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A New Happy Year
Even if you didn't make any New Year's resolutions, there's no time like the present to set some goals. Want to firm up those abs? Increase your endurance? Shed a few holiday pounds? Meet Mr. or Ms. Right who also enjoys the great outdoors? Procrastination is your biggest enemy (closely followed by a comfortable couch and wide-screen T.V.). Here are a few of our favorite things for helping to kick bad habits (like sleeping in on powder days) and ushering in a New Year.
Petzl NOMIC Ice Tool
The NOMIC leashless ice tool allows climbers to ascend ice with the fluidity and freedom of rock climbing. The removable pick weights helps to propel the pick into the ice and the ergonomic, adjustable grip can be held in multiple ways, opening up new possibilities without the dreaded pick shift when switching positions. The included ASTRO pick was designed for drytooling and hooking on a variety of formations, while still allowing for easy cleaning. $279.95; petzl.com - NPB
Kombi Phoenix Glove
Cold hands can ruin a perfectly good day on the mountain. The Phoenix glove and mitten have goose-down insulation and a Gore Tex liner - so they keep your hands warm and dry, without bulk. The stretch nylon shell allows for great maneuverability and gripping - I can even answer my cell phone mid-run without taking them off (on the days when I'm pretending to be in the office). An integrated heat-pack pocket with waterproof zipper makes cold days warmer - just pop in a handwarmer and soak up the warmth! $80; kombisports.com - NPB
HaberVision PRIMA Goggles
Yeah, cool looks for starters. PRIMA's lenses deliver amazing performance in flat light or bright light conditions. The 100% polarized no-fog lenses also reduce and eliminate reflected glare, and increase clarity and perception while protecting against harmful light. The slightly larger fit is for over-the-glasses capabilities and wider field of view. Online price, $65; suggested retail, $130; habervision.com - JN
Timberland Dervish Moorland
Designed for toddlers, youth and juniors, the Dervish Moorland is super-stylish, but inside is built sensibly enough for any Mom. The uppers are a waterproof suede that's easily wiped clean, and zippers are full length for easy entry. The bottom of the foot has a "Splash Blaster" protector for water and stain resistance. The boot comes in toddler sizes 4-12, youth sizes 12½ to 3, and junior sizes 3½ to 7. $65-$75, timberland.com - NPB
Columbia Titanium Ital Corner Parka
Here's an awesome jacket that provides true four-season protection. The ultra-tough Omni-Tech HP Clima Grid nylon shell is waterproof-breathable and fully taped, with a powder guard and detachable hood. For frigid days on the mountain, you'll appreciate the zip-in soft shell jacket, with its four-way, nubby stretch double-weave exterior and plushly soft brushed interior. But on warm days, wear just the shell, or remove the liner for a full-featured, stand-alone soft shell jacket! $279.99; columbia.com - NPB
Lib Tech Skate Banana
This is the future for snowboards. The Rocker "Banana" between your feet makes the Skate Banana loose and catch-free. When the built-in rocker is put on edge, it presses boxes, rails and jibs extremely well. The board maintains pop with a stiffened tip and tail, and turns easily on hardpack or ice. The curve makes the board float in powder and the firm nose and tail prevent the board from folding in chunky conditions; $469, lib-tech.com - NPB
Kahtoola MICROSpikes
What you don't see in this image of the Kahtoola MICROSpikes is how easy they are to slip on and off snow boots, even running and casual shoes, or how securely they attach. Tested: easy and secure - even mother-in-law approved! The grippy slip-on traction system is made with strategically placed stainless steel spikes connected to a dynamic stainless steel flex-chain with a tough elastomer shoe harness. The 3/8" spikes and flex-chain combine to grip on ice and packed snow, even wet rocks, concrete and scree (forego your wood floor!), $59 (four sizes, extra small to large), (866) 330-8030, kahtoola.com - JN
Marker Diva Helmet
The Diva Helmet sports a luxurious velvet fleece lining that's machine washable. In-molded technology creates a low-profile, durable helmet with strategic venting - plus the graphics are sweet! The goggle strap keeps goggles securely in place, and there's even a nifty space for your ponytail. $79.99; markerusa.com - NPB
RoamEO Pet GPS
Lose your pet, find it fast. Using a portable, handheld receiver that displays information received from a GPS-enabled collar on a pet, RoamEO can pinpoint a pet's location within one mile in every direction and show where the pet is heading and how fast in real-time. Just snap the RoamEO collar on your pet, turn it on, and the device is operational. $499.99 ($549.99 CAD); (651) 636-5695, roameoforpets.com - JN
Tecnica Attiva Flame Women's Ski Boot
The Attiva Flame ski boots are really comfortable right out of the box. Designed on a women's specific last, the boots have a snug heel, moderately wide forefoot, and moderate instep. There's no slip when you are carving turns on hardpack or floating through thigh-deep powder. The shells have three-density construction, so the material is softer where you need flex (the front ankle), and harder in areas that require stiffness. They also have a dual pivot point that helps with comfort and flex adjustment for days when you want to be aggressive in the morning and more recreational in the afternoon. The UltraFit liner has a soft outside foam that conforms to the shell, Thermoformable pre-molded EVA, a Neoprene toe box, a Heel Fit Lock and Outside Memory Foam that conforms to your foot. $595 - $650; tecnicausa.com - NPB
Spyder Comp DH Race Suit
My husband has relegated his 30-plus years of climbing to "training" for the real thing - Master's ski racing. But everyone will know you're a late comer to the game if you don't have the right attire. For practice gates and race day, the Comp DH Suit cuts wind resistance with an anatomically designed contour. Thumb anchor straps keep the sleeves under you gloves, and the stretch zip makes donning the skin-tight suit easier. The suit stretches some with use, but buy a size larger than you'd normally wear - on cold days, you'll want to wear a baselayer underneath. $290; spyder.com - NPB""
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