Outdoor Gear Blog: Outdoor Product News

Sleeping Pad Wins Recognition

2011-04-09T09:07:00.004-06:00

Part of my motivation for writing this blog is to become more familiar with gear that might benefit friends and family members during camping trips. A primary category of interest to me is sleeping pads. I used a number of different pads when I was young: inflatable pads that slipped and squeaked as I turned during the night, cheap foam pads that seemed to flatten under my weight, and blankets which seemed to do a fair job, but many were needed in order to produce a desired level of comfort. There's now an award-winning sleeping pad from outdoor gear maker, NEMO. The company's "Astro Insulated with Pillowtop" pad has earned a 2011 Editor's Choice recognition from Backpacker Magazine. We have not yet experienced the comfort of this pad first-hand, but Backpacker gear editor Kristin Hostetter says: "This is the only sleeping pad I'll ever need - for my ounce-counting backpacking trips." The Astro Insulated has a 20-inch width and the length is 72-inches. It's listed at about $100.

The North Face Running Clothes

2011-03-26T14:42:00.002-06:00

We've all seen the popular "The North Face" logo on jackets and cold weather gear, but did you know that the company also produces running clothes? The North Face website offers running windbreaker jackets, along with shorts, arm warmers, capris, hats, crew shirts and even running shoes. The company website also has a yoga section, containing some attractive tops, pants, jackets and headbands. The logo that seems ubiquitous during winter months may become more visible year-round.

L.L.Bean to Donate $250,000 to Japan Disaster Relief

2011-03-17T17:40:00.004-06:00

Outdoor gear merchant L.L.Bean commits $250,000 to the Red Cross to support Japan earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. The company operates 20 stores and other facilities in Japan. "The Red Cross is known for its swift actions to provide emergency care and to help reconnect loved ones in these times of crisis," said Chris McCormick, President and CEO, L.L.Bean. "It is the quickest and most effective way for L.L.Bean to offer our assistance to the Japanese people suffering from this disaster." You may read the full press release here.

Donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief efforts via http://www.redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Airbak Backpacks Aim to Relieve Back Pain

2011-03-05T10:07:00.002-07:00

Airbak is offering a series of backpacks that use air bladders to relieve the pressure that is often felt while carrying a bag with shoulder straps. The weight-distributing air cushions are intended to protect users' backs, and the gadgets within the bags. You'll find models that work as laptop backpacks, camera backpacks, airplane carry on bags and more.

Innovative New Sleeping Bags from Exped

2011-02-26T18:31:00.005-07:00

Now you can stroll about your campsite without leaving the comfort of your sleeping bag. Check out these innovations from Exped:

Ski Helmet Bling by Crystograph, Bogner

2011-02-19T11:46:00.005-07:00

Looking to stand out on the slopes? Check out this stunning bejeweled ski helmet. Crystograph produced the Bogner titan edition helmet, using approximately 20,000 Swarovski crystals:

Nice lid!

Mukluk Socks from Turtle Island Imports

2011-01-18T20:49:00.005-07:00

Mukluks are a popular footwear that provide warmth, and make a fashion statement. Turtle Island Imports offers a relatively inexpensive version of mukluk socks. The knee-length boot-socks are a wool/rayon blend with leather soles. They're good for lounging around, particularly if you're spending time in a cabin or in a yurt. The folks at Turtle Island Imports say that dancers love these products as warm-up socks. The products are made in Pakistan. At the time of our visit to the website, they sold for about $15. a pair. The company offers online ordering on their website.

If you're feeling really crafty, here is a link to a knitting pattern for mukluks involving felted versions from Canadian Living magazine.

Yoga Mat Options from Dream Yoga Mat

2011-01-17T12:39:00.003-07:00

If you want your yoga mat to express some information about your personality, then you may enjoy some of the yoga mat designs presented by Dream Yoga Mats. The Aspen, Colorado-based company creates custom embroidered yoga mats with designs such as peace signs, om symbols, skull and crossbones and more. The company claims that their products are eco-friendly, made of: "...Thermal Plastic Elastomer (TPE), a newly developed material that is hypoallergenic, 100% PVC free and contains no latex, rubber or toxins." The company also claims that the materials are odor free and that they prevent bacteria buildup. The company offers online shopping.

2011 Outdoor Retailer Expo Winter Market to Open In Salt Lake City

2011-01-07T20:27:00.002-07:00

Outdoor sports gear buyers, distributors and related media will converge on Salt Lake City later this month for the 2011 Outdoor Retailer Expo Winter Market. The event at the Salt Palace Convention Center will feature cutting-edge technologies involving footwear, gloves, fabrics, eyewear, heated clothing and more. The trade show is calendared for January 20-23. The All Mountain Demo is scheduled for January 19th at Solitude Mountain Resort.

Study Focuses on Ski Waxing Technicians' Exposure to Chemicals

2010-02-20T19:07:00.002-07:00

A study by Swedish researchers suggests that ski waxing technicians have elevated levels of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) from fluorinated wax fumes. The time trend study also suggests that "continued exposure may contribute to elevated levels in ski technicians compared to the general population." The study is published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. The abstract is available here.

There are several companies that sell "environmentally friendly ski wax" on the Internet.

Climbing Shoe Reviews Website Launches

2010-02-06T11:57:00.004-07:00

A new website aims to help climbing enthusiasts choose footwear that is best suited for their needs. Climbing Shoe Review is a site "by climbers, for climbers." Climbers from around the world are invited to create a login and offer reviews of shoes that they've tried. The site also promises to keep readers informed about sales, discounts and information about new shoes.

Climbing Shoe Review.com rates rock climbing shoes in a variety of areas, including value, comfort, durability and trad climbing. Style categories include velcro, lace-ups and slippers. At the time of our visit, the website had reviews of many different shoes such as La Sportiva Solution, Five Ten Dragon, Evolv Pontas and Scarpa Mago.

Winter Camping Gear Article: Backpacker.com

2010-02-01T18:28:00.002-07:00

Backpacker.com has produced an informative article about winter camping for beginners. Writer Steve Howe offers tips for protecting your head, torso, feet and hands, and he gives some great ideas regarding shelter and sleeping bags: "You can save a lot of money on winter sleeping bags by simply inserting a summer bag inside a three-season sleeping bag, but the combination weighs about two pounds more than the equivalent winter-specific mummy." We recommend the article, "Gearing Up for Your First Winter Overnight."

Black Diamond Unveils New Backcountry Skis

2010-01-27T18:35:00.002-07:00

Black Diamond is rolling out the "Efficient Series," a new line of backcountry skis and boots. The lineup features six new styles of backcountry skis, and four new kinds of touring boots. The term "efficient" refers to designs that focus on lighter weight without sacrificing performance. The new ski line offers options for both men and women.

Click here for more coverage from Examiner.com.

Click here to visit the official Black Diamond website.

2010 Olympic Stamp Debuts in Utah

2010-01-23T18:30:00.002-07:00

The U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix in Park City, Utah, provided a scene for the unveiling of a new U.S. postage stamp commemorating the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. The stamp features an airborne snowboarder.

The 44-cent stamp was illustrated by artist Steve McCracken, and is now available nationwide.

Click here to view an image of the stamp from Sportsfeatures.com.

Kids & Ski Helmets: Bill Introduced in California

2010-01-22T20:01:00.002-07:00

A bill introduced in California would require skiers under age 18 to wear protective headgear, or their parents would face a $25 fine. The legislation introduced by Senator Leland Yee, D-San Mateo, who says that safety is the chief concern. Discussion of the bill by lawmakers is still weeks away. The California Ski Industry Association pledges to support the bill as it currently written.

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Expo 2010 Underway in Utah

2010-01-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

16,000 manufacturers, retailers and suppliers of winter sports goods are in Utah to participate in the 2010 version of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Expo. Many of the event visitors are store owners and managers who are looking to stock shelves with the latest winter gear. The main event runs through Sunday at Salt Lake City's Salt Palace Convention Center.

Many outdoor recreation companies have operations in Utah, among them: Rossignol, Ogio, Backcountry.com and Chums.

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2010-01-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

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