SureFire is now offering a branded protective phonecase for Galaxy S5 and iPhone 6/6S smartphones. Made of high-density polycarbonate, the SureFire Phone Case is shock-absorbing, and is designed to serve as a secure mount for an as-of-yet unannounced SureFire product. My money is on a light and I don’t get very often.
Confirmed – This will be paired with the 1500 lumen SureFire FirePak illuminator/phone charger.
There are three big technology stories for 2016 Winter Market from Arc’teryx.
First up is the Procline SV Boot which is a combination climbing/ski boot. We mentioned this new design when it was first unveiled last month.
Next is the Voltair Avalanche AirBag. This thing is amazing. They’ve introduced a couple of new technologies to make it happen. First off, unlike other Avalanche bags, there’s no one time use CO2 cartridges. They’ve developed a centrifugal blower system run by a battery that rams air into the 150 liter bag for rapid inflation allowing the wearer to float atop the avalanche. Additionally, the battery is optimized for cold weather use. It offers 10 inflations at -10 deg C and at least once at -30 deg C. This means you can train with the system prior to every needing it. Finally, the bag itself is very nice and made from the Arc’teryx AC2 fabric.
The final new item is an update to the Alpha SV jacket. First introduced in 1998, this jacket has received multiple material and construction updates over the years yet kept its core looks.
First off is a move to a new, lighter 8 oz N100p-X GORE-TEX fabric. You’ll also notice that there are no more zipper garages. This is thanks to the new WaterTight zipper and RS zipper slider which self seals at the top of the zipper.
They’ve also swapped one of the welded internal chest pockets for a mesh pocket fit for a water bottle.
This change is really cool. The hood and hem adjustments have changed from barrel locks to the new Cohaesive cord adjustments which can be adjusted by a squeeze of the thumb and forefinger.
Available in three sizes (90, 55 and 40 liters) the Mission Duffle from Mystery Ranch is offered in three colors (Redwood, Black and Nightfall).
The Mission Duffle is made from a TPU coated 1000D Cordura which makes it very water resistant.
There is a large, horseshoe shaped YKK zippered opening. 
At either end, there are zippered pockets for wet gear, dirty clothing or footwear.
Finally, you can deploy backpack straps from a padded compartment along the back of the bag. Available late Summer, 2016.
I’d also like to congratulate D3 (Dana Gleason, III) for winning a Backpacker Magazine Editor’s Choice Award for the Sphimx & Mystic packs. They are great packs and this is the first time that this award has been given to multi-generations. MR founder Dana Gleason has won the award a couple of times in the past.
Here they are together.
This is the Rig Light Back Country Pant from Beyond. It’s made from a 4-way stretch Tweave Durastretch with DWR. In addition to a slotted button and zipper front closure, the low profile thigh cargo pockets are internal with a zipper closure and discreet flap. You won’t even notice they are there. Likewise, the rear pockets are zippered. The kneepad pockets are accessed from inside the articulated knees. There are also ankle gaiters with cinch adjustment at each ankle which helps keep out debris.
While the Rig Light BC is available in Coyote and Lupus camo, this pair is from a special run for a customer in Manatee Grey.
www.beyondclothing.com/a5-rig-light-backcountry-pant
Many look at Goal Zero’s solar panels and think they are solely oriented toward the back country. The Flip line of chargers is something anyone who needs mobile power can use. I’m often traveling and my mobile device runs low. The Flip 10 will charge your phone one time. The Flip 20 will do it twice. And the new Flip 30 will charge it three times. This largest model also offers enough juice to recharge a tablet.
Sterling has the new Pico Crevasse Rescue Kit. It’s a great 4:1 mechanical advantage system with 75′ of rope which could also be set up as a single pulley. It’s also available in all Bladk version for tactical use.
This is the Ultra Train GTX. It incorporates a Michelin outsole which combines Michelin’s two best performing mountain bike tires. Obviously, it’s available in all Black.
The Trek Tail was inspired by the Firetail but they’ve opened the toe box up a bit. This urban hiker features Nubuck leather but no waterproof lining.
Petzl has introduced the TOUR, an ultralightweight new climbing harness. It weighs 200 grams, even with an integrated belay loop, and can be dined without lifting your feet off the ground. The coloring helps out as well. The dark color goes to the outside and lighter tone toward the inside.
If that isn’t light enough, the new ALTITUDE is 150 grams lighter. This weight savings is due to the fused frame technology consisting of leg loops and waist that incorporate infused Dyneema. This thing is amazing.
Petzl has unveiled their first aluminum crampon, the LEOPARD (front) and man, is it light at 330 grams. It is available with Flexlock or Leverlock FIL attachment which weighs 369 grams. The IRVIS (rear) is a hybrid design with a steel toe for durability. It weighs 460 or 495 grams depending in the attachment system.
Additionally, all of Petzl’s carabiners now feature an I-frame construction which is lighter.
They also offer QR codes for PPE inspection.
The TIBLOCK now has an integrated plastic spring head which forces the teeth to properly set on the rope. The old version could sheath the rope if improperly seated.
