LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins: theevildrsin approved

Since Christmas Day, my feet have been mostly ensconced in these shearling moccasins handmade by Leon Leonwood himself, in a factory in China, from genyou-wine Australian sheep. It is a testament to the greatness achieved from a Sino/Aussie/Maineland collaboration.




- both are furry and warm. but only one is wicked good. the other is just wicked.



I have until recently been a toeshoe wearing fool. regular shoes are just too constricting to me. So I happy to find that my toes have enough space in these pockets of sheep fur. There is just enough memory foam padding to insulate but not over desensitize your feet to the terrain. The outsoles are rubber to allow you to venture outdoors. In fact I've gone to the grocer's in them already. Next, work!

- nope. not slippers.


Now I understand why I see a bunch of people running around in THAT shearling footwear brand popularized by countless reality shows. Ugh.

During dry days in the winter I'm not sure why I would ever wear anything else.

I do have a concern. Leon says you are not supposed to machine wash them. Well people wear this barefoot and I suspect one day these are going to get funky. What then? I'll probably try to machine wash anyway and report back. Hell, sheep do get wet, don't they?

The rubber sole looks stitched on, so maybe if I wear the sole down I can stitch on some new ones, if available. My target lifespan for these shoes are 5 years, but wearing them all the time during cold months may reduce that.

$59. Free shipping.

Gear Review: Klean Kanteen 12oz Wide Mouth Bottle

There are a couple problems with my gear reviews. I typically do not buy gear just to try them out (you are welcome to send me something to test). Gear I do buy usually takes decades to wear out. So this means my gear reviews can be few and far between. I have been using a Sigg water bottle daily for the past two years. Aside from accumulated dents and scratches it has been functioning perfectly. If I waited for it to wear out, I'd never review another water bottle.

So I ordered a Klean Kanteen 12oz Wide Mouth Bottle. This is a 18/8 stainless steel bottle with the same volume as a Coke can. Yeah, it's the size they recommend for kids' lunchboxes. I figure the small size will make for easier daily carry because really, most days wherever you go you do not need to carry a gallon of water. There is usually some source in an urban setting. At home the wide mouth bottle can be used as an open cup and in an emergency situation I could boil water in it. Also the wide mouth makes it easier to clean and put ice in the bottle.

The top has a stainless steel inner piece so that no drinking water touches plastic. This is an interesting detail and I look forward to seeing how long this seal lasts. This top is the loop top option made of molded plastic. There is also a more compact d ring option with a folding metal d ring. I like the idea of less moving parts so I stuck with the loop top. Hmm, there is also a to-go mug option. I may have to try it sometime. Would be good for fast access to drinking in the car or wherever.

I've only had the bottle for a few days but it is going well. I will have more to report as I use this daily. The big question is, what stickers should I put on my new bottle?


If you want one, get one through this link below. I get a commission.
Klean Kanteen 12 oz. Wide Mouth Loop Top Stainless Bottle

Just Add Water: Swimming Update and Gear Review - Speedo Solar Brief, Air Seal Tri goggles, Swim Cap, TYR flippers

To be honest, 99% of this post's purpose is to get rid of the thong image on the top of the last post...only to replace it with an image of a Speedo swimsuit. Hmm. Oh well.

First the swimming update. I've started swimming up to one mile the last couple swim days. I think at this point that's the most distance I need to swim right now and it's better to focus on technique and swimming faster. Also, warming up my shoulders beforehand seems really important or else the first 8 lengths or so don't feel so good. I also can't get the hang of a flip turn right now. Lots of things to work on.

One thing I like about swimming is that you really don't need to have a lot of gear or spend too much on gear. But sort of like running, it is possible to get hyper equipped. I don't want to. The following is a list of what I've been using.

1) Speedo Solar Brief - This is about the most minimalist suit you can wear to the pool. It holds everything in place and allows you full freedom of movement and minimal drag. I have virtually no complaints except I wish it was made in the USA. Yeah, you can wear your boardshorts or whatever but I'd rather not put up with all that drag. Available for $28 bucks or less. As a newbie to lap swimming I learned that chlorine can wear your suit out so I'll be interested to see how long this suit lasts.

2) Speedo Air Seal Tri Mirrored goggles - before I tried these goggles I figured goggles were all about the same. These are pretty awesome goggles. They are designed moreso for open water triathalons and fitness swimmers rather than indoor racing. Compared to traditional goggles the lens offer a wider field of view and have air filled gaskets to seal to the face rather than using the foam gaskets. The ones I'm using have mirrored lenses which are great for glare but when used indoors make everything much darker. But I like the effect - kinda like wearing shades indoors. The adjustable headband is doubled through the goggles to distribute the tension over more of your head.

The main issue I have with these goggles is that the larger lens means the eyecups cradling the face are a little larger, perhaps too large for my face sometimes. When I tilt my head out of the water to breathe, sometimes the twisting motion can break the seal and allow a little water in. In reality it's not much of a problem. Usually I have to adjust other goggles while swimming due to fit or fogging. I usually can keep these goggles on without any adjustment until I'm done with my laps.

3) Speedo Swimcap - what can I say about swimhats? If you shave your head or have a short haircut you can do without it. It keeps my hair tucked and also seems to offer some hydrodynamic benefits. A little talcum powder makes it easy to put it on.

4) TYR flippers - a good tool to train your legs more. I use it to practice the butterfly stroke otherwise I wouldn't move anywhere. I don't like the extra torque it can put on your knee so I probably won't use this as a training tool with other kicks.

So don't worry too much about the gear. Get the basics and get out there.

Around 2/3 of the Earth's surface is water. So it seems like a good idea to know how to swim.

If you need some swimgear, consider these links. I would get a commission if you buy through these ads.
Speedo Air Seal Tri Mirrored Goggle

PUR faucet mount water filters

I've been using the PUR faucet mount water filter for quite a few months and I really recommend it. There were a few lousy things about the last generation. It was awkward to do anything under the sink with the contraption in the way and rotating the filter cylinder to turn the filter on and off lacked durability. Finally my filter was leaking so bad it was time to replace it.

The whole new attachment can be removed in one piece very quickly by pressing in two white buttons. A small adapter collar screws into the end of the faucet. Several different collars are supplied to fit your faucet. At first I was very skeptical of the design but after removing it and remounting several times a day to wash dishes for months, it seems to be holding up well.

A few things to note.
1) Since I was used to the old design, I found myself trying to twist the whole filter to turn it on. Of course it resisted turning and I immediately realize my goof. No harm done.
2) Regular water comes out of one hole, and filtered water comes out of another. Again, being used to the old design, sometimes I wouldn't anticipate where the water would come out.
3) Make sure you hear a click when you attach the filter to the faucet. A couple times I've attached it loosely and when I turned the water on it blasted the filter off the faucet.
4) To turn the filter on you turn a lever down. Often I leave the lever down and next time I go to the sink I get filtered water until I remember and turn the lever back up.

Overall this is a great faucet mount filter and if you've been using pitcher filters due to previous bad experiences with faucet mounts, I'd try it again.

I recommend.

TAD Gear Amphibious Cargo Shorts - Followup Review

One month after purchasing, the TAD Gear Amphibious Cargo Shorts have become my preferred shorts. I wear my Patagonia Stand Ups mainly when I need to appear slightly less casual. As noted above, the cargo pockets function well in transporting my team mate on Long Range Recon Patrols of the yard. And let's just say thank goodness the pocket has drain holes and the fabric is quick dry!

Gear Review: TAD Amphibious Cargo Short

I violated one of my resolutions, which was not to buy any more clothing this year. For one reason, I got sick of wearing the same shorts out in public all the time, albeit they are the sublime Patagonia Stand Up Shorts, no short finer than this. So I purchased the Amphibious Cargo Short from TAD (triple aught design) tripleaughtdesign.com. On sale currently on their website for $49 (usually $69, sale being the last straw for me to buy). Snap them up if you happen to be a size 30 or 28. If you are a size 32, don't worry, they seem to run a little large.

Go to their website and save me some time from giving a company background. in a nutshell, they make thoughtfully designed and durable gear with the military(-esque)/ urban consumer. All their clothing is made in the USA, which is a plus for me. Wish Patagonia would go back to making more in the US aside from cotton t's and wool baselayers...

So after a few days and $5 in shipping, I received my shorts and promptly wore them for three days straight, much to the chagrin of my girlfriend of impeccable cleanliness. First of all, the shorts are a little large on me. I shoulda ordered a 28. I am a true 30 and need a belt to keep things in place. next time 28 for me. Next, these shorts are down past my knees or about level, depending on tightness of belt. Now I expected this, I just needed to get used to this. I never wear shorts this low and even had my surf shorts hemmed to above the knee. I guess you need cargo shorts long to carry cargo.

So, at first glance I look like every other douchebag out there in some cargo shorts down to their knee. That's fine. No need to call attention to oneself anymore than necessary. It is all in the details. First of all the fabric is 3.4 oz nylon with DWR repellent - amphibious and quick drying. that means when i drop sauce from my little thickburger, the ketchup mayo and mustard concoction slides off my shorts and onto the floor. The fabric is super lightweight and very comfortable.

Next the crotch is gusseted and the rear is reinforced. Looks a little strange but allows for more movement and some durability.

Now as El Guapo from the Three Amigos would say, these shorts come with a PLETHORA of pockets! Two front welt pockets for cell phones and little gadgets, two front hand pockets, two back pockets with button closure flaps, and of course, two bellows cargo pockets with button closure and drain holes. There are also 4 freaking d rings (two in front, one in each cargo pocket) for you to secure little gadgets to. Hey I'm not military so I'm not sure what the heck i'm attaching to these d rings. maybe my titanium spork.

There is also a reinforced patch on the front pockets to protect from knife clips for all you yahoos wanting everyone to know you're carrying. I'll keep mine hidden thank you very much. All you operators do whatever you want. no beef with you.

Finally, there is a little velcro patch with a glow in the dark TAD logo. I entertain myself in the dark with a little light show with my TAD patch and my glow in the dark watch. it's mesmerizing. I'm thinking I may even velcro my mini compass on the shorts just to look that much more like an urban ninja.

Some comments...I am sure these shorts will be durable and serve me well. They are not ripstop so if there's a tear or pick I would patch immediately. Nylon doesn't take on the cool wear that cotton does, but that's what my Patagonia shorts are for. These being amphibious shorts, i noticed there are no drain holes in any other pockets aside from the cargo ones. I'll have to get fully submerged in the shorts and see if this is an issue but i think it will be.

All in all, I look forward to braving the harsh municipality in these shorts, pockets brimming with much needed gear, happy to leave my man purse behind...

New Sandals

While my girlfriend and I were in Whole Foods to buy some $7 ginger snaps, I spotted some Feelgoodz flip flops. I've been keeping my eye out for some sandals for awhile. As you can see in the above photo, my leather Banana Republic sandals are starting to wear out after hard use for about 5 years. They are mostly superglue and gorilla glue right now but I love seeing the rich finish of the leather as it breaks in. Still, I decided I needed some sandals to wear in wet conditions. I had been looking for $8 (on sale) Havianas and have been avoiding the cheap eva sandals made in china and available everywhere.

The Feelgoodz (dont like the name) cost me $20, are all rubber, and made in Thailand. They are supposed to be environmental and biodegradable. The company says you can bury them in the ground when you are done with them. Hmmm....I wonder if biodegradable means they wont last very long but we shall see. The construction is typical flip flop, with the straps pushed through the sole and seated flush. I have some doubts about this construction but I am also hard on my sandals, wearing them everywhere and using for all activities.

They are very comfortable although on my first long walk there was a little rubbing on the strap, but I think they will break in nicely. I still like leather sandals but this should do well for the beach. On a side note I'm falling a little out of love with my Vibram Five Fingers, but I have not run in the woods with them yet so I may change my mind. I plan to keep my leather ones around and maybe even resole them.

Vibram Five Fingers - Day 6

After six days of wearing my VFF Classics in Black size 40, the elastic has come loose out of the nylon drawcord sleeve as shown in the photo above. Quite honestly this is unacceptable quality. Also quite honestly, after working with many Chinese factories, I am not surprised and despite my high standards I am also resigned to that reality. Most factory workers do not have a personal pride or spiritual stake in the product they make. I will probably repair the defect myself rather than deal with the hassle of returning it. In over a decade of owning and using outdoor gear I have never had a drawcord fail.

However I am enjoying the comfort and barefooted feeling overall. It makes even my minimalist running shoes feel very cushy. My girlfriend still thinks I look very odd. If she gets out of line I threaten to buy her a pair. At the library checkout counter, I caught a mother and daughter both do a cartoonlike double take at my toeshoes...so I waved my toes at them. As I walked through the library parking lot I saw them drive by and they waved and smiled. VFF's seem to effect good natured curiosity rather than freaked out horror. At the Fresh Market grocery store, a customer inquired about the shoes while I was getting my free coffee. On the other hand, my parents just find it strange but par for the course when dealing with me.

Yesterday I went up on the roof to clean the gutters with a blower. While I hate heights, the VFF's gave me good traction and feel. It gave me a little more confidence to walk up closer to the roof edge than in the past while wearing boots. It is still cold here to be wearing VFF's but I cannot wait to run some dirt trails in them.

My VFFs don't protect my feet from the ground...they protect the ground from my feet!

What's in your bottle?

Old news but I just learned from the Patagonia website that they terminated their cobranding with Sigg in Sept 2009 because Sigg was apparently deceptive about BPA in their aluminum bottle liners. A couple years ago BPA was a big health issue and everyone switched from plastic bottles to stainless steel and aluminum bottles with Sigg as one of the benfactors of this trend.

Sigg bottles have a plastic liner but the company said their liners did not leach BPA. Whether the liners contain BPA was unclear. Apparently the liner did contain BPA and this info was kept hush hush for about a year until they came out with their BPA free liner in summer 2009.

I got my bottle for Valentines Day 2009. Now I really can't tell if it is the new or old liner. And even if BPA never leached out of the old liner I'm just disgusted at the apparent deception of Sigg. The witholding of the information and the timing of the release of the new BPA free liner seems rather suspicious. In addition, Sigg had agreed to take back old bottles (until Oct 2009 - i'm too late!). While that sounds nice, why would they do that if there is no issue? I'm going to find out if I can still return it to Sigg.

Now I love my bottle and I just got the dents and stickers just how I like them. I will probably continue to drink out of my Sigg bottle. But I will not buy another product from Sigg. I guess the buyer has to perform one's own due diligence or they will never know what they are getting.

Vibram Five Fingers - First day review

I just received my Vibram Five Finger shoes or shall i say foot gloves...check out http://vibramfivefingers.com for more info. I am very excited and will give my initial impressions so far to be updated with more information either on this blog or on twitter.

INTRO - these shoes are designed to protect ones feet while allowing as much of a barefoot feeling as possible. It also allows the foot to spread out naturally rather than be confined to a typical narrow shoe.

DESIGN - As seen in the photo I purchased the Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) Classic in Black. I paid $74.95 with free shipping from Kayakshed.com. That is a typical retail price. It is their original Five Fingers model and i choose black to help me be less self conscious. Maybe in the future I can get orange ones! Upon unwrapping my first impression was that it looked like ballet shoes with toes. High quality construction from an overseas manufacturer. The Vibram soles overlap the top of the toes and parts of the foot like the ball for additional protection. the heel cup has some similarities to a climbing shoe. The rubber on the forefoot and heel have a siped pattern to aid in sole flexibility and wet traction. There is a drawcord at the heel to tighten the opening of the shoe to improve the fit. However I was somewhat surprised that the cordlock was not attached to the shoe somehow. this would allow you to pull the cord one handed to tighten the shoe. as it is one must pull the draw cord with one hand and hold the cord lock with another. one handed drawcords have been in the outdoor industry for ages.

FIT - as excpected it was harder to slip on this shoe. I constantly was putting two toes into one section...of course sometimes i put both legs in the same pants leg too. The fit can be very hit or miss on a product like this. On my right foot the heel cup is a little loose. While my left foot is a fraction longer than my right, my right foot feels tighter in the toes and loose in the heel. I probably would go to a store and try several sizes on and maybe even the womens size to dial in this fit. The pull tab at the heel is rather high and somewhat annoys my Achilles. I may cut this off later. I have this issue with some climbing shoes as well.

COMFORT, USE AND OTHER SHOES - since it has only been an hour since i got them i will comment on comfort later. it is recommended to only wear them for 1-2 hours at a time to get used to the fit and decreased cushioning. My footwear usually does not have much support so i think i will adapt quickly. I typically wear sandals, driving shoes, and lightweight running shoes.

I prefer sandals when possible due to sun and air exposure but they are lousy for running, wet weather, variable terrain, and often driving when heel toe pedal action is required. I like driving shoes except they are often narrow and again poor for running, wet weather, and variable terrain. My lightweight running shoes are great all around except a little narrow and no foot exposure. I plan to use the VFF's as a casual shoe, running and driving. It would be interesing to see if I decide to phase out any of my other footwear for this. Updates to follow

Gear Review - Snowpeak Titanium Stubby Spork

My girlfriend gave me a Snowpeak Titanium Stubby Spork for Christmas. Since then I have used this spork for almost every meal requiring a utensil. Not because it is more effective than a full size spoon and fork, but because it is made of titanium, stubby, is a fork and spoon built into one, and I am me. It is approx 4.5" long, made in Japan, and is only $8 from most vendors.

So really... how well does it work? Well soup dribbles out the front of the tines so each spoonful is a little small. It's a little hard to twirl spaghetti. When using it to put crosshatches in your peanut butter cookies, it leaves what looks like a pawprint instead. And I use it many times everyday and have never looked back. That's the point of having cool stuff right? Enjoying using it everyday. And if i get weird looks when i pull it out of my pocket, so be it. Better to look strange than miss an eating opportunity due to the lack of a utensil!

If you'd like a Snow Peak Titanium Spork, consider this vendor below. I get a commission if you end up buying through this link.
Snow Peak Titanium Spork