Gear Review

Outthere Packs

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:38:21 -0600

Super Light weight packs designed by racers for racers.
Randy Erickson reviews the Outthere MS-1 Pack.

The MS-1 pack has some great versatility. Here’s a few of the key features on this pack which are different from the AS-1 pack.  *Pack volume is approximately half that of the AS-1, but yet still incorporates many of the unique features of the AS-1 pack.
 *The MS-1 has quick release straps for carrying skis at a diagonal (one that’s stowed in a water resistant stowage pocket on the top of the pack) and are big enough to accommodate the new fat Backcountry skis.
 *Got a snowboard to carry? No problem, just strap it on the back with the reversible compression straps like you would on the AS-1.
 *Hip belt pockets are now integrated into belt and are sized to fit smart phones, digital pocket cameras, Gps, tasty snacks and more.
 *Large front mesh pouch holds your Ski, Climbing or Bike helmets securely in place with the adjustable bungee cord.
 *The MS-1 also makes a great Commuter Pack, with it’s 4 internal organizer pockets including a large pocket to hold you hydration bladder or your laptop, the main access zipper is a waterproof zipper to keep the wet out.

If you like them you can order them here. http://www.outthereusa.com/

Blueye Sunglasses

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:18:29 -0600

Why Wouldn’t you wear a pair of sunglasses designed and used by the Aussies?
Randy Erickson reviews the Blueye Chills.

Blueye Eyewear was formed in December 1995 when Dean Bennell came up with a new eyewear concept for jockeys in Horse Racing. Whilst working as a horse trainer in Sydney, Australia, Dean had the foresight to realise that the goggles jockeys were wearing had not changed in design or materials since the 1950’s.   Dean began designing goggles and the design process took eight months, during which time he approached his brother  Marc, to see if he would be interested in becoming a partner in Blueye Eyewear.   The partnership was then formed and in December 1996, 12 months after conception, Blueye entered the market place.  Initially, Blueye concentrated on marketing its product throughout the horse racing industry, but soon realised that the goggles also had potential in other sports. An extensive sunglass range was gradually created, building on the success of the goggles technology.  Along the way, Blueye has picked up awards such as Australian Design of the Year and Australia’s Powerhouse Museum Award – Science and Design.  Blueye Eyewear presently manufactures and distributes eyewear for Motorsports, Fishing, Surfing, Kite surfing, Jet skiing, Water skiing, Wake boarding, Sailing, Wingsuit flying, Skydiving, Hang gliding, Paragliding, Snow skiing, Snowboarding, Polo / Equine as well as the Street market. More and more Polarized styles are being added to the range too. Prescription / Rx / Bifocal options are also available.
Great shades for almost every adventure. Worth Checking into them.
If you like them you can order them here. blu-eye-us.com/index.html

Chaco Zong

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 09:47:52 -0600

We have been dedicated to the Chaco brand since we first put them to them to the test back in 2000. At that time we had the Z2s and we were sold, dedicated, and eager to spread then news about this company and product. Today, Chaco is almost the standard for adventure footwear all around the world. From the Z1 to the Z2 to the flip we have seen nothing but ultimate comfort, support, and durability. These three styles have been our footwear of choice both day to day and out on an adventure. No matter were we are traveling we have at least one pair of Chaco sandals in our bag. Chaco has had one style that we have been set out to test and put through the ultimate adventure tests; the Zong.

The Zong is a hybrid format of the Z2 with the big toe loop but has a free heal. This allows for more foe a quick slip on ease foe comfort and not always feel like you are strapped in ready to take on the Rapids. The Zong, with a little slimmer straps, consists of the interconnected Chaco strapping system but the need to adjust the system because of the free heal is very minimum.

We got this shoe because we have wide feet and we wanted a cute casual sandal that is comfortable. This shoe encompasses all of that. They took some getting used to, but not much. The shoe feels strong and stable, unlike a lot of sandals. It holds up the Chaco reputation for strength and being stable. The adjustable straps are perfect for anyone as you can adjust the shoe to your own foot.

The AC Break Down:
Durability: Overall construction and material is consistent with the Chaco brand. We still have a pair of 11 year old Z2s that we wear on many adventures. Chaco sandals hold up and we expect nothing less from the more leisure style of the Zong.

Practicality: If you are wanting the look for the Chaco Z2 but the comfort of a flip then this is the leisure sandal you should look at. Although not the best style to tromp through the mud, trails, or rapids. They are great urban adventure sandals for the trip to the farmers market, or a relaxing afternoon at the park. .

Functionality: Overall function of the Zong hold the strong support for your foot. We've walked miles in the Zongs and they have provided us with great comfort.

Worth the Investment: At a price of $xxx the Zongs are well worth the investment for a mo leisure pair of sandals that are going to last years. If you are looking for that adventure sandal this might not be the best investment for you and we would suggest spending a little more and buying another pair of Z2s.

Season Five Top

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 09:40:10 -0600

The past spring we had the chance to check out a great product. The SeasonFive Water Top. A base layer for the water sports that we love.

At first look the top looks like a glorified Lycra base layer. The first thing that we noticed was the medium weight thickness of the layer. It just looks strong, solid,and warm.

Like most of our gear we test out we put it to the test at home in a controlled environment before dropping it right into the adventure zone. So whats the best way to try out a base layer intended to keep you warm, and comfortable in an ice cold river.... a cold shower. Just like my typical wet suit the Season five functioned well shedding a good portion of the water way from the body. Once we were fully soaked the water was off and our core temperature gradually warmed up with the shirt holding a body warmth in and keeping the chill out. It works inside as thought. Let's try it in the spring rivers on a little kayak adventure.

Early spring in The Black Hills offers some great small stream kayaking. With just enough winter run off new rapids appear and provide an amazingly chilly playground for kayaking. With the Season Five Top outfitting out body above the spray skirt we put it to the ultimate test in the early spring run off. With a consistent water temperature of 45 degrees. The season five top kept us warm enough to really enjoy a few hours in the water. The top would be much moe comfortable in a little warmer air and water Temperature. For a spring kayaking adventure it wasn't the most practical layer, but it with stood the test.

The AC Break Down:
Durability: The quality of the product is a solid well constructed layer that will hold up with a lot of thrashing around. Look for more great products coming from Season Five. With their quality and detail to their gear they will be a great company to watch what new features and products they will come out with next.

Practicality: for Kayaking, surfing and water sports this is a great product. Nearly every time we are active in water adventures we wish we had a product like the SeasonFive.

Functionality: Season Five Functioned and held up just as we had anticipated. The overall fit of the product was great. The sizing was nearly as true as you can get with a base layering sizing. We consistently wear a Medium in t shirts, and other bases. The Season Five Medium was a
Title snugged because of the function of the unit but it fit exactly how we would want a water base layer to fit.

Worth the Investment: The Season five Tee cost $80. A cost that seems a little high for a water base layer. However because of the extra weight and strength of the tee the cost is probably very feasible for base layer that would be solid for surfing.

Klymit InertIa X Frame

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 09:32:58 -0600

The Klymit Inertia X Frame is an anatomically patterned, super light weight (9.1 oz) camping pad that packs down to the size of a soda can. Looking at its unusual shape makes one wonder if such a thing is possible to sleep on. Klymit has made some revolutionary changes to the standard inflatable pad, and the result has many people scratching their heads. But I slept on the X Frame during a winter camping trip, and found that this pad is worth far more than its tremendously low weight.

Before I took the Klymit Inertia X Frame into the mountains, I spent a night on it at home to get an idea of what to expect. Like everybody who sees it for the first time, I was unsure if I could get a good night’s sleep on something so minimalist. So I rolled it out on the floor and amazingly, inflated it with only a few pumps of the hand pump. A small hand pump is included with the X Frame. then put my sleeping bag on top, crawled in, and gave the Inertia X Frame a chance to wow me.

Of course, I’ll never sleep well unless I’m in my own bed, but I was very happy with how well the Inertia X Frame kept me off the ground and supported my body. The filled-in sections of the pad are located where needed – at the head, shoulders, hips and feet. Any other body part didn’t touch the ground when lying down, and those empty spaces gave the impression that I was floating above the floor. Also, the pad prevented the insulation at the back of the sleeping bag from compressing because of what Klymit calls “loft pockets.” These spaces also lessen conductive heat loss and capture body heat in the dead-air space. The one down fall is that if you are a side sleeper or any other position other then flat on your back this pad lacks the support you might want.

Convinced after my test night on the floor, I put the Inertia X Frame in my backpacking gear and set out for an evening winter camp.

If you’re one of those backpackers who cuts a toothbrush in half to save weight, then you can use the X Frame alone on a winter trip. Leave the standard pad at home and bring along some of Klymit’s NobleTek argon gas canisters. Argon gas insulates better than any natural or synthetic fiber, and will create a warming barrier between your body and the ground.

Although I was comfortable enough to fall asleep both nights on the X Frame, my only gripe concerns the width of the pad. When sleeping on my back, my arms would touch the ground and get cold. I had to make an effort to keep my hands clasped on my stomach when falling asleep.

The good news is that anyone with doubts about the X Frame has another option: the Klymit Inertia XL. It’s just like the X Frame, only wider and beefier. But, it’s still very light weight at 16.8 ounces and rolls up to the size of a water bottle.

Overall, the Klymnit Inertia X Frame made me rethink about what I really need to be comfortable when sleeping outdoors. If the goal is to travel as light as possible, then there’s no reason not to own the X Frame for backpacking and camping adventures during every season. For more, visit Klymit online or purchase the X Frame below.

The AC Break Down:
Durability: Overall construction and material for the pad stands up to the High quality design and material used by Klymat.

Practicality: If you a looking for a lite weight, space saving sleeping pad alternative the Klymat X-Frame is the pad you need in your pack. If you are ok with a little extra weight and are a side sleeper take cation with this pad.

Functionality: Overall function and easy of use is great, and desrves a thumbs up. The ease of filling the pad with your breath, the supplied hand
Pump or the Argon gas makes this pad great for a quick sleep pad alternative.

Worth the Investment: At a price of $100 the price is comparable to most other high quality sleeping pads.

Switch Sun Glasses

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 09:01:10 -0600

If you are anything like us your eyewear is critical to a successful adventure. Weather that be, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Skiing, Mountaineering, or Fly Fishing the selection of eyewear can make or break your adventure. Nobody likes squinting in the sun, or feeling snow blinded up on the Glacier, or taking a big digger on the slopes because your lens can’t pick up every bump in the snow. Our big one this summer is utilizing the polarized glasses to drop the fly in the perfect spot on the river to nab that catch of the day trout. Unfortunately, all of our adventures are best served with multiple type of lens to clearly see what we need to see. We have tried several very notable eyewear companies version of the interchangeable lens, but most of them are very cumbersome and we end up not switching out the lens because it is more a pain then just using the lens we already have in place. Until Now.

The Switch Vision sunglasses are the world’s first full frame sunglasses with a magnetic interchange system. The magnet is strong enough that the lenses won’t budge, no matter how much jarring you subject them to. These sunglasses come with two sets of lenses. One pair is for high contrast, low light situations that are great for driving and biking on cloudy days. The second pair is great for a sunny day and excellent glare protection. Frame styles come in a variety of widths that should accommodate all sorts of face shapes. Each pair of glasses comes standard with three sets of lenses. of lenses are available, including a few that are sports-specific, and a couple of “reader” style lenses with magnification at the bottom area for tying those little trout flies on your line or reading that microscopic cue sheet on a ride. You can also order prescription lenses if you’re a glasses wearer.

We used the polarizing lens quite often this summer. They were perfect for cutting the sun glare off the water allowing us to see the action beneath the water. The additional pair of lens comes in a great magnetic carrying case which is small enough to fit into your pocket without looking bulky or cumbersome. Overall the lenses have outstanding optics and great in all conditions.

Switch states that their lenses are scratch, water, shatter, and smudge proof. Putting their word to the test throughout our summer adventures the glasses and the entire lens stood up to most of Switch’s guarantees. All of the lens have taken a beating on the trails, Mountain biking, hiking, climbing, Mountaineering, and fly fishing. None of our Lens have shown any wear, scratches, or attempting to shatter. They have been dropped on rocks on the river bank, Kept swing branches out of our eyes during Mountain Biking, and fallen into the water several times throughout our summer paddle boarding adventures. They are defiantly solid glasses. The one down side is the smudge factor. Switch states there glasses are smudge proof. But nearly every time we would switch out the glasses we found ourselves cleaning the lens before putting them back in the cases. This was not a big deal to us because the smudge factor is just part of keeping a great pair of sun glasses clean and ready to go.

The AC Breakdown:
Durability: over all construction of the frame and the lens stands up to the high quality design and guarantee that Switch offers.

Practicality: If you are looking for a great pair of glasses for every activity level in every time of light that allows for easy switch of lenses, these glasses are key to your gear collection.

Functionality: Overall function of the interchangeable lens, and finding the right lens for the right light, and activity level deserves a thumbs up. Switch makes it easy to find the right lens switch it out and move on to the more important part of your adventure. With a large cache of extra lens that can be ordered you should never be squinting in the sun.

Worth the Investment: At a price of $189. the price is comparable to most other high quality sun glasses. With additional lens running $50-$115 the need to own only one pair of glasses that can be used for every activity provides a priceless investment.

Switch will serve every purpose on your outdoor
adventures.

msrp: $189.99

Connect with Switch:
URL: Switchvison.com
Twitter: @insanelyfast
Facebook: Switch Facebook Page
YouTube: Switch Tube

The Chaco Z2

Thu, 5 May 2011 21:29:51 -0600

Potentially the Best Gear we have ever own. Our Favorite.. Chacos
Besides appearing in the next big Hollywood Adventure film my Chaco's and I have been through it all: slipping on stones in the river, trudging around the college campus, hikes in the backcountry, strolls through the park, on bike rides (either on my feet for the short rides or strapped to the pack for comfort when I get where I'm going), having the strap chewed through by the dog (and sewn back together), and lounging on countless beaches around the world. We have been through a lot and they are one of those pieces of gear we don't leave home with out.

This legendary outdoor product lives up to all the mythology you've heard about them. When I think of sandals I think of chaos. They have been on my feet now for more then 10 years. With Chaco's you'll think you have a thick, rubbery callous protecting your tenderly wonderful bare feet while hiking around. While this does cause some major perspiration on the sole of your foot you also move confidently with the assurance that they are firmly attached (perhaps the "fits like a glove" saying is passé and should be updated to "fits like a Chaco").

Another aspect of the fit are the straps. I've read some reviews about how people have problems frequently adjusting and fiddling with their straps, always wanting to loosen and tighten endlessly. Just get them how you want them and leave them alone! With a few timely minor strap pulls when you first began to wear them having to make adjustments will become a distant memory.

Perhaps the staple of the Chaco lore is the durability. I've owned my Chaco's going on 10 years now.

What makes the Z/2 Pro different from the Z/2 of old? The Z/2 Pro features new marking Vibram® PRO Outsole, which is suppose to provide the best traction in-out-and around water. I personally can’t say that I have noticed a huge difference between the Vibram of old and the new PRO outsole. With that said, this outsole can cause marking. If you plan to use your Chaco’s on a boat deck, you may opt for the Z/2 Marine which offers a non-marking Vibram Marine Outsole.

The Z/2 Pro has a bulkier outsole that is designed to grip wet rocks, for serious paddlers and canyoneerers. However, if you are looking for a lighter weight outsole, Z/2 Unaweep may be right up your alley if you plan to use it mostly on dry land. I have used the Z/2 Pro hiking and around the water and have not felt that they are overly bulky, but then again I am used to the weight from my old Chaco’s. The outsole has provided ample traction, that I have come to expect from my Chaco’s.

The only two upgrades I would suggest to Chaco would be a perfume emitter (the current perfume coming from the Chaco's is quite the burly stench) and an odometer to track the miles I've put on them. Even when the on-board odometer eventually rolled over I'm sure the Chaco's would still be kicking.

On the flip side, all Chaco’s come with a lifetime garauntee and I feel that gives you some piece of mind when paying a pretty high price tag for a pair of sandals (MSRP 105). Fortunately, my Z/2′s of old have stood the test of time and I hope the new Z/2 Pro’s do as well. I did notice that my Chaco’s were made in China, as are many products these days. But I do remember that my Chaco’s of old were made right here in the USA. If there are any problems with your Chaco’s, customer service is great, and getting repair work is pretty painless too with their easy to use online ordering system.

Despite almost 10 years since my first exposure to Chaco’s, fortunately not much has changed and they are still producing quality sandals for your next adventure. The Z/2 Pro is no exception and I look forward to a summer with them on my feet. Please check out ChacoUSA.com

Features

• New Marking Vibram® PRO Outsole

• Heel-leash for front-back stability

• Toe-wrap for side-side forefoot stability

• 360° Wrap-Fit adjustable straps

Re-energize with a Pro Bar

Sat, 19 Mar 2011 11:12:55 -0600

We have always been searching for that one great energy bar to drop in the pack to give us a boost of energy on our adventures. We have tried many, even many home made recipes that really pack a punch. However this past ski season we tried some new bars. The ProBar. ProBar comes in three different types of bars that each in there own fashion can really pack a punch of energy while maintaining a great organic taste.

The original Probar, named after the Founder of
ProBar, Art Eggertsen, Art’s Originals comes in Eight
flavors all packed with great Organic products that
mesh together to create some great tasting, easy to
eat bars. Being the original “Meal Replacement” bar
Art’s Originals pack a solid boost of energy into each
bar. With the Eight flavors of bar there is something for
everyone to grab the taste that you need when you are
out. The Original Bar provides an appetizing
combinations of 15 whole foods including grains,
chunky nuts and delicious fruit.

The Sweet & Savory line was the Adventure Chronicles
favorite of all the Probars. There are four Sweet &
Savory Flavors. The Sweet and Savory bars are a
twist on the delicious, organic meal replacement Probar
known for. With flavors like Cocoa Pistachio, Maple
Pecan, and Cherry Pretzel you’re sure to find rich,
gourmet flavors that appease salty sweet cravings and
introduce you to flavors unlike any other bar.

The newest of the Probar line is the Fruition Line.
These bars are unlike any other energy bars we have
tried. They provide a unique taste and Jelly like texture
to the bar. Because of the texture and the sweet fruity
taste of the bars we found that these bars were the
easiest to enjoy when our bodies were completely
drained and eating a dried oatmeal bar just wasn’t
going to be stomachable. The fruit-based, superfood
snack bar is designed to be satisfying on-the-go
without the extra fat and calories. fruition is the
marriage of dates, oats, chia seeds and cashews in 6
mouth-watering real fruit flavors. With superb fruit
flavors, robust texture and blend of organic ingredients, fruition was the perfect bar of the end of the day re-energization. The Fruition bars contain Two servings of fruit in every bar with 160 calories per bar, 4 grams of fiber, 2 grams of fat, and dense with antioxidants and Omegas from Chia Seeds

Probar markets their bars as a “meal replacement” bar. Each bar has 8 to 12 grams of protein and between 36 and 39 of carbohydrates, and they're high in fiber. They contain healthy ingredients like acai berries, wheat, barley and oat grasses, and hemp seeds. However, they also contain processed ingredients, including evaporated cane juice and brown rice syrup. Since ProBar bars are high in both calories and saturated fat, we would often eat only half a bar at a time. This was great for two reasons; It allowed for multiple snacks throughout the day, and we would not get that sluggish over eaten feeling during our day on the slopes.

The best part about the Probar line is that they are 100% organic that combines different flavors with the 15 whole foods that make up the bars. They provide more needed calories to meet that “Meal Replacement’ status. The ProBar lines contains about 350-400 calories in each bar, compared to ClifBar’s, 250 calories in each bar. This is a plus and a minus depending on your activity level and the calories that you are burning.

The downside to the ProBar line is that they are high in Saturated Fat (4-7 grams/bar, compared to CLifBar’s 1 gram/bar). The other down side is that they bars are a little more pricy then a comparable energy bar. However with the additional cost you are gaining the added calories and a 100% Organic Bar.

Of all the energy bars that we have tested, the ProBar ranks high on the list for the taste factor. These are a great bar for the backpack or the parka pocket. Overall the bars provide a solid energy source to re-energy your draining body. We would tend to go with a Fruition bar for the typical day on the slopes with the 160 Calories in this bar it provides just enough energy for us to enjoy a solid day in the backcountry or at the resort. For our long expeditions the high calories of the Art’s Originals and The Sweet & Savory are the best bars to really pack on the calories and bring on the energy.

Check out more about ProBar on their Website. Like them on facebook to stay up-to-date on all of the new additions to the Probar line. Probar gives out bars all the time. So stay connected with them.

Probar Website: http://theprobar.com
Probar on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theprobar
Probar on Tweeter: @theprobar
Probar on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/theprobar/
Probar on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ThePROBAR

Pop Outerwear - Style on the Slopes

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 13:23:58 -0700

Spread the Warmth with the new style on the slopes.
Spend a weekend at any ski resort and you are guaranteed to see hundreds of different styles in gear and outerwear. Each expressing their own personality and some trying too hard to make it really work. How do they even make a turn with some of those baggy outfits? At the Adventure Chronicles (A.C.) we are always looking for the new technical gear to cruise down the slopes. We look for gear that is functional, needed, not over designed and on the upcoming trends for outdoor adventure.
Pop Outerwear was born on the way home from a backcountry snowboard trip in British Columbia. The trip reminded the founders how much they loved snowboarding and how much joy it has brought, and continues to bring, to their lives. That was the defining point they decided that they wanted to create a community of snow enthusiasts that feel the same as they did and center it around a design style that was more urban and slim fit so people could wear their jacket not only in the snow, but also around town on that cold, rainy winter day. They wanted their jackets to remind people of snow when they put them on but one that don’t make someone stick out like a sore thumb when walking around town or to work. Within their designs they wanted to create functional, fashionable outerwear perfect for the slopes or the coffee house.
The next time you are cruzing down the slopes you are going to start to see more and more Pop Outwear Jackets and Pants. We tested out the Pop Outerwear Men’s Clayton Jacket, Cargo Pants and the Women’s Stella Jacket.
We were extremely pleased to see all the technical attributes that they had to offer. We were very impressed by the craftsmanship and quality of all the goods. We wore the coats around town and up to the ski resorts several times testing them out in many different temperature and conditions. They performed top notch.
Upon first impression of the Jackets and Pants you see a great color that isn’t too flashy and provides a simple look. Both the Clayton and the Stella have a simple cut that is sleek and fit allowing you to make easy turns on the slope with out feeling too constricted or bulky by your outfit.
Both the Jacket and the Pants are made of 10,000mm waterproof, 100% windproof, and 10,000g/m2 breathable fabric. The fabric is super comfortable and breathable allowing great vapor transfer from interior to exterior while sustaining a strong Snow/Rain barrier from the exterior. The interior finish and fabric has a very stylish pattern and is extremely soft and very comfortable.
We all carry plenty of gear with us on a typical day of riding; granola bars, water, ipod, lip balm, camera, goggles,Etc. All of these have a strategic pocket located throughout the Cargo pants, or each of the jackets. Small pockets are placed out the way to store keys and item that don’t need quick access. Instant access pockets are made to easily get to gear with out too much fumbling around and easy to access with gloves.
The jackets have a solid zipper system that allows for zipping on and off with gloves or mittens. With the pit zip system it allows you to easily cool your body on those warmer days on the slope. The jacket and the pants also have a secure connection system to keep the unit as one while securely fastening the powder skirt. A great benefit to the jackets was there were specific buttons on the inside that allowed the powder skirt to be fastened and tightened away while not in use allowing the jacket to transform from a super technical on slope jacket to a super efficient comfortable urban jacket.
Although the fit was sleek and very comfortable for riding the one item that we did notice on both the male and female coats was the cut around the powder skirt was a little tighter then typical, limiting much of a layering system. We noticed this only when the powder skirt was not acting as a skirt and just clipped into the jacket.
For the owners of Pop Outerwear snowboarding has always been a constant in their lives. It’s how they met, fell in love, and what keeps them sane in the craziest of times. They are two snowboarders who have never fit the “snowboarder” mold. They wear glasses and are potentially the least funky, but they’ve always believed that snowboarding is pure fun, whether you’re a beginner sprawled out over the bunny hill or an advanced rider searching out untracked powder under the trees, or any other level in between. They designed their company and outerwear so that as long as you’re having fun, you’re embodying what Pop Outerwear is all about.
It’s no secret that functional, simplistic gear is always the most successful to achieve your adventure goals while having fun on the slopes. Pop Outwear is a company that is producing Outerwear that is achieving exactly what is needed within the outerwear industry.
In need for a new get up on the slope this is definitely a company to keep an eye on and pick up some of their products. We will be stoked with the efficiency of the design

A little more about Pop Outwear:
Our products are meant to fit slim but still allow for plenty of movement for snowboarding, running errands around town, building snowmen, kung-fu...anything really (yes, we've personally tested all these things). Our goal was to make a jacket that we could wear in the mountains and around downtown San Francisco (or any city large or small!).No baggy outerwear here! Please check our "sizing chart" to see exact specs. If for any reason it doesn't fit, send it back to us or email us and we're happy to give sizing advice or answer any fit questions (local San Franciscans can arrange an in-person swap as well).
We're sticklers for quality and wouldn't sell anything less than a great product. Our jackets are made in the same factories as the top outdoor brands with a detailed review of quality in every step of the process. We totally understand how hard you work for your money and we're psyched to deliver a product to you that we believe is of more value than the purchase price.
The Spread the Warmth program is Pop's way of giving back to our community while giving something back to our customers as well. We offer a 10% refund on any single item when you send us an old (but still wearable) ski jacket. You can even ship your old jacket back to us using the return label provided with your original purchase. We'll then donate your jacket to St. Anthony's or another local charity, so your previously unused jacket will go to someone in need of some warmth.
We offer FREE shipping on orders above $50. We know sometimes buying online can be weird (do I look like the model? what about my [insert body part sizing here]? we've definitely been through that! although we assure you our models are very normal sized!); we understand, that's why all Pop Outerwear is also shipped with free return postage for any returns and/or exchanges. Just put the new label on and drop it off at your local FedEx. If you love your outerwear (we hope so!), we also encourage everyone to use the return postage to participate in our "Spread the Warmth" jacket give back program.
We believe in the community that naturally comes from snowboarding, and spreading that community feel on and off the mountain. We want our outerwear to not only help you look good but feel good too - help us recycle old jackets (you know, the ones stuffed in the back of your closet) for local shelters through our Spread the Warmth program.
Connect with Pop Outerwear Support their Cause and get some great gear at the same time.
URL: http://www.popouterwear.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pop-Outerwear/78310439051
Twitter: @pop_outerwear

First Ascent Big Tahoma Pack

Mon, 6 Dec 2010 20:35:32 -0700

It’s paying off. Eddie Bauer’s Mission to bring together the top climbers, Adventures, Skiers, and Kayakers to build some of the best gear is paying off for their still young off short the First Ascent Line.
Their “perfect pack for multi-day climbs” is just that. A prefect pack for those weekend climbing trips, and backcountry trips It has just enough space to store all the needed essentials to live comfortably in the walls or on the mountains. There are no special feature about the pack it is just the bear built essentials to make a comfortable trip into the mountains. The 70 liter pack has a low profile, with a fully adjustable suspension system. Its 70 liters means you won’t find yourself strapping much (if anything) to the outside, yet it forces you to be appropriately judicious with what you pack in the first place. And at 3.8 lbs, it runs lighter than other packs its size, yet has everything you need (one sidezip for easy access, axe loops, crampon panel) and nothing you don’t (water bottle holders, side pouches).
The Big Tahoma, will not disappoint you in a 2-3 day climbing trip. It backs comfortably and allows for easy access for the gear that needs to be stored inside the bag while climbing. The Pack sits very comfortably on the hips and it wears well with a climbing harness. The hip belt is the perfect size to allow easy access to your harness gear loops, especially in the urgent sweaty palm moments that you need gear quickly. The high narrow profile of the pack allows for easy movement of the head with a helmet and hood pulled over the helmet.
We love this pack for our Multi-day climbing trip and short big mountain ascents. Our only objection is we wish they made the pack in a smaller size for those trips that you want to cut back on the size of pack and amount of gear and still have a compacted pack. Nice work FA and Peter Whittaker.
[$250; firstascent.com]