Email this article
Carpe Diem
It's all in the attitude. My grandmother (or was that Forest Gump?) always said, "Life is what you make it." As a kid, I didn't quite understand her emphasis on embracing the moment. But as a parent, it is crystal clear that every day is a gift (although at times, I admit I've considered regifting . . .). The gear we reviewed this month has a central theme - getting more out of life by doing things that put a smile on your face. So smile, have fun, get outside, and help boost the economy!
Spyder Girl's Moxie Systems Jacket
People always ask how we get our girls out climbing, skiing, biking and hiking so frequently. Part of it might be a genetic predisposition, but much credit goes to having the right gear. If kids feel good, and almost more importantly, feel they look good, they don't seem to mind the cold, physical discomfort, or lack of T.V. The Moxie System Jacket has all the performance features of technical adult jackets - taped seams, inner fleece cuffs and an inside goggle pouch - but is designed to fit a child's frame. Parents and kids alike will love the versatility of the coat. The "system" consists of two coats-an inner jacket that can be zipped out and worn in warm conditions and a stand-alone shell. Together they make a warm, water-repellent package. Plus, Spyder is a brand synonymous with an active and fun outdoor lifestyle $175, spyder.com - NPB
Brooks-Range Backcountry Sharktooth PRO Shovel
Easy to assemble, lightweight and serious about moving snow and ice, the Sharktooth Pro is ready to gnaw into hardpack. The Sharktooth weighs a piddling 1 pound, 12 ounces and is leveraged by a 20" telescoping aluminum shaft and a heavy-duty D-grip handle. For extra leverage, the shovel can be telescoped in overall length from 31.5" to 45". The 15" x 10" tempered-aluminum scoop has "deadman" holes for use as an emergency anchor, as well as an optional serrated "Sharktooth" edge (shown) that makes quick duty of burly ice and hard pack. Reading instructions is not my idea of a good time, so I was pleased that assembly of the shovel is intuitive, although instructions are supplied. For a schooling, the blade includes a quick reference laser-engraved graphics that show companion avalanche rescue information. $40 ($50 with Sharktooth edge), www.brooks-range.com - JN
Dynastar Contact
4x4 Ski Tired of lugging two pair of skis up to the mountain? The Contact 4x4 is designed for advanced/expert skiers who want race performance combined with the versatility of an all mountain ski. The ski holds an edge on hardpack, but floats well when you hit the steep and deep. Sidecut is 122-75-106, with a turn radius of 16m (for the 178cm length). Dual-density full vertical sidewall construction adds performance and stability. $1,299 (Includes PX 14 Ti DIN binding), dynastar.com - NPB
The Haber Eliminator: Fog-Free Ski Goggles
Shown is a pair of Habervision Highline polarized ski goggles ($150 retail; at habervision.com, $75), which are boss unto themselves for their comfort and for how the lens allows you to see conditions in a whole new light. But what has us excited is the Haber Eliminator? Automated No-Fog Fan Technology, all packed into that little doohickey, the Eliminator, shown above the goggles. When installed, the Eliminator's tiny but powerful fan defogs goggles. It worked like a charm during my test at Purg, although the mild outside temperature created difficulties with fogging the lens; I created some success with a face plant and an unfortunate plunge. In spite of less than ideal conditions for testing, the point was made: it's high time for a goggle de-fogging method to hit the slopes. The Eliminator module has no wires or external battery packs (it runs on a single AAA battery) and can be installed on almost any pair of goggles. It can also operate in either a manual or automatic mode: "on" it will run continuously; "automatic" the built-in humidity sensor activates the system only when needed. Module available online at habervision.com for $60; (303) 459-2220, habervision.com - JN
Gibbon Slack Line
Slack lining originated in climber's campgrounds. On rainy days, they'd string a tight rope between trees and practice balance. With a Gibbon Slack Line kit, you can string webbing between trees at home - it is great exercise for adults and kids. Not only do you develop balance and concentration, you'll be on the cutting edge of action sports (the slackline doesn't know if you are inches off the ground in your backyard or crossing the Grand Canyon). The Gibbon is simple to set up (5 minutes tops), with a simple ratchet system for adjusting tension. My kids (6, 6 and 9) set theirs up over an inflatable swimming pool in the summer. $100, gibbon-slacklines.com - NPB
Fly Low Chemical Pants
Ski and snowboard pants should behave as second skin but do their job while wearing well and getting noticed. Add light weight and good form, you have a comfortable wrap. Add good function, and you have the Fly Low Chemical Pants. Designed for the backcountry freerider who needs toughness as much as fresh snow, the Chemical Pants are 3-layer pants with cross-flow venting and burly reinforced knees and cuffs. My test verified the unqualified freedom of these pants, and their wearability, on early-season resort slopes where I shared time speeding solo down the mountain with hiking back up to untangle my 5-year-old from her skis. I look forward to wearing them in the backcountry. Other features include 3-layer Intuitive Fabric? material, fully seam taped, powder cuffs, 3-panel articulated knee, adjustable waist cinch system, 4 pockets, and durable water repellency. $275; flylowgear.com - JN
Eurosled Blazer
This isn't a one-horse open sleigh but it's guaranteed to become a winter tradition. We first used ours at a local golf course. You don't need much of an incline to pick up speed (or catch air on the sand traps). The Snow Blazer is fast, with wide stainless steel runners, a no-skid tractor seat and a fat steering wheel. Designed for older kids (and their Peter Pan parents) the 19-pound Blazer has large serrated steel brake paddles that can be activated from both sides, plus an autobahn suspension loaded steering wheel. $189, 3Playinc.com (or rei.com) - NPB
GoLite Utopia 1 TARP
This is the kind of free-standing tarp for which you happily sacrifice roominess for access to serious, fast trips. Fortunately, at 3 feet, 6 inches in height with an area of 21 cubic feet, it's comfortable. My big trip with the Utopia 1 was a 40-mile round-trip solo ascent of Gannett Peak, Wyoming's highpoint. And because I had just three days, two nights to summit and get back on the road, speed was a priority. It's easier to be speedy with a light pack, and at 2 pounds, 2 ounces (including stakes and poles), my appreciation for the Utopia grew with every step of the seven-hour hike to my base camp high in the Wind Rivers. Stiff winds and pelting rain buffeted the tent but the Silite? Silicone Impregnated Ripstop Nylon held out moisture. The silicone completely permeates the fibers, making the fabric waterproof and hydrophobic, reducing weight that could be gained through water saturation. Note: it's a tarp, floorless (9-ounce floor purchased separately, $30). Features include two side vents with reflective guy lines, DAC featherlite? poles, and four Y stakes, $225; (888) 546-5483, golite.com - JN
Patagonia Women's Cashmere Crew
Patagonia makes apparel that's built to last, and this ultra-soft, unbelievably lightweight sweater will be a staple in my wardrobe for years to come. The sweater is fine (16-gauge) cashmere with a gorgeous jersey weave. I love the longer length (no belly button showing on this camper) and ribbing on the wrists, collar and bottom. At helium-weight 5.5 ounces, this sweater wins for warmth-to-weight efficiency. In addition to being beautiful and warm, you'll be supporting Patagonia's efforts to produce environmentally sustainable apparel. $180, patagonia.com - NPBPost a comment
www.insideoutsidemag.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post.
Read our full policy.