Test is currently – Complete

Chaco Paradox Sandal: image courtesy of Chaco

REVIEW ITEM: Chaco Paradox Sandal

MANUFACTURER: Chaco
WEBSITE: http://www.chacousa.com
Materials: Polyester webbing uppers, EVA midsole, non-marking butyl rubber sole
Colors available: Gun metal or Chocolate
Sizes available: US Men’s 7 – 14, US Women’s 5 – 11
Size tested: US Men’s 12
weight: not listed
Weight from tester: 1 lb 8 oz (0.68 kg) for the pair
MSRP: $110 USD

Product Description
The Paradox is an interesting looking shoe/sandal. It gets its name from the fact that it is not really a shoe and not really a sandal, in other words, a paradox.  I would have a hard time saying which category it belongs in myself but it is airy like a sandal and offers support much like a shoe so in effect, the paradox offers the best of both.  The website has this to say. “It’s a shoe. It’s a sandal. It’s a Paradox. Polyester webbing surrounds your feet with quick-drying breathability, while the cushioned midsole and BioCentric™ footbed ensure a supported stride on water, land and everything in between.”

My Initial Observations

Paradox Sole

The Paradox is a good looking shoe, and while I plan to use it primarily as a water shoe, it could easily be worn with most anything from jeans to beach wear. This is my first pair of Chaco’s but I have always heard they have a unique feel about them and now I see why. When I first tried them on for fit I was immediately struck by just how comfortable they feel.  I think it is mostly from the way the BioCentric footbed wraps around my instep but they just feel right.

In looking at the shoe the most standout feature is the webbing used for the uppers.  They form a pretty solid pattern with just enough gaps for good ventilation.  There is just one adjustment strap which goes right over the instep.

The next most noticeable feature is the sole of the shoe. It has a lot of diamond like protrusions and looks fairly aggressive.    The photo below was taken after my first paddle in the shoes  and shows quite a bit of mud on the sole.  I’m not sure if this was because the mud I happened to be in was extra sticky, or if the shoes will tend to hold mud in the tread.

muddy soles

The removable insole of this shoe is different than any I have ever seen. It is really stiff from the arch area back to the heel and contoured to cradle the foot.  Chaco calls it the  BioCentric footbed. The website goes into quite some detail on how the footbed is designed but this quote sums it up nicely. “Nearly 80% of the population over pronates, which can lead to a variety of injuries throughout the body. Chaco BioCentric™ Fit controls pronation and may help prevent or correct the following injuries:”  I’m not going to list all the injuries but the list goes from head to toe…literally.  Here are a couple of photos of the footbed. In the first on it is laid out flat. The second one shows the heel area as viewed from the end.

BioCentric footbed

BioCentric footbed heel view

Initial Ues
The day after getting the Paradox shoes I wore them on an 8 mile (13 km) paddle. We started at around 10 AM and it was already warm and humid at around 84 F (29 C).  I put sunscreen on my legs right down to the top of the shoes.  When I got home and took them off I saw I had a nice sunburn right on top of my foot where the two biggest grids in the webbing appear on the shoes.

grid pattern sunburn

But other than that the shoes performed great. I did get a few pieces of  gravel inside the shoes at one particular place we stopped.  I took them off at the landing spot long enough to rinse most of the gravel out. Then when getting back under way I got more  gravel in the shoes, but since I was using my Sit-On-Top, I just took the shoes off long enough to rinse them out once I was out on the water again. At the take out I didn’t have any problems with gravel getting in the shoes but when I got home I did see a lot of mud had stayed on the soles. But overall, the shoes performed very nicely on this paddle.

After getting home I took a few minutes to clean the shoes with my garden hose and left them out overnight to dry.  When cleaning them I took out the insoles to get the few remaining  gravel out from under them and left them out overnight. The next morning the insoles were dry and so were most of the shoes, but the part the insole rests on was still damp.  By noon the inside part was completely dry.  I then put them on for a short 2 mile (3 km) hike. I probably should have worn socks because I did develop a blister on my right foot, right at my heel.  Interestingly, the left foot was fine. I really didn’t feel the blister developing, but now that it has become tender it is quite painful.   When I put the shoes back on a few days later it was obvious that my right foot can move inside the right shoe more so than the left one does in the left shoe.  I know most folks feet are slightly different but I think it is fairly common for one to be slightly bigger than the other.  Apparently my left foot is my bigger foot.   That’s all for now but feel free to check back in a couple of months too see how the shoes are performing

Update: January 6, 2011

Wearing the Paradox Sandals over my Dry Pants

I have now had pretty much a full season of use in which to evaluate the Chaco Paradox sandals.  I have worn them kayaking well over 30 times and on several exercise hikes to a creek behind my house.  I also wore them as casual shoes to town etc, but I probably wore them more at work than anywhere else.  I work on concrete and tile floors, and while I don’t have to walk all that much at work, I am standing a lot, and the Paradox footbeds have got to be one of the most comfortable for standing on these type floors I have ever used.  Another thing I really appreciate about these shoes is that they are very cool in hot weather. This past summer was very hot and dry, with temperatures at or near 100 F (38 C) for a month and a half and the Paradox’s seemed in their element.

When I wore them kayaking I did not use socks. After getting the sunburn that matched the grid pattern of the shoe during my fist use of the shoes on a sunny spring day I never had this problem again.  Probably more due to the fact that during the hotter weather I paddled late in the afternoon and even after dark. In this photo I am wearing them on a local river which was shady most of the time.

Fishing on the Paint Rock River

I did find that the Paradox are best if used where the launch and landing areas were pretty sandy as apposed to places that were muddy or had lots of gravel, mainly because the open mesh weave of these shoes will allow a lot of debris inside the shoes. Fortunately, most of my paddles otiginated from a concrete boat ramp and I just stayed on the boat ramp to launch.  And since I was paddling in a familiar area of the lake most of the time, I was able to use several good sandy landings I am familiar with.  The one exception was when I paddled up a few of the local creeks.  They either had muddy landings, or worse, mud and gravel landing areas.  I spent a lot of time cleaning my shoes after such landings but fortunately, with my Sit-On-Top kayak it was pretty easy to do.  I would just get back on my kayak and hang my feet over the side and kick my feet back and forth and let the water take care of the cleaning. Sometimes I did have to take a shoe off when a gravel or shell was sturborn but usually just swishing my feet around did the trick.

However, I recently bought another kayak.  This kayak is SINK so hanging my feet over the edge to clean them was not really an option.  This kayak is also very tipsy compared to my Sit-On-Top.  However, this turned out to be a non issue because I found out that the Paradox were a little big to wear inside this kayak and I ended up using my Teva Cherry Bombs when paddling this kayak.

Even though the Paradox are considered a water shoe they are slow to dry. In fact, when I would get home after dark they remained just about as wet overnight as they were when I first took them off. I would remove the insoles and spread them and the shoes out on my deck bench and if it was hot and sunny the next day they would usually be dry by noon.  The deck is on the east side of my house so they got full sun.  I did go on a couple of early morning paddles and instead of placing them on the deck when I got home I placed them on my front porch which catches the evening sun.

As a hiking shoe, I have mixed feeling about the Paradox sandals.  I had issues when wearing them without socks if I hiked over 2 miles (3 km) in them. So after the first couple of trips I have just resolved myself to wearing them with socks when hiking.  I used some rather thick low top socks to avoid any heel blisters but on all but the cleanest trails, I found myself needing to stop a lot to get debris out of the shoes.  And the Paradox are not as easy to slip on and off as more traditional sandals so I usually had to hike a little ways to find a good place to sit down. I could usually tolerate small twigs etc but a small but sharp rock was another matter.  On a few occasions I remember getting a small rock inside the shoe that would not wait and had to sit down in the trail to clean the shoe out. But the biggest problems I had with them as a hiking shoe was the fact that since I needed to wear socks I was not as apt to go wading in the creek when on a hike.

The traction these shoes provide is excellent.  Since I wore them more during the hot dry summer I did not have to contend with a lot of muddy trails but I still managed to find places that were slick and muddy.

Back to kayaking. The last time I used the Paradox was on a rather chilly paddle with a temperature of 44 F (7 C).  I decided to see if the sandals would work with my Kokatat Tempest pants.  They are dry pants with built in socks.  I put on a pair of thin socks inside the pants and found that the Paradox fit over this very well. And since my feet were inside the waterproof sock built into the pants I did not get my feet wet.  I only paddled about 5 miles (8 km) total, partly on the lake and then up a small creek, but I was out for several hours. My feet stayed pretty warm but not as warm as when I wore my rubber boots in similar conditions.  I did however, see a couple of deer.  I was resting with my feet up on the sides of my kayak when I spotted the deer so I garbed my camera and took a quick photo.  In other words, this was not a staged gear shot but since my left shoes was in the photo I thought I’d share.  Click on the image to see full size and see if you can spot the deer.

Can you spot the 2 deer?

Final Thoughts
The Paradox are not a true sandal or shoe but do a pretty good job in filling the requirements for both types of footwear.  However, I feel like they would serve my needs better if the tops were solid instead of the open weave, mainly because I got too much junk in the shoe when hiking. Then when I need a shoe for water use I would prefer a more traditional sandal. I do like that these shoes offer more toe protection than my sandals though.  Anyone considering these should also make sure that they will fit inside their kayak if planning to use them for this activity. And last, for standing long hours on hard surfaces the BioCentric™ footbed used in the Paradox is truly amazing.

Personal Information
Name: Coy Starnes
Gender: Male
Age: 47
Height: 6 ft (1.8 m)
Weight: 240 lb (109 kg)
Email: starnescr@yahoo.com
Location: Grant Alabama

Paddling Bio: I have been canoeing for around 27 years but just recently got the Kayaking bug. I purchased a used Perception Carolina 14.5 kayak in the summer of 2008 but found the cockpit was a little cramped for my taste. I bought an Ocean Kayak Prowler 15 which is a Sit-On-Top and found it much better suited for my needs. I kayak on local waters here in Northeast Alabama which includes Guntersville Lake as well as many rivers and creeks. So far I have not done any whitewater kayaking but have tackled a few class II streams. I consider myself a strong paddler but still need to work on my technique as I am slower than a few of the locals I paddle with.

Reviewer:  Jason Dekok
Editor: Hollis Luzecky
Date: 6/13/2010

Manufacturer:  Cascade Designs
Product Line: SealLine
Website:  http://www.cascadedesigns.com
MSRP:  US $22.95
Size tested:  20L (5.28 gallons)
Weight:  14 oz / 400 g
Material:  16 oz. (454 g) vinyl side with heavy duty 19 oz (537 g). vinyl bottom
Colors available:  smoke tint, blue tint
Sizes available:  5L, 10L, 20L, 30L (1.3, 2.6, 5.28, 7.9 gallons)

Product Description

From the manufactures website: “When color-coding isn’t enough, See Bags take the guesswork out of what’s packed inside.

Made with a tough 16 oz. (454 g) transparent vinyl and a heavy-duty 19 oz (537 g). black bottom, they’re built to last through years of  road and river miles. See Bags close with our watertight Dry Seal™  Roll-Top Closure and have a secure D-ring attachment for lashing tight. Available in four sizes.”

Personal Description

I was initially impressed with the thickness of the vinyl as I was only used to using nylon stuff sacks before.  Though the material seems thick it is quite flexible and easy to roll the top down.  The weight of the bag makes it feel sturdy without being overly heavy.  The see through body of the bag makes me wonder why anyone would ever want a bag that was not transparent.  My overall initial impression was that of a modestly priced quality constructed dry bag.

20L
Width:  9 in / 23 cm
Weight:  14 oz / 400 g
Length:  16 in / 41 cm
Volume:  1170 cu. in / 19 liters
Closure:  Dry Seal dual-strip roll-down
Material:  16-oz. (454 g) clear vinyl body, 19-oz. (537 g) scrim-reinforced vinyl bottom
Country of Origin:  Made in Seattle, USA

Initial Impression

The day before my first kayak experience (multi-day camping trip) I was looking for a way to keep some gear dry.  I  knew nothing of dry bags, or dry boxes.  Looking amongst all the options at the outdoor sports store, this bag stood out due to its see through attribute.  I thought it would be large enough to keep a change of clothes, keys and wallet dry and all the better that I could actually see what was inside without opening it.  The vinyl construction seemed very thick and sturdy, and when rolling down the top enclosure the vinyl seemed to stick to itself which I thought was nice.  Pulling on the vinyl shows that it has very little give and does not stretch much.

Field Test

The bag did in fact fit a change of clothes (jeans, socks, underwear, t-shirt, sweat shirt), wallet and my keys.  I was somewhat concerned about the keys poking the side of the bag so I was sure to wrap them up in some of the clothing. When pushing the bag into the rear hatch I did find that the “sticky” vinyl made it difficult to slide.  Likewise when retrieving the bag it stuck to the inside of the compartment.  After learning that lesson I was sure to pack it close to the hatch for the rest of the trip.  On this particular trip the bag was not put to any serious test, it survived a hour or so in the rain without leaking before I put it away someplace dry.

Since that initial trip 8 years ago it has sat in many leaky kayak storage compartments, out in the rain and has never let any moisture in.  As with all my gear I am very careful to inflict as little wear and tear as possible, regardless this bag has been dragged across sand and gravel on numerous occasions by accident.  Often when moving my boat up beaches and boat launches I leave the bag on the deck tied loosely with rope from its D-ring and end up dragging it when it falls off.  So far the body of the bag has shown so few scratches that one needs to search to find them and you can still see clearly into the bag.

As this is the one bag that goes on every single trip I take it usually has my cell phone and keys in it (with key fob).  There has never been a problem with moisture so these electronic devices have never had an issue.  Lately I have been stuffing the bag under my rear deck bungies with my BlackBerry in it facing skyward so that I can use a GPS tracking program.  The material of the bag has not interfered with the GPS signal which I was initially concerned it would.

Summary

As mentioned above, I have used this bag for 8 years now and still use it on every trip to hold a spare change of clothes as well as my wallet/keys.  When not in use it is in the car year round through the blazing summer days and freezing winter nights and the vinyl has not shown any signs of degradation.  It is still flexible and has no cracks.

Pros

- being see through, it is much easier to find the items I am looking for
- keeps items dry, I feel safe putting electronics in it
- the high build quality is apparent as it is still in very good shape

Cons

- the vinyl sticks to the inside of the kayak which can make it difficult to use in the far reaches of storage compartments
- honestly can not think of any more

Reviewer  Bio

Name: Jason Dekok
Age: 32
Gender: Male
Height: 5′6″ (167.5cm)
Weight: 180lb (82kg)
Email: jdekok at dekok dot org
Location: Caistor Centre, Ontario, Canada

Bitten by the bug many years ago it’s only in the last three years that I have acquired my own boat and been able to paddle at will.  I enjoy many of the small lakes, rivers and creeks of southern Ontario and occasionally venture on to one of the great lakes (Ontario or Erie) when things are nice and calm.

Edited by Coy Starnes

Last updated on: July 29, 2010

Test is currently – IN PROGRESS

Additional information will be available in two months time from this report date.

Image courtesy of teva.com

Product Information

Manufacturer Details

Image courtesy of teva.com

Measured Details

About the Product

The Teva Itunda Sandals are advertised as both a trail and water shoe.  They offer a lug design to grip in various terrain and drainage for water use.  Before I describe the Itunda shoe in more depth, I just want to express my initial thoughts, “super comfy”.

Upon arrival, I thought they would be too small of a fit, but after reworking the various straps, I was able to slide my heel back just enough for a perfect fit.  However, I do not believe they are true to size as I feel the run a bit small.  I was lucky enough to get a good fit, which rarely happens for me with shoe reviews.

The uppers are made up of synthetic leather, polyester mesh and perforated neoprene.  The lining, midsoles and topsoles are all designed with EVA, but the lining is polyester as well.  The outsoles are rubber.

For added comfort, Shoc Pad heel cushions are fixed to the EVA compression molded midsoles.  Toe bumpers offer protection from abrasion and thermoplastic urethane shanks are added for support.  Drain Frame drainage ports are integrated throughout the mid and topsoles for the obvious, draining water.

Not only do the outsoles have a lug design for traction on various terrain, but they are also designed with non-marking Spider Rubber.  The adjustable padded straps have quick release buckles that offer a secure and comfortable fit.  The heel straps are padded as well, which definitely adds comfort to the sandal.

Thus far, I am impressed with the amount of comfort offered, even before they are fully broken-in.  I do expect the comfort level to increase as the do become more broken-in with my continued use and testing.  While the Itunda sandals were worn for several different lengths of time , I notice some discomfort when worn for longer periods.  I do believe this is due the new shoes stiffness and this will change during the break-in time.

Field and Testing Locations

Use and testing of the Teva Itunda shoes took place in the following locations and conditions.

Saratoga Springs State Park – 2 days/1 night Base Camping
Conditions were hot around 80 F (26.67 C), high humidity and a quick sprinkle of rain over night.   The shoes were used in camp and for some light walking.

Utsayantha North Lake (unofficial name) – 2 days/1 night canoe camping
This camping spot is situated on a small island toward the center of the lake.  The conditions were warm with light rain in the evening and temperatures around 80 F (26.67 C).  The ground condition was sandy, few rocks and pine needles.  There were some light wind gusts in early morning.  The lake’s elevation is at 2000 ft (610 m).

South Hill State Forest – 2 days/1 night backpack
The shoes were worn in camp only, not while backpacking.  This was a quick three mile (4.83 km) bushwhack to a secret secluded camping spot.  Conditions were warm with clear skies.  The temperature was 75 F (24 C).  The campsite elevation was at 2100 ft (640 m).  The ground condition at this location was sandy with some rocks.

Other trips taken to evaluate the Teva shoes were all day trips on mostly flat water. Most of my trips were at a local pond, were the only other occupants were a family of beaver; sort of like a secret spot. Another trip was down a segment of the Susquehanna River, with quick water but relatively flat which leads into the Goodyear Lake.

In addition to backcountry and on water use, I also used the Teva shoes in the front-country for some light walking during our heat wave here in the northeast.

Field Evaluations and Assessments

This time around, I did have much luck with wearing the shoes.  I had several issues with blistering and when caught early enough, hot spots.  This mainly occurred while light walking was conducted and only some hot spots while paddling.  I gave it several tries with walking, but at this point, I am no longer willing to bare any more pain.  I have used them after these issue for paddling only were little walking took place.

Other than that, the shoe did perform well in the water as they drained water well and the shoe always sat snug while wading.  The initial comfort of wearing the Itunda’s is great, they really do feel great when first put on.  However, after a little while the rubbing catches up to me ruining my experience.
The soles consistently offered great tracking on various condition and terrain, even on the slippery rocks.  The cushioning of the soles is great as well.  The soles of my feet were always rewarded with comfort.

Adjusting the shoes was always a cinch and quick to perform.  Even after experiencing hot spots, I adjusted the shoes every way possible to find a solution to my problem.  I ended up wearing socks on one occasion after catching the redness and hot spots.  I did however on two occasions ended up with blisters and one of those times, it was severe.  Barefoot walking was needed after that point.

Brief Synopsis

I initially had high expectations of the Teva Itunda Sandals, as during my initial reviews I was quite happy with the comfort level and fit.  Unfortunately, after some further evaluating and longer distance walking, I experienced hot spots, uncomfortable rubbing and in severe cases, blisters.  After these experiences I was forced to wear the sandals when little walking was needed and remained mostly in the canoe.  However, at this point I am disappointed and am not willing to endure any more pain.  Therefore, I maybe hanging up the Idunda’s for good.

On a positive note, the Itunda’s do feel quite comfortable when initially put on and the bottoms of my feet were happy with the padding in the soles.  Traction from the soles was consistently provided in the water, on land and in the wet boat.

Author’s Information

Edited by Coy Starnes

May 23rd, 2010

Zeal Optics Frames

Product Information:

Zeal Optics hard case

The Swapit Deuce is part of Zeal Optics line of sunglasses that can convert to an aqua goggle. The Swapit Deuce comes in a hard case that includes a microfiber holder (that doubles for cleaning), back band strap, goggle attachment, sunglass leash, the sunglasses themselves and a cleaning solution. The sunglasses have a small hole at the end of the arms that allow the back band to attach directly to the sunglasses. The back band is adjustable and also has some elasticity to allow for a snug yet comfortable fit.

Zeal Optics soft case

The rubber goggle attachment slides onto the arms of the sunglasses and fit around the frames. The rubber fits onto the lenses for a snug fit. There are drain holes to prevent water accumulation and may help with fogging. A glass leash is also provided with the sunglasses which is especially handy for watersports. The leash has a small clip on one end and attaches to the backband at the other end. The leash is a short piece of coiled plastic. The case is a sturdy case that has foam with slots for all the pieces keeping everything contained. The sunglasses themselves are a polarized lens, and are not overly dark. The glasses fit close to the face to block out side scatter, which on the water can be an issue. These frames can handle a prescription lens.

Impressions

Zeal Optics splash guard partially in place

I was initially taken by these sunglasses as not only do they have an integrate backband but I love the idea of being able to add in a goggle feature to keep water from splashing into my eyes. This isn’t a true water goggle and will not keep water out of my eyes, should I submerge, rather it keeps splashing water out of my

Zeal Optics back band attachment

eyes. The backband is easy to install onto the frames. The backband has a plastic piece that fits into a slot in the arms of the sunglasses, once turned it locks into place. The rubber goggle attachment takes a little more work. It slides on but then I must mate the rubber to the frame for a flat fit. I like the close fit to my face which blocks out a lot of light that tends to get reflected up off the water and under most of my other glasses. I did notice that with the tight fit, I was getting sunscreen on parts of the frame and lens. More a nuisance then a problem.

On Water Use

I have taken the Zeal Swapit’s out on numerous trip in and around the Washington DC area, mostly on the Potomac River. I have detailed a few of the trips below to give an idea of typical use.

Zeal Optics leash

My first trip out on the water with them, I could tell they were polarized as each eye received a different amount of light when I tipped my head to one side. I loved the backband as the center of the band is nice and wide, fitting nicely against my head. As the first trip out was just in a recreational boat with a group of beginners, I didn’t bother to use the goggle attachment as it simply wasn’t needed. I did get some sunblock on the frames and lenses. Not enough to be an issue but with the close fit of the frames and lenses it is something I will have to pay attention to in the future when applying sunblock.

My next trip out was while leading a 4 hour tour group in and around the monuments of DC. I was out for about 4 hours with the group and it was a bright sunny day. Having the polarized sunglasses was a treat as it kept my eyes from fatiguing early. I find that with the polarization, I notice more color while having less glare. The sunglasses were great to have along.

On another trip out, I used the sunglasses again while leading a 4 hour tour group in and around a riparian section of the Potomac up in Maryland. The sun was coming and going from behind puffy while clouds. The day was bright even when the sun wasn’t immediately overhead. The sunglasses worked well to keep the glare down but worked equally well when the sun was hiding behind the clouds. I didn’t feel as if the sunglasses were taking away from my kayaking experience in the river.

Another trip I took, I forgot I had the sunglasses with me as they has ended up in the side pocket of my PFD. They remained there the whole trip until I found them again back at the car. The sunglasses were tough and came out unscratched. I was sure they would have experienced some abuse in the pocket but they seemed to come out in great shape still. I didn’t notice any scratching on the surface of the lenses in spite of this harsh treatment. I wouldn’t do it again if I could avoid it, but it was nice they didn’t pick up any scratches.

Zeal Optics test drive before the paddle

The last time I used them was out in a white water situation on the Potomac River in Maryland. I was out for about a 2 hour paddle out to Maryland Chute before the end of the warm water season. This time I had the rubber goggle shield in place and it did a great job of keeping splashes out of my eyes. Not only did it keep out the direct splashes but it also kept out the drips that ran down my forehead from my wet hair. This was great because it allowed me to focus more on what was coming up rather then trying to get water out of my eyes. I did find that the shield didn’t help much for rolling. The rubber shield has drip holes to allow drainage but I felt that it didn’t drain fast enough. I also found that the rubber shield didn’t make good contact with my face. Maybe I have a narrow face but there was no connection along the sides of my face.

Wear and Durability

I haven’t seen any signs of scratching yet on the surface of the lenses. I have been careful to avoid scratching them because nothing mars a good view like a scratch on the lenses, but in spite of storing them once in the pocket of my PFD they still remain scratch-free. The rubber splash guard is still in great shape and shows no signs of deterioration from the sunblock that I got on it. I do notice that if I store them folded or toss them in a small space (like a dry sack) that the rubber will sometimes retain a little bit of a fold in it. I have been more careful to store the rubber shield flat now. The frames also show no signs of wear either of the pattern or loss of color from the sunblock I got on the frames.

Wrap-up

Zeal Optics backband

I have really enjoyed using these sunglasses and foresee myself getting many more paddling trips out of them. I didn’t initially care for the color, but it has grown on me. I think I would have preferred something darker, but on hot sunny days, I think the lighter brown is a better choice. I like the close fit to my face, but this has lead to sunblock on the frames and tops of the lenses. The sunblock comes off with a wipe but can sometimes impede the vision just a little. The sunglasses are very light and I almost don’t notice they are there. The viewing area is nice and wide and I find that the frames don’t seem to impede my vision either. I am used to wearing glasses and these are quite light. I really liked the lightness of them. While the back strap is easy to attach to the frames, it did take a little getting used to once I was wearing the glasses. I like the band to be tight enough to keep the glasses on my face, so this means I had to pretighten the back band, then don the glasses and finally attach the back band to the other side of the frame.

Zeal Optics splash guard not fully sealing

The back band has been handy to use to keep the sunglasses tighter to my face under rougher conditions as well as keep the sunglasses attached to me. I used the backstrap to keep the sunglasses in place and the spiral cord to attach the glasses to my PFD for security. The rubber shield has been good at keeping out splashed but doesn’t do much to stop full immersion. Even though the glasses themselves have a tight fit to my face, the rubber shield didn’t make full contact along the sides of my face. I initially liked the storage case and thought it was a carrying case too. But after tossing it in my gear bag I found that the case is quite bulky and best suited for storage not as a carrying case. I now will just place the sunglasses in a side pocket in my PFD or put them in a different case and store the sunglasses in my day hatch when I don’t need them.

Summary

Pros

- close to face fit prevents light creeping in around the edges

- comfortable backband and goggle attachment

- easy to use google attachment

- very light weight and almost unnoticeable

Cons

- close fit can pick up sunscreen on face

- carry case is a bit big and bulky so I only use for storage

- Rubber shield didn’t make full contact around my face.

This concludes my review on the Zeal Optics Swapit Deuce Sunglasses. Thank you for reading this review and I hope you have found the information contained within valuable and useful.

Personal Information:

Paddling Bio: I started seriously kayaking in the summer of 2007 and bought an Impex Force Category 4 as my first real boat that fall. I started whitewater kayaking in the summer of 2008 with a Jackson Classic Fun and now I also have a Jackson AllStar. I currently enjoy white water, flat water, ocean surfing and sea kayaking and look forward to getting more into rafting. I tend to get out on the water several times a week during the height of the kayaking season. I have even paddled with the Ice Pirates at the height of winter. I am hoping to do an expedition trip in the following year.

Edited by Chari Daignault

Last updated on: April 28, 2010   

Test is currently – IN PROGRESS   

Additional information will be available in two months time from this report date.

Image courtesy of princetontec.com

Product Information

Manufacturer Details

Image courtesy of princetontec.com

Measured Details

About the Product

The Aqua Strobe is an emergency survival light designed for to be used on or off land.  The bulb is a bright Krypton (according to the website) or Xenon (according to packaging) Bulb and offers continued use for up to eight hours.  And this little strobe sure is bright.  The packaging states the bulb will flash 70 times per minute.  This bright flasher runs on only one AA battery, which was included.

For water use, Princeton Tec says the waterproof rating is a level three, which is their highest rating.  They also state that their level three “is assigned to lights that offer a degree of water protection equivalent to IPX8 in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards”.  A level three rating provides waterproofness to a depth of 328 ft (100 m).  If dropped in the water the lamp is supposed to float head up.

On the Princeton Tec website, it is stated the Aqua Strobe comes with a Velcro Strap and a lanyard.  A lanyard was supplied, but not the Velcro Strap.  There are two access points where a strap can be fitted to and in my opinion would be more of use than a lanyard.   The packaging does state on the front “equipment/wrist attachment”.  It doesn’t say included so I am not sure if this is meant for the included lanyard or the Velcro Strap mentioned on their website.  It could also be possible the strap fell out when opening the package, but I do have the packaging and all other contents, so nothing was thrown out; I even searched my home and gear closet for the Velcro.  It is a mystery… I will contact customer service to ask if it is at all possible the strap was left out, I will report this experience in the follow up report.

On my personal shipping scale, the strobe weighed at 3.5 oz (99 g) which is slightly heavier than their listed weight.  For paddling the weight is of no concern, but I’m not about to pack it when hiking long days on the trail.

The inside of the cardboard packaging is operating and maintenance instructions.  Here they have a warning posted about never mixing fresh and unused batteries or different battery brands.  I’m not sure why this would be important to mention since the Aqua Strobe requires only one battery.  However, they do mention something else important about proper battery installation.  To quote the packaging instructions, “Observe proper battery polarity when installing the batteries.  Improper installation of the batteries will damage the light and void the warranty.”  The battery installs under the twist off lens cap with the positive end facing up.

The maintenance mentioned is about lubricating the o-ring.  They say to clean occasionally and lubricate the o-ring and cap threads.  It also says the light should be rinsed with fresh water after use.

Author’s Information

Reviewed by: Hollis Luzecky
Edited by: Coy Starnes
Last Updated: May 5, 2010

Review Status: In Progress
This review is still in progress. Additional information will be available in two months.

Product Specifications

Active Sunscreen SPF 30   

Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen SPF 30 (photo from manufacturer website)

AfterSun Natural Moisturizer

Beyond Coastal AfterSun Natural Moisturizer (photo from manufacturer website)

Product Description

Active Sunscreen SPF 30

Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen SPF 30 (“Sunscreen”) is transparent, non-greasy, and fast absorbing according to the manufacturer. It is formulated for active people since it is sweat and water-resistant. The website claims that it won’t sting your eyes. It provides “true broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage for complete sun protection.” It is also rich in natural anti-oxidants. It is fragrance free, oil free, and paraben free. Here are how some of the ingredients work (there is much more detail on the website):

• PROTECTS – Real broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection supplied by Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)
• NOURISHES – Natural nutrients, Aloe, Shea Butter, Rose Hip Oil, rebuild and restore the skin.
• REPAIRS – Natural antioxidants from Yerba Mate, Green Tea, and Algae Extract scavenge free radicals, restoring skin tone.
• HYDRATES – Pro Vitamin B, Shea Butter and Rose Hip Oil moisturize, maintaining skin cell balance.

According to the bottle, the Sunscreen is also hypoallergenic and dermatologist approved.  It should be applied 30 minutes before going into the sun and reapplied periodically if sweating or in the water. The Sunscreen is white and has a silky feel.

The bottle has a flip-top cap that also screws on and off.  There is a silver foil tab over the opening that must be removed before the first use.

AfterSun Natural Moisturizer

Beyond Coastal AfterSun Natural Moisturizer (“Moisturizer”) is an everyday natural moisturizer that is supposed to cool and refresh the skin after a day in the sun. According to the website, it is an “anti-aging formula packed with natural anti-oxidants [that] restores and heals sun damaged skin [and] rejuvenates the skin keeping it soft and young.” It also claims that it can keep the skin wrinkle-free. It is fragrance free, oil free, and paraben free. The information on the website explains how the ingredients work. Here is just a sampling from the very detailed list on the website:

• NOURISHES – Natural Comfrey, Aloe and Shea Butter cleanse, soften and soothe the skin without clogging pores.
• REPAIRS – Matrixyl, Rigin, Chamomile and Copper Peptides maintain skin cell stability and promote skin rejuvenation.
• HYDRATES – Pro Vitamin B and yeast extracts moisturizes and promotes skin softness.

It is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested.  The Moisturizer is white and has a creamy feel.

The bottle has a flip-top cap that also screws on and off.  There is a silver foil tab over the opening that must be removed before the first use.

Initial Impressions

Active Sunscreen SPF 30

I think the Beyond Coastal Sunscreen is less greasy than any other sunscreen I have tried, but I wouldn’t say it is 100% non-greasy.  I don’t know how any lotion can be since it is a lotion.  However, I really like the feel of the Sunscreen and it is definitely less greasy than any lotion I can remember using. It still leaves my skin shiny, which gives it the appearance of being greasy, but it doesn’t feel slick or oily on my skin.  It also has a lighter feel than some of the other higher SPF sunscreens I have used.  It goes on very smooth and does not have a gooey or sticky thick feel. It absorbs amazingly quickly into my skin.  And after about 1 minute it feels like it has been completely absorbed.

One of the things I also really like about the Sunscreen is that it doesn’t leave the palms of my hands feeling oily or slick.  I usually have to wipe them off before picking up my paddle, but with this Sunscreen I don’t have to.

As an initial test, I wore the Sunscreen on a 10-mile (16 km) paddle near Mason Neck State Park just south of Washington, DC in Virginia.  It is on the tidal part of the Potomac River where it is very wide, so very exposed to the sun.  It was a sunny 92 F (33 C) and water temps were probably in the upper 50s F/low 60s F (10-16 C).  I applied the Sunscreen before I left my home, about an hour before getting on the water since the bottle suggests applying it 30 minutes before going in the sun and I knew once I arrived I would be in the sun right away.  I was careful to cover my face and ears well.  But I wasn’t too careful on my neck, applying what I thought was probably too little.  I was planning on wearing long sleeves since the water was chilly, but when I arrived and felt how hot the sun was and knowing it was very unlikely for me to take a swim, I left on my short sleeves.  I applied more of the Sunscreen to my arms after I unpacked everything from my car.  We paddled for about 4 hours total with breaks for exploring and eating.  I was sweating pretty good at times since it was so warm. I had a cap on so my face was not getting full sun the whole time.  I never noticed my eyes stinging even though I know I was sweating, so I’m pretty confident in the sunscreens sweat-proofness and gentleness on eyes.  I also didn’t have any trouble with my grip on the paddle.  I didn’t reapply the Sunscreen at all on the trip, just to see how well it worked.  When I got home, my face had a little pinkness to it, but I would not say it was burnt.  My arms were not burn at all.  The back of my neck was a little pinker, but like I said, I didn’t apply it very well back there and that was most exposed to the sun (besides my arms).

AfterSun Natural Moisturizer

The AfterSun Moisturizer is also very light.  But it has more of a thick milky feel to it than the Sunscreen.  It also has a very strange smell that I’m not really fond of.  I can’t quite place what it smells like, but it is not floral-like or perfume-like.  It too absorbs very quickly into my skin and does make it feel very soft and smooth.  I put some on the back of my neck after the Mason Neck paddle (described above) and it cooled the very slight burn that I had.  The next day I wasn’t red at all.  The Moisturizer leaves the palms of my hands feeling a little greasy/oily, but it absorbs completely after about 10 minutes or so.

Summary

Active Sunscreen SPF 30

I really like the feel of the Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen SPF 30.  It does not leave my skin feeling greasy or oily after it is absorbed and my hands don’t slip on my paddle.  It appears to be pretty sweat/water-resistant as well.

Pros

• > Good coverage, absorbs really well
• > Not greasy
• > Sweat/water-resistant

Cons

• > None so far

AfterSun Natural Moisturizer

Pros

• > Leaves skin feeling very soft and smooth
• > Not greasy

Cons

• > Weird smell

***********************************************************

Reviewer Bio

I have spent a majority of my life on the water. I grew up canoeing and water skiing. I started flatwater kayaking when I was about 16 and jumped into sea kayaking at age 22. I paddle a P&H Scorpio LV. I began whitewater kayaking in 2006, learning on the Potomac River in the Washington, DC Metro Area, and have paddled Class I-IV rapids. I navigate rapids in a Dagger RPM or a Crossfire and surf waves in a Wavesport Fuse 48. I have done a bit of whitewater rafting, but prefer the security of being in a kayak. They say everyone is between swims, but I prefer them to be few and far between.

Reviewed by: Hollis Luzecky
Edited by: Mike Wilkie
Last Updated: May 7, 2010

Review Status: In Progress
This review is still in progress. Additional information will be available in two months. 

Product Specifications

Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 (photo from retail website)

Beyond Coastal AfterSun Natural Moisturizer (photo from manufacturer website)

Product Description

Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 (“Natural Sunscreen”) is a “clean, natural” formula “for sensitive skin and highly exposed areas like the face, neck, nose, ears and around the eyes.” It is a “true broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen packed with anti-oxidants to heal and restore skin.” It is supposed to be fast spreading and absorbing. The fact that it is sweat and water-resistant makes it great for water sports. The website claims that it won’t sting your eyes. It is fragrance free, oil free, and paraben free. Here are how some of the ingredients work (there is much more detail on the website):

• > PROTECTS – True broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection supplied by micronized Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
• > NOURISHES – Rejuvenates the skin with natural Aloe, Shea Butter and Rose Hip Oil.
• > REPAIRS – Anti-oxidant rich -restores the skin with anti-aging Cocoa and Shea Butter – scavenges free radicals with natural Grape Seed and Algae Extract.
• > HYDRATES – Vitamin A and Pro Vitamin B restore skin elasticity for younger healthier skin.

According to the bottle, the Sunscreen will not clog pores, and is hypoallergenic and dermatologist approved. Plus, for the environmentally conscious, it is reef-safe and non-toxic.

The Sunscreen is thick and white, with an interesting smell. It should be applied 30 minutes before going into the sun and reapplied periodically if sweating or in the water. The bottle has a flip-top cap that also screws on and off. There is a silver foil tab over the opening that must be removed before the first use.

It meets Whole Foods Premium Body Care Standard and received top marks from the Environmental Working Group, according to the website.

AfterSun Natural Moisturizer

Beyond Coastal AfterSun Natural Moisturizer (“Moisturizer”) is an everyday natural moisturizer that is supposed to cool and refresh the skin after a day in the sun. According to the website, it is an “anti-aging formula packed with natural anti-oxidants [that] restores and heals sun damaged skin [and] rejuvenates the skin keeping it soft and young.” It also claims that it can keep the skin wrinkle-free. It is fragrance free, oil free, and paraben free. The information on the website explains how the ingredients work. Here is just a sampling from the very detailed list on the website:

• > NOURISHES – Natural Comfrey, Aloe and Shea Butter cleanse, soften and soothe the skin without clogging pores.
• > REPAIRS – Matrixyl, Rigin, Chamomile and Copper Peptides maintain skin cell stability and promote skin rejuvenation.
• > HYDRATES – Pro Vitamin B and yeast extracts moisturizes and promotes skin softness.

It is hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. The Moisturizer is white and has a creamy feel.

The bottle has a flip-top cap that also screws on and off. There is a silver foil tab over the opening that must be removed before the first use.

Initial Impressions

Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

The Natural Sunscreen is thick like other zinc oxide sunscreens I have used. It is fairly tough to squeeze it out of the bottle it is so thick. Initially it seems to absorb a little bit faster than other thick sunscreens I have used but it does take some working into the skin.  I noticed it is even tougher to rub in around the sensitive skin near my eyes. It also left my skin looking slightly pasty and white, so it does not seem to absorb completely into my skin.  After 30 seconds-1 minute it feels like it has been completely absorbed because my face doesn’t feel greasy or look shiny, but I still could see a white film on my skin. I like that my fingers don’t feel oily or slick, which means that hopefully my hands won’t slide around on my paddle once on the water. It has an interesting smell, not bad, but also not pleasing. It doesn’t smell like most sunscreens I have used.

It does seem like it would be best used only on my face and ears because it is very thick and would take quite a bit of lotion and work to cover my arms and legs. As a first test, I wore some on a 40-mile bike ride along the Potomac River from Roosevelt Island to Mt. Vernon and back.  It was a sunny day, about 56-63 F (13-17 C) during the ride.  The trip was about 4.5 hours long with numerous stops.  Sometimes were we shaded by tree-lined trails, but at least half of the time we were in the sun.  I wasn’t sweating a whole lot since it was a pretty cool day, so I did not feel the need to reapply the Natural Sunscreen during the trip. My face did not burn at all, nor did I ever feel my eyes stinging.  I look forward to using the Natural Sunscreen on the water.

AfterSun Natural Moisturizer

The AfterSun Moisturizer is very light with a creamy, milky feel to it. It also has a very strange smell that I’m not really fond of. I can’t quite place what it smells like, but it is not floral-like or perfume-like. It absorbs very quickly into my skin and does make it feel very soft and smooth. I had the chance to use it already after a sunny paddle on which I didn’t put as much sunscreen on my neck as I should have. My neck was a little bit pink and the Moisturizer cooled the very slight burn that I had. The next day I wasn’t red at all. The Moisturizer leaves the palms of my hands feeling a little greasy/oily, but it absorbs completely after about 10 minutes or so.

Summary

Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

Pros

• > Absorbs pretty easily
• > Not greasy
• > Sweat/water-resistant

Cons

• > Leaves a white pasty film on my skin

AfterSun Natural Moisturizer

Pros

• > Leaves skin feeling very soft and smooth
• > Not greasy

Cons

• > Weird smell

***********************************************************

Reviewer Bio

I have spent a majority of my life on the water. I grew up canoeing and water skiing. I started flatwater kayaking when I was about 16 and jumped into sea kayaking at age 22. I paddle a P&H Scorpio LV. I began whitewater kayaking in 2006, learning on the Potomac River in the Washington, DC Metro Area, and have paddled Class I-IV rapids. I navigate rapids in a Dagger RPM or a Crossfire and surf waves in a Wavesport Fuse 48. I have done a bit of whitewater rafting, but prefer the security of being in a kayak. They say everyone is between swims, but I prefer them to be few and far between.

Active Sunscreen

& AfterSun Moisturizer

Test Review by Sophie Pearson

Edited by Mike Wilkie

Last Updated January 4, 2011

Sunscreen and AfterSun

Test Status: Completed.

Product Information

Manufacturer: Beyond Coastal

Website: www.beyondcoastal.com

SPF: 30 (also available in 15)

I am testing the 4 oz bottles of both.

Product Description

Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen is specifically designed for sporting activities where there will be large amounts of sun exposure. According to the website it is non-greasy, fast-absorbing, water and sweat resistant, with broad UVA/UVB protection. It comes in a plastic bottle that stands on its cap. The bottle is white with a bright yellow and blue pattern and a black cap. The cap unscrews to reveal a piece of silver foil over the end of the bottle. When this is removed and the cap is replaced the sunscreen flows out through a 0.75 in (1.9 cm) hole in the flip-top cap. The liquid inside the bottle is white and fairly thick.

Bottle caps

The front of the bottle gives the same information as the website, while the back has more detailed information, including the fact that it is fragrance and oil-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist approved and not tested on animals. Below this are typical information for a health product – uses, warnings, directions and other information (about harmful effects of the sun). The active ingredients listed are Avobenzone (2.8%), Benzophenone-3 (5.0%), Octocrylene (1.0%), Octyl Methoxycinnamate (7.5%) and Octyl Salicylate (5%). The purpose for all of them is listed as sunscreen. It also contains quite a few natural ingredients that are supposed to nourish, repair and hydrate skin.

There is fairly extensive information on the back of the bottles

The Beyond Coastal AfterSun is in a similar bottle to the sunscreen, although it is different shades of blue and is slightly shorter. The information on the bottles is also similar, although in this case there are no warnings, and the directions suggest daily application particularly after sunbathing. The aftersun appears to be all natural ingredients, and its moisturizing affects are emphasized both on the bottle and on the website. Again it is a white liquid, although appears to be slightly more fluid than the sunscreen.

Initial Impressions

The bottle of sunscreen that I am testing is smaller capacity than I normally use for sunscreen. However, the liquid is quite thick and I think it will take less than the cheap sunscreens that I normally use. The bottle itself appears to be sturdy, with a flip-top cap that flips open easily but clips shut securely. Squeezing from near the top of the bottle, where it is narrowest, causes the liquid to flow out, although it takes a little pressure. My initial impression is that this is good – it is unlikely that the sunscreen will come running out, or that way too much will come out as so often happens to me.

I applied the sunscreen on a test run and was pleasantly surprised by it. It is easy to apply (thick enough not to run but runny enough to spread), only feels very slightly greasy and really absorbs amazingly fast. On a recent kayak race I applied sunscreen and really regretted it because the paddle kept slipping. With the Beyond Coastal sunscreen I picked up the paddle straight after applying and it barely felt slippery at all. The sunscreen also absorbed really quickly, in fact by the time I had finished one side of my chest and one arm the other side had already soaked in! After it had soaked in my skin did not feel like I had applied anything, and felt less greasy than many moisturizers. As I don’t like applying things to my skin (moisturizer, bug spray and only sunscreen because I really have to) I have great hopes for this sunscreen!

The aftersun rubs in well and has a pleasant smell. I can’t tell too many differences between it and a traditional moisturizer, but with my fair skin and constant sun exposure I am sure I will get the chance to try out its aftersun properties soon!

Field Testing

I have used this sunscreen exclusively over the last few months. I began using it in Florida, where temperatures ranged from 70 to 95°F (21 to 35°C), always sunny and dry. I did a number of day trips of around 10 miles (16 km) as well as some car-camping. I then moved to New Zealand where I used the sunscreen in a wide range of conditions, from cloudy to sunny to raining to windy. Temperatures varied between 35 and 84°F (2 and 29°C) although most of the kayaking was with temperatures of around 70°F (21°C). I wore the sunscreen on 11 days of kayaking trips, generally of distances of about 10 miles (16 km) but 2 of them a bit longer (15 miles; 24 km).

I have mainly used the Beyond Coastal Sunscreen in sunny weather in Florida and New Zealand.

Performance on the water

The Beyond Coastal Sunscreen has become my go-to sunscreen, and I am really sad now that it is running out! I am very bad at reapplying sunscreen, but I found that even 6 hours after applying the Beyond Coastal sunscreen I wasn’t getting burnt. This is really important in New Zealand as we are directly under the hole in the ozone layer so the sun is unusually intense. The difference is extremely obvious – when I forgot the sunscreen one weekend my feet burnt and blistered. Painful and definitely not pretty! I had applied sunscreen around noon, but as we were camping I was in the sun all morning and my feet, which were very white from generally being in wetsuit boots and inside the kayak, really suffered although the rest of me just took on a faint pink tinge. Other times when I missed areas with the sunscreen, around my watch or close to the edges of my clothes, my skin has gone quite pink and then peeled while the rest of my skin has very gradually gone brown. Even with getting liberally splashed by waves in big swell, swimming or sweating I have not got burnt with the sunscreen so it does seem to be waterproof too, unlike some used by the people around me!

Where I have missed spots with the sunscreen my skin has gone red and then peeled.

Both the bottle and the sunscreen have lasted well. The bottle is a useful shape for fitting in small spaces like down the side of my kayak seat or in my PFD pocket. It has never leaked. I have got far more uses out of it than I expected, probably because the sunscreen is reasonably thick. I do really like the consistency and how easily it rubs in. Even after a full day in the sun the sunscreen has not gone watery and runny like many do. I have found that it squeezes out fairly easily, but never to the point that I accidentally use half the bottle! It rubs in quickly and easily, which for me as a kayaker is a huge bonus. It only takes a minute or two before my hands don’t feel greasy again and I can comfortably grip the kayak paddle. It takes maybe 3 rubs to rub in and afterwards my skin feels like normal, rather than oily or sticky, and it hasn’t gone spotty either.

The sunscreen only takes about 3 rubs to be absorbed, and doesn't feel greasy on my skin.

AfterSun

Sadly my skin has a tendency to burn and I am not the best at remembering to apply (or bring!) sunscreen and therefore I have had plenty of chances to test the Beyond Coastal AfterSun Moisturizer. Again it is a good consistency and easy to rub in. It doesn’t have the cooling feeling of the Aloe-based aftersun gels that I normally use, but it definitely works. Twice I got burnt to the point where I would normally peel but by repeatedly applying the aftersun I just went from red to brownish-white instead. Initially I applied it religiously on my feet when I fried them and it was only after several days, when I got lazy, that they blistered. Considering how red and painful they looked that was actually pretty good! It definitely works better than moisturizer for sunburn, and my skin does feel soft, but as I don’t naturally have dry skin I have not really noticed the moisturizing effects. Overall I have liked this aftersun and have certainly been glad that I had it!

Summary

The Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen and AfterSun Moisturizer are both good quality products that do their job well. The sunscreen has protected me better than many that my friends have been using, rubs in easily and lasts well. The aftersun has definitely minimized the burning after time in the sun when I forgot sunscreen. Overall I have been really impressed with these products and will have a hard time replacing them, but as the cost of shipping to New Zealand is more than the cost of the products, I don’t really have a choice!

Likes
Good consistency
Absorb quickly
Don’t feel greasy
Sunscreen lasted – even after 6 hours I wasn’t getting burnt
Sunscreen really protected from the sun
AfterSun minimized burning
Bottles are useful size and shape and sturdy

Dislikes
Not particularly cheap
With shipping to New Zealand just too expensive
AfterSun doesn’t give that really cooling feeling that aloe-based gels do

Name: Sophie Pearson
Age: 28
Gender: Female
Height: 5′ 8” (1.71 cm)
Weight: 200 lb (91 kg)
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
Email: sophiep3 at gmail dot com

Paddling style: I first got really hooked on kayaking while living in Florida in January 2008 and have continued to paddle regularly now that I have moved to New Zealand. I paddle a 36-year-old 13.5′ (4.1 m) sit-in Kevlar kayak and a 18′ (5.5 m) fiberglass sea kayak. I do flatwater kayaking on oceans and rivers year round. I prefer to do long-weekend paddles covering 50+ miles (80+ km), but also do many relaxed day trips, the odd race or two and some week-long paddles.

]]> http://kayakgearreviews.org/reviews/personal-hygienehealth/sunscreenblock-personal-hygienehealth/beyond-coastal-sunscreen-and-aftersun-sophie/sophiep3/feed/ 0 http://kayakgearreviews.org/reviews/personal-hygienehealth/sunscreenblock-personal-hygienehealth/beyond-coastal-natural-sunscreen-and-after-sun-moisturizer/chari/ http://kayakgearreviews.org/reviews/personal-hygienehealth/sunscreenblock-personal-hygienehealth/beyond-coastal-natural-sunscreen-and-after-sun-moisturizer/chari/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 13:26:30 +0000 Chari http://kayakgearreviews.org/?p=3248 Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen and After-Sun Moisturizer
Test Review Series by Chari Daignault

Edited by Coy Starnes

Last updated on May 6, 2010

Review Status: In Progress
This review is still in progress. Additional information will be available in approximately two months.

Product Information

Manufacturer: Beyond Coastal
Website: http://www.beyondcoastal.com/
MSRP and Available Sizes:

• Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
  US $5.99 – 1 oz.
  US $11.99 – 2.5 oz.
  US $15.99 – 4 oz.
• After-Sun Moisturizer
  US $9.99 – 2.5 oz.
  US $14.99 – 4 oz.

Size Tested: Natural Sunscreen – 2.5 oz. , After-Sun Moisturizer – 4 oz.

Product Description:

Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 in the 2.5 oz. size comes in a tube with a flip-top cap. There is a protective shield that must be removed prior to using the sunscreen, which I did by untwisting the flip-top cap and peeling off the protective shield. Once the cap was replaced, I was able to flip it open with my thumb, squeeze the tube and the product came out into my palm. The natural sunscreen is very thick, is off-white in color, and smells like natural clay you’d find at a spa. It’s very earthy-smelling.

Per the manufacturer, Natural Sunscreen is “clean, natural sunscreen for sensitive skin. Natural SPF 30 is Whole Foods Premium Body Care Standard compliant and received top marks from the EWG. A true broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen packed with anti-oxidants to heal and restore skin.”.

Ingredients list from the website:

The Natural Sunscreen is fragrance free, oil free and paraben free. Beyond Coastal designed this sunscreen for people with sensitive skin and for those who wish to use a natural sunscreen on sensitive areas such as the face, neck and ears. They claim it will not clog pores, that it spreads fast and will absorb quickly.

After-Sun Moisturizer

Beyond Coastal After-Sun Moisturizer comes in a similar tube to the sunscreen. This product had a protective shield as well, which was removed with the same process. The moisturizer is much thinner in consistency than the sunscreen, is also off-white in color and has the same clay-like scent.  Per the manufacturer, “AfterSun is an everyday natural moisturizer. Anti-aging formula packed with Natural anti-oxidants,  restores and heals sun damaged skin. AfterSun Natural Moisturizer rejuvenates the skin keeping it soft and young”.

Ingredients list from the website:

Initial Impressions

Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

The Natural Sunscreen spread relatively easily across my skin and after a quite a bit of rubbing in, it still did not absorb completely. It left a very noticeable residue on my skin and while running my hand over my skin, I could feel and see the sunscreen. It’s possible that I applied too much, but it was difficult to discern since the sunscreen is very thick.

For an initial test, I applied some to my face, shoulders and chest. I also put a large dot about (2 inches in diameter) of the sunscreen on my left forearm. Then I proceeded to work in my garden pulling weeds in full sun. After 2 hours of full sun — during which I did not reapply the sunscreen — the areas on which I had put the sunscreen did not burn. The areas where I stupidly did not apply any sunscreen definitely burned. (This test was conducted in concert with a test I did on Beyond Coastal’s Active Sunscreen SPF 30 which is reviewed on this site as well.)

After-Sun Moisturizer

The moisturizer spread very easily and absorbed quickly into my skin. It didn’t leave any noticeable residue and my skin didn’t feel sticky once it was absorbed. Following the 2 hours of sun mentioned above and a shower, I applied the moisturizer to all areas that were exposed to sun, including those on which I had applied the sunscreen. Although the rather “earthy” scent of the moisturizer was a bit off-putting at first, once it was absorbed, I didn’t really notice the scent as much. The moisturizer soothed the burnt areas on my upper back and helped with the intense itching that accompanies sun burns.

Summary

Despite of the scent of both products, I’ve had fairly good experiences with them so far. The sunscreen appears to work quite well, although it did not absorb completely into the skin for me. The moisturizer definitely helped with making my sun burn calm down and made my skin feel soft.

Personal Information

Name: Chari Daignault
Age: 47
Gender: Female
Height: 5′ 6″ (1.6 m)
Weight: 135 lb (61kg)
Email: chari DOT daignault AT gmail.com
Location: Central Florida, Orlando metro area

Paddling Bio

I started paddling in 1986 when I lived in Hawaii. I didn’t mind salt water back then, but now that I’m older, sand and salt just aren’t my thing. Living in Central Florida, I now roam fresh water rivers and lakes, occasionally dipping into the Banana River [which is brackish]. The Econlockhatchee river is almost exclusively my choice for kayaking and canoeing, as it’s nearby and has many winding turns and hidden coves. I’ve not yet tried whitewater kayaking and love the calmness of flat water. I prefer a sit-on-top kayak, as I get claustrophobic with my lower body enclosed.

Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen and After-Sun Moisturizer
Test Review Series by Chari Daignault

Edited by Coy Starnes

Last updated on May 5, 2010

Review Status: In Progress
This review is still in progress. Additional information will be available in approximately two months.

Active Sunscreen and After-Sun Moisturizer

Product Information

Manufacturer: Beyond Coastal
Website: http://www.beyondcoastal.com/
MSRP and Available Sizes:

• Active Sunscreen SPF 30
  US $5.99 – 1 oz.
  US $9.99 – 2.5 oz.
  US $14.99 – 4 oz.
  US $89.99 – 32 oz.
• After-Sun Moisturizer
  US $9.99 – 2.5 oz.
  US $14.99 – 4 oz.

Size Tested: 4 oz. for both products

Product Description:

Active Sunscreen SPF 30

Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen SPF 30 in the 4 oz. size comes in a tube with a flip-top cap. A protective shield must be removed prior to using the sunscreen; I was able to do this by untwisting the flip-top cap and peeling off the protective shield. Once I replaced the cap, I was able to flip it open with my thumb, squeeze the bottle and the product easily came out into my palm. The sunscreen is similar to a thick lotion, is off-white in color, and has a scent reminiscent of a natural clay mask product I  had used before. That doesn’t mean it smells exactly like mud, but it’s pretty close.

Per the manufacturer, Active Sunscreen is the “ultimate sport sunscreen – transparent, non-greasy and fast absorbing. Water and sweat resistant – won’t sting your eyes. True broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage  for complete sun protection. Rich in NATURAL anti-oxidants”.

Ingredients list from the website:

The sunscreen is supposed to be water and sweat resistant. Suggested use is to apply it 30 minutes prior to going out in the sun, and to reapply as necessary; especially if exposed to water or sweat.

After-Sun Moisturizer

Beyond Coastal After-Sun Moisturizer comes in a similar tube to the sunscreen. This product had a protective shield as well, which was removed with the same process. The moisturizer is thinner in consistency than the sunscreen, is also off-white in color and has the same clay-like scent.  Per the manufacturer, “AfterSun is an everyday natural moisturizer. Anti-aging formula packed with Natural anti-oxidants,  restores and heals sun damaged skin. AfterSun Natural Moisturizer rejuvenates the skin keeping it soft and young”.

Ingredients list from the website:

Initial Impressions

Active Sunscreen SPF 30

The sunscreen spread relatively easily across my skin and after a bit of rubbing in, was absorbed completely. It left no noticeable residue and while running my hand over my skin, I didn’t feel any stickiness. For me, the scent of the product is fine for outdoor and sports activities; which is for what the product is meant to be used.

As an initial test, I applied some to the back of my neck. I also put a large dot about (2 inches in diameter) of the sunscreen on my right forearm. Then I proceeded to work in my garden pulling weeds in full sun. After 2 hours of full sun — during which I did not reapply the sunscreen — the areas on which I had put the sunscreen did not burn. The areas where I stupidly did not apply any sunscreen definitely burned.

After-Sun Moisturizer

The moisturizer spread very easily and absorbed quickly into my skin. It didn’t leave any noticeable residue and my skin didn’t feel sticky once it was absorbed. Following the 2 hours of sun mentioned above and a shower, I applied the moisturizer to all areas that were exposed to sun, including those on which I had applied the sunscreen. Although the rather “earthy” scent of the moisturizer was a bit off-putting at first, once it was absorbed, I didn’t really notice the scent as much. The moisturizer soothed the burnt areas on my upper back and helped with the intense itching that accompanies sun burns.

Summary

In spite of the scent of both products, I’ve had good experiences with them so far. The sunscreen appears to work quite well and the moisturizer really helped with making my sun burn calm down. Remembering to apply sunscreen to all my exposed parts may end up being the real challenge for me on this review.

Personal Information

Name: Chari Daignault
Age: 47
Gender: Female
Height: 5′ 6″ (1.6 m)
Weight: 135 lb (61kg)
Email: chari DOT daignault AT gmail.com
Location: Central Florida, Orlando metro area

Paddling Bio

I started paddling in 1986 when I lived in Hawaii. I didn’t mind salt water back then, but now that I’m older, sand and salt just aren’t my thing. Living in Central Florida, I now roam fresh water rivers and lakes, occasionally dipping into the Banana River [which is brackish]. The Econlockhatchee river is almost exclusively my choice for kayaking and canoeing, as it’s nearby and has many winding turns and hidden coves. I’ve not yet tried whitewater kayaking and love the calmness of flat water. I prefer a sit-on-top kayak, as I get claustrophobic with my lower body enclosed.