Just like the iPhone, you can update your Ortovox S1 beacon with the new 2.0 update. Except the iPhone can really only take pictures of the snow and chances are the coverage isn’t that great to call anyone for help. The S1 has stellar new features for backcountry use but won’t be playing music or videos anytime soon.
Ortovox has added filters to eliminate noise that confuses your buddy with radio signals bopping around the area your in. This has also made the program on your S1 find your friend faster and more accurately. The S1 has a screen to easily display multiple burials in a slide. As advanced as the beacon is, I wish it could also speak and tell you what friend to help out first. If you have an s1 I am sure most of your ski partners are going to be picking up the beer tab, drive to the hill, and even pack some of your stuff. You have that going for you, which is nice.
The overall update is increasing the signals from 6 to 8 making all the new features possible. To update your beacon send it to:
Ortovox
455 Irish Hill rd.
Hopkinton NH 03229
603-746-3176
ortovoxusa@aol.com
http://www.ortovox.com
Include a $14 check to cover return shipping and insurance. To avoid sending your precious beacon away and if your not in a huge rush, check with your local Ortovox retailer as some of them will be receiving the update tool.
WARNING: Attend an avalanche education course before heading into the backcountry. Buying this device does not make you invincible or magically turn you into a super hero.
Anyone remember the old Subzeros? It was my first pair of Oakleys and they built the foundation of steeze.This last year I used the A frame, the fit was great for my helmet and the view it offers is great for spotting speedsters in your peripheral. Buzzing around the mountain I didn’t think polarized was an option. Time to switch things up.
I used the persimmon lens and it seemed to work well for all around conditions. I mean it would be great to have a handful of lenses in my glove box to switch out at any time but lets be serious. The polarized lens is great for increasing contrast and cutting down glare on my sunglasses but goggles? If the polarized can replace the 3 lenses that are recommended for various ski conditions sign me up.
Oakley claims to rise above everyone else by cutting down the haze and distortion other polarized lenses come with. Worth a try, definitely when your dealing with the brightest thing ever; snow.
I didn’t notice a huge fog issue with the A frame, Cat Crap is always a good remedy if your going blind. I really tried to keep these babies on my face as much as possible so my beanie didn’t heat them up. If your rocking a helmet though it shouldn’t be a problem. My request from Oakley is to bring back the Subzeros and the old school Oakley logo on goggles, but the polarized lens will definitely be popping into my A frames this season.
Many of you may not have heard of KJUS Skiwear (pronounced ’shoos’; visit gear.com/kjus for more info about the company and its products). And if you don’t follow World Cup ski racing you may not know of KJUS’s founder: Norwegian ski racing phenom, Lasse Kjus. His ski racing achievements are amazing (including several Olympic medals), and many young racers have grown up idolizing him right along with Bode Miller.
But, not unlike Willy Bogner, Lasse may ultimately end up more well known for his skiwear than for the undeniable stamp he has left on the ski racing world. Founded in 2000, KJUS Skiwear takes its designs seriously — with a clean, sleek aesthetic. And then lays supreme technology over the top, because no one takes their gear quite as seriously as racers and KJUS Skiwear is no different.
KJUS Skiwear has gained much-deserved praise, and is now available in dozens of countries worldwide. They were even approached by — you guessed it — Bode Miller to strike up a partnership, and several of this year’s KJUS items carry the Bode badge. And Bode is working with KJUS on the Bode line, which will be available in the near future as well.
Attached to this post are several men’s and women’s items from the 2008-2009 KJUS Skiwear collection, but to get the most complete view of the KJUS brand and products (including video clips and product details) visit the brand page that we have built and dedicated to KJUS Skiwear: gear.com/kjus
After having a couple unwanted run-ins with groms I was sold on a helmet. My biggest hold-ups in sporting a helmet was it being too heavy, too cold, too hot, and too bulky. ‘Coolness’ wasn’t really a factor, I figure that won’t happen for me in this lifetime. After trying on a couple brain buckets I snagged a whatever one with a Mp3 hook-up, plugged in, and loved my new found confidence. I should have held out for the Smith Variant Helmet, most helmets these days are keeping up on the tech but you’ve gotta check this lid out.
The Variant brings your noggin AirEvac 2 technology which moves air from the front to the back of the helmet keeping you regulated. Teamed up with their regulator goggle this reduces fog to keep you groovin’. The other cool thing about the Variant is the adjustable vent system up top. There are left and right vents you can open and close with your glove on. Talk about personalization.
The fit feels great, super easy to adjust and really connects with the dome. If the AirEvac tech and 18oz weight doesn’t get you stoked, chat it up with Chris Davenport. Looks like he is in Antarctica right now so just ping him when he gets back. If you still haven’t gotten on the helmet train this would be a great ticket to buy to not stick out on the hill. After wearing a lid for 5 minutes you’ll forget its there. Oh and its safe and stuff.
Back to shoes, again. But this time it’s mountaineering boots. Specifically, my Lowa Mountain Expert GTX Mountaineering Boots. I have never owned such a versatile pair of boots! From ice climbing to mountaineering to hiking in the snow to mixed rock routes, these leather boots are always my first choice.
With the Cordura and leather uppers and Vibram soles, these boots withstand just about anything. I’ve taken them up Rainier, Baker and Shasta in the Cascades, the Great White Icicle in the Wasatch and up Mt. Olympus when there’s a decent amount of snow, also here in the Wasatch.
Lowa Mountain Expert GTX Boots
Added primaloft insulation to the GORE TEX liners increases warmth exponentially! I’ve yet to have cold feet in these boots.
Boots are Automatic crampon compatible.
Full rubber randing around boots makes for great grip on rock when you need it, and also increases durability.
Vibram sole with an edging area at toes for added climbing ability.
One of the few mountaineering boots that seems to fit low volume, narrow feet!
Ok, so I know it’s not exactly swimsuit season. I understand we are moments away from ski season. Recently I stayed with a friend at an apartment complex with a hot tub, and was reminded of how much I love my Patagonia Clare Bidart Racer Swimsuit. Perhaps I’m partial to the name, too…
I love the racerback design of this suit. Personally, I’m not a “lay out at the beach in the sand” kinda gal. If I’m out in a swimsuit, I’m doing something active, like body surfing or swimming. This suit offers a great compromise between fashion and function (this appears to be a theme in things I review!).
Both the top and bottom offer great coverage, so you can be active in them without worrying about exposing yourself to the world as you dive headfirst into the waves! The top follows the same trend that most of Patagonia’s bras do- great support for small to mid sizes, but definitely not recommended for fuller chested women.
You don’t mess with another mans gloves. And you don’t leave them at home either. Probably in the top 5 for most important pieces of gear along with cell phone, iPod, and back-up cell phone. I’ve used the Black Diamond Guide glove for just about anything under the clouds, including digging a car out of the snow.
The inside of the gloves give your hands the soft cushy goatskin they deserve. The lining and the Primaloft insulation not only provide warmth but a nice padding for the ice climbing crowd out there. Slamming your knuckles on jagged sharp ice repeatedly, talk about pain. For mountaineering I have really liked them because I can still tie my knots and manage my prusiks without having to take my gloves off. The leather in the palm is super grippy with the axe, skis, and snow shovels.
On a deep day skiing, the gauntlet is key for keeping the snow out and your hands dry. This may sound weird but this glove supports my thumbs really well. Every once and a while my ski pole will jerk my thumbs, maybe Black Diamond was compensating for this I’m not sure, but my joints are grateful for the mini-pillows. The gauntlet drawstring is easy to tighten but loosening it up can take some getting use to. Don’t worry you’ll have plenty of time to practice while at dinner parties showing off your new BD gloves.
Glove Specifics
Material: 4-way stretch Shoeller and Gore-tex XCR.
Tis’ the season to be stuffing bags in overhead compartments and paying $14 for gnarly tuna sandwiches in airports. Personally I don’t travel well. I was one of those kids that the flight attendant picked out and made sure I got the captain wings. It’s stressful. Especially when your scooting across the country for some sweet powder but your Dr. Pepper is flat on the connect from Chicago.
Ok ok, I’m getting worked up. I have had the Osprey Sojourn 22 all summer and it has definitely made me more pleasant on the go. The straight jacket compression design is great for cramming a couple more things in and really wrenching it down to fit in the overhead. The zippers have a 3 inch long plastic handle to quickly open your bag and slam the Red Bull right before you have to throw it away at the security line. No liquids, bummer.
The polyurethane wheels run ever so smooth and do great loaded down with ‘extra’ bags your friends are too lazy to carry. The real big test for me was if it could stand up weighted with stuff. Even carrying my clunky timbuk2 laptop briefcase, the Sojourn stood strong upright. The backpack straps that come out are surprisingly comfortable and very supportive. I used those babies while trucking around Mexico ruins this summer. Lastly, the bag really protects my stuff. Not that I travel with rare Indonesian plates or anything, but the side foam is great for bringing home Alta shot glasses for the poor souls that couldn’t make the trip.
Seems like these days graphics are becoming more and more important. Underfoot? Flex? Core? Forget about it, how are the graphics dawg?!? Just because people are throwing down some steezy ink doesn’t mean you don’t get a killer plank. The Icelantic Shaman brings you a stout 110 waist along with rockin’ features making it a great addition to your ever expanding quiver.
When I pick up a pair of skis for some reason I go right to the sidewall, I have no idea why. The white waxy finish threw me for a second. Yep, thats P-tex alright. Good for easy repairs, avoiding blowing an edge, and transferring energy. It’s nice to see a ski company address such issues. Not too bad of a website either.
The 160 mm clover looking tip is quite competitive in this years line up. Everyone is wanting the big momma wide skis. But what happens when you forget your skinnies and powder isn’t on the menu? The Shaman’s construction is going to be nice for busting crud and getting you down the hill after taking face shots in the secret stash. The burly flex will keep you stable at high speeds (speed suit sold separately) and the weight is ideal for the backcountry. And the graphics are arguably the steeziest on the hill, which remember is the most important part.
Over the years I’ve heard many different formulas and methods for fitting a backpack. Some of it coming from young 20-something’s who have 2 weeks experience on the sales floor making their way through college and other bits and pieces from people who have logged miles with a backpack but have little understanding of how to properly fit anyone else based on anatomy.
This video from Gregory Backpacks is quite likely the most clear explanation of how to properly fit a backpack that I’ve ever heard. I’m sure watching it you’ll think to yourself, “Well, yea, that’s so obvious” as well as a flood of memories like I had of shop rats telling me a myriad of ways to fit a pack.
The guy featured in the video is Wayne Gregory, founder of Gregory packs. He’s been in the backpack game long enough that along with types like George Lowe, he’s considered a father of modern backpacks.
Gregory was the first to encorporate different pack sizes based on torso length. After all, if a pack won’t fit your frame it won’t fit, period.
Check it out:
Watch for some Gregory pack reviews this winter here on GEAR.com
Everyone has a shirt or pair of comfy pants that they will never lend to anyone because the thought of losing it would make that person never want to get out of bed. Ok, this is mine. I have had the Mountain Hardwear Power Stretch Zip T for 6 years now and this year on the anniversary I made sure to take it out for dinner.
For a heavyweight layering piece I use it for skiing and for mountaineering. The reversible design is great for switching things up. You can switch out the soft side to outside for a more warmer trip and vice versa for the more colder weather. The zipper is also really nice because it doesn’t irritate my chin at all. The arms stay nice and snug when you put on your shell so your not having to pull shirt scrunchies through the arm hole.
For touring it is a little warm so I would stick to the merino. I have loved this shirt for hanging around camp and cold weather ski days. I know merino is pleasing the masses but Polartec will always have a spot in my drawer. Overall this a low bulk fit that is very comfy for all around winter use. Off the topic, I actually used this top for a job interview one time and it worked out nice.
I have gone through more packs then all my gear. Jackets come close, but I have been through a ton of packs. Were my packs wearing our rapidly? No. I’m a gear freak and don’t have the self control to avoid buying new toys that do amazing things. Check out the Black Diamond Covert pack that comes with all the things you need for your avy goods. Don’t worry, you can find space in your gear closet for this one and you won’t be switching this out for a long time.
This is definitely the pack you don’t wear on college campus to cart your books around. People are going to give you gnarly looks as they stare at the Avalung oxygen hose coming out of your shoulder strap. In the backcountry this integration is key to get the extra fuzzy feeling of safeness. I also like the shape of the pack, its not super long or short. It doesn’t feel like your packing an expedition pack yet doesn’t feel like a dinky daypack.
The bottom straps for your skis actually cinch down to keep those planks secure on the up. The inside of the pack has sectioned off compartments for everything which is nice to keep your probe separate from your turkey-cranberry sandwich. BD also covered the little details like having clever zippers, low bulk design, and even a cute little orange whistle on your sternum strap.
Pack specifics
Comes in 22L (1343cu in) or 32L (1953cu in).
Thermoformed waist belt, shoulder straps, and back panel.
Weight: 22L – 2lb 14oz 32L – 3lb 7oz.
WARNING: The little hose coming out of this pack does not make you invincible. Goto an Avy class, ’nuff said.
When I was at Interbike for the Dirt Demo I rolled up to the Smith booth to test drive some shades. Not having tried any of Smith’s Polarized lenses before I honed in on the Spoilers which happen to also be part of their Interlock series.
Smith used to roll with the “Slider” Series but aside from the standard smudges all over the lenses each time you wanted to swap out a lens one of the biggest flaws with the Slider Series was the loss of integrity to the frame which at some points was compromised by the lack of plastic. The result – broken frames. I think I’ve still got 3 broken Mainline frames in my sunglass collection.
With the Interlock system you twist the arm and the frame opens up. Easy in, easy out. I’ve found it takes less than a minute to swap out the lenses and it’s done with little effort or the sensation that you may break the frames.
The Spoiler is a medium/large-fit and come with two extra pairs of lenses for changing light conditions and metal accents to keep you looking sharp. Basically, it’s a nice looking pair of shades that will hold there own on the dirt or on the town.
Review of the Smith Interlock Spoiler Sunglasses
After one loop in Bootleg Canyon I knew that I wouldn’t be returning to the Smith booth anytime soon with these shades. Sticky rubber on the bridge and the ends of the arms kept them in place all day despite near 100 degree temps and plenty of opportunity to slip with the way I was sweating.
The lenses were crisp. Morning, noon or even late afternoon sun couldn’t contend with the Spoiler’s ability to enhance rocks, drops and features in the trail. Field of vision is ample as I barely catch the frame (on the lower side of the frame) in the view. The kicker is that I could barely tell they were on thanks to a lightweight design.
Yea, I’m pretty sold on the Spoilers. So sold that I picked up a pair!
Over the past few years, several online retailers have followed the lead of www.Woot.com in providing one crazy deal at-a-time. This impulsive shopping behavior has been fed by extreme popularity and a desire to get an amazing deal (typically 40-60% off retail) on great, brand-name products.
Backcountry.com is one of the pioneers in the ODAT (One Deal at a Time) model with several sites targeted at outdoor enthusiasts, skiers, cyclists and snowboarders/lifestyle folks. Other stores have begun offering similar deals. Here’s a smattering of the ODAT sites I’m currently aware of:
The original from Backcountry.com and by far the most popular. They have recently introduced a current visitor counter on the site and it regularly tops 10,000 people! You’d better act fast because with that many people clamoring for a deal, they don’t last long.
This is my personal favorite… mountain and road bike products. The deals here are hard to pass up. I’ve seen complete bikes from Titus and Pinarello going for half-off or less. Great deals for cyclists!
Backcountry.com’s latest creation (well, it was actually a niche retail site that lost its way) is a ski-specific ODAT site. Check out killer deals on ski gear all day long.
The skate, snowboard and lifestyle ODAT site is great for those looking for a new pair of jeans, a trucker hat and the like. Not necessarily my style, but cool deals nonetheless.
From the guys behind Skis.com comes The Daily Steal. It looks to be mostly ski-specific right now, but maybe it’s just a seasonal thing. Great one-at-a-time deals.
A newcomer in the deal-a-day shopping realm and the first to be targeted at hunting enthusiasts. Outdoorsmen of all disciplines will appreciate the deep discounts on all the top-name brands in hunting gear.
For my light and fast alpine adventures that require a little more warmth than my transition tights, I love to use the Patagonia Alpine Guide Pants. The perfect weight for a lightweight softshell, they are awesome on their own in warmer temperatures, and make for great cold weather wear when paired with a baselayer.
The Alpine Guide Pants are super stretchy and also wind resistant, so they work great for those colder days at the crag at the end of the season, when you’re trying hard to stretch rock season as long as it can go (much like all of us are doing here in the Wasatch Range right now…)!
If you are wanting to invest in one softshell pant that will serve a variety of uses, I would get this one!
Women’s Alpine Guide Pant
Belt Loops! My favorite feature on any climbing pant, and surprisingly enough, not a lot of pants have them.
Pant legs have a zippered cuff, and also an elastic drawcord, so you can cinch them down tight when necessary or open the zipper for more space.
DWR (Durable Water Repellent) Finish makes these pants great in snow and light rain.
Low profile zippers on pockets keep them out of the way when not in use, still leaving you access to a total of 4 pockets, but not in an obtrusive way.
A quick word about sizing- I am about 5 feet 4 inches, weighing around 115 lbs. Normally, in Patagonia’s casual pants, I fit in a size 2. In these pants, I wear a size 4. I also own the backcountry guide pant, and am a size 6 in those! Be sure to pay close attention to measurements online or try on in person before purchasing!
5 years ago it was hard to find people sporting a down jacket. Something about looking fat and the myth of being too bulky? These days “puffies” are popping up all over the place. Marty Mcfly must have really seen into the future on this one.
Patagonia brings us the Micro Puff Jacket (also available with a hood which Claire reviewed last month) which combines the uber warm down feathers combined with a lightweight finish. Mountaineering, ice climbing, keeping warm this winter; you name it; the puff is sending warm vibes your way. It may look like there’s nothing too it but you’re not sacrificing warmth to get that low-bulk love. Looks like this year they did away with the micro lines on the jacket, I thought they gave the jacket a cool edge.
At 21 ounces this is going to be ideal for the lightweight junkie. I have had my share of down jackets over the years and I don’t see a lot of pieces performing at this velocity. I really don’t care for a ton of bulk when I am repelling, traversing, climbing; really any movement of my arms and legs. Being outside is all about being free, why not free up those limbs to stay on top of your game?
Remember when you had to get the bindings that had the cartridges on the outside of your boots? If you’re like me you’re probably not a huge fan of your cartridges clanging down the hill as your trying to get into your groove. No need to worry when rocking the Black Diamond 01 binders.
I’ve been on this binding for a season and have really enjoyed the power and functionality compared to BD’s 02 binding. The 01 has a snappy response and is ready to move. Coupled with the easy switch-to tour mode, I won’t go with anything else. If you’re suave enough you can actually keep your skis on at the end of the hike, pull off your skins, and hit the button and go. Maybe that’s why the color is green?
The other thing I like about the tour button is that there is no way your accidentally going to pop into tour mode on the way down. Unless you’re just nuts because you ski with your poles right in front of your boots and have amazing aim. As your looking around for a killer tour tele-binding, give the 01 a chance at the runway, they will definitely be crowned.
Tech Specs
Comes in three cartridge options; free flex, mid-stiff, and ridiculously stiff.
Alright, now that we’ve covered what I regularly wear on the bottom half underneath my Mountain Khakis, lets just get the other half out of the way as well. The Patagonia Active Mesh Bra provides great support for a running/hiking/climbing bra, and also works great for everyday wear as well.
Most of my days are spent transitioning from khaki pants and a nice shirt in the Speech Therapy Clinic to the trails behind the university for my treasured evening run. Fortunately, Patagonia has created a bra that can cover all the bases for me!
A word about sizing for Patagonia’s bras- I generally fall into what would be considered a mid-size in bras (B cup average), with about a 34 inch rib cage measurement, and I fit comfortably into a size small. This is not a bra I would recommend for fuller chested women- it offers great support for a mid-size, but would be insufficient for anything larger.
Favorite Features of the Patagonia Active Mesh Bra
Seamless construction of bra keeps rub spots non-existent
Thinner, V shaped straps allow you maximum movement without the straps getting in the way.
Again, Patagonia has created some really cute patterns! No more boring sports bra black.
The bra provides enough coverage that you can comfortably wear it on its own on hot days climbing or running without exposing too much to the world!
Are you in a softshell yet? Take the dive, you won’t need much push and shove after feasting your eyes on the Apex Bionic by The North Face. First off, go to your closet and pull out that old duct taped jacket. Now stick it into a picture frame and proceed to hang it on the wall. Use that extra space for your new softshell. Results may vary.
My favorite part about this jacket is putting it on over a t-shirt and feeling the nice soft micro-fleece lining for a cold night on the town. Mixed with an athletic fit and a DWR treated outer softshell, this thing will replace quite a few of your old fleeces and shells alike. I also like wearing my softshell with a down vest underneath for skiing, does wonders for blocking wind.
This jacket repels snow super well and even kept me dry while walking through the rain. I also like how the Apex looks on the ladies compared to a fleece, makes them look thin and sporty. Do you and your closet a favor; go with the softshell this season.
The skiwear company that Norwegian ski racer Lasse Kjus founded, KJUS, is a premium performance brand. It has its roots in Norway, and is made by racers for those types of skiers who take their gear seriously, and who like a sleek design. KJUS also creates movies and magazines around their brand, and here for you we are publishing the 2007 KJUS Movie. Enjoy! For more info, see: gear.com/kjus
In September of 2007 it was announced that downhill ski racing champion Bode Miller would partner with the KJUS Skiwear company, founded by famous Norwegian ski racer Lasse Kjus. Below are some of the details, as reported by First Tracks Online (http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2887):
“World ski racing champion Bode Miller has chosen KJUS Systems skiwear as his official uniform supplier for his new independent race team through at least the 2010 Olympic Winter games in Vancouver, Canada. The news was announced Wednesday by LK International, producer of the Swiss skiwear KJUS Systems.
American Bode Miller, now an independent World Cup ski racer, has signed a multi-year agreement with KJUS Systems skiwear. (photo: KJUS Systems)
“Bode is an impressive personality,” said Didi Serena, the CEO of KJUS. “He is an absolute individualist and a guy who loves to win, which suits us perfectly.”
As an independent racer, now racing and training separately from the U.S. Ski Team, Miller for the first time had the opportunity to select his own skiwear partner. He will wear KJUS skiwear beyond the boundaries of the FIS infield and during training.
Miller, who is poised to eclipse Phil Mahre’s record for most World Cup wins by a U.S. skier this season if his winning ways continue, created his independent race team consisting of his own team of staff and trainers to support his World Cup campaign. He created the team following his split from the U.S. Ski Team earlier this year.
“I’m pleased that now, at last, I can work with a partner who takes on problems and challenges and overcomes them. That gives more than 100 percent. Because what really matters is the functionality,” said Miller.
In support of the partnership, KJUS skiwear is planning a Bode Miller line for future seasons. Miller will provide his expertise and input in the design of his signature line as well as for the development of the entire KJUS collection.
At the age of almost 30, Miller has recorded 25 World Cup victories in all five alpine skiing disciplines, an accomplishment shared by only a very few athletes. Highlights of Miller’s accomplishments include World Championship gold in four different disciplines, two Olympic silver medals, a World Cup overall championship, and three additional World Cup crystal globes in two different disciplines.”
I used to dream about parasailing (or paragliding, or parapente, or whatever it’s called). I used to dream of working on the mountain at Chamonix, skiing off the upper slopes, and sailing all the way down to the valley every night as my commute. This clip makes me dream of that again. Thanks, KJUS, for this clip.
For those of you who know KJUS, the uncompromising skiwear company founded by Norwegian racer Lasse Kjus, you may be aware that they periodically put out some pretty impressive films. Here is a clip from their 2008/2009 film, and the clip is titled “Dropping In”.
Had the chance to fondle this boot the other day and personally it takes a lot for me to get stoked about a piece of gear. I mean, its just a ski boot right? WRONG! Dalbello has hit some killer details that I normally overlook in a boot.
I thought if you have 4 buckles then your set and that 3 buckle boots were only good for the antique roadshow. Not so. The 3 buckles on the Krypton are placed in the right place so you don’t need that 4th buckle and can get the stellar performance you need. The plastic on the outside is placed against a leather tongue so it takes away friction when you flex the boot. This helps give your feet the freedom needed for quick response to dodge tree stumps, land mines, and ski patrol sleds.
Ever had cold feet? Check your sock system first but also slip into these babies and enjoy the more open area above the arch. Apparently there is a big artery on the top of your foot that needs flow and the Krypton compensates for that. Check out the hinge on the boot and how low it is. That is lowered to give a more natural feel when your doing your thing on the hill. Switch out tongues for a stiffer or softer ride to absorb shock according to your preference. Kinda like Burger King; have it your way.
Just like Jason, I can’t believe it’s come to this. I too am reviewing underwear. Despite the odd topic, I was so impressed by Patagonia’s Active Hipster Brief that it required a posting, almost immediately.
Underwear, obviously, is a personal thing. To save you all the awkward details of my intimates wardrobe, lets just say that I was certainly a fan of the “lesser material” types… My theory being that no matter what you do, you’re going to end up with a certain amount of material wedged, so to speak, so starting with less material would ultimately result in less discomfort. This theory held relatively true until my first encounter with a pair of the Active Hipster Briefs.
Hands down, the Patagonia Active Hipster Brief is the most comfortable pair of underwear I’ve ever owned. These bikini cut briefs have a low rising wide waist band, which adds comfort and cuts down on bunching as you layer. The best feature of these panties is the material, which keeps it all in the same place, no matter the activity.
Bottom Line (sorry, but who could resist such a great pun!?): Running, hiking, going to class, these suckers are staying put, no matter what you do in them.
Get the Skinny on Patagonia Active Hipster Briefs
Synthetic fabric wicks moisture for those intense workouts, and also dries quickly out of the wash
Underwear is true to size when compared to most other brands- I’m a size 2-4 in pants and the small fits just great.
Unlike a lot of synthetic, outdoor-brand underwear, Patagonia has created some cute patterns! No more boring white, black or pink.
A great cross between fashion and functionality, one of my favorite pieces of gear is the Patagonia Women’s Down Vest. Being one of the first peices of outdoor “gear” I bought after moving to Utah, I am continually impressed with the quality of its construction, as it holds up to nights out on the town and chilly mornings at the crag.
The Patagonia Women’s Down Vest is cut just great for women with an average torso length (beware if you are one with a longer torso, it will definitely seem a bit short on you). The women’s specific cut allows for the vest to still be flattering and not too “marshmellow man” looking.
Pros of the Patagonia Women’s Down Vest
Fleece lined neck keeps your chin and neck nice and toasty!
Invisible zippers to side handwarmer pockets keep the vest looking trim
Handwarmer pockets are fleece lined!
Comes with a stuff sack
Patagonia’s mission statement includes building the best product while causing no unnecessary harm, and using business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. So, despite the hefty price tag, you know your garment is made at high quality standards while protecting your environment. A very worthwhile trade off in my eyes.
Last week I had a whole week off from school, so a friend and I headed back to CO to climb a few fourteeners, a tradition 2 years in the running now. Again, as I was packing, the first thing I made sure to grab was my pair of Mountain Hardwear Transition Tights.
The Transition Tights are constructed of featherweight windstopper material, which make them ideal for light and fast pushes in windy conditions. The stretch panels on the inner thighs and lower back allow the tights some give, making it very easy to bike, ski, run or scramble across ridgelines on Mt. Massive (my personal favorite use).
Mountain Hardwear Transition Tights
No pockets design keeps tights lightweight and sleek
Combo of softshell material and stretch panels makes for easy maneuverability
DWR finish helps to shed snow and light rain
Reflective patches on sides of pants make them a great city running pant
I will be the first to admit it- I am not a fan of change. So when I saw the new, redesigned Mountain Hardwear Gaiters, I was a bit skeptical. However, Mountain Hardwear has taken a great gaiter and improved upon its design to make it an awesome one!
The Mountain Hardwear Xenon Stretch Gaiter is intended specifically for high altitude mountaineering, though it also works great for those snowy day hikes. Sizing is specifically adjusted to mountaineering boots, and the cordura portion of the gaiter keeps those crampon spike holes to a minimum.
Mountain Hardwear Xenon Stretch Gaiters
Waterproof stretch panel on back allows for freedom of movement without sacrificing the integrity of water resistance.
Widened velcro closure panels keep gaiters shut no matter how much you move in them!
New buckle system eliminates possibility of breakage- stay put closure system with rubber keeps your bottom boot straps in place without the traditional metal buckle.
Boot straps are replaceable! A broken strap no longer means a brand new gaiter.
Despite being “men’s” gaiters, the smaller size fits great on women’s smaller boots.
Nau has had quite the up-and-down year, but in the end has come out stronger than ever. I recently had a chance to catch up with Ian Yolles (Nau co-founder) at Outdoor Retailer and he’s as upbeat as ever. After the acquision by Horny Toad, Nau seems to be more dedicated and streamlined with the same eco-friendly focus.
It’s hard not to cheer for these guys. With the earth-friendly product standards they are sticking to and the functional fashion of their products, they should do well.
I just got word that the new Nau.com will launch October 21 with the full Fall 08 product line. While at Outdoor Retailer, I got a chance to try on several of these pieces and the construction and thought behind the line is second-to-none. Add on top of that the eco-friendly nature of the fabrics and construction and everyone should be stoked.
Whenever I leave the house for a hike, no matter the length, one item always tossed into the back of my truck is my Black Diamond Expedition Trekking Poles. Collapsing down small, they fit on the side of any of my packs when not in use, and extend out to my length of choice when I need them. Along with hiking, I use these poles as my backcountry ski poles, for many of the same reasons. They work great for the ascent and descent.
Black Diamond’s poles use their patented FlickLock system, which I have yet to see fail in a variety of different uses. Once you set the lock at your chosen length, it stays there. No problem with your poles collapsing when you don’t want them to!
Black Diamond Expedition Trekking Poles
Patented FlickLock system keeps poles adjusted to your length, no matter what terrain you take them on!
Poles come in 2 sizes (125cm and 140 cm)
Plastic/Rubber combo on the grip doesn’t freeze with snow like many of the foam grips do.
3 piece design allows the poles to collapse down smaller
It finally snowed today! And what was the first thing I did amidst the blowing wind and 6 fresh inches? Headed to the mountains, armed with all my winter gear, including my Patagonia R1 Balaclava. Headed for the summit, my R1Balaclava is always in the top of my pack, ready for when the weather gets to be too much for my face alone to handle. The Patagonia R1 Balaclava is thin enough to fit under a helmet easily, and yet thick enough to provide some serious warmth.
Key Features of the Patagonia R1 Balaclava
Face opening covers nose, but can easily be pulled down to expose mouth, depending on the weather!
Long cowl of balaclava keeps your neck covered
Sized! Comes in Small, Medium and Large, so you can be guaranteed to get just the right fit.
R1 material has some stretch to it, making the balaclava form fitting.
So, I can’t believe it has come down to this. I’m reviewing underwear of all things. Yes, Michael Jordan would be proud, but these undies don’t have fruit on the label and they aren’t white. They are the Ex Officio Give-n-Go boxer briefs.
Made for all-day comfort while travelling or for any activity where both support and breathability is desired, the Give-n-Go’s are the benchmark for active underwear. The key to the excellent fit of these boxer briefs is the Give-n-Go stretch fabric that’s 94% nylon and 6% spandex. This lightweight fabric stretches and flexes, yet still supports where needed.
On top of the stretchy characteristics of these athletic boxers, they are also treated with an anti-microbial finish. This is great for travelling where you might not get a chance to wash them for a couple of days.
Now maybe I’m just enthralled with these briefs because I’m coming from whitie-tightie land. For my daily skivvies, I wear boxers, but for running, I’ve been using Champion cotton boxer brief whitie-tighties and hating life. They bunch up, get wet and soggy and are downright uncomfortable while running or playing sports. I’ve had to pick them out of you know where way too many times.
With my recent return to trail running, I knew something had to change, so I called around and did some research over at backcountry.com before pulling the trigger on the Ex Officio Give-n-Go Boxer Briefs.
The Good
Very lightweight and breathable
Just the right amount of support
They don’t creep up
Keeps everything happy down there
The Bad
$25 for a single pair
After a run today, I can’t believe I went so long without these undies. They breathe extremely well and are super comfortable. I highly recommend these athletic underwear for all your outdoor activities.
When I was a little grom, I took a nasty dive at Snowbird on my elans and completely tanked. I got to the lift and noticed my top sheet coming off and learned the term, “de-lammed”. Back then graphics, ski appearal, underfoot, and radius didn’t matter; it was all about the down and the snow. The down and the snow are the same but elan is definitely stepping up the tech and you won’t be having any de-lam problems with these skis. Take a peek at the new Pogo Sticks from elan that have what you need for serious ups.
The big scuttle on these planks is the fact they have a bottle opener on the tail of one of the skis. Isn’t there a sign at Park City saying not to drink and ski? This ski paired with pole flasks could bring many good times coupled with responsibility and errrr…. safeness. The elan guy I talked to also said to “take off the ski” before using the opener, it’s a little easier that way.
For the park rat that wants the pop and landing performance; the pogo is your plank. Ok back to the bottle opener, lets say your skiing switch in 12 inches of powder…does that hole in the tail of the ski shoot snow in your face? Just a thought. 90-92 underfoot this is going to be a great backcountry jib pow ski, most preferably facing forward. If I see someone skiing pow switch this year I will provide pictures.
Elan Pogo Sticks Specs
Burely RST sidewall for that extra durable steeze.
Response Wood core providing the mentioned pop and response.
Most people buy a down jacket like the Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket to wear for cold weather expeditions or frigid ice climbing belays. I bought mine to stay warm in my insanely cold college rental house. No, I actually bought mine for ice belays and glacier travel, but it has seen as much action in my kitchen in December as it has on summits in the cascades.
The Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket is a 650-fill down jacket. All the seems are welded, which eliminates stitching, thus eliminating cold spots. It also comes with a whopping 5 pockets; 2 outside fleece lined, 1 chest pocket and 2 internal mesh pockets (great for water bottle insulation and storage!). Another awesome feature of the Sub Zero SL is that the external fabric is Conduit SL laminate, offering a waterproof yet breathable outer later. This allows you to wear a down jacket out in the snow and be much less concerned about the down getting wet and losing its insulating properties.
Key Features of the Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket
Jacket now comes in both Women’s and Men’s sizes!
Fleece lined outer pockets and collar make for extra comfort
Reinforced abrasion areas (elbows, back of jacket) add durability
I love the Brown Santa (he can do lots for me). That guy brings cheer year ’round with his brown box truck full of goodies for little girls and boys. Yesterday, he dropped off a couple of new trail runners from Vasque. The all-new Vasque Celerator and the next-generation Vasque Blur are great all-around trail shoes. I tested the old Blur extensively and found them very capable and stable for everyday trail abuse.
I’m looking forward to these new treads as well as the Oboz Ignition trail runners that the Brown Santa dropped off today. To round out the list, I should have a pair of End Stumptown 12’s, Avia Avi-Trail and a pair of Salomon XT Wings.
Quick Thoughts on the Vasque Celerator
Getting right to it, I took the new Celerator (MSRP $105 – Spring 09) shoes out for a 5 mile run today on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail here in Draper, UT. I’m liking them already. Nice and supportive, yet my knees are happy as can be. Breathability was superb and overall comfort was pretty good. We’ll see what the next few weeks of pounding brings.
I’m liking the changes to the new Blur shoes and the Celerators seem promising. Stay tuned. Celerator and Blur shoes are pictured at right.
If you’ve got a ski vacation planned this winter, are you wondering how much extra it will cost you to bring along all your gear? Man, I sure am. Though these fees may likely increase business at local ski rental shops, since it may make even more sense to rent, it will definitely increase the frustration level for ski travelers.
I remember the good ol’ days when you could bring two checked bags, a ski bag and a boot bag for free. Then, they cut things down recently to just one bag plus skis. Now, I have no idea what the costs are going to be should I choose to travel to Whistler or home to Seattle for a ski trip.
I just saw this news report out of Vail that they are offering an extra bag fee refund by staying at their resorts. Sounds like a great short-term fix that’s worth looking into. Here are the details:
Broomfield, Colo., Oct. 6, 2008—To help offset added airline fees, Vail Resorts is offering a “Baggage Bailout” for skiers and snowboarders staying at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly this winter. Guests will receive a $50 credit when they book a stay of least four days and nights by Dec. 1 through Vail Resorts reservations system. Children may also receive a $25 baggage credit, if at least four days of children’s lift tickets are purchased.
“We have decided to help carry the load for our guests by addressing airline baggage fees,” said Rob Katz, chief executive officer.
It is not necessary for travelers to actually carry their own bags to earn the credit: the offer applies even to fliers who are not checking bags or who are traveling on an airline that does not charge baggage fees (such as Southwest Airlines).
Looks like a great little gimmick that just might work. The trick would be to fly Southwest and pocket the extra cash.
I’m not a pen guy per se. I mean sure, I expect a pen to write good but I don’t care if it’s stainless, gold plated, a certain brand or whatever else people use to rationalize buying a $100+ pen. But when I saw the Inka Pen at this years Winter Outdoor Retailer Show I knew that this pen would soon be on my “needed” items list.
As a backcountry skier I’m often interested in taking notes of snow conditions, avalanche activity and results from the snow pits that I dig. Trying to use a pencil on wet paper, even the waterproof paper (which is expensive!) can deliver mixed results at best. Try using a pen in the cold and snowy weather and you’re SOL.
When the pen arrived and after reading all the marketing materials that it “writes in extreme environments” and writes “upside down” it sounded a lot like the Seinfeld space pen:
The pen can be used in compact or full expanded mode, making it useful for quick writing or comfortable for prolonged writing.
Ideal for situations like writing in a journal while in a tent at base camp on an expedition or perhaps on a train as it rumbles through Europe when you’re living out of a backpack. Whenver space is a premium and reliability tantamount, the Inka Pen measures up.
But what about super cold or up-side down as advertised?
Regardless of its claims I put it to the test in cold snowy and wet conditions to see if it really measured up.
Quick Review of the Inka Pen
As you can see from the image on the right I used the pen in 5 different scenerios all written on the same note card. For the wet paper situation I put snow on the paper and let it melt. It was snowing pretty hard and the air temperature was in the low 20’s. I also had stored the pen in my backpack to ensure that it was at or near air temps.
The results? You can decide from the image but it wrote well each time. I’m sold on the reliability and use of this pen. I slip it in my pack with a small stack of 3×5 cards (with a hole in the corner as the pen comes with a key ring that I slip through the hole) on every adventure.
Good Inka
The Inka pen writes upside down, wet, cold and even under water.
Small and easy to use in either compact or full mode
Fits in a pocket
Built to last
Bad Inka
Price of $19.95 may scare some. However, the moment you need something to write with in an “extreme” situation you’ll gladly plunk down a Jackson for the Inka Pen.
Looks like T-mobile will be carrying google’s new “Android” phone, the G1. I just checked out the rock-and-roll demo of the phone and at this point it looks ho-hum. I mean, the music is hot, but the phone looks clunky.
Admittedly, I’m a huge Apple fan, but I haven’t yet jumped on the iPhone 3G bandwagon. My biggest reason is AT&T… their lackluster customer service and expensive services plans have soured my drive for the iPhone. I do have an iPod Touch and completely enjoy the interface and user-experience. It’s so easy to use that I find my 3-year-old writing email and browsing YouTube or watching The Incredibles on it all the time.
Her favorite YouTube video to watch is Crazy Horses by the Osmonds (it’s bookmarked as it should be). Thanks to the new iPhone/iPod 2.1 software update, I’ve now disabled YouTube so she can’t happen upon someone’s soft porn unknowingly… phew!
I digress… back to the T-mobile G1. I think it misses the mark and definitely will not be an iPhone killer. I venture that this particular version with be a flop and here’s why:
The form-factor looks HUGE
Where’s the bling? Nothing on this phone breaks new ground
The design looks like it was built by the miltary
The upturned button area adds to the awkward form-factor
Google is not know for their interfaces… these guys are engineering-driven and we all know how well engineers design interfaces
There are some nice things about the T-mobile G1 though:
Full QWERTY keyboard, but the slide-out design may be problematic
It’s not on AT&T
T-mobile’s customer service is great
Here’s the rest of the T-mobile G1 features so you can make your own decision. I still need to see and try one in person, but if I’m Apple, I’m not concerned at this point.
As mentioned above, the iPhone 3G hasn’t come without some hiccups, and it’s only available on AT&T (arguably the worst cell phone provider in my mind), but it’s still tops in the smartphone market.
Most of us on gear.com are more into self-propelled outdoor adventure than motorized outdoor pursuits. You know, backcountry skiing, road biking, mountain biking, trail running, etc, instead of motocross and snowmobiles. But I have to say — I have a lot of respect for snowmobilers and am even considering picking one up myself. However, I have a bad impression that most snowmobilers do NOT respect avalanches like they should until they see it first hand. A good friend of mine lost his buddy while snowmobiling in Idaho. Saddest story…just highmarking, not thinking anything of it, and released a slide.
It seems if you are motorized, it’s easy to just blaze out into the backcountry and quickly get in over your head in avalanche terrain. Whereas with backcountry skiing, you are going slower and don’t have the hubris to think, “Hey, if I see an avalanche I’ll just punch the throttle and out-run it!” Instead you realize your vulnerability a bit more and (I hope) have taken classes and carry the right gear.
So against that backdrop, I am thrilled that KLIM (a snowmobile gear company) now has the rights to distribute the ABS avalanche pack in the United States.
I first heard about the ABS pack from Bruce Tremper (an expert avalanche forecaster) when I was taking an avalanche class from Exum Mountain Guides in Salt Lake. This was several years ago, and Bruce mentioned this very interesting new backpack that was available in Europe. The pack has CO2 cartridges, and if you found yourself caught in a slide you just pull a cord and it inflates a large airbag. That effectively makes you a larger, lightweight object, so you get sifted to the top of the debris as it slides. It’s just like when you shake a bag of potato chips and the bigger ones settle to the top. Here is how KLIM describes the pack:
“With the ABS avalanche airbag, you have 170 liters (6.0 cu ft) of additional volume within seconds that can prevent you from dropping back into the flowing masses of snow and/or can reduce the depth of burial. This separation process in which items having a larger volume float to the top is called the “Inverse Particles Principle”. Cold dry powder snow has a very low density but a large volume. A person on the other hand has a high density but less volume. In order to be able to float on the snow’s surface and to avoid sinking, a person needs an additional volume of approximately 1.5 times of the persons total weight, which the ABS Avalanche Pack System provides.”
The ABS Pack also boasts a 98% survival rate. That’s almost unbelievable, given the lower average survival expectancy of people who happen to get caught in avalanches.
Now, it isn’t all rosy — the pack retails at almost $1,000. Though that isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, I will have to see it personally before I make up my mind.
And you’ll get a chance to do just that, if you live in Salt Lake City. We will have one of the packs with us at the OSH Theater on the University of Utah campus (the building just south of the Union bldg), at 6:30pm on Friday October 3rd. This is immediately before the Poor Boyz Production ski movie premiere at the theater, so please stop by the OSH at 6:30 to take a look, and stick around for the ski movie.
I remember a few years ago when I first got my hands on a shirt by manufacturer Sports Science. My instant thought was “Where’s the science, this is cotton”. Closer inspection and a little reading had me thinking otherwise as the product tag read, simply, “it’s not cotton.”.
How is that a fabric can wick like a synthetic yet feel soft like cotton? Sounds a lot like wool to me, which Sports Science is utilizing in some of it’s Polywool tops, including a few built for skiers and the Raglan Long-sleeve T-Shirt(on sale as of this posting).
When I spoke with the folks at Sports Science they said that they use a special type of weave pattern to mix threads of cotton throughout the polyester. That’s the science part – getting the weave right so that the cotton is evenly distributed.
How it works
Since polyester is hydrophobic and will release water if it comes in contact with it you have the ability to let go and in the case of fitness to “dry” with the polyester. Typically to get a poly fabric that will wick moisture you have to chemically treat it.
Cotton on the other hand is very hydrophilic and will naturally wick moisture but won’t release it as well. This is why outdoor athletes abhor cotton – it won’t dry out during use.
So when both materials are blended you get the best of both worlds. It’s done in a 85% (poly) 15% (cotton) blend.
I’ve used this top for running and found it to work very well. A friend of mine uses hers during workouts and has found it to be her favorite work out shirt. However, when used for extended periods of time as a base layer (I cut the sleeves off one shirt and use it as a base layer under my cycling jersey) rather than a solo layer I’ve found that it won’t dry as well.
Good Science
It actually does feel soft like cotton
No snags like typical poly performance tops
Keeps it’s size and shape well after multiple washings
Affordable – much more than it’s wool or synthetic competition
Won’t hold smell like a poly shirt
Bad Science
Doesn’t dry super well during extended performance as a base layer
BUY: Get your hands on a Sports Science tee at Backcountry.com by picking up one of their “Where’s Karl” tees which celebrated Ultra Trail Runner Karl Meltzer’s quest to break the Appalachian Trail record. While he didn’t snatch the record, he did finish with the 4th fasted time in 53 days and change. Solid effort indeed, and a solid tee that is fit for the occasion of running the AT.
The Powderwhore tour is coming to a theater near you, well hopefully. The movie is not to be missed and even if you don’t free your heels or drop a knee; all powderwhores are welcome. Enjoy the trailer and check the dates for the tour.
If you could choose your own adventure to go on what would it be? Where would you go? And more importantly what sort of gear would you choose to take along?
Now forget any associated costs and think again.
Our friends at The Gear Junkie announced today an enter to win sweepstakes that they’ve teamed up REI on which gives the winner (and a buddy) the choice of one of five adventures to go on, accompanied by Steven Reginald, aka “the Gear Junkie“.
Ok, so if you do win you can’t choose any adventure but you can choose from this list:
Mount Washington Winter Climb
Sequoia Winter Mountaineering Clinic
Yosemite Snowshoe Trip
Ice Climbing Basics in New Hampshire
White Mountains Hut-to-Hut Snowshoe
Which one would I choose? Mount Washington Winter Climb for sure. Nothing like testing man vs. nature in one of the more inhospitable locations in the continental U.S.
Not only do you get to do on the adventure but REI is going to set you up with all the gear you need, head to toe. Other sponsors include Adventure Medical Kits, Bare Naked Trail Mix and Wigwam.
The Interbike Outdoor Demo is one of the most anticipated times of the year. Two full days of technical and fun desert singletrack in Bootleg Canyon, Nevada on all the latest bikes for the upcoming season. As it turns out, 2009 is going to be a banner year for innovation in the bike industry. As frames, forks, shocks and components are refined or re-designed for the next year, it’s always a good thing.
For 2009, however, little has changed on the venerable Ellsworth Epiphany trailbike. With it’s 5.25 inches of rear travel provided by Ellsworth’s famed ICT Suspension, the Epiphany soaks up everything in its path, yet still climbs with the best XC machines on the market today.
How does the Ellsworth Epiphany ride?
A quick ride on the Epiphany revealed just how versatile this bike is. I loved how lightweight it felt as I pedaled it up the fire road and singletrack. It is a straight climber with no front-end wander to speak of (something not all bikes in this category can boast).
On the descents, this bike felt like it had much more than 5 inches of travel. I felt confident pounding out any drop or rock garden without worry. Surprisingly, the Epiphany has a 70-degree head angle, which is a bit steep for an all-mountain bike. But, once on the trail, you’d never notice it.
Good
Efficient suspension makes quick work of all climbs
Smooth travel absorbs rocks and drops like butter
Very lightweight yet still super stiff and stable
Anodized finish is very durable
Ellsworth is an energy-neutral company
Bad
Expensive, ($2400 MSRP) but you’ve got to pay for American-made quality
If you’ve got the coin, this is definitely one of the most recognized and heralded trailbikes on the market. I agree with all the stoke as this bike was one of the most fun trailbikes I’ve ever ridden. If you’re looking for a more detailed review, check out my Ellsworth Epiphany review on FeedTheHabit.com.
