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Fit and Warm
Our Four Corners' backyard is unbeatable. While folks in other parts of the country are often limited to hanging out indoors, watching snow on their big-screen TV, our ski, snowboard and snowshoe season goes from November to May. And even when we have plenty of white in the mountains, chances are we can be walking, climbing, biking and hiking at lower elevations. We have the best mountains, unbeatable trails and award-winning weather. Here are some of our picks for the holiday season, new apparel and hardware to keep you and your loved ones fit and warm!
Volkl Gotama Twin-Tip Ski
Everyone is tempted by modern terrain parks and superpipes. The Gotama is a multi-layer wood core twin-tip ski that is as comfortable landing tricks as it is cruising trees and big mountain powder. Whether you're new to twin tips or a freestyle expert, you'll enjoy the ski's excellent flex and speed. Eye-catching graphics depict a night scene the top and the same scene during the day. Sidecut is 133-105-124. $825, volkl.com - NPB
Mammut Stratus Hybrid Jacket
The Stratus Hybrid treads the line between performance and casual sportif style, availing a Fiberfill insulation layer, SOFtech?, in the front and rear to protect against over-cooling in frigid temperatures and Soft Shell, Pertex Quantum, on the arms and shoulders for breathability and water-repellence. The Stratus Hybrid is a lightweight jacket, weighing just 650 grams, but a heavy weight while performing demanding activities in frigid temperatures. I appreciate the slick gliding zippers, five of them, including extra-long two-way pit zips, and the spacious unzippered pockets inside the jacket, one on each side. The wrist-sealing cuffs and the hood with a generous "bill" provide extra warmth and security in inclement weather. The jacket does not bunch or pull when arms are fully rotated, allowing unrestricted mobility. The elbows are articulated. $239; mammut.com - JN
Seattle Sports Sol Jus Solar Charger
A great partner! I drained the Sol Jus of its power by turning the flashlight on until dead, recharged it in the sun for a full day of October daylight, used it, drained it, recharged it, used it, repeat all, and then concluded that this compact solar charger generates enough juice from the sun to provide up to 15 hours of flashlight use with 3 LEDS on and 35 hours on 1 LED (full charge requires 12 - 15 hours in the sun), as claimed. In addition to the two settings, the flashlight feature has a strobe setting. With a USB outbound charger, the Sol Jus is capable of charging most USB-compatible devices, including mp3 players, cell phones and cameras. The easy-grip exterior, which fans out (displayed) to expose the solar panels, has a rubberized coating and is shock-resistant. Outbound DC charge: 1.2 amps/5.6 volts, 8 oz., Brightness: 25,000 MCD (with 1 LED), 65,000 MCD (with 3 LEDs), Battery: Lithium Ion (capacity: 3.6v 700mAh). $49.95; (800) 632-6163, seattlesportsco.com - JN
Blue Water Lightening Pro Rope
This 9.7 mm rope is ideal for moving fast and light. It won't weigh you down, but is beefy enough for both sport and extreme alpine climbing. I used mine on a trip to Washington's Methow Valley - and it performed great on the long alpine routes AND burly single-pitch sport climbs. The rope comes in 60 and 70mm lengths, and if you're using it for snow and ice, choose the Double-Dry model. A bi-color model is also available. $188-$238, bluewaterropes.com - NPB
Obermeyer Olivia Jacket
A constant refrain is that it's hard to keep teens active. One trick is to make them as comfortable outdoors as inside! This stylish jacket is designed for tweens and teens, and is packed with enough features to hike into the Mount Everest basecamp. The shell is waterproof, breathable and seam-taped. With 160g of synthetic Permaloft in the body and 140g in the sleeve, the coat is guaranteed to be warm and cozy. The jacket has an inner powder skirt, inside mesh pockets and articulated elbows. Inner wrist cuffs have thumb holes for keeping hands warm in cold weather. $169.50 - $179.50, obermeyer.com - NPB
Lorpen Merino Wool/Silk Blend Ski Socks
Modern ski boots don't require a bulky sock for warmth. What you need is a sock that stays in place and wicks moisture so you don't get hot spots and blisters. Lorpen's new ski sock is a blend of Merino wool and silk that's really warm, doesn't bunch up during use and doesn't get sweaty. The knit is looser over the instep to reduce bulk, improve fit and enhance moisture management. $18.99; (888) 224-9781, lorpen.com - NPB
Julbo Trail Sunglasses
The new Julbo Trail sunglasses are so lightweight - weighing just 1 ounce! - that they float on your nose and resist "slumping," a term I use when glasses fall from position on my nose after a period of excessive use. Having worn the Trail biking, trail running and hunting, I'm happy to report they're still wearing where I want them. The supple shock-absorbent inserts help avoid slumping too. The soft, flexible, photochromic Zebra lens transition automatically from high contrast to dark conditions. The cut of the lens offers good ventilation for minimum fogging. And, the Trail is clip compatible so you can wear your prescription glasses. $150; (800) 651-0833, julbousa.com - JN
Tecnica Dragon 120 Ski Boot
Built for the aggressive skier, the Dragon 120 features World Cup race boot technology with a wink toward comfort. The boot allows the skier to maintain a more relaxed, upright stance than racers require, with easy entry and excellent edge control. The boot's fit and performance can be customized via the thermoforming high-performance liner and an easy-to-adjust flex and cuff alignment. $835, tecnicausa.com - NPB
Kombi Monty Glove
No Full-Monty jokes in this gear guide. This Monty is designed to keep you covered up - at least your hands. The glove features a removable, Gore waterproof softshell outer mitt and an insulative, removable inner lining. The stand-alone liner is made from recyclable bamboo, and has great wicking, breathability and odor-resistant properties. Best features include a heat-pad pocket and adjustable wrist strap. $70, kombisports.com - NPBPost a comment
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