I was first introduced to the Smith Vantage a year ago at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2010. At that time, I was busy testing the ultralight Smith Maze ski helmet, but the Vantage immediately caught my attention. It borrowed from the construction of the Maze, but stepped things up in overall protection, function and versatility.

The hybrid shell construction of the Vantage allows for a much more solid feel while at the same time reducing weight and overall bulk. The result is a lightweight, low-profile helmet that’s loaded to the gills with every imaginable feature.

With the Vantage, you get adjustable ventilation via onboard sliding vent closures. Unlike other helmets, these louvers slide into place at the surface of the helmet as opposed to at the liner. So, if you pogo, your lid won’t collect snow like a cheese grater inside the exposed vent ports. The surface-level ventilation adjustments are split into two zones, called Dual Regulator.

While the helmet fits like a champ and weighs less compared to the leading competition, my favorite feature remains the Dual Regulator because it’s so useful. Just the other day, I used the vents to their full capability on a backcountry ski tour. On the descent, I opened the rear vents but kept the front vents closed. The result was quick evacuation of excess heat without the brain freeze effect. When we got down to the bottom and were bushwhacking our way out of a gully, I opened the front vents for maximum ventilation. Because of the pinpoint ventilation control, I was able to quickly maintain a comfortable temperature without overheating or fogging up my goggles.

New for Fall 2011 (as tested), the Smith Vantage ski helmet will feature the Boa Helmet Fit System. This is an improvement over the previous design in that you can easily adjust the size of the helmet with one-click precision in or out. Compared to the old system, the new Boa adds yet another industry-leading feature to what is arguably the best ski helmet on the market today.

The Good

• Dual Regulator ventilation allows you to pinpoint ventilation needs
• Low-profile design
• Lightweight construction that doesn’t skimp on safety
• Zip-in audio can be added or upgraded on-the-fly
• Boa Helmet Fit System is easily dialed
• Superb overall comfort for all-day fun
• Bungee goggle strap design is easy-to-use

The Bad

• Mini brim does dig into goggle foam if you place your goggles on your forehead when not in use
• When it’s really blowing and cold, some of the permanent vents can let in more cold air than I’d like
• All these bells-and-whistles don’t come cheap ($180, no audio)

My Verdict: Smith Vantage Ski Helmet

With the Smith Vantage, you get industry-leading performance packed into a lightweight, low-profile design. The kicker is the Dual Regulator ventilation system that allows you to adjust the front and rear vents independently. With the Boa adjustment system on tap for Fall 2011 (available now), there’s no stopping the Vantage from global slope domination.

Buy Now: Search for the Smith Vantage Ski Helmet

Spring has officially sprung, although in some parts of the country old man winter is still  hanging around.  When the seasons change typically you’ll find me lusting over the latest gear. A good rule of thumb is to go through what you have and donate a few things to make room for a few new pieces.  Trying to pare down a Top 3 list for Spring wasn’t an easy task, there’s a ton of new gear to be had out there. You’ll find my picks are everyday life staples for Spring and beyond.

3.  Scrunchie Tote from Timbuk2 MSRP: $80

• Because one can never have too many bags.  Ladies you can relate, each bag has a different purpose in life and the Scrunchie Tote is one of those GREAT everyday bags. Since it’s from Timbuk2 I can guarantee you’ll get miles out of this bag. Although, I’m not too keen on the name as it reminds me of  the 80′s hair scrunchie, it’s still a perfect fit for ladies on the go. So what would I use it for you ask? Everything!  Work, gym, farmer’s market, carry-on and so much more. It’s too new for fun funky colors, but I’m digging on potrero as it’s sure to match any outfit.

Details:

• A roomy all-around gear bag that cradles your yoga mat and looks good doing it.
• Refined weave ballistic nylon exterior with a stylish printed graphic liner.
• Exterior slash pockets for quick access and hidden zipper pocket for safe keeping.
• Waterproof TPU base so your gear stays dry, even on a damp gym floor.
• Key tether to keep you locked in.
• Zip top closure gives you the option to be super secure or casually closed.

2.  Aura Sunglasses from Smith Optics/ MSRP: $129

• Living in Tahoe you can’t leave the house without your trusty sunglasses.  It’s also handy to have sunglasses for specific occasions. The Smith Aura is more of  the fun weekend warrior type. They’re  also not only  functional but fashionable. Remember I usually opt for functional fashion. Wear them on a boat or cruising down the boardwalk with your pals. I’m digging  the stone frame with a brown gradient lens for Spring.

Details:

• Anti-Reflective and Hydrophobic Lens Coating
• Medium Fit/Medium Coverage
• Techlite Polarized Glass TLT Lenses
• Stainless Steel Spring Hinges

1. Rain Shadow Jacket from Patagonia / MSRP: $179

• An oldie but a goodie, the Women’s Rain Shadow Jacket is a lightweight jacket every woman should have in their closet.  It packets down to a small ball making it easy to throw in your Timbuk2 Scrunchie Tote when weather calls for rain showers. Roomy enough to layer over a sweatshirt on colder days without it being bulky. I purchased this jacket for my trip to Central America with the idea of trekking through rain forests and hanging at beach for three weeks. It kept me dry and warm. Today, I wear my Rain Shadow Jacket around town and while hiking.  This is the jacket for you if you’re looking for something lightweight, waterproof, and breathable.  Make a statement with color, I’m digging on the prickly pear for 2011.

Details:

• Lightweight – 10.9 oz
• waterproof/breathable H2No barrier and Deluge DWR
• Roll-down, 2-way-adjustable hood with a laminated visor improves hood structure and visibility
• Microfleece-lined neck and chin for comfort
• All exterior zippers and pit zips are watertight, coated and treated with a Deluge DWR

I know the Smith Interlock Trace Sunglasses have been out for awhile but I love them. They’ve been my go to glass for over two years.

Smith stepped up the interchangeable lens game when they released the Interlock lens system a couple of years ago and they stepped it up again with the release of the Piv-Lock system. The Slider system worked but it was a little bit of a pain getting the lenses in and out. The Interlock system makes lens swaps easy with a simple twist of the temple pieces. I’ve been a fan of Interchangeable lenses since the Slider days but I was extra stoked when the Interlock came out.

Smith Interlock Trace Features

• Carbonic TLT Lenses
• Interlock Interchangeable
• 3 sets of lenses (mine came with polarized brown, Ignitor, clear mirror)
• Nonslip emple pads
• Medium fit
• Hard Protective case (at least mine came with one)
• Lifetime Warranty
• RX Compatible
• Price: $149

Smith Interlock Trace Review

I’ve been a fan of Smith for a long time now and the Interlock Trace doesn’t disappoint. The Trace features a medium fit and sit nicely on my face. The lenses on the Trace are a little larger than other sunglasses, but not big enough that you look ridiculous. They do provide enough coverage that on sunny days touring the snow reflection doesn’t get through the edges, they keep keep the wind out on fast bike rides, and enough coverage to keep the rain and mud out when the weather gets dicey.

Like most all frames, the Trace frame features a little bit of a springy-tension to allow fit on a wider range of head sizes. I like this because it helps keep the glasses where they need to be on my head. In my experience this tension goes away within a year or two of use, but after nearly two years of use it’s still going strong. The temple pieces have long pads to also keep the frames on your head, especially when you are sweaty. Many others I’ve used would still slip, even with the pads.

The two lenses I’ve used the most are the brown polarized and the clear lenses. Of course the polarized brown on sunny days and the clear on the rainy days or when I commute home at night. The clear lenses feature a very light mirror to help break glare when riding at night or in the rain.

The Good

• Interlock Interchangeable system
• Durability
• Good face coverage
• Quality
• Fit and look
• RX compatible

The Bad

• Are a little bigger, might look silly if you have a small face
• If you have a big head the temple tension might be uncomfortable
• If lenses aren’t inserted just right they’ll pop out

Bottom Line:

The Smith Interlock Trace has become my “go to” sunglass for everything. I wear them when bike commuting, trail running, mountain biking, going to the park with the kids…everything. After two years I haven’t had any problems and am still extremely satisfied with these glasses.

Buy Now: Pick up the Smith Interlock Trace Sunglasses and put your other sunglasses on the shelf.

As Smith continues to up the ante in lens technology, they are also stepping up in eco-friendly construction. Their Evolve line consists of sunglasses, goggles and helmets utilizing more environmentally-friendly solvents and materials. For the past few months, I’ve been rolling with the Smith Backdrop sunglasses that feature the most advanced lens technology Smith has ever developed. Performance thus far has been nothing short of spectacular… lets dig into some details.

Smith Backdrop Features:

• 8 Base Lens Curvature
• Frame Measurements 61-16-135
• Grilamid TR90 Frame
• Medium Fit / Medium Coverage
• Techlite Polarized Glass TLT Lenses
• Lens Options: Polarchromic or Polarized (depends on lens/frame color)
• Colors: Black Matte Evolve (tested), Black, Mahogany, Tortoise, Brown Stripe
• MSRP: $159.00 – $199.00

When I got the Backdrop sunglasses, I was immediately impressed with the lens quality and overall construction. Not that Smith cuts corners, but these were, in the words of  Nacho Libre, “especially delicious.” After checking out the larger-profile Touchstone, I opted for the Backdrop since it seemed to fit my face a little better.

The story here is the lens. We’re talking about glass lenses here and you’d never know it by how light they feel. The Techlite Ignitor Polarchromic lens in these glasses offers optical clarity and glare reduction in varying conditions. Since the lens tint changes as needed, the Backdrop’s have been extremely-versatile in a variety of conditions thus far.

I’m liking the fit and the fact that they still put grippy megol rubber on the nose and ear pieces. Sometimes, high-end glasses don’t get that treatment and end up being relegated to casual duty. While the Backdrop’s aren’t my first choice for trail running, they have done just fine under those conditions.

Many times, polarized sunglasses suffer from what I’ll call “The Rainbow Effect”. What I’m referring to is a rainbow that you see in your peripheral as the lens curves. These sunglasses do not have anything of the sort… just crystal-clear vision all-around.

The Good

• Techlite glass lens is lightweight
• Amazing optics in all conditions
• Polarchromic technology reduces glare and extends window of use
• Eco-friendly Evolve design
• Flexible hinges extend fit without flexing the frame or lenses
• Stay put very well
• Highly scratch-resistant

The Bad

• Small “evolve” text on the upper-left of left lens is annoying… my eye is constantly drawn towards it

Bottom Line: Smith Backdrop Polarchromic Sunglasses

These are definitely some of the finest sunglasses on the market today. Overall construction is killer, the fit is just right and the lenses really put them in a league few other sunglasses can match.

Buy Now: Search for Smith Backdrop Sunglasses

The new product machine at Smith is relentless. Without fail, every six months, I get the lowdown on the new sunglasses, goggles, helmets and accessories. Chopper at Smith was particularly stoked on this new model, so I was naturally intrigued.

“We had a handful of mountain bikers ride them for several days straight on the Umpqua River Trail in Oregon,” he said confidently. “They were all stoked on how lightweight they felt.”

Slipping them on, I could see why as these glasses offer some of the best field of vision while remaining super light at the same time. The frameless design really gives the V90 Max a stylish look, but more importantly provides killer field of vision and excellent water shedding qualities.

I’ve used the V90′s extensively on the bike and trail running and really appreciate the grippy rubber and clear optics. I actually have used all three lenses in differing light conditions and truly dig the new Pivlock lens system. Changing lenses couldn’t be easier with no need to ever touch the middle of the lens to do the swap. A quick rotation of the arms, a tug on the nose piece and you’re swapped out.

The only real gripe I have with these glasses is that the ear pieces don’t curve behind the ear enough and tend to interfere with my Giro Xen bike helmet. I found myself adjusting the glasses a little too much on the bike with that helmet.

I love how light they feel and how comfortable they are in all conditions. I settled in on the Ignitor lenses for all-around performance. My favorite feature of these is the amazing field of vision offered by a truly frameless design, which lends itself to excellent peformance while trail running, mountain biking or hiking where a wide field of vision is key.

The Good

• Excellent coverage is much appreciated–especially during cold weather activity
• TLT optics provide great clarity in all conditions
• No frame to interfere with vision
• Flexible for any head shape
• Easy to swap out lenses without scratching
• Ultralight feel

The Bad

• Ear pieces interfere with my bike helmet (Giro Xen)
• Still not sold on clear lenses (I know… I know… night riding)

Bottom Line: Smith Pivlock V90 Max Sunglasses

A solid new sunglass offering from Smith features new Pivlock interchangeable lens technology in an uber-light shield design.

Buy Now: Search for Smith Pivlock V90 Sunglasses

After some warming up, I’ve come to like the new Smith Foley sunglasses. They are a complete departure from every other pair of sunglasses I’ve ever owned as I never opt for style over function, but these are a fun pair of sunglasses.

Built with all the lens technology you’d expect from Smith, these are much more than your typical metal 80′s throwback sunglasses. They are offered in polarized and non-polarized and feature Smith TORIC lenses with TLT optics for superior optical clarity in all conditions. Here’s the skinny from Smith:

The FOLEY is an exceptionally well fitting NEW METAL style from SMITH. Intended to compliment the documented success of the Serpico, this new style features a medium-scale, modern silhouette that uniquely blends the classic shape of a navigator and an aviator. The sculpted metal temples feature dimensional branding that seamlessly integrate with the sleek lines of this style. TORIC lenses featuring TLT Optics deliver optical clarity in both polarized and non-polarized options.

Smith Foley Review

While the Smith Foley glasses are pretty much dedicated to looking stylish or impersonating motorcycle cops, they are still highly functional with excellent optics. They feel very light on your face and offer excellent wraparound coverage–something not many aviator-style glasses are known for. My gold-framed glasses were mated to polarized gray/green lenses.

In spite of the darkness of the lens, I felt like these glasses were letting in ample light for mixed conditions. Direct sunlight was a bit bright (a mirrored coating would reduce that), but overall lens tint was excellent. I appreciated the quality of the polarized technology and didn’t get much in the way of rainbow effect, which happens with some polarized glasses.

The lenses are only slightly curved top-to-bottom, but feature quite a wraparound as compared to most aviator glasses. This really improved the function of the glasses and increased the peripheral vision. Grippy nose pieces keep things in place, but you’re not going to want to do much more than chill in these shades unless you’re Officer Friendly then we’ll all be kept wondering if you’re a good cop or a bad cop.

MSRP: $139 (polarized) or $119 (standard lens)

Good Foley

• Stylish update to aviator-style sunglasses
• Lens quality and optical clarity
• Cool throwback styling
• You get to play good cop bad cop
• Grippy nose pieces keep things steady

Bad Foley

• Pretty much relegated to hang-out duty
• Don’t sit on these (at least Smith will take care of you)

Buy Now: Search for Smith Foley Sunglasses

While at Outdoor Retailer, I stopped by to see my old friend Greg “Chopper” Randolph from Smith Optics. The guy is the real deal and loves to show the goods coming down the pike from Smith. This year, the story was in refinement with several new polarized options and the all-new ultralight Pivlock V90 and V90 Max interchangeable lens sunglasses.

This all-new minimalist shield design from Smith offers a super-lightweight design with solid wraparound protection. The V90 and V90 Max differ only in the size of the lens, otherwise all other features and interchangeable lens designs are the same. Trying them on, they are extremely lightweight and comfortable–I can’t wait to try them on the trail as I imagine I’ll forget I’ve got them on. The lens design not only eliminated frame interference in your line-of-sight, but it also reduces material usage. Throughout the entire Smith line, you can expect solid optics, polarization options and Eco-friendly materials with the Evolve lineup.

The V90 and V90 Max will be available soon with an MSRP of $119 for a single lens and $139 for 3 lenses.

I was exposed to Smith Optics as a child when all the older cool kid skiers were sporting them.  I fell in love with a pair of Smiths with amber lenses that my older brother had when I was 10 years old or so.  As his pair is long since discontinued, I opened a hunt to find a pair of sunglasses with a sleek and snug shape, durability, and amber colored lenses.  I found the Smith Interlock Whisper.

Sometimes life calls for a fun and wide style in a sunglass, and other times you need a snug, dependable sunglass that can meet as many scenarios as you can.  The Smith Interlock Whisper is lightweight and is a pair of sunglasses I find myself reaching for more and more often.

I needed a pair of sunglasses that I could wear all day under a climbing helmet that would not compress the sides my head, and be tight enough I can maneuver every which way without having to wonder if my sunglasses will stay on.  I also wanted something that would look sleek for motorcycle rides, river trips, and around town.  A problem I was running into was lens color, I needed a variety of lenses for the conditions I find myself in and didn’t want a pile of sunglasses.

Smith Optics Interlock technology has stepped it up. With a simple quarter turn of the side arm the lens is free to lift.  I can switch lenses in a matter of seconds without risk of forcing or sliding lenses.  The quarter turn widens a seam in the frame and the lens pops right out.  I have been wearing my Interlocks over a year and this feature has yet to show wear.  I was worried the arm may loosen or the lenses would loose stability, neither have been even a fleeting issue.  Nice work Smith.  Check out the video.

The only complaint I have is the lenses fog up from the inside if you exert a lot of heat quickly.  When I go trail running or cycling, it can be a bother. The Smith Interlock Whisper has small rubber grips on the arc above the bridge of the nose.  Usually I will move the sunglass slightly forward so it can vent, the rubber holds them there.  The condensation fog lifts quickly, and causes no damage to the lens as they are treated with a hydrophobic coating.  If cycling or running is your primary sport there are better options, like the Smith Factor, Redline, or Parallel.  On these there is no bottom frame piece and they ventilate better.

Each pair of Smith Interlocks comes with two spare pair of lenses, a clear mirror pair and an ignitor.  When comparing Smith Optics to other top sunglass manufacturers, the place where I feel Smith could improve is the lenses themselves.  While I love the wide range of lens colors, and the Tapered Lens Technology (eliminating distortion), the lenses will scratch over time.  It is not easy to scratch them, but will happen inevitably with continued use.  I am not gentle on my gear (yes, I consider sunglasses gear).  I have accumulated a few scratches through tossing the glasses in my bag full of random objects, or carrying my glasses in the same hand as my car keys.  Absent-minded care of Smith Interlock Whisper sunglasses will result in scratches within a year.  If you are kind to them they will last several years.  This earns Smith a “good” on the crappy – excellent lens quality scale.

Features of the Interlock 01:

• Snug, but not tight frame
• Medium fit
• Tapered Lens Technology
• Carbonic lenses
• Interlock Interchangeable lenses
• Lens quality- good
• Lifetime Warranty

My experience in redemption of the Lifetime Warranty with Smith Optics has been 50/ 50.

Attempt number one: Damn the man at Smith. I had an awesome pair of Smiths for several years.  In the years of wear, my glasses accumulated small micro fractures in the frame below the lens.  I wore them anyhow, I loved they way they fit and the specific tint of the lens.  When the fractures finally combined and broke through I sent them back for warranty.  I knew they were discontinued and I was hoping they might have an old pair stashed away or a method of repair.  No dice.  An angry warranty worker woman called me and told me to “stick it”, and they hadn’t made the sunglass in years.  She told me since the lenses were scratched the warranty was void.  I was bummed.

Attempt number two: Props for Smith Optics. One day while riding a motorcycle, I turned my head to check traffic to make a lane change.  As the Smith Melrose is wide framed and sit away from your face, and considering the angle of my head turned, the sunglasses were torn from my face by the wind and shattered on the road.  Funny thing is I had only owned the glasses for a few weeks.  I turned around and picked up the pieces from the road, mailed them into Smith Optics and they sent me a new pair within 3 days.  That is unreal.  And awesome.  I, in no way expected them to honor their lifetime warranty in this scenario.  I was stoked.  Thanks all at Smith.  I ended up buying a second pair of Smiths, the Interlock Whisper, as they hug closer to my face, to prevent the problem in the future.

Smith Optics: Buy Now at Backcountry.com

My old ski helmet was a joke. It was big and bulky, didn’t fit right and had a hideous pattern on the side. Nonetheless, I loved it. However, after prodding and some mockery from my friends, I finally got a new Smith Variant Brim Helmet.

1st and most important- fit! Smith Variant Brim Helmets come with a “Helmet Fit System,” a ratcheting system similar to those found on bike helmets, so you can really customize it to fit your head. They come in 3 sizes (S, M, L) and you can adjust each as needed. No more helmet drooping down over my eyebrows! This one fits right and stays in place.

Smith Variant Brim Helmet

• Venting system! I’ve never had a helmet with vents before. If you’re sweatin’ up a storm on the hill, flip your vents open and you’ve got an instantaneous breeze on your dome. Too cold? Close em up with the simple flick of a finger.
• X-static lining fabric- Supposedly regulates odor and eliminates static… Your hair won’t stand on end when you take the helmet off.
• Sweet designs! Smith has really pioneered the market of making helmets and goggles fashionable. The Variant Brim comes in several different designs, from a matte black for those conservative types to a blue floral or white pinstripe for those of you wanting to make a statement.
• Ear pads are removable, and can be interchanged for audio compatible ones or a bluetooth compatible phone system.

Last thing- the brim! I was not psyched on this idea at first. Why do I want a brim? I almost got a regular Variant Helmet, but after some convincing, went with the brim. Definitely the right choice! When paired with Smith Goggles, the venting system that is created is the greatest! The brim redirects airflow, keeping your goggles fog free. Also, it’s great for keeping some of the sun out on those sunny days and the snow out on the days it’s nuking. My only gripe- I ride with my goggles up on my helmet unless the weather absolutely necessitates some ocular protection, and getting them to sit up there takes a bit of finesse.

Buy Now: Search for the Smith Variant Brim Helmet