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Too Much Chocolate?
There are some things that you just can't complain about. Like too much snow. It's like whining about too much chocolate. Hard to get any sympathy. But, with all the shoveling many of us have done this winter, even the most ardent snowsports fan might yell "UNCLE!" Never fear - warm weather is near. Here's some gear that will make you sweat - without the shoveling.
Völkl T Roll Telemark Ski
I explored the whole mountain on the T Roll. It busts crud, punching through all but the biggest snow crumbs left behind by grooming machines, glides hardpack and floats well enough on powder to be the one tele ski you'll ever need if one ski is all you want or can afford. Deemed an all-day resort ski, the T Roll has an 82-mm waist width, an aggressive sidecut, and a special laminate of spring steel sandwiched between two fiberglass layers for added stability. Dimensions: 125-82-110, Turn Radius: 16.1m @ 170cm, $695; volkl.com - JN
High Sierra Groove Backpack
For spring break or back-to-school, the Groove backpack makes music a snap. It also keeps all your electronic devices safe and discreet. The pack is wired for iPod compatibility. A zippered shoulder pocket hides a 30-pin connector and integrated headphone access port. On the inside is an integrated, backlit switch that controls volume, play, pause and track advance. The main pack compartment is big enough for The Complete Works of Shakespeare and a couple of Chem 101 texts and a well-designed front pouch organizes keys, cell phone and wallet. $69.99; (847) 913-1100, highsierrasport.com - NPB
Tech4o TraiLeader Watch
After testing enough high-tech "do everything" watches to know that even the most reliable ones are little more than a clock without thorough knowledge of the user's manual, which can take hours of reading and study, by comparison the digital Tech4O Traileader watch is pure delight for its quick useability. In tens of minutes and not hours, the menu and modes are in your command. The highly accurate watch combines not only speed and distance measurement but also tracks elevation climbed and what kind of weather is heading your way with an altimeter, barometer, compass and thermometer. It also features built-in accelerometer technology to measure personal speed and distance, a calorie and step counter, and pace, time, date, stopwatch and alarm features. $139.99; tech4o.com - JN
Roces Kids Ski Boots
I've got to admit I was hesitant at first. Even my 5-year-old twins will have 70-plus days under their skis this season. I put a pair on my smallest twin, who wears a size 11 youth shoe. She's skied in a pair of former-rental boots the past two years - the single back buckle kept popping open, especially in heavy powder. The Roces Kids' Adjustable Ski Boots were a tremendous improvement from day one. The double-buckle closure gave her more edge control and, at the smallest setting, the boots hugged her little feet like gloves. The heel has an internal baffle that can be adjusted as the foot grows, without effecting performance. The height of the boot can also be increased, thanks to an innovative cuff design. Three shell sizes accommodate four sizes each (9-12, 13-3 & 4-7). $130; (800) 770-8750, rocesusa.com - NPB
Helly Hansen Trailwizard Jersey
For spring training, a great choice is the Trailwizard LS jersey with 360-degree reflectivity to keep you visible on those days of early morning or end-of-the-day workouts. The long sleeve top has an athletic fit, with a CoolGrid structure on the back and sides to promote air circulation. The company's proprietary LIFA Stay Dry Technology wicks moisture from the skin - but the fabric is soft and comfortable, plus shields skin with UPF 15 protection. $55, hellyhansen.com, (800) 435-5901 - NPB
Eureka! Tents Pillow
Designed for camping, this handy pillow works great at home or in the office. The pillow is 12.5 inches wide and 3 inches thick, with a front that's a lamb-soft polyester fleece (the back is a durable taffeta). Inside are two speakers designed for music or movies in stereo so you can plug in your iPod, MP3, CD or DVD player. $24.99; (800) 572-8822, eurekatents.com - NPB
Nicros No Evil Holds
Built on a "bigger is better" scale, the No Evil Extreme Hold Technology makes for holds with maximum versatility. Barnacle-like shapes allow you to make a problem easier or harder with the turn of a wrench. When moving across the wall, your hands will still be grappling with the top of this behemoth while your toes are hooking under its base. Dimensions: 24" x 27" x 16" (fully assembled), with 12-inch bolts. $450 for a three-hold packet; nicros.com, (800) 699-1975 - NPB
Level Superstar Glove
Yes, it is! The Superstar fits like a . . . uh! . . . is super warm when it's super cold and not so warm when you need to cool down. The Gore-Tex 2-in-1 technology provides two separate sleeves within the glove: a "warm chamber" for cold temperatures and "grip chamber" for warmer weather. For cold temps beyond super cold, the gloves even have a heater pack pocket. The Kevlar reinforcement in the palm and finger tips means tough stuff, as in durable. On the back of each glove is a Breather System, a mechanism that promotes breathability and hand dryness. These gloves are comfortable! The Superstar is easy to get on and off and slips easily through nylon ski pole loops. My wife appreciates the ease with which the cuffs snug over jacket sleeves (we tested a glove of over-jacket length but the Superstar is available in over and under the jacket lengths and in glove and mitten versions for men and women). $90; levelgloves.com - JNPost a comment
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