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OR – H2O Outdoor Gear

January 24th, 2013

In years past we’ve covered H2O Gear’s skis, and they have a few new models but this time we thought we’d mix it up and show you their Tusk Guide Pack. This is the pack that Pro Ski Guide Dean Cummings wears. This pack is optimized for ski guides.

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It features an asymmetric front zip that secures a pocket for the shovel blade and handle. Additionally, there is a top opening right side pocket for an avalanche probe. One really cool feature is the auto retracting ski cable that snakes out from the bottom of the pack to secure skis. Skis can also be carried A-frame style along the sides of the pack.

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There is a full length side opening zipper access to the pack’s main bag as well as side pockets that will accommodate the bottom of an ice axe as well as accept a water bottle. The main bag features an internal hydration pocket and there is a port for the tubing at the top that allows routing to either shoulder.

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The Shirt Fit shoulder straps offer increased comfort particularly when layering. The top lid incorporates an internal map pocket and the top of the pack features a spindrift-style collar.

The hip belt is semi rigid and adjustment uses the pull forward method which is a bit easier to get a snug fit. The frame is a combination HDPE frame sheet combined with a single aluminum stay.

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There are ample tie down points along the lack of the pack along with multiple compression straps to manage the load.

Made in USA! The Guide Packs are available in Red, Orange, Blue, Black and Charcoal.

www.H2Og.com

OR – Granite Gear

January 24th, 2013

Originally envisioned as an Alpine Litter, the Armadillo Litter is a joint project between Granite Gear and Remote Medical International.

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Weighing in at ~15 lbs it’s made from a combination of carbon fiber and titanium. As it was developed for alpine use it can be used as a sled and they have lifted up to 2600 lbs without failure so theyre finding out that it can do way more than originally intended. Consequently, it’s currently undergoing airworthiness certification. Naturally, it all breaks down into standard litter size. This thing is cool.

www.GraniteGear.com

OR – Liberty Bottleworks

January 24th, 2013

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How could we visit OR and not stop by Liberty Bottleworks? We love their American made aluminum bottles. We also love that they are Mil/LE friendly.

www.libertybottles.com

OR – PowerPot

January 24th, 2013

We haven’t mentioned PowerPot since their Kickstarter campaign but when we ran into them here at OR Winter Market we had to give you an update. They’re a local Salt Lake City company and assemble the PowerPots right here in town. A standard kit comes with the Pot, light and charging tips. As long as your are applying heat to the Pot, the system produces up to 5w and charges your devices via USB. The secret to success is in the tips which include circuits that tell the device to draw the maximum amount of power from the Pot.

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In addition to the PowerPot they’re working on a cool new item. This simple bar meter shows you how much power you are sending from the PowerPot to your device. They built this using a DIY 3D printer!

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One thing I love about PowerPot is that almost everyone in the company are Eagle Scouts!

www.thepowerpot.com

OR – Leatherman

January 24th, 2013

Leatherman has introduced two new snowboard-centric tools – the Rime and Hail.

Leatherman has integrated pictograms into the design so that you know the function of each tool. Both have a flat #3 screwdriver heads as well as wax scrapers for the board. Additionally, both can store your headphones as well as bottle openers and lace pullers.

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The Hail also has a 10mm wrench for the bolts on straps and bindings. Additionally, you can nest a Style PS tool into the body of the Hail.

www.leatherman.com

Silent Magnetic Closures Patent Has Just Arrived

January 24th, 2013

I just received this news. The silent Velcro magnetic closure we wrote about last August has been issued a patent. Congrats to designer FIGHTER DESIGN and their distribution partner Velcro USA.

Today was a big day for FIGHTER DESIGN in Austin, Texas. US Patent number 8,316,515 arrived in the mail and is now on their wall following a brief Budweiser fueled ceremony. This patent protects the Silent Magnetic Closures for Velcro® Brand Fasteners being made by FIGHTER DESIGN. The product instantly converts any Velcro® Brand Fastener into a Silent Magnetic Closure. FIGHTER DESIGN is an inventor group that collaborates with some of the greatest minds in the industry to create and deliver innovative products.

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Silent Magnetic Closures for Velcro® Brand Fasteners are now available for purchase online at www.FighterD.com

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Models are available to fit all military uniforms and other models are coming soon for certain backpacks, bags, and pouches. Manufacturers are being told that custom models can be made for any size and strength of hook-loop closures. Retailers are encouraged to contact Fighter Design online.

Visit www.FighterD.com for more information.

*Velcro® is a registered trademark of Velcro® Industries

Under Armour Snow Camo

January 24th, 2013

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Under Armour’s hunting line unveiled this winter camo suit for hunting.

www.underarmour.com

The Premier of the New Beyond Approach

January 24th, 2013

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market is the first emergence of a rebranded Beyond Clothing. From the get go, you can’t think of this new brand in terms of the old Beyond Clothing and Beyond Tactical lines. Rather, they have postured themselves as simply Beyond. I was so blown away with what they showed me that I had to think about how to share it with you. We didn’t even talk product. It was all about how Beyond is going to interact with its customers rather than what they are going to see them.

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This is Beyond’s booth. The centerpiece is a four-armed, eight foot tall man. They took the measurements of the manikin before it was shipped to OR from the vendor and then custom tailored the clothing in their shop in Seattle over a two day period. It indicates what they can make but he individual 1:1 size manikins along the edge of the booth show customized clothing solutions for a variety of climate challenges. Those displays show what Beyond can do.

They are turning traditional outdoor on its head by focusing on customization for the individual. In the Beyond model the customer is the pro athlete, regardless of his background, requirements or goals. The customer is the participant in the process, a partner if you will, and his needs are the focus of the solution provided by Beyond. For SSD readers that may well be what we consider tactical. But it could just as easily be a hardcore outdoor garment or more of a lifestyle piece. Regardless of the clothing solution, it will be tailored in form, fit and function.

One of the things I like about what I am hearing is that Beyond is transforming to become more than just a site to purchase cool gear. Although in its infancy Beyond is building a community where customers become members and can interact with one another. Granted, Beyond will still have a bench of pros to go to for inspiration and to help answer those interesting questions that pop up. These men and women will be called Guides and will be a part of the community, there to help their fellow travelers.

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They’ve already launched their new ecommerce site, but that’s just phase 1. We’ll see more and more content added over the next few months. It’s important to start at their site to see what’s going on.

www.beyondclothing.com