XTreme XTraining's Top TEN Holiday Gifts

So GoPro? No, eXpo Mini Action Cam this Holiday Season!

Sometimes it's difficult to get just the right gift for someone who enjoys the great outdoors or exercising... or both. Here at XTreme XTraining, we love to get outdoors for a fresh air workout! So here are some very cool things that have made the top of my Nice Not Naughty List for Christmas. These will help outdoorsy types and fitness freaks enjoy themselves all the more (hey, I should know). So here we go with XTreme XTraining's Top 10 Holiday Gifts for 2014!

For the Running Man (or Woman): Ear Buds That Don't Fall Out
A morning run or walk is going to be that much sweeter with some beats along. The Jaybird Bluebuds Ear Buds work with any Bluetooth capable device and are virtually sweat-proof. No long cables or wires to get tangled in either. See my complete review HERE. Visit the Jaybird Sport Website for more models and styles.

Jaybird Bluebuds have a decent 8 hour run time

For the Outdoor Adventurer/Film Star: A High Resolution Action Camera
With the release of the Hero4, everyone wants a GoPro this year! Really? Not when there are better quality and more competitively priced action cameras on the market. The Pyle Audio eXpo Mini Action Cam has a crisp 20 mp resolution and takes still photos even while you are shooting video. Comes with all the GoPro-ish mounting gear for underwater filming, cycling, skiing, jumping out of a plane...all that exciting stuff! See it at PyleAudio.com

eXpo Mini Action Cam filming in its waterproof case.

For the Night Rider: A Bicycle Tail Light that Flashes From A-Ha! to zZz
You'd never think of a bicycle tail light having swagger until you've seen this. Portland Design Works Danger Zone Tail Light is the perfect night time companion to every messenger and seat bag with a blinkie loop. Flashes brightly in A-Ha! zZz and Rock Steady modes with two 0.5 watt LEDs on board. Your giftee will thank you for this versatile bright tail light that helps them stay visible and come home safely. Check it our at Portland Design Works

Danger Zone hitching a ride on my Detours Madison Bag

For the Footloose and Fancy Free Hiker: Crampons that Don't Cramp Your Style
When the weather turns a bit icy and dicey, many runners turn in their sneakers for fear of loosing their grip on the trail. I carry mini-crampons with me for back country hiking because they are very lightweight and relatively easy to remove. These FreeSteps6 by Hillsound remind me of my Kahtoola Microspikes in that the stretchy upper brace (elastomer harness) goes over most any shoe or boot for extra traction. These stainless steel spikes work as chains do on your car tires! Perfect for: winter walking, trail running and hiking. Neither these or the Kahtoolas come with a carry pouch which you will need when removing them after a snowy or icy run. Check them out at the Hillsound Website.

FreeSteps6 Mini Crampons by Hillsound

For the Competing or Touring Cyclist: A Way to Stow It
You know the guy. He's always in full kit and on his way to the next Grand Fondo.  How about that couple who signs up for the spring bicycle tour around Martha's Vineyard every year? Well either one of these groups of cyclists will FLIP over the Bike Cube Deluxe from Mountainsmith.

More than enough space for organizing your: cycling shoes, helmet, gloves, energy bars, cycle wear. As the name implies, the cube shape makes it perfect for traveling in the trunk or back of your van. Has a large folding pad to rest your feet on during a shoe change or whatever. VERY well thought out it is luggage for cyclists. See the Bike Cube Deluxe at Mountainsmith

Mountainsmith's roomy Bike Cube

For the Sporty Shutter Bug: A Camera Bag for the Outback
If someone on your list has a Digital SLR camera but is constantly leaving it at home during a hiking trip, this is the perfect present for them. The Swift FX camera bag holds my Cannon Rebel T3, the lens and several compartment separated accessories like a speed light and tripod with ease. Can be carried with the shoulder strap, top handle or strapped on in "lumbar pack" style for easier hiking. Has an quick access zippered outside pocket and is made of water resistant fabric with a waterproof coating. Check it out at Mountainsmith.com

Mountainsmith Swift FX Camera Bag

For Those Who Eat and Run: A Cutlery Set to Go

If someone on your list is careful about their diet yet likes to travel or even bike commute they can take along something to eat AND some stylish cutlery to eat it with! This Baladeo Outdoor Knife Cutlery Set has: a spoon, fork, locking knife, corkscrew, bottle opener and flat head screwdriver. Designed by Marco S. Salgado it comes with a magnetic closing nylon case that can be slipped on your belt for hiking. When I travel, I pack this with my lunch. The fortunate person on your list will think about you each time they (neatly) eat a meal away from home! Get it at Campsaver.com

Eating on the run? Cutlery to go from Baledeo!

For Someone Who's Always Getting Caught in the Rain: A Pocket Weather Tracker

If someone you know is constantly at the mercy of the elements and never seems to know what they are up to, this is the perfect gift. Unlike your cell phone app, a Kestrel Weather Meter tells you the conditions where you are in real time. The best your cell is going to do is give the conditions from the nearest weather station which could be many miles away. The Kestrel also calculates wind speed which is really important for outdoor activities such as cycling, running, skiing and boating just to name a few. A weather tracker also keeps you up on: temperature, relative humidity, wind chill, barometric pressure and more. See all the Kestrel models and features available at the Nielsen-KellermanWebsite

Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker at REI's Mountain Bike Course

For The Toxic Friendship: Green Drink Delivery or A Power Blender with Punch
Everyone is talking about green drinks and detoxing this year. Some are even delivered to your door like this service from NYC Chef V. If you are in the NY/Northern NJ area, you can purchase this service for yourself or someone else for the New Year to start the year off fresh.

NYC Chef V's Green Drink Delivery Service

For Those Who Like to Mix Things Up
A power blender like a VitaMix or the TriBest Dynablend 1.2 hp Power Blender shown below allows one to have a complete lifestyle change. Makes whole food juices and chops, grinds and purees just like a food processor. A gift like this is very empowering because it gives a person so much more control over their dietary choices. Has presets for controlled blending, chopping and liquefying with an easy to clean glass pitcher. See it at TriBest.com

TriBest Dynablend Power Blender

Fall Cycling - Touring Light and Right

My Nishiki Sport Touring loaded for a day of touring.

Fall is the time to enjoy the cooler temps and change of the seasons. This past weekend I loaded my Nishiki with my Detours rear rack bag and hit the road to get some pictures of the autumn leaves turning. Here is some of what I saw while riding in Horse Country where I live in bucolic central New Jersey.

Roadway of colors just starting to turn

All of these photos were taken with my GoPro clone, the Pyle eXpo Mini Action Cam. I had it mounted to my Nutcase Helmet as that was the most secure lid that I own. It worked great!

Fields and a farmhouse in the distance on the left

The farm here on the left raises organic beef cattle. I've often seen them grazing and getting fat on the natural grass behind the white fence there.

Horse stables and riding corral

When I passed this horse farm there was a riding lesson in progress. The stables are there on the right and left (there are two) and I often see the horses grazing in the field.

Believe it or not, this is a road!

This may look like a hiking path but it is in fact a roadway. It is very narrow and quiet so it is perfect for my bicycle.

Peacock sighting! Look closely.

I was going by pretty quickly but if you look just left of center in this photo you will see a male peacock there in the grass. They are usually behind the fence but for some reason he was out today. NBC must have been having a casting call!

My Madison Touring Bag for the day by Detours

My Touring Bag: Detours D2R Madison Rear Rack Bag This bag is just perfect for a day out. It has a long carry strap but I usually just use the shorter straps which neatly tuck inside the side pouches. Inside has a zippered mesh pouch and pockets to hold items securely and separately. This rear trunk rack quickly clips to nearly any rear rack, (I have a Blackburn), and has a Blinkie Clip for your light.
Detours really thought this one out and it is very aerodynamic on the bicycle but looks like classic luggage off. Pop in a sandwich, energy bar, medical kit and extra water. It all fits and the bag does not shift or flop around. Best bag for a short tour!

Detours D2R Madison Rear Rack Bag with Blinkie Attached.

REI's Introduction to Mountain Biking Class

REI course instructor, Justin briefs us on mountain biking basics.

We had absolutely gorgeous weather for the REI Introduction to Mountain Biking Class last Sunday, September 14th. Up in the mountains of Lewis Morris County Park the air was crisp and cool with very little humidity when the class started at 10 am. REI provided the mountain bikes and helmets for us, so we simply came dressed in our cycling jerseys, mountain biking shoes and hydration packs. I would also recommend bringing an energy bar, pair of cycling gloves and ChapStick Hydration Lock Sunscreen SPF 12. Apply sunblock before heading out. Here is the link to how I packed for REI's Outdoor School HERE

Kestrel Heat Index reading is a comfy 57.6 degrees.

Heat exhaustion didn't seem too likely at these cooler temperatures but as I've said before, September can be tricky especially at this elevation (500+ ft). Starting out very cool in the morning but by midday feeling like the middle of summer. So I kept checking throughout the day and the Thermal Work Limit continued to read above >220 (W.m -2) or "Unrestricted". This means no limits on self paced work or exercise for trained, hydrated athletes. Most everyone had a hydration pack so no problems there.

REI Instructor Ty (yellow jersey) demonstrates mountain bike maneuvers.

Field Maneuvers
First we road uphill to an open field to learn basic mountain bike handling and maneuvers we would need later for the trail ride. We learned proper shifting, braking, manual and pedal assisted wheel lifts which helps when clearing logs and exposed roots. Using real obstacles, we were able to practice these newly learned skills until we got them right. The instructors also road along side us to see if we were executing the moves correctly. Justin even showed how to gracefully take a fall on the bike! These guys are really dedicated.

Putting our skills into practice on the trail.

Trail Maneuvers
After training in the field, the next logical step is to test these skills on an actual bike trail. We took the Yellow Trail at Lewis Morris County Park which is known as one of the best mountain biking terrains in New Jersey. I have to admit that the field skills we practiced came in handy here, especially for clearing logs and large rocks. The trail itself is very scenic and reminds me those in Turkey Swamp Park in Central NJ. These Morris County hills are quite a bit steeper than those you'll find at lower elevations though.

Gina making her descent on the trail.

I enjoyed this class all the more as REI outfitted us with helmets and Novara Mountain Bikes for the day so there was less for us to pack and travel with. I'm primarily a road cyclist and use Polar Bottles in the frame cage. This doesn't work for Mountain Biking! Get yourself a good hydration pack like a Platypus or my Antidote 100 oz which allowed me to haul water for both my companion and myself for the day. I carried my reservoir in the REI Women's Flash Sport 15 which is the lightest pack I own. The back is well meshed and vented so I wasn't sweaty. The strap pouches kept my bite valve, snacks and camera remote within reach the whole day. 

REI's Flash Sport 15 accommodates most hydration packs

Camera Equipment
All of the on location photos and videos were taken with my little GoPro clone, the eXpo Mini Action Cam which Justin attached to my handlebars before we got going. This will be replacing my DSLR Camera for all outdoor events and expeditions as it offers a crisp 20 MP resolution as well as sharp video imagery in wet and rugged environments. Very easy to take pictures with the eXpo even while the camera was in video taping mode. I did this while riding on the road back to the park and just wanted to take a still to capture the moment. Here it is:

Road photo taken while filming video with the eXpo

Technical equipment for the day.

Technical Equipment
As you may know from reading this blog, I do a lot of outdoor expeditions especially in the fall and winter months. Having a camera in a protective waterproof case is going to be sweet! 
I also always bring along a way to keep tabs on changing weather conditions. You can not always rely on a phone app which only tells you the conditions at the nearest weather station, not necessarily where you are at the time. We all know the feeling of having a signal lost in the mountains. Then what do you do? My cellphone also does not have an impeller to measure wind speed which further shows its limitations.

If I'm going to be out for the day or overnight, you better believe that I will be bringing a pocket weather tracker! Conditions can change in a heartbeat and storms can come up out of nowhere. Kestrel Meters are practically bombproof, can be immersed in freezing cold water and still function. Very lightweight, they are quite easy to take along and perform multiple functions for such a small unit: temperature, heat index, humidity, wind speed, barometric readings, altitude, dew point, etc.

Last Challenge of the Day - Stream Crossing Video
I took the eXpo out of the handlebar bracket to film everyone crossing the little stream as our final challenge which everyone completed with flying colors. It was very rocky with a steep incline after the water so it is much more difficult than it looks here.



Special thanks to REI for hosting this class for us and providing such an enriching outdoor experience for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Learn more about REI's Outdoor School Classes, Membership and Travel opportunities at REI.com or REI.com/learn.html

See the NEW eXpo Mini HD Action Cam at PyleAudio.com

Visit Nielsen Kellerman online at NKHome.com to see all the Kestrel Pocket Weather Trackers available.

Special thanks also to Topricin who provided travel packets of all their first aid and pain cremes for the class.