My Review of Keen Voyageur Mid Hiking Boots - Men's

Originally submitted at REI

Like its cousin, Targhee, the midheight Keen Voyageur hiking boot offers the same 4-wheel-drive traction and stability minus the waterproof barrier.

Keen Voyageur Mid Hiking Boots - Men's

Good, but not great

By Mark M. from Cleveland, OH on 10/3/2008

 

4out of 5

Gift: No

Pros: Flexible, Comfortable/No Break-In

Cons: Dirt gets in easy, Difficult Laces

Best Uses: Day Hiking, Wet Conditions, Light Loads

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

Sizing: Feels true to size

These boots are comfortable and need very little, if any, break in time. These best uses are for light load, short trip hikes.The traction is great for what I use them for which is trails in National Parks. My only two isues are the lacing system, which never feels tight enough, and loosens quickly; and the top of the booots seems loose all the time allowing dirt and stones in the boot frequently.

(legalese)

My Review of Keen Austin Shoes - Men's

Originally submitted at REI

Urban trekkers will appreciate the old-school sneaker styling and functional design in the Austin, a classic style from Keen.

Keen Austin Shoes - Men's

Very comfortable, not so durable

By Mark M. from Cleveland, OH on 10/3/2008

 

4out of 5

Gift: No

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels true to width

Pros: Stable, Comfortable

Cons: Wear Out Quickly

Best Uses: Casual Wear

Describe Yourself: Comfort Driven

These are very comfortable shoes (as with most Keen footwear). After one year of casual wear the sole is splitting off the shoe on both left and right shoe. This is somewhat dissapointing, I expect a good brand shoe to last longer in very casual usage situations. The style is unique and fun.

(legalese)

Yearly update on health

Last year I got a body composition test done, and wasn't too happy with the results. But I worked hard for a year and turned the ship around, here are the before and after esults;

September 17, 2007
Fat: 43.1%, 112.7 lbs.
Lean Mass: 56.9%, 148.6 lbs.
Weight: 261.3 lbs.
RMR: 1,945 kcal/day

September 23, 2008
Fat: 34.1%, 83.7 lbs.
Lean Mass: 65.9%, 161.6 lbs.
Weight: 245.3 lbs.
RMR: 2,044 kcal/day

These are encouraging numbers that show the hard work paid off. I now have some goals to hit. I want fat under 30% by March 2009.

MBA

Two long years (well 20 months) and I have an MBA . Sometimes I surpirse myself.

Blogger not updating....

My new posts are not showing up....odd.

7/2008

July 2008 - 243 lbs. :o)

Feeling & looking great!

P.S 4 weeks till the MBA is complete.

My Review of The North Face Recon II Day Pack

Originally submitted at REI

You never know where the day will take you! This high-performance technical daypack will take you from the trail to everyday work and school commutes.

The North Face Recon II Day Pack

Great Pack for work/school

By Mark M. from Cleveland, OH on 7/9/2008

 

5out of 5

Pros: Large capacity, Good padding, Very adjustable

Best Uses: Day trip, Hiking

Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational

What Is Your Gear Style: Comfort Driven

Like many reviewers I really like this bag. This has been my companion for 2 years of my MBA program, and will become my work bag once I graduate. I carry a large Dell notebook in this bag with many other class materials and books. I have never run out of space for classroom use.

I have also taken the bag on a couple day hikes with a camelbacl bladder in it. This pack was fine for a day hike.

(legalese)

April 2008 Update

I reviewed this blog after several months off and found some interesting things. I weighed 257 for most of last year the stopped posting weight around July. Between July & September I gained 11 lbs., but was still "working out". I weighed 257 for months then gained weight and stopped being honest with myself.

Now I weigh 249 lbs. and have been busting my ass to get there.