LYRA MAG.

Outdoor Retailer, SLC Words/Images Judith Ecochard Draper Ridge Wenger continued its winning ways with several new styles for Fall 2011. Heated by battery boots---now are served up five different ways with men's and women's versions made for outdoor city streets and hiking worthy expeditions. There are three levels of "on board heating options"----integrated heating units --- ---from the top end with two batteries- with Thinsulate Plus lining, outsoles made from Vibram or super dry OutDry $275) to lifestyle boots with one battery---in 3 color waves for gals ($199). Real Tree Camouflage Boot (middle) FYI: Three temperature settings too! Other great kickers include the Made In Italy, top of the line San Rocco ($380) with a dedicated welt bottom, OutDry extreme waterproofing for men... The Bomber from the Mountaineering Collection with Vibram Tsavo outsole... The Boilerplate---waterrpoof membrane and super comfortable-with a HyperGr...

Outdoor Retailer, SLC Utah Words/Images Judith Ecochard Twenty-five years of gear-keeps celebrating into Fall 2011 for Granite Gear. We took in the maker of backpacks/drysacs/dog and canoe gear...and like the Spring 2011  gear---we walked away super impressed. New for 2011 is the BLAZE A.C. 60 ($199.95)---an ultralight lidless top loader good for long distance hiking---that features G.G's acclaimed engineered Air Current™frame that consists of  molded ABS sheet and molded foam pad...that contours with one's back/engineered to flex when you do---and with integrated air channels---to vent heat and moisture. PLUS: The arched Line-Loc compression system allows for cinching in all directions---for easy gear attachments to the pack. AND: Easy torso size adjustable, a swap/switch it hip belt---for a man or woman, a tall spindrift opening--- can cinched down for weather resistance or expanded for more room, stretch side pockets and a tall front center pocket can hold...

OUTDOOR RETAILER, SLC Utah Words/Images Judith Ecochard Sherpa Adventure Gear  pays tribute to the Sherpa exployers who enabled the rest of the planet's explorers scale the Himalayans. Makers of technical gear (tested in Nepal) and lifestyle pieces, Sherpa's Fall 2011 included so nice tops, jackets/coats and knits...in colors that we just loved...and the tones we could wear year and year out too. HIGHLIGHTS Accessories, hand knit in Nepal---are indicative of Sherpa Adventure Gear's MO to produce goos in that locale... From a goat- native to the high altitude Himalayas...Pashmina wool---the softest ever, is wonderfully used in the rainbow color Hima scarf ($110) pictured above...matching hat available too ($45). Finished well. Solid tone Pashmina options too. Hand knit hats....that provide home based work and income for women and their families...in the outlying areas of Kathmandu. Lined with itch-free comfy Polarfleece® Phurba $18 ...