Extremists-pushing the boundaries of where to go…feel comfortable only when outside their comfort zone, outside…
A bunch of brands cater to them---making performance gear/wear that will withstand the hardcore enthusiasts.
SLYTECH's 2nd Skin Hydrapro XT was designed with input from Olympic/World Cup champ Ted Ligety- and has Hydrapak's 1 liter reservoir with a patented slide-seal closure system and plug + play connector…and comfy/ventilating actions sports protection via a protective spine/back …to wear under jackets. S-XL $259
Black Diamond caused quite the buzz at an OR show-with its debut of its super secure, Magnetron Technology- in the Gridlock/ RockLock carabiners ($24.95, $29.95) - that uses magnets to seal the deal=auto-locking, one hand operative that took years to perfect.
Other hardgood highlights from this company…include a slew of sleek, low profile, alkaline battery and rechargeable battery powered headlamps that brighten up with a mere finger tap (PowerTap Technology).
IMO one should be in every household!
No surprise to us-given the competition in the space-when Black Diamond intro-ed a new apparel line for Fall 2013-they didn't mess around…with the company's stellar rep on the line, we expected top-of the-line techy "engineered"outerwear and separates. Some items-all travel ready, packable- and easy clean-double as lifestyle wearable too (tees, button downs, hoodies, pants/shorts).
Important -at this price range….aesthetics+functionality = guaranteed.
No excess, clean designs that remind us of minimalists fashion designers like- the whole Calvin Klein aesthetic-but using bumped up fabrics…from Schoeller®-lightweight stretch woven nylon with NanoSphere® Technology-protects and keeps thing clean via water/dirt repelling properties, waterproof/breathable 20D Pertex® nylon ripstop-lightweight +windproof, Primaloft® ONE insulation-down alternative that's warm when wet and very compressible, POLARTEC® Power Dry Efficiency Fleece-warm, breathable and quick drying/moisture wicking)…coupled with silhouettes made for athletic movers (body mapped, hybrid designs), and features like water tough zipped pockets, 2 way zippers, gusseted construction…etc.
Off the mountain-handsome carry-alls that outdoors enthusiasts would actually use…we spotted the above hauler at a Camper shoe preview-the Apolis Market Bag $58 created 220 days of work for 21 artisans---from a company engaged with communities in Uganda, Bangladesh, Peru--and in Los Angeles. Apparel and luggage -also sport the handsome good looks that give back with each purchase.
KELTY Vintage packs-retro-style-shapes, logo tab, metal zippers- with modern construction (durable 1000D Cordura® fabric)---and 21st century, travel friendly features-liked padded laptop/tablet sleeves, internal organizers, removable side pockets (in some), padded adjustable shoulder straps, web nylon loops for attaching gear like ice axes or bike lights, handy media pockets, leather tab accents function as attach points. PLUS color options.
We are officially obsessed ...with KAKADU TRADERS luggage, duffels, satchels and briefcases---all made with that signature canvas/leather trim, solid hard wear= good looks. We took these pics at the most recent OR show---but noticed on their website-some sold out notices. Easy to see why-handsome and priced very well.
Get em' while you can.
Trimble Outdoors Network Mytopo Maps-offers on the go/off the grid, detailed maps that'll guide those going a strew of the limited viewpoints of those regular ones.
Their Navigator uses the GPS built into smartphones (there are handy apps too)- for instant access to 68,000 Topo maps-that can track stats, routes, mark waypoints etc-via satellite. Offline viewing on notebooks/PCs available too -for minimalist membership costs that make terrific stocking stuffer wants for adventurers.
OH we so wanted to test these Gregory TEMPO PACE portable water haulers ourselves…that uniquely feature clipped attachments -not velcro-so there's no annoying stretch after many hours of uses.
Padded, snug fitting hydration belts with holsters for bottles- and hand held models are available…gender specific. Bottles-with Fluid Mechanics Design-easy sips---replacements sold separately $14.
The re-invigorated EDDIE BAUER wowed the outdoors world, worldwide with its award winning First Ascent packs…made from cutting edge materials we actually had to read up on. Impressive.
NEW for S 2014 ---the AIRBENDER 20º $799 is an expedition bag and insulated sleeping pad all in one…with 850 fill STORMREPEL premium down goose-maintains loft when wet/dries faster, heat trapping built-in CLIMASHIELD insulated, inflatable sleeping pad, 15 D ripstop Pertex® nylon shell-durable w/DWR finish,
A bunch of brands cater to them---making performance gear/wear that will withstand the hardcore enthusiasts.
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IMO one should be in every household!
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| 1 tripe LED, 2 SinglePower LEDs, 2 SinglePower red LEDS emit up to 130 lumens-lots of settings +power meter indicator when turned on (featured in several models=handy!) |
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| rechargeable only headlamp-full strength, dimming strobe settings-low impact |
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| pro level headlamp-massive 200 lumen output |
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| rechargeable via usb---and also runs on alkaline batteries |
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| recharge batteries with car charger |
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| recharge battery kit |
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| Spring 2014 |
Important -at this price range….aesthetics+functionality = guaranteed.
No excess, clean designs that remind us of minimalists fashion designers like- the whole Calvin Klein aesthetic-but using bumped up fabrics…from Schoeller®-lightweight stretch woven nylon with NanoSphere® Technology-protects and keeps thing clean via water/dirt repelling properties, waterproof/breathable 20D Pertex® nylon ripstop-lightweight +windproof, Primaloft® ONE insulation-down alternative that's warm when wet and very compressible, POLARTEC® Power Dry Efficiency Fleece-warm, breathable and quick drying/moisture wicking)…coupled with silhouettes made for athletic movers (body mapped, hybrid designs), and features like water tough zipped pockets, 2 way zippers, gusseted construction…etc.
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| Available now-Hardshell protection with soft-shell flexibility using Schoeller® -Dawn Patrol Hybrid Shell $349 waterproof 3 layer, adjustable climbing helmet compatible hood, 2 zip chest pockets, 2 zip hand pockets, internal stretch media pocket, velcro cuffs, drawcord hem-keeps elements out, |
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| indestructible zippers- |
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| matchy-Dawn Patrol Approach Pants $249-integrated RECCO® system, gusseted construction, 4 pockets, drawcord hem, zippered lower leg w/ expandable gusset and kick patch |
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| stretchy side panels-insulated DWR core |
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| loved this-snap front Modernist Rock Shirt-button down made from Schoeller®-w/ internal and external pockets, climbing specific gusseted underarms, shaped front/back hems, 3 colors including pictured-graphite. |
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| Modernist Rock Jeans-Schoeller® performance, belt loops, rollable cuffs, gusseted for climbers, 2 front/2 back pockets, 2 way zip fly |
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| Stay connected and protected-Pelican ProGear™ -smartphone mobile protection -waterproof, crush able proof, snowproof-sealed design defends vs the elements. Durable Lexan screen cover w/ anti-scratch properties, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane covers microphone, optical grade Gorilla® Glass camera port-notebook sizes too! |
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| Apolis Market Bag-company founders Shea and Raan Parton-support advocacy through industry |
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| Kelty 60th Anniversary WingPack $154.95 |
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| Wing $134.95 |
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| Cycle Hiker $79.95 |
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| Captain $99.95 |
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| Mockingbird $159.95 |
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| Wind Jammer $134.95 |
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| left-Satchel Bag $134.99, right Doctor's Bag in leather sold out :( |
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| Family owned-Australia's Kakadu Traders-bags |
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| Backpack $144.99 |
We are officially obsessed ...with KAKADU TRADERS luggage, duffels, satchels and briefcases---all made with that signature canvas/leather trim, solid hard wear= good looks. We took these pics at the most recent OR show---but noticed on their website-some sold out notices. Easy to see why-handsome and priced very well.
Get em' while you can.
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| Small, Medium or Large Burro Duffel Bags ($129.99-$164.99) |
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| Now that's detailed! Printed satellite images-available different paper types-waterproof, glossy and laminated. Cool gift, IMO…take that Google Maps. |
Their Navigator uses the GPS built into smartphones (there are handy apps too)- for instant access to 68,000 Topo maps-that can track stats, routes, mark waypoints etc-via satellite. Offline viewing on notebooks/PCs available too -for minimalist membership costs that make terrific stocking stuffer wants for adventurers.
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| Tempo D1.5 $59 -bottle on diagonal ez access-lumbar area for comfort, reflective pops |
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| 2 stretchy mesh pockets, quick lock compression strap |
Padded, snug fitting hydration belts with holsters for bottles- and hand held models are available…gender specific. Bottles-with Fluid Mechanics Design-easy sips---replacements sold separately $14.
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| key loop, id tag, zippered accessory pocket holds gels, ultra light-women's. Guys too-in red |
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| women's models- we have tiny hands-but used this for hiking. Gal pal is able to use for her long runs/races and never has to stop for water. Quick drying Cocona material |
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| Sorcerer Pack $499, expandable 40L-55L, lightweight durable, super tough DYNEEMA Monofilament fabric, DELRIN compression rails w/ D rings, quick release tool carry, removable BFF framesheet-bivi, frame and first aid pad, total weight 3lbs 6oz w BFF, 2lbs 10oz w/o |
NEW for S 2014 ---the AIRBENDER 20º $799 is an expedition bag and insulated sleeping pad all in one…with 850 fill STORMREPEL premium down goose-maintains loft when wet/dries faster, heat trapping built-in CLIMASHIELD insulated, inflatable sleeping pad, 15 D ripstop Pertex® nylon shell-durable w/DWR finish,
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| removable pad... |
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| ez inflation |