New & Old Gear Reviews

Camelbak Flow Meter

Brooks Cascadia 5

If there is one thing I love to do, it's definitely running. But to make that even better, throw in some new gear to try out while running. I received my Brooks Cascadia 5's and the Camelbak Flow Meter. So I quickly assembled the flow meter, grabbed my Ultimate Direction hydration pack (with my new patch sewn over the ripped pocket) along with the new shoes and headed out to Mission Trails.

Newly sewn patch

As soon as I got on the trails I realized I forgot to read the instructions on the flow meter. No problem I thought. It shouldn't be that hard to figure out or should it? Needless to say, the flow meter beat me. That's one for the flow meter and zero for me. At least I know how to put on the shoes without instructions. Knowing that Frances and I were going to paint with the kids tonight I ran my shorter course on Mission Trails.

I entered through Calle de Vida trailhead and took a few side trails before I headed up South Fortuna. Of course I was still trying to figure out the flow meter but to no avail I finally gave up.

Bottom South Fortuna

As I climbed up the stairs of South Fortuna I thought of all the trail shoes I've gone through in my short year of trail running. Here is a quick review of each shoe I've ever own. I put them in chronological order.
Asics 2130
I bought my first pair of trail shoes in February of 2009 and they were Asics 2130. I went with Ascics because that's what road shoe I use. I had no complaints about those shoes. I ended up running my first 50 miler in the 2130's. Pros: Price and comfort. Con: Durability. I would buy this model again and I have. Grade B+

Asics Gel Trabuco 11 G-TX
I must say Gore-Tex shoes aren't for me. I never had blisters until I tried Gore-Tex shoes. But these might be better for colder weather so there is less moisture build up inside the shoe or in rainy weather. I've worn these 3 times and each time I had hot spots and/or blisters. So I am afraid to try these again. Pro: There are none for me. Cons: Moisture buildup and price. I'll try these in the next trail run I do in the rain until then these will get a low grade. Grade D -

UK Gear PT-03 Desert
I love the idea of keeping dirt and sand out of my shoe. I just don't run in a desert environment. I've ran in these only a handful of times. Although they they do keep debris out they just don't fit my foot right for running. They are great for camping but this is a running review. Pros: keeps your feet clean. Cons: Comfort and Price. Grade C-

Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra
My training partner at the time recommended these. I ordered them online from REI (one of my favorite stores) and never even ran in them. The toe box was way to small for my comfort. I haven't tried another pair of Salomon since. My friends that do wear Salomon, love their products. Pros: Price and design. Cons: Small toe box making for uncomfortable fit. Grade F

Montrail Mountain Masochist
I got these in the summer of 09 and trained with them for the Mount Disappointment 50 Miler. I love the spacious toe box and how light these are. Pros: Everything. Cons: Nada. I still train in these today. Grade A-

Brooks Cascadia 4
I got turned on to these because they are endorsed by Scott Jurek. I had just finished reading the book Born To Run (Review on this later) and I was sold. Thankfully I bought into what Scott was selling. I thought I'd never find a pair of shoes better than the Masochist. These fit my feet perfectly, they're light and comfortable. The price isn't to shabby either. Pros: Everything. Cons: Nada. Grade A

Asics 2140
I told you I'd buy these again. These aren't as good as the Cascadia or the Masochist but for the price I have no complaints. No difference than the 2130s. Grade B+

Finally, here I was up on top of South Fortuna and although I'm only 2.5 miles into the run the Cascadia 5 feels just like the 4s.

Brooks Cascadia 5
Nothing new but the color. Same as the the 4. Grade A

As I headed down the saddle and then back toward the car I was looking forward to spending quality time with the family. Since I'm training on Easter Sunday we were spending Friday night painting a tea set for the kids. Saturday we're going to do an egg hunt with the kids and enjoy the day at the park.
Here are the pictures from our night of painting.
From left to right and then bottom: Mine, Aiden's, Ruby's, Frances



























I hope the reviews assist you on your next shoe purchase. I will conquer that flow meter and give a review on it. Until next time, Happy Running!

Jerry "El Tigre" England