Benski

I've been testing out the new Core 2 on my work Aria headlamp, and it is a good improvement over the Core 1.0 with no apparent downsides. As the world standardizes to USB-c, it is really nice to not have to worry about carrying an extra cord around the world just for one device. Thanks to the Europeans for their phone litigation and standardizing digital devices to USB-C :)

These are my go-to "hotter weather" trail running sock for when I don't want a crew length but also want a real sock. The no-cushion, ultra-lightweight construction is great. Their smaller size also makes these great for travel and easy to hand wash if on multi-day adventures. About 4 years of weekly-ish use and these finally got a hole in the forefoot, but Darn Tough's lifetime replacement took care of easily.

My wife and I both have these, and they have performed well on steep rocky trails around the Rockies, in Sierra granite, and the Alps (and are still alive and well, which some other poles from other brands aren't). As a hut manager often carrying heavy loads on our backs, I wasn't sure how these poles would hold up, but they seem fine when balancing my weight + up to 60 lbs. The long cork grip seems to help with holding power in belts or on packs. They are easy enough to deploy and fold with light gloves. A...

This is my 2rd pair of these, in the max length (120cm) for the light blue -- a fun color, sad it is being discontinued. Interchangeable baskets, adjustable straps, and replacement tips makes these great all-round, all-conditions poles. I still like my Leki running poles and their Shark grips for longer days with sustained pole use, but for mixed adventures (like hiking heavy loads up our huts), the BD Z poles are great.

This is one of my favorite no-show socks for everyday wear, road running, and less pebble-ridden trails (where I am comfortable using a no-show sock). The cushion isn't too much but is just enough that you can appreciate it. This color combo with the orange seemed kind of ugly at first but the little orange is kind of fun.