Outdoor Retailer, Salt Lake City, UTAH
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
We could probably live our entire lives in a Salomon something.
“The Mountain Sports Company” had enough skus in its tradeshow booth---we could have stayed there for hours.
Zeroing in on a very few key items…we were impressed by how the technically fitted pieces could so easily transition into anyone’s lifestyle.
Bonus points for the colors too. (Process Blue- in a stretchy Whisper Midlayer ($80).
It always starts with the fabrics…with moisture wicking properties, combined with windproof and/or waterproof AND breathable textiles that stretch… characteristics that come from the cycling world.
For Fall/Winter 2010 SMART SKIN™ Technology in several key pieces puts the windproof fabric in front in the XT Wings II Softshell Jacket ($120)… and the super packable Fast Wing Hoody II jacket has a zip that goes all the way down plus a snap tag so it can be open but not flapping around—($110).
… and the new Swift Midlayer Hoody (MSRP $110) in eye catching colors.
Love the built in gloves, a front and back pockets that lie flat, hoods with ponytail holders, and fit tight…with no pulls…and with Tactile mesh inlay that wicks away sweat!
This fun printed Trail Runner IIW LS Tech Tee ($60) can multi task for road biking, trail running, or cruising urban streets. Added features that makes this a long sleeved technical keeper steps beyond some big box equivalent…the anti-microbial panels, the stash pocket, flatlock seams and reflective branding.
For the high end Free Ski Collection…light blue and purple rule.
All of the attire is interchangeable…with subtle graphics…and even zipper pulls with color.
The asymmetrical baffle design make this jacket urban and mountain friendly. For athletes, zip pits, powder cuffs and skirts in this Hub Down Jacket ($290) are musts.
Other pluses: a removable hood, fleece line collar to prevent chafing when all zipped up, pda friendly…etc.
IMHO: The attire is designed with many technical features, built with “authenticity” but doesn’t scream with oversized logos.
Headwear is available for all---in the classic styles too.
We had a brief overview of the new XT WHISPER 2 GTX®---a light (9.7 oz W sz 7 $115) all terrain running shoe that’s made specifically for a women’s foot.
Meaning narrower toe box and lower cuffs than guys, and a control quick lace system that’s on an angle.
PLUS:
Tricked out with Advanced Chassis Technology (ACS 2lite) for comfort and stability, Contragrip™ for non-marking extra traction, an OrthoLite® sockliner that combines a specific Ortholote® foam and an EVA heel cup that insures better cushioning and more heel support, Gore-tex™ waterproofing, a protective rubber toe, and drier insoles…
And the above is all great…especially in such cool looking peds.
SHIPMENTS START SUMMER 2010
