L.L. Bean Ultra Dome Tent (4) Person

Our team at Outdoor Gear Connections used the LL Bean Ultra Dome Tent camping this weekend on Shea Island (CT). The wind was blowing 35 knots out of the north, which made setting up camp on the north facing side of the island somewhat challenging and a bit cold. This was our first time reviewing the LL Bean Ultra Dome tent and the first time Outdoor Gear Connection reviewed any LL Bean product and we weren't sure what to expect. We were able to erect the Ultra within minutes even though it lifted like a kite a couple of times before staked. Following the easy to read directions, first we laid the tent on the ground. Next, we put together the outer frame by connecting collapsible poles to form two separate 20' flexible poles. Next, we laid the poles across the tent forming an X over the tent and connected the end of each pole in each corner of the tent. We then simply connected the center of the tent with an attached clip to the center of the poles or middle of the X and our dome was erect. The next step is simply hooking the tent to the poles which takes minutes. L.L. Bean makes this tent extremely light, packable and very durable. The Ultra held up strong throughout the night with out any movement. We also liked the breathable, zip up windows, and wide zip up entrance. The ultra also comes with a very easy to assemble rain cover, which also covers much of the mesh windows. Unfortunately, we opted not to use the cover on this trip. The temperature dropped down to 48 degrees and the wind never died that night, and even thought the LL Bean Ultra tent stood strong, its breathabiltiy and cross ventilation kept us snug in our bags wishing we used the rain cover. Outdoor Gear Connection fully recommends the L.L. Bean Ultra Dome Tent.

The Small Boat Shop Norwalk, CT

We rented two sit on top Kyaks last weekend from the Small Boat Shop in Norwalk,CT. The price was $90.00 for 24hours. The guys at the shop were really friendly and a great help. When we arrived, we simply filled out a couple of forms, paid our fee, reviewed a water proof map (which we were able to keep for the trip) and directed down to the launce dock where a couple of guys helped us with our gear, and launch.It was truely a great no stress experience. Since it was on a Sunday and we launced at noon, after spending the day on the water, and a couple of Norwalk Islands, we arrived back at the SBS to find they were closed. Not a problem because retals are for 24 hours. We simply racked our boats and paddles, and called in the am to report that we left them the boats paddles and jackets on the dock. There were no issues. I would recommend checking this place out.

Felt F5 Carbon Road Bike

After over decade and a half of mountain biking, I decided it was time for a switch to road biking. I had shopped around for a couple of years trying to decide if road biking was for me and which bike would be appropriate and best piece of gear. I had only been accustomed to ridding specialized mountain bikes. My first mountain bike was the Specialized Rock Hopper Comp, “a fine piece of metal” with no suspension. I rode that for 5 years, and wondered why friends were clearing rock fields effortlessly with their brains still intact. My second Specialized was the FSR Rock Hopper, this time I went big and purchased the full suspension. I rode this with much improvement, but couldn’t figure out why the big rear red coil sprung so much on climbs. I even had my mechanic reverse the rear shock too dampen most of the movement. This bike was awesome; I had util it fell off my car on I95 when the rack failed and the bike jettisoned from the car and was smashed by oncoming traffic. So back to the shop for another. This time I got the 05 Specialized Stump Jumper FSR Comp. It was fully loaded. I immediately switched to disk brakes, etc, etc, After one year the frame cracked, and our good friends at specialized replaced the frame and upgraded the rear shock. So after all of this, why switch to road biking? I just needed a change of pace and scenery.So that leads me too my next purchase. After test riding many different road bikes, I decided on the Felt F5C full carbon race bike. I bought it in the off season of 2006 and got it for 35% off retail at Wilton Outdoor Sports in Wilton, CT. I bought this bike because it basically had everything I needed to get riding. Gear and components were important features and the F5 had a very decent package. Full carbon makes the ride very comfortable, and light versus aluminum tingy feeling. I will eventually upgrade the brakes, but that will come later. The F5C likes to be ridden fast, has great handling and loves to climb. I feel very comfortable out of the saddle for bigger climbs, and very comfortable in the cockpit during fast descends. I have been on it 5 times averaging 20 miles rides. I'm finding myself looking for more challenging and longer rides as I grow into this bike. I made a true outdoor connection with this bike.