That's Fit In The Field -- where gearheads test health and fitness products under real conditions. We'll grub up the stuff, run the trails, jump on a rock wall, backpack, canoe and hit the gym -- putting gear to the F.I.T. Challenge to rate Fit, Innovation and Toughness.

That's Fit In The Field recently put the Yakima Roof Rack system and Yakima HighRollers to the F.I.T. Challenge test, and now we are ready to report test results on the ShowBoat, Yakima's load assist roller designed to easily load multiple boats for that upcoming kayak or canoe trip. Here's a full report:

• My intrepid gear-testing husband confirmed this was the simplest Yakima gear installation yet. All you need is an existing roof rack system, -- you've scored a Yakima rack by now, right? -- the ShowBoat, and two extra crossbars to load boats with ease.
• The ShowBoat rollbar conveniently slides from left to right to assist you in loading multiple boats and protect your vehicle when loading. Nice.
• Two people loading a relatively heavy boat makes you worry about denting the car. With the ShowBoat, one person can load by gently balancing the bow on the rollbar, stepping nimbly back and rolling your water baby onto the rack with a lift/push from the stern.
• Less of a load, less grunting -- you'll never have to lift more than half your boat's weight.
• Solo boating was not possible for either of us before the ShowBoat. If you can maneuver the bow onto the rollbar, a serene, solo paddle is in your future.
  
  

Yakima ShowBoat garnered high marks on the F.I.T. Challenge test -- scoring high for Fit with its simple installation and compatibility with existing or new boat mounts; even better for Innovation with the side-to-side rollbar maneuverability, front/back release lever to push the rollbar out of the way post-loading, and a built-in locking system; and finally, a good score for Toughness with stainless steel/brass hardware and a solid, padded rollbar. Don't miss the gallery for a loading demonstration. Yakima offers a helpful video, too.

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That's Fit In The Field -- where gearheads test health and fitness products under real conditions. We'll grub up the stuff, run the trails, jump on a rock wall, backpack, canoe and hit the gym -- putting gear to the F.I.T. Challenge to rate Fit, Innovation and Toughness.

That's Fit In The Field recently put the Yakima Roof Rack system to the F.I.T. Challenge test, now we are ready to report test results on a pair of HighRollers, Yakima's top-of-the-line, upright bike mount with one very exciting feature -- no front wheel removal required! Here's a full report:

• Capable of fitting round or square crossbars, a Yakima HighRoller is ready for any roof rack. Out of the box, my husband and I admired the product's shiny metal finish.
  
• After securing the HighRollers to the front/back crossbars, we lifted the bikes onto the solidly-built wheel trays, adjusted the rear sliding tray to align with the rear wheel, then locked 'em down by pushing down on the front upright bar and securing the double-sided rear wheel strap (good for either side of your car). This took seconds.
  
• An easily accessible knob controls retention, adjustment and release -- terrific feature!
• Don't worry about leaving your bikes on the car while you grab a coffee or scout the trail before your ride -- a HighRoller includes a built-in, retractable SKS cable lock (Lock Core sold separately).
  

Here are a four nice surprises and one warning:

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That's Fit In The Field -- where gearheads test health and fitness products under real conditions. We'll grub up the stuff, run the trails, jump on a rock wall, backpack, canoe and hit the gym -- putting gear to the F.I.T. Challenge to rate Fit, Innovation and Toughness.

Half the fun of heading into the outdoors is the ability to bring your toys with you. Yakima has a multitude of gear-carrying systems ready to fit your car, and my husband and I just had the chance to put a Yakima Roof Rack to the F.I.T. Challenge test -- nice!

First, we headed over to Yakima's excellent, interactive website to figure out what kind of roof rack would be appropriate for our gear and car. After clicking on their Fit My Car feature, whammo, we had our Low Rider tower and Crossbar needs figured out in a jiffy. Yakima roof racks can be installed on cars with and without factory tracks -- just about anything -- except convertibles. But hey, soft-toppers aren't exactly gearheads anyway. We also tested Gunwale Brackets for our 16 ft canoe, a locking system to keep the entire rack system from walking away and a Fairing designed to reduce wind noise. Here's That's Fit In The Field's skinny on it all:

• Low Rider Towers and Crossbars: It all starts with the right Yakima towers and crossbars for your vehicle. With easy-to-follow directions, it was simple to marry the four Low Riders and two vinyl-coated, galvanized steel crossbars to form a roof rack system. After sliding the Low Riders onto the Crossbars, the Low Riders clamped snuggly over our mini-van's existing factory tracks. Have a tape measure on hand to make sure the right and left Low Riders are installed directly across from one another. It only took a few minutes to nail it perfectly, no tools needed. See the gallery for up-close photos.
• If you don't want your roof rack system walking away, do purchase Yakima's SKS Lock Cores for the towers. Installation took seconds -- they slipped smoothly into each tower and come complete with key. Could you imagine returning to your car after a day's paddle only to see your rack has been stolen?
  
• Yakima's Gunwale Brackets are ideal for carrying your canoe by the gunwales (pronounced 'gunnels' rhymes with 'tunnels') -- a nautical term describing the top edge of the side of a boat. Included heavy-duty straps were easy to tighten, held firmly and the padded buckle was a nice touch.
  
• Finally, we snapped on a Yakima Fairing in hopes of reducing that most-annoying whistle which often emerges at high speeds with a roof rack up top. Believe me, after two minutes of high-pitched whistling on a road trip, you're ready for the looney farm. Amazingly, the Fairing took wind out of the equation -- it was more like, "What wind?"

Four surprise bonuses of a Yakima Roof Rack:

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We have a winner! Peter Benson, Commenter #2, was randomly chosen to win the Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) Father's Day Gear Giveaway. Peter just scored a Men's Techwick short sleeve Crew valued at $30 -- congratulations! It's one sharp shirt.

In his thoughtful comment, Peter shared how his own father inspired his love of fitness when he was young, especially running. He'll be participating in his first half marathon shortly, and hopes to run a full marathon in the near future. Wishing Peter all the best as he tackles his upcoming race.

Thanks to everyone who shared how their dad motivated their own dedication to fitness. Parents possess enormous influence on their children's future habits and your stories proved it. My own father is a runner, which triggered my own love of the sport starting in my early teens. I'll never forget how proud I felt when my dad took me out to buy my very first set of running shoes -- I was 15 years old. I am certain I wouldn't be a runner today if it weren't for my dad. Happy Father's Day to all!

If you'd like to learn more about EMS outdoor gear, head on over to That's Fit In The Field, where we put a few Men's and Women's EMS shirts and shorts to the F.I.T. Challenge, testing Fit, Innovation and Toughness.

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Both the Men's and Women's Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) Techwick shirts and outdoor Tracker and Aero Shorts received high ratings during our recent F.I.T. Challenge featured in That's Fit In The Field. Now it's time for you or a special "Dad" in your life to wear one of the best wicking shirts around -- EMS Techwick!

In honor of Father's Day, Eastern Mountain Sports is offering one Men's Techwick short sleeve Crew shirt to one lucky That's Fit reader! To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment below before 5:00PM Eastern, June 4, describing how a special "Dad" in your life -- father, husband, brother, extended family member or friend -- inspires your own dedication to fitness. We'll randomly choose one winner amongst the eligible entries and announce the winner on Friday, June 6. Some other important details:

• To enter, leave a confirmed comment below describing how a special "Dad" in your life inspires your own dedication to fitness!
• The comment must be left and confirmed before June 4 at 5:00PM EST.
• You may only enter once.
• One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
• One winner will receive a Men's Techwick short sleeve Crew shirt valued at $30.
• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

Click here for complete Official Rules. Enter now and get your Father's Day shopping done early or score a Techwick Crew for yourself! Check out the gallery of Women's and Men's EMS gear we tested for That's Fit In The Field.

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That's Fit In The Field -- where gearheads will test health and fitness products under real conditions. We'll grub up the stuff, run the trails, jump on a rock wall, backpack, canoe and hit the gym -- putting gear to the F.I.T. Challenge to rate Fit, Innovation and Toughess.

Yesterday we reported on Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) Techwick shirts and Tracker Shorts for Men. They ranked high for Fit, Innovation and Toughess. Today we report F.I.T. Challenge results on EMS Women's Techwick shirts and Aero Shorts.

• Techwick Venus Top: This piece was my favorite item. The top accommodated my wide shoulders, while cut, colors and piping accents are sporty feminine. Wicks great, washes well, dries fast. I would definitely take the Venus rock climbing, but not off-trail hiking as the Techwick weave snags easily.
• Techwick 1/4 Zip Long-Sleeve: Kept me warm and dry after hard trail running on a crisp, cool morning. Smooth zip lets out steam. Nice color selection. With a flowing feel, fabric still stays close to your body without a too-tight fit. I am not an Under Armour-kind-of-girl.
• Aero Shorts: Absolutely love these shorts! Spandex four-way stretch fabric provides comfortable, complete coverage. Side panel splash of color. Dried as fast as the Techwick after getting nailed by river whitewater. These aggressive trail running shorts feature a rear zip stash pocket for keys, cash and snack.

EMS Women's Techwick shirts pass with flying colors for Fit and Innovation. They're Tough enough for most any fitness adventure, except off-trail use in heavy brush (snag factor). Innovations to note: Reflective logo is a nice safety feature for outdoor walking or running. Feminine design offers a comfortable fit for the average gal. EMS Women's Aero Shorts are three-for-three on the F.I.T. Challenge. Especially admire the light and airy inner wicking brief and perfectly placed rear zip stash.

You, too, can wear EMS Techwick! Watch That's Fit for an upcoming post on the Eastern Mountain Sports Father's Day Gear Giveaway!

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Announcing That's Fit In The Field -- where gearheads will test health and fitness products under real conditions. We'll grub up the stuff, run the trails, jump on a rock wall, backpack, canoe and hit the gym -- putting gear to the F.I.T. Challenge to rate Fit, Innovation and Toughess.

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), a leader of outdoor gear, recently supplied a few of their Men's and Women's Techwick shirts and outdoor shorts for the F.I.T. Challenge. This past week my husband Syd and I slipped into the gear and hit the river for two hours of whitewater river paddling, a two-hour run/off-trail hike and a visit to the gym.

Here's Syd's feedback on the Men's Techwick shirts and Tracker Shorts. Ratings on EMS Women's gear will follow tomorrow.

• Techwick Axis 1/4 Zip Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve: Breathability, wicking and mobility were fantastic! Shirts never chafed, stayed nicely on the shoulders during canoeing and running, fabric dried ultra-fast, zips were smooth, and subtle EMS logos are reflective, a nice safety touch. Syd prefers this shirt for trail hiking, backpacking, climbing and biking. One drawback, Techwick does easily snag on sharper branches off-trail.
• Techwick Velocity Crew: Stylish and colorful, Syd prefers this Techwick model for canoeing, running and the gym. A nice, loose fit.
• Tracker Shorts: Comfortable, stylish, durable and breathable. Generous pockets hold essentials. Great shorts for outdoor endeavors or to simply wear around town. Dry fast.

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