In the fast-paced urban lifestyle, people yearn to escape the stress of the concrete jungle and find peace and relaxation in nature, fueling the growth of outdoor activities. In this trend, Max, a gear-testing enthusiast, founded the *"Outdoor Gear Research Institute"* Facebook page, focusing on functional fabrics and design. He has stayed true to his original purpose, attracting nearly ten thousand followers. Reflecting on its origin, Max explained that when he first moved to Taipei for college, the clothes he brought from Kaohsiung couldn’t withstand the intense northern cold. This sparked his curiosity about outdoor gear, leading him to delve into the world of functional materials and share his testing experiences online.
Max exploring the Svalbard Islands in northern Norway. Source: Max
During college, Max joined a mountaineering club, actively participating in hiking, trail running, cycling, and even triathlons. Each outdoor adventure became an opportunity for him to test equipment and deepen his understanding of its importance. Through countless real-world challenges, Max experienced some thrilling moments, such as getting lost in a Miscanthus field before Jia Luo Lake in Yilan, enduring heavy overnight rain and flooded campsites, and facing hypothermia risks during treks on Qilai North Peak and Nan Yi Duan. These experiences not only tested his knowledge but also his expertise in applying outdoor gear.
Today, Max continues to test outdoor gear through trail running, marathons, and hiking. His practical approach has extended to studying weather, nature, and cultural aspects of outdoor activities. Since the golden age of blogging, Max has been sharing his insights via *"Outdoor Gear Research Institute"*. Besides being a passion project, it serves as a guide for readers to save time and make informed choices while debunking myths surrounding brands and functional materials.
NewClean effectively repels snowmelt, allowing faster drying even after prolonged exposure. Source: Max
Many people wonder whether water-repellent sprays are effective against snow. Max explains that such sprays allow fabric surfaces to repel snowmelt more effectively. Even if the fabric becomes damp, it dries faster compared to untreated materials. He elaborated: "Water-repellent sprays on waterproof snow boots help maintain breathability. When the shoe surface encounters snowmelt, quicker drying prevents discomfort caused by trapped moisture. The waterproof membrane inside the shoe layer handles water resistance, while moisture travels in both directions. Without sufficient pressure from internal warmth and humidity, external moisture can still seep in, even with functional water-repellent sprays and membranes performing optimally."
Learn More About Max's Recommendation: NewClean
Fatigue is an unavoidable issue after outdoor activities. Max shares his recovery methods, including dietary supplements, therapeutic treatments, compression pants for muscle recovery, massages, and most recently, the *Amor BtNPN Plant Nano Patch*. He highlighted how effective it was for his chronic lower back strain.
Max recommends using the Amor BtNPN Plant Nano Patch. Source: Max
Max approaches patch usage with the same analytical mindset he applies to gear testing. After physical activity, he only applied the patch to his left side for a precise comparison. He noted: "The cooling effect of the *Amor BtNPN Plant Nano Patch* kicks in quickly, effectively promoting blood circulation. It has a pleasant herbal turmeric scent, unlike the strong medicinal smell of traditional patches. Though it might leave a slight yellow residue, it rarely transfers onto clothes. The affected area felt noticeably more relaxed after using it."
Learn More About Max's Recommendation: Amor BtNPN Plant Nano Patch
This commitment to accuracy and reliability is not just evident in Max's gear reviews but also in his vision for the future. He aims to continue researching outdoor gear, pushing boundaries, and discovering more effective and practical solutions. Max encourages others to pursue their passions boldly, face challenges head-on, and strive for optimal results while embracing the most suitable solutions for their unique circumstances.
Discover more of Max's gear reviews: Outdoor Gear Research Institute @FB