Dare I Say… Trifecta

Less is more. Time is money. Use This.

That’s it… you’ve just read my review of L’Oreals new all-in-one men’s shower wash.

Seriously though, I’m generally against all-in-one products. It’s unrealistic to mix products with different functions together and expect them to compete against specialized competition. So imagine my surprise when I stepped out of the shower having only lathered-up (TMI) in one product.

I found my hair and skin fresh and clean without being dried out (typical of all-in-one products), not to mention Vive Pro smells great, but won’t overpower your cologne of choice. And since you can hit up all your body parts at once, you’re out of the shower in no time. Gotta love efficiency. It’s perfect for travel and the gym where less is most definitely more.

We’re men… we don’t care about nonsense like soft skin, but after a few days with Vive Pro, I’m reassessing that position. Maybe it’s time you did too.

Cost: $5 @ Local Drugstore, Drugstore.com, Amazon

Charged Up, Eco-Style

You can’t exactly plug your iPod into the nearest tree.

Ahhh, the great outdoors. There’s nothing like the fresh air and open spaces that Mother Nature provides. The GP crew spend a lot of time outside, but as you can tell, we’re also gadget freaks and that poses a dilemma. Where do you charge your handheld devices? How about with your backpack? Voltaic Systems has designed a line of solar panel bags capable of charging your phone, MP3 player even a portable GPS unit.

I know, your skepticism is at full-clip now, but allow me to make my case.

The Voltaic Backpack produces 4 watts of solar power, charging an internal Lithium-Ion battery for use whenever you need it. Throw in 11 adaptors and a Voltage Converter and you can hook-up just about any handheld device you can think off. The new 3G iPhone included. The battery unit itself even has a built-in LED torch light (55 hours) in a pinch. No Sun…no problem. The battery is capable of being charged with both wall and car adaptors so you can start your next hike at full capacity.

Beyond the nifty solar panels, the bag itself is top notch and really well designed. I’d buy it even without the solar panels or battery. It includes:

• Fully padded sleeve for up to a 17″ laptop
• Wire channels throughout the bag for headphones, bladder tubes etc.
• Adjustable phone / MP3 shoulder pouch
• Removable waist strap
• High density padding in the shoulder straps and back
• Mesh backing material for better air flow
• Shell uses 600D fabric made from recycled PET (soda bottles), which is tough, water resistant and light weight

Take your music and phone with you on your next adventure. The Voltaic Backpack ensures that you always have a few creature comforts. Voltaic also has a computer bag capable of charging your laptop. If you spend a lot of time on the road this may be more your style.

Cost: $250 @ Voltaic

Also See: Klinaklini River Heli-Rafting

The Japanese Pro V1 Hits The States. GP’s Golf Clubs Return The Favor

It’s touted as the Japanese Pro V1 and it fetches an unthinkable $80 (U.S.) per dozen in Japan. In fact you can’t even purchases them retail here in the States. So when our friends at Lostgolfballs.com suggested a demo we jumped at the chance. And I could think of no better test than our annual pilgrimage to The Black course at Bethpage, the site of the 2009 U.S. Open.

After the arduous front nine I came to the following conclusions: The Black’s rough was having its way with me and that the GranZ was no Pro V1. That being said, I thought it was a quality golf ball that most average golfers would benefit from trying. It was long off the tee and easy to keep in play - both crucial. And while it didn’t spin like a Pro V1, I was able to hold the greens with ease. This is attributed to its flexible Shima cover and Large/Soft Polybutadiene core technology. I even thought it was softer off the putter than my premium ball. All in all, I was very pleased with the GranZ’s performance, despite being thrashed by The Black.

The GranZ sets up well for the average golfer. Playing a ball with a harder cover not only makes it more durable, but reduced spin will lessen that slice of yours. Unless you have higher swing speeds and make solid contact consistently, using a premium ball is a waste. Let’s be honest most of us can’t spin the ball back anyway so why pay $4 a ball? The GranZ survived Bethpage, which is more than I can say for Eric.

Cost: $10-$30 @ Lostgolfballs.com

Magnets Are Good for Your iPod. Who Knew?

Music is a great workout companion. Unlike your lazy friends, who won’t get up in the morning to workout with you, your iPod rarely lets you down. That’s more than I can say for that old, stretched out, dirty armband you’re using to strap on your Nano. If, however, you had an iStick you could forgo armband distractions altogether. Even if you prefer to go sans armband, precariously balancing your iPod on the equipment du jour is just asking for trouble.

The iStik utilizes eight high-tech Neodymium magnets to secure your 2nd or 3rd generation iPod Nano to your clothing with a vice-like grip. A 3-piece, light-weight, plastic shell encases your Nano providing easy access while training. Best of all, unlike your armband the iStik will never stretch-out or start to smell miserable.

What this means to you: Don’t spend your next training session fiddling with an armband. Affix an iStik and let your favorite tunes go to work.

Cost: 2nd Generation iPod Nano ($25) | 3rd Generation iPod Nano ($27) @ iStik

Uncompromising Comfort With Style To Boot

Shoes: Clark’s Grill, Jeans: Diesel, Belt: Urban Outfitters

Causal footwear is as vital to a man’s wardrobe as a great pair of jeans. Like a great pair of jeans the right casual shoe can be worn from casual Fridays, to nights out, to Sunday brunch. Covering all these scenarios makes versatility paramount. This Fall, Clarks introduces the Grill, a brown suede slip-on, ready to tackle just such a challenge. All while providing unrivaled comfort.

So what does a day in the life of the Clarks Grill look like?

7:00 am: A quick slide on and I’m off to the golf course (too bad Ben was still half in the bag from the night before and over slept). The Grill goes well with a pair of shorts and a polo.

12:30 pm: Family in town so we grabbed lunch at a favorite neighborhood bistro. Cleaned up with a pair of chinos and an un-tucked oxford.

9:00 pm: Paired with dark jeans and a blazer I enjoyed libations with the boys - of course, suggesting Ben order a Shirley Temple.

Having worn the Grills I can attest they pair with most anything in my wardrobe. Throw in the fact that my feet were comfortable the entire day (in new shoes no less), and I’ve now got my new favorite pair of shoes.

Cost: $90 @ Online Shoes

Set Your Training Free

I don’t know about you but I’m tired of being cooped up in my gym. With Fall rapidly approaching there aren’t that many more chances to make my workouts al fresco either. But if you’re like me, you’re turning this into an opportunity. Stop running around the block or neighborhood and blend your fitness needs with an outdoor adventure. And if you’re creative enough you may even be rewarded for your efforts with Salomon’s XT Challenge.

Here’s how it works: Runners from all over the world come up with an inspired personal challenge, and submit their plans online here. Each month, Salomon will select the most creative challenge. That lucky runner gets a pair of Salomon XT Wings to wear for their challenge, and a Nokia Smartphone equipped with the new Sports Tracker software to document it. When they complete their challenge, they upload photos and data to the Salomon Running site, where other runners can check out dynamic maps of their route.

Some of the challenges so far have included an English runner who’s recreating the Central London Tube map by running all 11 routes above ground, and a French runner challenged himself to run up the Eiffel Tower in less than 20 minutes. You’re going to need your thinking caps and a little bravado to be a contender.

What this means to you: Training outdoors and setting your sights on a challenging goal is a great way to break the gym monotony and rejuvenate your workouts with a renewed focus. Once you experience the thrill of trail running you may never want to hit the treadmill again.

Sign Up For The Salomon XT Challenge