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Mix It Up
March is a fantastic month to pursue outdoor activities. But it is also a transition month when outdoor aficionados must be prepared to switch from winter to spring sports. And maybe back again. March can deliver feet of snow to the mountains, a burst of water to the rivers or sunny, dry conditions on rock faces, and in any order. To address the fickle nature of March, we selected a variety of gear this issue. Now, go mix it up.
Kahtoola Step-in Snowshoes
Everybody likes getting two products for the price of one. Kahtoola gives a two-fer with its FLIGHTdeck TS, a system that provides a step-in snowshoe for hiking or running on powder and a traction system for walking on ice and snow. It's basically a snowshoeing system but with a loveable twist. Rather than strapping directly into the bindings of each snowshoe, with the FLIGHTdeck system you strap into the traction system first and then step into a fastening system in the snowshoe platform. The traction system fastens to running shoes, hiking boots, or insulated winter boots. With a click you know you're attached to the system, and away you walk or run on snowshoes. When you come to ice or hardpack, simply pull a toggle on each snowshoe platform to release the traction system, a slick system of straps and cleats. The traction system allows you to walk on the cleats over slippery surfaces. On my most recent excursion using the system, I climbed in powder to a ridgetop using the snowshoes and, upon descending between two rock buttresses to a too-steep section for snowshoes, I released the snowshoes, stowed them in my pack, and used the traction system to descend safely to the creek bottom where I stepped back into the snowshoe platforms. The snowshoe frames are constructed of strong, lightweight aluminum and the decking of durable Hypalon and stainless-steel cleats. Two sizes. $269 per pair; kahtoola.com
Crumpler Bumper Issue Hydration Pack
Crumpler's new hiking/biking/festival-going/bistro-hopping/pack-of-all-seasons hydration pack, the Bumper Issue, is a neat little daypack that works hard to be casual in spite of its performance features. Appearances alone, besides looking cool in four snazzy color combinations, indicate it's serious like a Rottweiler about not being left at home. The pack, an assemblage of water-resistant 1000D shell and a 300D Ripstop lining with comfortable padded straps with ventilated mesh, is large enough (14.4" wide, 20.5" tall) to accommodate a standard-size (2 liters) hydration bladder (not included). Inside are three compartments, the innermost one bound by mesh on the front side and ripstop on the rear. I'm a fan of easy-to-slide adjustable chest straps, and the Bumper Issue has them. Also, the two side clips allow for quick and easy storage of hiking poles, small seating pad, a bicycle pump, etc. Reflective "eyes" on front and side clips ensure that you'll be seen and the emergency whistle is there when you're unseen and need to be heard. $95; crumplerbags.com - JN
Karhu Guide Backcountry Ski
I'm looking at 30 years of history in my Karhu Guide skis, an heir of the original Karhu XCD design. What's new with the Guide is that this season a 195cm length has been added to the line. The addition expands the traditional XCD design that blends Karhu's wider telemark platforms into this impressive backcountry ski that will undoubtedly continue to ski better than I do. They're fun, single cambered for gliding on ski trails or carving unblemished backcountry snow, holding true to the XCD tradition with full metal edges and the Omnitrak® NoWax® system. For climbing and descending, the XCD Guide's 78mm waist and fat tip excel in soft snow. Paired with my leather boots and three-pins, the Guide's progressive sidecut and Carbon Powerbands initiate turns quickly, hold a carve and release smoothly. My version of backcountry skiing requires light weight, good grip and glide, versatility, and, especially, turning performance. The Guide delivers. Dimensions: 109-78-95. Lengths: 165, 175, 185, 195cms. $380; karhuskico.com - JN
Dragon Rogue Goggles
Classic designs with simple features, the Rogue series of snow goggles by Dragon puts focus on a unisex, medium-fit goggle whose strengths rest on clean design, comfortable fit and enhanced peripheral vision. Helmet compatible, the Rogue goggles I tested fit as well as any other great-fitting goggle I've tried, but Dragon's Toric lens system stands out. The technology behind the Toric lens system puts in your face the true optic vision and ultimate clarity you need when charging the slopes. The dual injection molded, ergonomically tapered lens eliminates unwanted distortion found with conventional flat lenses that are cylindrically bent. Nice additions include an adjustable hinge system, Tri-foam technology and Polartec micro-fleece lining, and 100% UV protection and anti-fog, anti-scratch lens. Several designs, $100-150; dragonalliance.com - JN
Deuter Cruise 26 LS Women's Pack
The Cruise backpack had me with its super-convenient key/cell phone pocket. But then I put it on and realized that the well-thought out design extended far beyond the first sight. Women generally have a shorter back than men, and the Cruise will fit most women and teens well. The frame sheet and waist belt have quilted padding on the back, and make for such a comfortable fit, you really won't want to take the pack off. Compression straps and an alpine-climbing style design make this pack ideal for 4-season use - backcountry skiing in the winter and spring, then climbing in the warmer months. There's a zip-snow shovel pocket, snowshoe/board straps and removable foam pad that doubles for seat cushion. I carried it comfortably with about 15 to 20 pounds of camera equipment, food and drink and could have comfortably carried much more. Two sizes: 1,550 cubic inches/3 lbs. 1 oz./15?19" ($125), 1,850 cubic inshes/3 lbs. 6 oz./17?21"($129); deuterusa.com - NPB
Columbia Belle Star Jacket
My daughter, Cora, wear's this jacket like a magic cloak. No matter how blustery the day, how bad the conditions, how sideways the snow is blowing, she slips it on, don's her hemet , goggles and gloves, and is ready to battle the fiercest winter storms. Cora (aka Coco) has skied 46 days this season-much of it in conditions no self-respecting alpinist would ever consider braving. The trick has been having the best gear available-and Columbia's Belle Star Jacket made the cut. The jacket is in Columbia's Titanium line-a label that promises state-of-the-art features, like a shell (Omni-Tech) that is as waterproof as a duck, but never builds up any internal condensation (yes, 6-year-olds work up a sweat, too). The exterior of the jacket is fairly utilitarian---two Velcro chest pockets, two lined handwarmer pocket, a nice high collar to protect her little neck from the cold (no one's going to mistake Cora for a snowboarder in this coat). But the fun really starts inside. The inner-back and neck have bear-warm and bunny soft faux fur that provide just enough extra warmth and comfort to ward off the chill on really cold days. Throughout the jacket is 150g of Microtemp insulation, making the coat plenty warm on days when the mercury is taking a nap. Also inside is a convenient season-pass zip pocket, and a very well-thought out snows kirt for days when the powder's flying. $104.95; columbia.com - NPB
Smartwool Kid's Zip-T
Smartwool has perfected the next-to-the-skin (NTS) layer of merino wool. Not only is there no itch-kids will sleep in their Smartwool long underwear if I don't' make them change into their PJ's. The Kid's Zip-T is a midweight top ($50) that layers under a sweater or stands alone. The top is soft and light, but the wool ensures impressive warmth to weight ratio-kids feel like they are not buried under a dozen layers, but still stay warm enough to play all day outdoors. Just toss the Zip-T in a machine after a long day (keep it out of the dryer, if possible), and hang it over night. It will be the first piece of outdoor apparel you child grabs and the last one she wants to take off. And the good part is that wool is naturally anti-microbial, so even if you're away from the wash machine, your kids still smell fresh and clean. The kid's midweight NTS Smartwool bottom ($42) works with the Zip T top for a no-draft baselayer that all kids should have on-hand spring through winter; smartwool.com - NPB
Helly Hansen Silverrush Jacket
I never thought I'd wear a white ski jacket, but Helly Hansen has crafted one so undeniable beautiful that the few stray spots won't dampen my enthusiasm. The white Women's Silverrush Jacket is a work of art-surprisingly warm, even when the temp dives to single digits. The front and back of the coat have quilted down squares that add tremendous weight for warmth, plus fluffy comfort that's soft without being too puffy. While the exterior is a symphony of colorful zippers (all highly technical in function and design), ingenious vents channel heat away from the body, but don't interfere with insulation. The rest of the body and sleeves have light, warm Thinsulate insulation. Both the powder skirt and hood zip off-and the protective collar is the best design I've reviewed in years. In the back, it rises up to helmet height, with a handy zipper to tighten it up on cold days. Zip the neck up all the way for 360-degree protection and breathe through the strategic air holes in the front. The white coat has orange zippers and rich gold interior, plus well-thought out stretchy wrist gaiters with thumb holes for a better glove interface. Wear it with solid orange pants for the ultimate fashion statement. Built-in RECCO reflector helps ski patrol locate you in case you get stuck in a tree well and built-in season pass window ensures you never miss a run. $500; hellyhansen.com - NPB
Rossignol Venus Jacket
Women's jackets have gotten better and better, and new body mapping, bonding and taping techniques have enabled manufacturers to combine an amazing array of fabrics and membranes into pieces that are arguably perfect. For stormy, cold days on the mountain (and in the backcountry) Rossignol's new Venus Jacket (women's) and Orion (the Venus's male counterpart) offer the best of two worlds - a super waterproof shell, bonded with the perfect amount of soft, warm fleece . Rossignol has partnered with Gore-Tex to produce Comfort Mapping technology that allows for extra insulation where you need it most, with mesh inserts in traditional "hot" spots to help breathability (and weight). Waterproof (and breathable Gore-Tex membrane is combined with a lamb-soft interior protected by a remarkably pliable, quiet exterior shell. Calling the Venus a "shell" is like calling a Porsche a car - the word doesn't do the end product justice. From the sleek padding at the elbows to removable down neck and wrist collars, the coat doesn't compromise on performance or luxury. Go bright with the Venus - my yellow jacket keeps me visible in a storm, and my kids can find me on the slopes. And the built-in RECCO reflector is compatible with search & rescue teams worldwide. $500; rossignol.comPost a comment
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