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| greeted attendees boarding the shuttle bus |
words/images Judith Ecochard
Solitude Resort-UTAH
ProBar, Fits Socks, Yurbuds, Loki, Switch Vision Sunglasses, NarGear, Easton Mountain Products
Outdoor Retailer's F/W 2012 market began with a snowy demo day at a near to Salt Lake City resort-the well named, Solitude.
First stop for us...
the ProBar® send---for some healthy bars including new flavors...that are a vegan/nutritious and tasty substitute for breakfast.
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| organic oats/almond butter-filling with chunks of blueberries/strawberries w/ 8 grams of protein?370 calories |
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| full of energy-no doubt, from eating the merchandise. |
FITS SOCKS---hat booth debuted at demo day -giving out their terrific ski socks-with an articulated heel-ultra thin construction from toe to heel---and shin cushioning. Moisture wicking, supportive-off the slopes comfort too.
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| From the GREAT WHITE NORTH-POOK TOQUE ribbed knit hockey socks repurposed into hats-we liked the confessions-"...yes, alcohol was involved..." |
YURBUDS are comfy flexible rubbery 'custom' earpieces...that resist sweat slips---via sized earpieces that fit just so (Twist Lock technology).
We have a pair that manages not to fall out while delivering thoroughly decent sound quality.
Versatility is a key buzz word these days-as is multi-tasking.
LOKI-which makes the patented LOKI Peruvian Fleece HAT™ that morphs from super cozy hat with ear flaps into a full fledged face/head warmer balaclava/neck gaiter-with chin adjustment, AND mitts that are subway friendly-i.e.-to reveal those texting fingers---all here.
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| easily-with a tug of a toggle---face covering revealed-made of comfy Cloud 1™ micro fleece stretchy moisture wicking fabric. |
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| warm and iPAD compatible. |
With the tag line-'because one lens is not enough'-Switch Vision is a smart smart way to change lenses for different light conditions-between RX and regular/reader lenses for example---with a slight tug-the lenses kinda pullout from the frame...yet easily snaps (really magnetic pulls) securely back-making changing lenses a one second endeavor. SMART!
Lot's of frame and specialized lens options-with lenses optical grade, shatterproof polycarbonate -coated with Triguard™-a tin coating that causes water to bead right up/off and easy to clean.
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| Narski Mini $99 |
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| double stitched use parachute harness threads- and 1000 denier fabric =tough |
We got a tip about
NARGEAR-from a couple we met on the Nordic track.
A fairly new company out of Missoula, Montana-(yup-all made in the USA)...these backpacks were designed with parachuting wildlife firefighters/ rescue workers and ski patrollers in mind.
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| durable YKK zips-lots of straps for gear |
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| padded back-hip belt pockets |
Several pro crafted models and civilian packs are now available-including the Guide Pack "The Theo"in honor of team rider Theo Meiners ($229)...with features like fiberglass frame stays (removable), vinyl encased shovel blade, snowboard carrying system with reinforced Toughtek® rubber grip, angled 18 inch ski loop, chest strap safety whistle...
FUN----we loved these
EASTON® Mountain Products Vo2 RACING snowshoes...that are so flexible, ergonomically savvy--- and frankly---idiot proof---we could see bolting a pair of waterproof hiking boots that are worn down at the outsoles-to these...
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| Salomon Trail Shoes -fab too. |
Made with a super light 7075 Aluminum Articulating frame and carbon fiber decking (1.2 lbs)-the Direct Connect Mounting System---basically---easily drill to holes after lining it up with snowshoe---underneath the removable footbed...not with it (DUH)...the Virtual Pivot Traction Cam -makes motions forward easy! FYI-suggested weight limit 180lbs per user...
