Reviews by User: Specter (4)

Okay, after reading one of the previous reviews here on BC, I was a bit reluctant to try a pair of Arroyos but I'm so glad I took the plunge! I wore these for about 5 days straight in sandy beaches, rock climbing, peabled uneven winding trails, and uneven cobble stone streets with hills here and there and lots of heat all over. The were very comfortable and proved to be very durable. I made the right choice since these have a more rigid arch platform than the other Keens. If you examine the different Keen hybrid sandals, some have a softer foam arch area which is good for water and walking but not as much for rocks or twigs digging into your foot. The Arroyos provided a bit more protection from jagged rocks and branches. No complaints here, however I might put in a more aggressive sole for more aggressive hiking. I have to warn you, these do seem to fit a bit large. Let me explain, I normally wear a 11.5 or 12 depending on brand but with Keens, an 11 proved the best fit. I would definitely try some on in real life first! If not try ordering a half size to one size smaller depending on your arch. Now when I say your arch, I mean with weight. If you notice many people are one size by measure, but about a half-to a full size more with their body weight on their feet. Add in some swelling after 12hrs of hiking and you have a foot screaming for breathing room. These Keens are outstanding in terms of versatility, durability and breathability. I've taken them with me on two different trips and they have faired very well. The tread on these was surprisingly agressive! They almost felt like I was wearing my boots. Not only was I NOT but my feet were 'in the nude'...partially anyways...and loving the extra ventilation. The fact that they are waterproof was just 'icing on the cake'. I was able to take these kayaking, beach walking and even had to swim with them. I will say that if you are looking for a dedicated watershoe, the open-healed Keens made out of Polyester webbing (H2s) are better but these faired VERY well. These proved more for hiking, walking and the occasional H2O dip. I would recommend them without reservation. Especially if it involves water and fast-paced outdoor madness.

I can't really elaborate too much for you, past what other have already written here. It is the standard by which any and ALL other water bottles are judged by, period. They don't absorb odor, taste or color. They are extremely rigid but flexible enough to be virtually indestructible. Drops won't hurt it or spill your brew. I've used these for years and they are the best and most versatile. Most water filters, accessories and cook ware cater to their dimensions and diameters. Camping, fishing, kayaking, mountain climbing, surfing, snowboarding, hiking, running, skiing, or just traveling are ya.....you need to get yourself one of these bad boys. My favorite personal use is as follows: I preload several 32's with powdered gatorade on Sundays for my workouts during the week. Quick and easy. Bottoms up!

I got a pair of these after doing research on footwear that "actually" support your feet and don't just "look good". Chaco's are the BEST sandals my feet have ever stomped on! I'm a TOTAL convert. Goodbye Tevas, goodbye Reefs, and especially my meager pile of 3.99 fly by night flip-flops!!! Anyone need x-tra thick beach-themed drink coasters....seriously... I wore these religiously walking the uneven streets of Playa Del Carmen, Cancun and Cozumel for 4 days straight. My feet were not as tired, they did not feel as sore and my arches were not cursing at me! This was a real test, I walked on the sandy beaches, got them wet repeatedly, cobble stone streets, toured Tulum in them, trotted through the cenote riddled mayan-owned jungles, shopped the overly-commercialized streets and even took them dancing on Playa Del Carmen's 5th street for about 6 hrs. After all that, feet were as happy as I was. In terms of durability, they are outstanding. After my 2-week trip, the vibram soles showed NO WEAR...almost like I never wore them...AWESOME! They are very comfortable and they DID ACTUALLY support my arch! The only 'thing' I noticed is that after about 3 days of walking on them they did wear my skin a bit on the outside strap of each sandal. Hard to describe exactly where, outer-lower left on left foot & outer-lower right on right foot. Now this is MY fault because I took a flip-flop when I should have been wearing a trail-shoe or maybe even a boot. Being a former Teva & Reef man myself, the Chaco flip's straps do come back a bit farther than the average sandal, in order to create a more stable platform, however this is also what rubbed the skin on my feet raw. No blood or anything but it was sore and red. I only mention this because I was new to Chaco and this took some adjusting to after about 27hrs of wear. Don't let this deter you one bit, I liked them so much that as soon as I got back I bought myself another pair!!! A stylin' beach bum...am I Chaco will resole or custom fit them if you so desire. Needless to say I'm moving in on the Chaco Z's now and they are all worth every penny. Plus Chaco is a very green company, for those that care. Don't take my word for it...Buy a pair, your feet will thank you.

At first glance you would not expect this to be such an issue, however I took this with me on a five day expedition throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and it simply rocked! While there does exist other "tube keepers" out there, this one allows for swift "on demand" on or off. It allowed me to quickly secure my tube with one hand while I had to: steer my mountain bike, hold on to my "zip-line" harness or maintain my stance on the face with my other hand. The ability to secure my tube one-handed, with such ease and speed makes this trap worth its weight in gold. It proved durable while wet, dry and even hot (after being left in direct sunlight on the beach for over 8hrs). If you are running, cycling, kayaking, boarding, sailing or anything that involves movement....for your face's sake buy a trap. Don't do it for me, backcountry or camelbak....do it for your face. Mine thanks me every time I use it. Great product.