OUTDOOR RETAILER, SLC
words/images Judith Ecochard
Lighter=faster=technically better -operative words for many outdoor gear/apparel companies --- are mission critical for us when we go backpacking-as we can't haul heavy packs and equipment on the trails...and unless we're on some tour led, far-flung jaunt, it's up to us to carry what we need.
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| Clif ROKS=our protein supply @ OR |
CLIF Bar & Company have been sponsors of OR for years...and is a leader in good for you nutrition, organically inclined-of which the yummy Luna Bars and Clif Roks ---are part of the yummy mix for tradeshow goers.
Funny how we always manage to swing by their set-up, at least once a day...no matter where the locale...like this past show-next to the climbing zone.
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High protein LUNA BARS
WHAT's New... |
CLIF BARS keeps our palette happy with new and seasonal flavors of their delish and satisfyingly crunchy "sustained" energy bars...packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber ( no hydrogenated oils)-------and composed of 70% organic ingredients.
In theory, we were supposed to share a batch of the latest ---Apricot, Coconut Chocolate Chip, and Peanut Butter Toffee Buzz ®(with caffeine) with our hiking buddies-as the bars are highly portable.
But truth be told...as soon as we 'demoed' the first one, a fab chewy/crispy Apricot-with organic oats and dried apricots-sweetened with organic rice syrup that gives us a boost of energy---not the headaches corn syrup would----
...we knew the rest of the Clif Bar samples would never make it out of our apartment.
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| even the cat just got the leftovers-empty wrappers |
Given the high nutritional value of each bar-including 9-10 grams of protein, 50% of vitamins C/E, 25% calcium etc....(percent of daily values based on a 2000 calorie diets)---we thought these 2.4 oz bars...with a satisfying mix of textures...great dessert options, let alone ideal as a healthy snack for the great outdoors.
Also now available: the popular limited edition holiday flavors-Spiced Pumpkin Pie, Iced Gingerbread ---and the Peppermint Stick...made with same winning mix of tasty, authentic ingredients that manages to provide a wise balance of protein, carbs and fiber- for athletes and lazy types who couldn't bother with cooking up something so good.
ADDED PLUS: Clif Bar will donate 1 percent of net sales from the holiday-inspired flavors to
Winter Wildlands Alliance. (SRP $1.39)
HIGH PEAK® outdoor gear, a German company---has backpacks, sleeping bags and tents ...and also match maked up with the patented, and we think, inventive
TentPak Systems for hardcore haulers - that was developed in Indonesia- after the massive Tsunami disaster of a few years ago...
----now up to USA standards---the resulting backpacks-including one that's even compact enough to fit behind a helicopter seat ---all have a built-in rugged, lightweight emergency shelter for 1-4 people-that's 3-4 season appropriate-depending on the system chosen...AND only adds 4 to 6 lbs to the load. Amazing AND potentially life -saving gear--- for not a lot of added money or added weight----(low $300s)
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| tent zips in lower part |
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| rescue ready eye poppin' color-two top lid pockets |
Some packs we saw with this system---include the Adrenalin 60-with a 3 season tent...roomy enough for sleeping bags---and a toplid that detaches to serve as a fanny pack...clever...
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| detachable hipbelt, Vario harness system, Mesh Backing, Pre-Formed Alum Suspension bar, EVA foam shoulder straps |
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| TentPak is removable too---- |
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| convenient fanny pack/top lid for when gear is left at campsite---just need some essentials for the hike like first aid kit |
The Kathmandu ---- made of Diamond Ripstop Nylon/600D Polyester PU-as are all the packs-has a 10 liter extension---detachable toplid, main compartment with divider and 2 zippers, plus- similar atributes to what the Adrenalin has----in a more streamlined construction (weighs 5lbs, 6 oz).
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| KATHMANDU 70+10 |
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| Rain cover and sound compression straps |
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| room for sleeping bag |
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| Top lid that detaches |
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| sturdy clip buckles/emergency whistle |
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| hip angles to comfy fit |
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| side pockets, ice ax holder, |
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| lumbar straps-removable from hood |
The EVEREST 75 - also part of the TentPak System---is a multi-access backpack (front, side, back) -with anti-gravtty zippers to prevent gear spillage.
PLUS- a skull cavity in the back- "carved out so you can keep your back and neck straight."
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| Thicker foam on hips |
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| internal back panel micro-adjustment harness system... |
"ALWAYS READY ALWAYS PREPARED"
Nasty bug bites or painful sunburn are two not fun ways to ruin any outdoor endeavor.
ALL TERRAIN® has been naturally protecting our skin and soothing our muscles (Recovery Rub-with menthol and arnica) for awhile...and now has very smartly, licensed the Disney® characters Phineas & Ferb® (the #1 rated animated TV series for 6-14 year olds)---to get the mini-me's motivated when it comes to using the oxybenzone-free and paraben free Kidsport™ SPF 30 Lotion and Spray (rated "top sunscreen" by the influential
Environmental Working Group)
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| Also in the Phineas & Ferb® camp-sunburn gel and Herbal Armor™ Insect Repellant-deet-free , naturally effective 2-3 hours. |
Equally effective on adult skin---and a welcome compliment to this family of all natural, chemical free products for backpackers-or for the backyard.
ALL TERRAIN
KLYMIT's genius argon gas insulation jackets and Inertia X-Frame sleeping pads (
our review)---are on many best outdoor gear lists.
New at the recent OR show last August---a 3/4 length Inertia X-Lite $89.95 sleeping pad that weighs all of 6 ounces and rolls down into ---a tiny clipped thing....
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| Body mapping guarantees support where needed.... |
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| Without the Argon canisters----comfort without the bulk-ready to be inflated |
KLYMIT
ADDED PLUS:
We would argue a massive, souped up espresso machine complete with a speedy server would be an ideal sight on any summit. This gal worked non-stop---dosing out caffeine laden beverages in the popular Paddle Zone.
We would argue a massive, souped up espresso machine complete with a speedy server would be an ideal sight on any summit. This gal worked non-stop---dosing out caffeine laden beverages in the popular Paddle Zone.
