Trick Out Your Winter Toys
Add to Del.icio.usby Toni Isom
You've suffered through six months of warm sunshine, colorful foliage, and snowless slopes. Finally, you can smell winter in the air. It's on its way, and it's time to prepare for deep powder and ice-cold winds. Brands like Mountain Hardwear, Black Diamond, and The North Face have been working hard to bring you mouthwatering new gear for Nordic skiing, winter camping, and everything in between. Visions of pristine glaciers and glittering ice walls have been dancing through our heads, and here are some pieces that will get you daydreaming, too.
The Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Ski Binding
The Fritschi Diamir Freeride Plus Binding is ready for everything from a long, mellow tour to a cornice carcass huck. A DIN setting of 12 assures your planks stay attached when falling isn't an option. These bindings include the new Power Transmission Control, meaning the boot attaches directly to the binding bar, which slides as the ski bends and allows the ski to flex naturally.
The Mountain Hardwear Beryllium Jacket – Men's
For the backcountry enthusiast that isn't satisfied with sticking to just one winter sport, the Mountain Hardwear Beryllium Jacket covers all the bases. The Gore-Tex XCR laminate guarantees you'll stay dry from sun-up to sun-down. The harness-friendly, articulated cut gives you a free-range of motion, and pitzips dump excess heat.
The Ibex Alpstar Softshell Pant – Women's
The Ibex Alpstar Pant is a light softshell pant made from Schoeller synthetic weaves and merino wool. During active sports like Nordic skiing, the merino lining postpones your perspiration point to eliminate extremes in your temperature. The Schoeller face material resists water and breathes deeply. The Alpstar also makes an excellent mid-layer.
The Camelbak Menace Hydration Pack
Skiers, snowboarders, and those who swing both ways need to stay hydrated when they're out exploring the winter wonderland. The Camelbak Menace lets you comfortably carry your skis or snowboard, your avalanche gear, and two liters of water into the backcountry. Safeguard your iPod in the padded front pocket.
The Black Diamond Winter Bivy
Now you can take your down sleeping bag on winter camping trips without worrying about getting wet. The Black Diamond Winter Bivy seals out wetness, allowing you to experience peace of mind whilst sleeping in snow. This breathable bag cover is also extremely lightweight and it compresses to the size of a fist.
The Salomon Essential AF Helmet
If you value your brain (and you should), you'll want to protect it from rails and rocks. The Salomon Essential AF Helmet keeps your cranium safe without sacrificing a drop of comfort. High-grade memory foam means this helmet fits your head like a glove. The Airvent system keeps air flowing in and out so you don't overheat.
The North Face Gotham Down Jacket - Kids'
The North Face Gotham Jacket is super cozy and plush. Plus, it features the removable faux-fur hood trim that's all the rage right now. Nothing will get your kids out of the house this winter like the engaging warmth of 500 and 550-fill down. Smaller adults can score big on price by getting this kids' version.
The MSR Lightning Snowshoes
The MSR Lightning Snowshoes turn your trudge into a frolic. Full-wrap traction bites into ice and grabs shifty snow so you can climb up mountainsides with your mind at ease. An aircraft-grade aluminum frame withstands the abuse of backcountry terrain and prevents snow from clinging to your shoes. The 22-inch version weighs in at a mere 3lb 2oz, making them the lightest in their class.
The Atlas Run Snowshoes
When you find your favorite running trail covered in six inches of snow, bring out the Atlas Run Snowshoes and hoof it to the summit like it's any other day. Spring Loaded Suspension gives you natural foot movement and the wrap-around bindings ensure security. Lightweight crampons bite into crusty snow and ice.
The Big Agnes Storm King 0F Sleeping Bag
The Storm King Down Sleeping Bag successfully solves two of the biggest problems with winter camping: packing all that cold-weather gear, and freezing your butt off at night. By removing the underside insulation and replacing it with a sleeve that houses an insulating mat, Big Agnes was able to significantly reduce weight and up your comfort level. The top baffle's 650-fill down keeps you cozy while you slumber in snow.
The Sorel Full Tilt Winter Boot - Men's
Snowmobile, snowshoe, and ice-fish in the Sorel Full Tilt Winter Boot. These insulated, waterproof boots seal over your pants' cuffs, making them winter booties, hiking boots, and gaiters at all once. Despite all this protection, these lightweight boots are low-bulk and flexible.
The Sorel Caribou Cold Weather Boot - Women's
The Sorel Caribou Winter Boots keep your feet warm down to -40F, ideal for snowshoeing and ice-climbing approaches, and their classic style means you won't be a laughingstock when you trek into town. Metal shanks provide sure footing on sketchy terrain, and waterproof leather uppers keep your dogs nice and dry.
The Swix Snowboard Wax Kit
The Swix Snowboard Wax Kit lets you be that pretentious shop guy in the comfort of your own home. This comprehensive package has everything you need to dial in your ride. Swix included three waxes, a multi-screwdriver, a two-angled edge guide, and a fine/coarse stone, as well as a booklet to help you learn the tuning ropes.
The Arc'Teryx Gothic Lightweight Gloves
The Arc'teryx Gothic Lightweight Gloves bring the luxury of merino wool to your hands. These smooth gloves work incredibly well inside a waterproof shell. They're itch-free and odor-repellant, and they also postpone perspiration. Your hands will stay dry and fresh all day, all season.