Fire Safety

Ukrainian Passenger Plane Shot Down By Iran!

Its really beginning to look like Iran got a bit nervous and smoke checked a Ukrainian passenger airliner.  Various unconfirmed videos and photos seem to point to this scenario being highly likely.  FoxNews reports that the Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed shortly after taking off from Tehran’s international airport Wednesday was shot down by mistake by an Iranian anti-aircraft missile, Pentagon […]

The post Ukrainian Passenger Plane Shot Down By Iran! appeared first on Tactical Sh*t.

Ukrainian Passenger Plane Shot Down By Iran! Read More »

Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy

Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy

Security overload leads to apathy. How often do you hear a car alarm go off and roll your eyes hoping the owner would disable the blasted thing before the incoming headache comes a knocking? The primary objection I have to such systems is they work too well. Every week I hear an alarm being triggered […]

This is just the start of the post Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy. Continue reading and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!


Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy, written by Thomas Xavier, was created exclusively for readers of the survival blog More Than Just Surviving.

Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy Read More »

Tread Labs Dash Insole Review – Performance Series

Tread Labs Dash Insole Review

Tread Labs Dash Insole Review

In the fall, I got in touch with Tread Labs which specializes in insoles for various activities and footwear types. I first tested and reviewed their Pace insoles and as I was very happy with the product, I agreed to test their Dash insoles as well. The two models differ in purpose. The Pace insoles are designed to relieve pain from planta fasciitis and other foot ailments while the Dash insoles are aimed towards athletes who want improved biomechanics and energy returns. The Dash insole is Tread Labs’ top-tier product. It utilizes premium materials and is by far the most expensive product in their online shop. Therefore I got curious about how it compares to the Pace insole and other performance insoles.

For the last month I have been wearing the Tread Labs Dash insoles on a daily basis. I wore them for running, hiking, gym training and other activities. Below is what I learned about them.

The Tread Labs Dash insoles are suitable for:

  • Running
  • Hiking
  • Backpacking
  • Mountaineering
  • Trekking
  • Everyday use

Materials and Design

When I unwrapped the package, I noticed that the Dash insole utilizes the same concept as the Tread Labs Pace insole. It consists of a detachable arch support and a top cover. The two components are attached to each other with a system that resembles Velcro. I was happy to see this system because I was very satisfied with it while testing the Pace insole. It is reliable and allows you to change the top cover (which is the inexpensive and most exposed part of the insole) in case it wears down.

The arch support of the Dash insole is made of carbon fiber and is thus super light. Furthermore, as carbon fiber is an incredibly strong material it allows for the arch support to be as thin as 1 millimeter in thickness. Therefore, the insole is not bulky and fits nicely into all kinds of shoes. The arch support has also some kind of anti-slip finish which prevents the insole from moving around in the shoe. All in all, there is indeed a difference when comparing the arch support of the Dash to the arch support of the Pace insole. The arch support of the Dash insole is lighter, thinner, more robust and fits better in the shoe.

The top cover of the Dash insole is very similar to the top cover of the Pace insole, but with one big improvement; it has small holes in the toes area for better breathability. Believe it or not, these small holes actually make a difference. Breathability was my only complaint over the Pace insole, and I was very satisfied with the breathability of the Dash insole. The top cover is otherwise made of open-cell polyurethane and covered with low friction recycled polyester. The polyester is also treated with antimicrobial agent so that the insole doesn’t become smelly.

For the last two months I wore the insoles for various activities, and I was very satisfied with them. My shoes feel more stable, responsive and comfortable with the Dash insoles, and the position of the foot seems better as well. The insoles fit nicely in all shoes, even in my Asics GT 2000 running shoes which came with very thin insoles. They also provide good breathability and pull the moisture from the socks efficiently. Despite that I wore them for intensive activities I haven’t detected any signs of odor so far.

Sizing, Arch Height and Versions

The Dash insoles can be trimmed and thus getting the right size isn’t difficult. However, keep in mind that it’s better to get too long insoles than too short. The insoles are available in European sizes 35 – 47 (US sizes 4- 13.5 for men and 5 – 12.5 for women). I got the insoles in size 44-44.5 and they were slightly too long for both my Lowa Innox GTX hiking shoes (size 43.5) and my Asics GT-2000 running shoes (size 44). Nevertheless, it took me only a couple of minutes to trim the insoles with a sharp pair of scissors for a perfect fit. Like the Pace, the Dash insole is also available in four different arch heights; low, medium, high and extra high. I tried low and medium arch support. The low arch support fitted me better, although according to the fitting guide I should go for the medium arch support. So, if you are somewhere in between, I recommend going for a lower height.

The Dash insoles are available in three different versions; normal insoles, short insoles and thin insoles. The first version, which I tested, is intended for shoes with full length removable inserts. The short insoles are designed for shoes without removable inserts and the thin insoles are best for shoes that come with very thin inserts such as cycling shoes, soccer cleats etc.

Verdict

I really like the Tread Labs Dash insoles because they provide great stability and responsiveness. Furthermore, they also improve the position of the foot and are very comfortable to move on. Unlike other performance insoles I have tested, the Dash insoles don’t have breathability issues. They are breathable and efficiently wick the moisture away from the socks. As the arch support is very thin, they also fit nicely in all kinds of shoes. So, if you are looking for a pair of new insoles, I do recommend giving the Tread Labs Dash insoles a try. The solid high-quality arch support and the replaceable top cover mean that you can have them for years.

If you have any questions about this product, drop me a line in the comments below.

Tread Labs Dash Insole: Package

Tread Labs Dash Insole: Package

Tread Labs Dash Insole: The arch support and top cover use a reliable Velcro-like system

Tread Labs Dash Insole: The arch support and top cover use a reliable Velcro-like system

Tread Labs Dash Insole: Carbon fiber arch support

Tread Labs Dash Insole: Carbon fiber arch support

Tread Labs Dash Insole: The top cover is made of polyurethane

Tread Labs Dash Insole: The top cover is made of polyurethane

Tread Labs Dash Insole: Ventilation holes for better breathability

Tread Labs Dash Insole: Ventilation holes for better breathability

Tread Labs Dash Insole: The insoles provide good arch support

Tread Labs Dash Insole: The insoles provide good arch support

Tread Labs Dash Insole: Logo printed on the polyester lining of the top cover

Tread Labs Dash Insole: Logo printed on the polyester lining of the top cover

Rating

Design
Quality
Comfort
Functionality

About Rating

Pros:

  • Stability
  • Improve the position of the foot
  • Low-profile (easy to fit them in shoes)
  • Breathability
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Quality

Cons:

  • /

 

Details

Tested by: Blaz

Review date: 2020-01-10

Product: Tread Labs Dash Insole

Final rating: 5 out of 5

{
“@context”: “http://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Product”,
“brand”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Tread Labs”
},
“image”: “https://besthiking.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Tread-Labs-Dash-Insole-Review.jpg”,
“name”: “Tread Labs Dash Insole”,
“review”: {
“@context”: “http://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Review”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Blaz”
},
“creator”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Blaz”
},
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Best Hiking”
},
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: “5”,
“bestRating”: 5,
“worstRating”: 0
},
“datePublished”: “2020-01-10”,
“name”: “Tread Labs Dash Insole Review – Performance Series”,
“headline”: “Tread Labs Dash Insole Review – Performance Series”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Thing”,
“name”: “Tread Labs Dash Insole”
}
}
}

How helpful was this post?

Click a star to rate it!

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this article.

Post Author

Post Author

Blaz

Outdoor enthusiast with experience in all types of hiking and mountaineering. Hiked in the Alps, Iceland and other countries. In love with via ferrata trails and snow-covered slopes. Check out my hikes.

You may also like…

The post Tread Labs Dash Insole Review – Performance Series appeared first on Best Hiking.

Tread Labs Dash Insole Review – Performance Series Read More »

Headed to Grand Teton National Park?

Are you planning to visit Grand Teton National Park this summer – or anytime down the road? I wanted to let you know that I just published a new eBook that provides hikers with access to trail information while hiking in the park.

Exploring Grand Teton National Park is the mobile version of TetonHikingTrails.com, the most comprehensive website on the internet for hiking trail information in Grand Teton National Park. This book was published to provide readers with convenient access to the information contained on TetonHikingTrails.com while in the park, or on the trail, where internet access is most likely unavailable. Additionally, the format of this book will provide a much better experience for smartphone users.

Exploring Grand Teton National Park covers 44 hikes. This includes 41 hikes within Grand Teton National Park, as well as 3 hikes in the Teton Pass area, located just south of the park boundary. Like the website, the book includes driving directions to each trailhead, detailed trail descriptions, key features along the route, difficulty ratings, photographs, maps and elevation profiles, which provide readers with a visual representation of the change in elevation they’ll encounter on each hike. Some hikes will also include historical tidbits related to the trail. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll in the park, or an epic hike deep into Grand Teton’s backcountry, this book provides all the tools you’ll need to make your hiking trip as enjoyable as possible.

As with our four websites, this book also contains several directories that will help you choose the best hikes suited to your preferences and abilities. This includes hikes listed by location within the park, hikes listed by key trail feature, and hikes sorted by difficulty rating. I’ve also included lists of our top 10 hikes, the best easy hikes, the top fall hikes, and the top early season hikes.

The book is now available at Amazon.

Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Headed to Grand Teton National Park? Read More »

London’s Barbican Centre set to address health & safety issues in new £10m upgrade

The Barbican Arts Centre in London is set to undergo a major upgrade to address a series of health & safety corners within the grade II-listed building.

The post London’s Barbican Centre set to address health & safety issues in new £10m upgrade appeared first on SHP – Health and Safety News, Legislation, PPE, CPD and Resources.

London’s Barbican Centre set to address health & safety issues in new £10m upgrade Read More »

Survival Gear Review – Streamlight ProTac HL-X

I remember the first “tactical” flashlight I bought. It was a flat dark earth Surefire G2 Nitrolon. Everyone I showed the flashlight to was amazed by how bright it was.  Before that, I had never even heard of “lumens.” Until then, the only flashlights we had around were huge D-cell Maglites or those 6-volt monstrosities the size of a tub of ice cream. Flashlights sure have come a long way in my lifetime.

By J. Bridger, Contributing Author to Survival Cache and SHTFblog.com

I’m not a huge fan of bolting things onto rifles, but a white LED light is definitely an exception. Finding a quality weapon light isn’t difficult; finding a quality weapon light that won’t break the bank is another story. If you’ve lusted after the multi-hundred dollar Surefire M600 Scout light but lack the Benjamins, you absolutely need to take a look at the $106 Streamlight ProTac HL-X.

My love affair with Streamlight began during my time at the fire department. We used the right angle Streamlight Survivor lights, and they kicked ass. The Survivors worked wet, they worked in freezing temperatures, they worked in 100°F+ temperatures, and they worked in the burn trailer the University would bring down. That burn trailer used propane-fueled fires for interior training and generated temps over 900°F . It gets hot. The Survivor lights took 6 AAs which only needed to be replaced every six months or so, if I remember correctly. They were very bright. I could illuminate the top of the grain elevator and count the buzzards at night from the bay doors, 100 yards down the block. Suffice it to say, I am a fan of Streamlight products! When I saw the ProTac HL-X, I had to have one for my rifle. From what I’ve seen so far, the quality is just as good as the tried and true Survivor lights. 

What’s in the Box?

The ProTac HL-X is about 5.5” long, weighs 6.4 oz, and has a single picatinny mount for MIL-STD-1913 rails. The ProTac HL-X’s body is machined from aluminum and comes with two tail caps: One cap with a pressure switch, the other with a standard tailcap button. The kit comes with a pressure pad, a couple zip ties, snap on pressure pad retaining clips, Alan wrench, two screws, and an adhesive pad. The light is water resistant, but only for thirty minutes. Rain won’t hurt this light, but I wouldn’t swim with it. It does take up a good chunk of rail space. It can accept two CR123s or one 18650 battery. On high output, the Streamlight ProTac HL-X will run for 1.25 hrs, and on low, 23 hours.

Also read: Bugout Flashlight Wisdom

Streamlight uses the HL designation to mean “High Lumen.” These throw a wide beam pattern, increasing your situational awareness. Tip: If you want to see less of what’s around you and more of what’s downrange, try their HPL series lights. The ProTac HL-X is 1,000 lumens (27,600 Candela), and Streamlight reports it can throw a beam 332 meters. 1,000 lumens is a lot of output, and in my experience, really is too much for indoor use. I think this Streamlight really shines as an outdoor light (pun intended).

One of the things I love about this light is the TEN-TAP programming. I like my EDC lights to have a high and low setting, but I think a WML should have just one setting: brighter than shit. I’m not a big fan of low, “SOS,” or strobes, so I really appreciate being able to get rid of those. There are 3 available programs: High-strobe, High, and Low-High. To cycle through the available programs, tap the button 9 times in quick succession and hold it on the tenth time. Voila. You can do this with the tail cap or the pressure switch.

Real-World Trials With The Streamlight Protac HL-X

I tried the ProTac HL-X out on a snowy morning before the sun came up to see how far it’d throw a beam. At 25 yards, this light is positively blinding. Same at 50 yards. At 100 yards, you would still have zero problem identifying your target. At 200 yards,you would be able to see what you’re looking at, but I think this is where it starts to get dicey. You may be able to see a person at this distance, but are your eyes good enough to make out their intentions at night? Or can you tell a dog from a coyote? You may need a magnified optic, but it certainly will throw light that far. I use a 50/200 zero on my AR, so this is just about perfect for me.

Related: Survival Gear Review: Streamlight TLR-3

The light adds a little weight to the front of the gun, but it’s barely noticeable. A 3 o’clock mount isn’t my favorite spot, but I like it better than 6 o’clock. At 6 o’clock the shadow it casts from my suppressor covers up the 12 o’clock position on a target. What the hands are doing is probably more important than faces, but I’d still like to be able to ID someone if I had to.

I can’t speak for any other calibers these crazy kids are shooting these days, but 5.56 NATO recoil doesn’t bother the Streamlight ProTac HL-X at all. It never flickered or malfunctioned, even being in close proximity to the muzzle of my LWRC. I’m not surprised; this isn’t my first WML from Streamlight. (I also have a TLR-1 HL mounted on a Glock 19, and is a hell of a light! ) As I said before, on full power, this light may be too bright for indoor use. There is definitely some technique involved in using a light “tactically” to avoid blinding yourself, especially if you’ve just woken up. I can say from experience, its perfect for “in the yard” distance engagements with coyotes and skunks. For the casual shooter on a budget or a professional in need of a solid high-performance weapon mounted light, you can install the Streamlight Protac HL-X light and not think twice. You can rest assured it will turn on when you need it.   

 

The post Survival Gear Review – Streamlight ProTac HL-X appeared first on Survival Cache.

Survival Gear Review – Streamlight ProTac HL-X Read More »