Review: Four essential items for a 420-mile MTB ride

Waking up to a crisp October morning on Lake Tahoe, 420 miles of riding from San Francisco.

The Lowdown: Four essential items for a 420-mile ride

Last October, two friends and I embarked on a 420-mile, seven-day mountain bike adventure from Lake Tahoe to San Francisco riding as much singletrack as possible. We called it The Commute, and along the route we encountered brutally steep hike-a-bikes, sub-freezing temperatures, and a couple downpours of rain. Our mission was to travel light and stay with friends instead of camp so we could carry as little gear as possible. In order to accomplish this, we needed the essentials to keep us warm, comfortable and dry. Here are reviews of four items from Giro, Mountain Hardwear and Acre Supply that were essential in successfully and comfortably completing the journey.

Comfortable and flexible with plenty of grip – the Giro Terraduros worked great.

Stat Box: Giro Terraduro Shoes

Features: Vibram high-traction outsole	Sizes: EU 39-50
Materials: Breathable microfiber upper	Weight: 420 grams (size 42.5)
Straping: 2 Velcro straps, 1 MR-2 ratcheting buckle	MSRP: $180
Footbed: Molded EVA with anti-microbial treatment	Rating: 4 Chilies-out-of-5
Colors: Black, glowing red/black

The Hauser easily accommodated all our gear for seven days of riding.

Stat Box: Acre Supply Hauser Pack

Features: Four pockets, ventilated back panel	Made in: USA
Materials: Nylon ripstop outer/liner	Weight: 10L: 1060 grams, 14L: 1100 grams
Capacity: 10L or 14L	MSRP: $195-$205
Hydration Capacity: 3 liters	Rating: 4 Chilies-out-of-5
Colors: Black, Navy, Gray, Camo

At under eight ounces, the Ghost Whisperer from Mountain Hardwear is the lightest full feature down jacket made.

Stat Box: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket

Features: Warm even when wet, waistband cord	Made in: China
Materials: Nylon outer, down insulation	Sizes: S-XXL
Weight: 7.2 ounces	MSRP: $320
Fit: Active	Rating: 5 Chilies-out-of-5
Colors: Green, Orange

Doing double duty as a nice dress jacket or a backcountry rain jacket, the Giro Neo is extremely versatile.

Stat Box: Giro Neo Rain Jacket

Features: Gear pocket, taped seams, offset zipper	Sizes: S-XXL
Materials: 115g/m2 Polartec Neoshell	Colors: Black, Orange
Fit: Active	MSRP: $350
Made in: China	Rating: 5 Chilies-out-of-5

Continue to page 2 to read full reviews of the Giro Terraduro shoes, Acre The Supply Hauser pack, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer jacket and the Giro Neo Rain jacket »