gogogadgetearl

2006.02.06

• ok, i'm not often a fan of product placements, but i'm doing this on my own free will because these products deserve it -- so i hope you guys don't see this as selling out.  anywho, i've got to give props to a few deserving products that have really impressed me.  here are 2:
  • chaco - they make sandals that are perfect for hiking/backpacking.  in all my years of backpacking and camping, i've never worn sandals that hug rocks, roots, cracks, and creeks better than my chacos.  i have a pair of Z/2 sandals with the terreno sole [which is now out of production] - and i wear them almost daily.  yes, they are expensive [$95-$120 per pair], but they can be re-strapped and re-soled for as long as you have them.  they're also made in the USA.
  • air hogs aero ace - this has got to be the most fun toy i've bought in years.  i know the 'air hogs' brand has a reputation for not flying very well [or at all], but the aero ace was designed by a british company, and, thankfully, air hogs didn't modify it much.  it's amazingly resilient, easy to fly, and dang cheap.  i bought mine from a local target for $30 + 6 AA batteries + tax [~$37] -- i think they can also be found at toys-r-us and wal-mart for similar prices.  there are 3 frequencies, so get a few friends to buy one and then fly them together -- it's more fun than you'd expect.
  there'll be more products to come.