This water filter will save you over and over again if you ride a lot of enduro. I generally take about 32 ounces of water with me on a ride which ends up being about half as much as I need. However, carrying more water means more weight to tote around on the trail. I can usually make due with 32 ounces, but for the first couple of hours I really feel that added weight until I drink it. I can't even imagine carrying a gallon of water during a trail ride. The solution I have found to this situation is a small water filter that can turn most water into 100% pure, and safe drinking water. You just need a water source. Although very uncommon in North America, you should still note that the filter will not rid water of chemicals, or disease (it's always safest to boil your water).

The filter costs right around $20, and comes with a bag to fill with water. A straw for easy drinking, and a back flow device so that you can back flow clean water through the filter in order to prevent clogging. I purchased this filter for my most recent dirt biking adventure, and ended up needing it towards the end of the day. As long as you can find a water source, you can drink it. This won't help if you are in the desert, but for anyone who adventures in the mountains this is an absolute must have. 

I have found this filter to be extremely easy to use, and convenient to carry. It only weighs two ounces, and filters 0.1 micron. That means you won't know you are carrying it until you are thirsty, and out of water. It also means you can drink out of a puddle if you have to. You can filter up to 100,000 gallons using this filter! We live in a time when technologies are becoming incredible, and product development does the impossible. This filter is a life saver.

Dirt bike gloves are a very essential part of your gear. It cuts down on vibration, saves your hands, and protects against crashes. Every motorcycle enthusiast can tell you that riding without gloves on feels just like riding naked. It almost feels like the piece of gear that integrates you directly to the bike. Comfortable, and durable gloves are everything. 

I have gone through endless name brands, in all shapes and styles when it comes to gloves. A pair of 100% RideFit gloves went on sale about two years ago, so I tried them out. I didn't stop wearing the first pair for over a year and a half of riding every weekend. They fit perfectly, and just keep getting better with time. They fit true to size, but stretch a little bit as well. If you are between sizes I would recommend purchasing one size down because they will break in. They offer a lot of airflow on top, and provide great protection on the palm with a little added reinforcement on the thumb area to prevent blisters. They advertise this glove for cold weather riding because of added insulation, but I would feel comfortable riding with it all year. Some perforation on the palms add breathability and it does feel like these gloves provide plenty of airflow during those hot days. 

Slip them on, and you feel like you put on a $2,000 custom fitted suit. They wear amazingly well, and instantly become a part of your ride, not a barrier. Durability is also unmatched. I usually go through a few pairs of gloves each year, but since I have switched to the 100% RideFit gloves, I have used the same couple of pairs. The retail cost is $27.50 which is a steal considering the longevity and comfort that comes with them.

I have ridden my whole life without any type of knee protection and I have had very few knee related injuries. This was purely by dumb luck. Most riders are landing knee first during crashes, and as most of us know, dirt is not as forgiving as some people say it is.

When I went out on a search for the best knee protection my priorities were a little different than most. Comfort came first; Why would I buy knee guards if I won't wear them?

The TP199 knee guards are flexible, and move with your leg. The bio foam outer shell is flexible, yet it hardens upon impact. When I put them on under my riding pants I quickly found that they fit under my gear very easily. The only adjustment I had to make was to my boots. I had to adjust the top two boot straps to be a little looser so that I could fit them around the built in shin guards.

​Two velcro straps hold the knee guards in place, and I experienced absolutely no slippage. I don't see anyone having issues with them floating around on the knee. As far as heat goes, there is nothing out there that you can wear under your gear that isn't going to cause a swamp of sweat and gym odor. These are no exception. 

These knee guards have added padding on the side of your knee as well. One of the things I am really impressed with is how much area is protected with these knee guards. You are ready for impact all the way up to your thighs! With an inner compression brace it gives you the feeling of a dramatic reduction in the likelihood of twisting your knee.
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In the link below you can find TP199 knee guards with, or without the shin guard.

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle knows the struggle of finding not only a great performing tire, but one that will last a long time. I recently purchased a 2018 Husqvarna TE250 which came with Dunlop Geomax AT81's. I have about 12 hours of riding time on the bike, and here's how it has gone so far.

After 12 hours the tires are still looking pretty good. I heard others talk about throwing the rear tire away after 10 hours, but mine has done really well so far. The knobs are beginning to look a bit gnarly, but that happens to the best of them. 

Here is where it really gets good. This tire is made to perform, and is a really good option if you are competing. The tire has great compliance, and feedback; no surprises waiting around the corners. As I climbed over some of the gnarly rock sections the tire felt very planted, and just stuck to the rock without slippage. High speed stability has also been great (I have taken it up to 70mph). When it comes to tires you really have to try them for yourself if you want a good idea of how they work. I have had horrible tires that other people liked, and I have had great tires that others seemed to dislike. 

The type of rider that will really appreciate this tire is the one who wants great performance, but also understands that with that comes a little less longevity. There are tires that will last longer than this one by far, but they will not stick to anything like this one will. There are tires that will probably out perform this one, but with softer compound performance come softer compound longevity.

As most people realize, the helmet is the most important part of protecting yourself from injuries during an accident. However, in my opinion, manufacturers take advantage of the fact that most people are willing to spend any amount of money to justify the added protection. Does it actually add protection, though? In most cases the only additions you get from purchasing an expensive name brand helmet are comfort, and style. 

​ILM is a Chinese brand of helmet. That doesn't mean that it's a bad brand. The helmets provide many of the same safety features as a helmet that costs $400, but you pay $70-$200 depending on if you want bluetooth capability. I took the time to ride with the bluetooth enabled helmet, and here is what I thought.

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​I was very impressed by the ease of use and sound quality out of the bluetooth. I did a few impact tests on the lower priced models and was shocked at how durable they are. The helmets took direct hammer strikes to the face shield, and dome at full swing. In fact, my only concern with wearing the entry level model helmets was how light weight they were; It felt like some dampening material was sacrificed and that a hard blow would be slightly less protected compared to the larger bluetooth enabled helmets. A helmet is not going to save you from a head on collision regardless of the brand. Helmets are mainly designed to protect against falling to the ground, and during the slide. A head on collision will not be protected against no matter what you decide to wear.

​Most of their designs come with a flip down sunglasses visor. ILM makes several modular helmets which is very nice for the moments that you want to flip the helmet up and feel like its not there.  The chin strap is an easy to use ratchet system that easily secures into place without having to feel around for those metal rings. They are slightly heavier than most helmets, but that is to be expected for a bluetooth enabled helmet. Comfort was not an issue for me, although I would recommend ordering one size larger than normal as they tend to fit a bit tight. 

The world of helmets is a saturated market, and has become one that is very fad prone. What I mean by that is that helmets have become all about style, and much less about safety. After all, you can now buy a helmet that makes you look like Predator, or Iron Man. However, there are still traditional designs out there that provide superior protection at low cost, and that's pretty much what I would stick with. ILM is really just what I need in a helmet; safety, and savings.