THE GREAT OUTDOORS Many Americans would define the word inversion as a change in the position or relationship of things so that they are the opposite of what they had been. But for those of us living along the Wasatch Front, it means disgusting air and smoggy skies.
And if you think its been particularly bad recently, youre right. This winter has brought more unhealthy air than last year.
In honor of the clearer skies of summer, here are reviews for three products that might be a good addition for your warm-weather adventures.
SVP Aqua 8800 Underwater Digital Camera
GRADE: B+
PRICE: $53
While this SVP camera certainly isnt on par with high-end underwater cameras, its substantially better than the cheap versions youll find in a hotel gift shop. What makes it an intriguing option is that it offers some great features at a surprisingly low price.
First off, this is a 20MP camera that captures sharp images when the lighting is adequate. And there are view screens on both the front and the back, so you can use it like a standard camera or to take selfies. It also has a video setting so you can record the action.
If youre using the still photography mode, the battery will last about an hour. In the video recording mode, itll last about half that. The camera comes with the necessary batteries, as well as an 8GB memory card.
Xero Shoes Amuri Z-Trek Sandals
GRADE: B+
PRICE: $59
These innovative sandals are so lightweight and thin, it almost feels like youre barefoot. So why not just go barefoot? Well, barefoot is great, but it limits where you can walk. With Amuri Z-Trek sandals, youll have enough protection to go for a hike or wade in a river.
The 5.5mm outsoles are quite comfortable and allow your foot to flex naturally. The heels are cupped to anchor your heels in place and also help to keep debris out. And the sandals stay snuggly in place with the adjustable Z-pattern webbing system.
While theyre great for land-based activities, the Amuri Z-Trek sandals are excellent in the water. They provide solid traction and dry quickly because of their minimalistic design. And because the hardware is rustproof kirsite, you dont have to worry about them failing after extended use.
Costa Del Mar Rafael Sunglasses
GRADE: A
COST: $249
Costa Del Mar sunglasses stand out from the crowd because of their superior lenses. Their line of polarized 580 lenses filter out the harsh light, which results in enhanced color, sharper contrast and less eye fatigue.
If you wear a pair of Costas while you drive around town and go about your day, youll probably notice the difference in the lenses compared to those found in inferior sunglasses. But if you wear Costas out on the water, youll definitely notice the difference.
The Rafaels lenses reduce the suns harsh glare off the water, while also giving you the contrast to see whats below the surface. So whether youre fishing on the Green River or partying at Lake Powell, theyll elevate the experience.
While the lenses are undoubtedly the most important element of the Rafael, the frame isnt too shabby. Its made from a rugged, bio-based resin. This is notable because its extremely lightweight and reacts well to extreme temperatures. As an added bonus, you can also feel good knowing these bio-based frames are manufactured in a way that reduces Costas emissions by about 40 percent.
These sunglasses have a wide temple design so theyll fit most faces. Vents in the sides help to keep fogging to a minimum, and the rubberized temple tips and nose pads help to keep them in place even in adverse conditions.
And if you think its been particularly bad recently, youre right. This winter has brought more unhealthy air than last year.
In honor of the clearer skies of summer, here are reviews for three products that might be a good addition for your warm-weather adventures.
SVP Aqua 8800 Underwater Digital Camera
GRADE: B+
PRICE: $53
While this SVP camera certainly isnt on par with high-end underwater cameras, its substantially better than the cheap versions youll find in a hotel gift shop. What makes it an intriguing option is that it offers some great features at a surprisingly low price.
First off, this is a 20MP camera that captures sharp images when the lighting is adequate. And there are view screens on both the front and the back, so you can use it like a standard camera or to take selfies. It also has a video setting so you can record the action.
If youre using the still photography mode, the battery will last about an hour. In the video recording mode, itll last about half that. The camera comes with the necessary batteries, as well as an 8GB memory card.
Xero Shoes Amuri Z-Trek Sandals
GRADE: B+
PRICE: $59
These innovative sandals are so lightweight and thin, it almost feels like youre barefoot. So why not just go barefoot? Well, barefoot is great, but it limits where you can walk. With Amuri Z-Trek sandals, youll have enough protection to go for a hike or wade in a river.
The 5.5mm outsoles are quite comfortable and allow your foot to flex naturally. The heels are cupped to anchor your heels in place and also help to keep debris out. And the sandals stay snuggly in place with the adjustable Z-pattern webbing system.
While theyre great for land-based activities, the Amuri Z-Trek sandals are excellent in the water. They provide solid traction and dry quickly because of their minimalistic design. And because the hardware is rustproof kirsite, you dont have to worry about them failing after extended use.
Costa Del Mar Rafael Sunglasses
GRADE: A
COST: $249
Costa Del Mar sunglasses stand out from the crowd because of their superior lenses. Their line of polarized 580 lenses filter out the harsh light, which results in enhanced color, sharper contrast and less eye fatigue.
If you wear a pair of Costas while you drive around town and go about your day, youll probably notice the difference in the lenses compared to those found in inferior sunglasses. But if you wear Costas out on the water, youll definitely notice the difference.
The Rafaels lenses reduce the suns harsh glare off the water, while also giving you the contrast to see whats below the surface. So whether youre fishing on the Green River or partying at Lake Powell, theyll elevate the experience.
While the lenses are undoubtedly the most important element of the Rafael, the frame isnt too shabby. Its made from a rugged, bio-based resin. This is notable because its extremely lightweight and reacts well to extreme temperatures. As an added bonus, you can also feel good knowing these bio-based frames are manufactured in a way that reduces Costas emissions by about 40 percent.
These sunglasses have a wide temple design so theyll fit most faces. Vents in the sides help to keep fogging to a minimum, and the rubberized temple tips and nose pads help to keep them in place even in adverse conditions.
