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OUTDOOR RETAILER FALL 2011 Gear Review Part 2:

Outdoor Retailer, SLC UTAH

Words/Images Judith Ecochard

Hydro Flask, Thermo Soles, VestPac, PolarMax, Klymit, Cold Avenger, Chico Bags




HYDROFLASK®---

















Finally able to down piping hot tea at the top of a mountain...on a freezing cold day that made a hike a bit challenging...





















And without burning our hands off either---thanks to the vacuum sealed,  Hydro Flask®---a double walled high quality stainless steel bottle, that's totally BPA free/backed by a lifetime warranty/sweatproof (zero condensation), freeze proof and of course, reusable.


















FYI: 24 hours -keeps it cold, 12 hours for heated liquids...and 5% purchase price can be earmarked for charities just by logging on and entering the serial number at the bottom of each bottle. AND 100% recyclable.NICE.



















Launched in 2010---Hydro Flask® comes in different sizes (including wide mouth)---

 ---and now with a new filtration system that removes the chlorine, odors, etc. $49.95


http://www.hydroflask.com


THERMO SOLES®

Four to seven hours of heat, depending, these Lithium Ion Battery, wire free, rechargeable heated gloves and socks  are good for 500 charges. Remote controlled too.



Remote---turn off the heat when you don't need it. Charger in back





http://www.thermosoles.com

VESTPAC

SO SMART---this modular pack system debuted in 2010 when founder Scott Shepherd took his days on the ski slopes as an instructor, sportin' a radio chest pack---and as a fly fishing guy----inspired a better mouse trap in a manner of speaking.




Front and back packs sold separate

We like how the straps are not flapping around


We like the easy access of our stuff, right in the front---that one can customize with a hydration reservoir in the back.

The materials used, like the air mesh makes it comfy and low profile  convenient for hot weather pursuits like paddle sports.

www.vestpac.com

POLARMAX

All year round gear- wearable basics=AYG 365--- from PolarMax...gives the best of cotton comfort via its TransDRY™--- infused with techy benefits like quick drying fabrics, moisture wicking breathability and anti-bacterial/anti-odor Acclimate® Fresh.

A new designer is giving the market  style forward silhouettes--- ideal as base garments for athletes and active types...

http://www.polarmax.com

KLYMIT

Argon insulated vests, weather tough hard and stretchy soft shell jackets ($149.95-$224.95), and the cool four season Inertia X-Frame camping pad ($225) weighing in at a light 17oz ---and enhancing sleeping bag insulation with loft pockets...

Nobletek® technology provides the insulation without the bulk. Seriously.
Kinetic Caldera $224 ETA November 2011 offers the warmth of an 800 Fill down vest with the press of a button!!!





Dial on adjuster for the vest!

Klymit is becoming a very popular stop for outdoor retailers since it's debut a few years back. And so we were told, the four Argon canisters can be taken on a commercial airplane-TSA compliant---as Argon is non-toxic and non-flammable.

www.klymit.com

COLDAVENGER®

From Talus Outdoor Technologies LLC in Missoula, Montana,---the Cold Avenger®  medical grade polyurethane balaclava ($79.95) protects ones face and allows one to have free breathing with properly moist/humidity/ heated air---a matter of survival in freezing cold temps---where asthma could be a problem...

Hand washable ventilator/ mask too---the one size fits all Cold Avenger® Expedition Balaclava is comfortable-made with Polartec® Wind Pro® fleece.


www.coldavenger.com


CHICOBAG™

From founder Andy Keller's 2004 encounter with a single used bags' filled landfill back in 2004, Chico Bag™s has grown into the leading multi-purpose, recycled, reusable hauler brand out there.

At the latest OR a new line of duffel bags with an inside mesh pocket (86% recycled content-included recycled hardware, and PET from plastic drinking bottles) got a lot of attention at the show.


Tucks away into a handy pouch $39.95

Inside mesh






This handy bag size joins the other smartly designed daypacks, messenger bags, Slings/shoulder strap and two handled tote bags in solids, and pretty prints.




BTW: The 411 is stamped inside or out---breaking down each bag's contents---including the Chico Bag rePETe™ to help customers identify that this collection is made using recycled materials.

www.chicobag.com