and a separate hydration bladder storage compartment. The water bottle holders on front are large enough to hold most squeeze water bottles i tested, but they won't hold a one liter water bottle. The holders also have a draw string closure so you can use them to hold other items securely. There are attachments for trekking poles and an ice axe. The storage on the front side of the vest can hold all the food I take on an all day mountain run (a bunch of gels, a few bars, etc.) in addition to two water bottles. The main compartment is roomy enough to hold extra layers and has dedicated small pockets for cell phones and maps. The hydration compartment has the space to hold up to a three liter bladder. The material is very breathable and quick drying. The pack is light but the material seems pretty durable, although I probably wouldn't want to scrape it against too much rock.The straps on the front of the pack are made of elastic webbing. The adjustment system for the straps offers a lot of precise adjustment but is somewhat complex. There is a high strap and a low strap, but the lower one is still above where a traditional backpack's waist belt would be. 

I've used this vest on 10 runs from 6-18 miles long so far with the longest outing taking about four hours.  I wouldn't hesitate to use it for a longer day, I just haven't yet had the chance. My trips have taken place on trails, on dirt roads, and in cross country areas of the local high desert. On a longer run in sketchy weather I carried a two liter bladder, a rain shell, a lightweight wool layer, gloves, a beenie, a handful of gels, some dried fruit, a water bottle with a sports drink in it, and my cell phone and it was absolutely comfortable! The vest will carry better if the weight is balanced between the front and the back storage areas. This works out well if you keep food in the front pockets and light bulky items like clothing in the back main pouch. I've found the vest to be very secure and not restrictive at all when the load and fit are dialed in, which is really great given how much it carries. The pockets in front are all convenient to unzip and get to while running. The water bottle holders up front are accessible mid-stride and comfortable. The vest has withstood a bit of rock scraping and some pokes and stabs from the sharp and unruly vegetation found in my area. I've found durability to be sufficient so far. The trekking pole attachment system is simple and functional. 

There are a few problems. The vest nature of this pack means that it isn't great at hauling weight. If you load the back of the vest with too much weight it can be bouncy, which can get pretty annoying on a long run. This vest can still hold a lot of stuff, just make sure it is appropriate lightweight gear! I find the material the shoulder straps are made out of to be a bit too rough to wear against bare skin. I expect that opinions may vary on this point, but I had to put my shirt back on after 10 miles of running in the heat. The straps can be pretty tricky to dial in, and as you consume food or adjust the load in the vest you will need to adjust the straps to maintain a good fit (there is plenty of adjustment range to compensate, just make sure you get the right size).


The Camp Trail Vest Light strikes a nice balance between running freedom, carrying capacity, and organization. If you find traditional packs restrictive in terms of motion but still want to carry lots of essentials, this is a great option. Even though it has lots of features, they were all done in the simplest, cleanest, and lightest way possible. The vest really finds its stride with longer runs or long fast hikes. It works well for short runs too because it is so light, but it can feel like overkill if you are out for less than two hours. I'm very excited to use this vest in The High Sierra this summer!