REBRANDED LINEUP AT GREAT PRICES BUILDS ON SWISS HERITAGE OF MULTIFUNCTIONALTY, PRECISION ENGINEERING, PERFORMANCE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
PLUS: THE PATAGONIAN EXPEDITION RACE
(aka we want in)OUTDOOR RETAILER, SLC, UTAH
Words/Tradeshow Images Judith Ecochard
Product Images Courtesy of Wenger
“NOT FAIR” --- we thought as we exited the spacious Wenger area at the most recent Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow.
How come the guys get all the heated boots at first?
Wenger debuts the techy laden BOAR boot--- a push button re-chargeable (less than three hours-total!) integrated heater--- blasting out for Fall 2010.
Toasty- with three heat settings that warm up the ball of the foot, these ‘last eight hours at the max’ kickers have the acclaimed OutDry® “extreme waterproof” membrane that is laminated directly to the outsole, 400 gram Thinsulate® insulation, Zip Tight lacing that makes a snug fit less of a workout to achieve, a rear ridge to securely hold snowshoe straps—(big deal: ours always manage to slip off our hiking boots to our great annoyance)… AND all at a reasonable $250.
WHAT ELSE:
There are 30 new models divvied up into four major collections: Cold Weather (like the aforementioned BOAR), Backpacking, Trail and Base Camp (lifestyle crossover).
Some highlights----The redesigned Eiger boot (above) that’s the cornerstone of the Wenger (Backpacking) collection… is even more advanced with the OutDry® technology, and still keeping wearers on course with gripping Vibram outsoles delivering excellent traction (M/W).
The high-end Diavolo (Men only) from the Backpacking collection has uppers constructed out of primo Italian Anfibio and full grain leather –that has natural waterproofing qualities. ($360). The ultimate haulers for feet!
Diavolo in black
The Trail lineup has models that are of lighter weight ---without sacrificing the grip and comfort we like from our do it in day footwear. We got an eyeful at how the HyperGrip outsoles deliver as billed to enable wearers to adhere to uneven surfaces all the time.
The Xpedition ---that comes in a nice looking blue/gray…is the winner from this group. (M/W)
Base Camp offerings really fall into a broad range of what to wear at yes, base camp (duh)…but also on the sidewalks, and just around the yard.
There’s an “Après Snow” boot in black or brown- made from boiled wool, comfort slip ons like the Pan Handler Slip Shuffler (W $65) or Urbaneer for guys,
===and a city chic Compass Tall Boot and Clog (so popular these days) with contrast stitching.
What will get the most use…the Cambridge in Brown or Glacier ---with Sherpa collar and lining. Nice. ($110)
THE WATCHES:
Being addicted to our Blackberries, iPods, we usually never wear a watch…but Wenger’s lineup are so handsome…they make a stylish statement with all the functionality of their original claim to fame, the Genuine Swiss Army Knife.
The Nomad LED Compass Watch features a specialized Swiss movement and a seamless LED digital day, date, time and compass display module. We like how the 316L stainless steel case, and black silicon strap look…and it’s water resistant to 100 meters.
THE BIG DEAL---thanks to engineering par excellence there’s no ghost markings when switching/highlighting from one display to another. ($375)
“The Adventure At The End Of The World”
WENGER is the title sponsor of the rigorous 600k, ten day Patagonian Expedition Race® that has international teams of four--- trekking, climbing with related rope work, kayaking, mountain biking, and backcountry navigating over diverse terrain in that gorgeous part of the world.
Naturally---the coolest watch gets its bump from this outing…($425) the Commando Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race watch---that like the super popular Swiss Raid Commando Series ---has a PVD black dial and strap. LIMITED EDITION.
THIS JUST IN:
First free standing store (Pearl Street Mall) set to open April 2010 in Boulder, Colorado.
INFO: WENGER Fall 2010 starts shipping in August
The 411 on the PATAGONIAN EXPEDITION RACE