Winter OR Round-Up: Arc’Teryx Caden Jacket

www.arcteryx.com, one pound, six ounces
Arc‘Teryx and Gore just upped the ante with the new Caden Jacket, whichCaden incorporates new N80pX Gore-Tex Pro Shell, a more breathable version of their standard-setting benchmark fabric. The Caden’s articulated pattern mimics the posture of the ski and snowboard athlete, with a design that moves fluidly for big mountain skiing and riding. The new micro-seam technology increases breathability and reduces overall garment weight. A waterproof front zipper helps keep rain and snow at bay, plus it’s easy to use with gloved fingers. Our tester loved the hood that fits easily over standard ski and climbing helmets. The hood rotates with your head, with no blocking of peripheral vision or that suffocating feeling when its zipped up. The first-rate feature set is rounded out with zippered hand pockets, internal mesh pockets roomy enough for gloves or a waterbottle, and a discreet powder skirt that kept us dry in the deep.

 

Product Type
Hard Shells
Good For
,
Tested In
Prelim testing in Alta and Solitude, Utah

Winter OR Round-Up: Princeton Tec Vizz Headlamp

www.princetontec.com
This March, Princeton Tec will unveil a new outdoor/all-purpose headlamp that should hit the sweet spot for weekend warriors and backpackers looking to light up the backcountry (or brave a power outage).  The design of the Vizz itself is nearly idiot-proof, with one big button—and that’s about it. Press the button once and you illuminate two ultra-bright red LEDs, press it twice and get dual ultra-bright white LEDs. You can also hold the button down to cycle through the modes, which includes a 150-lumin max-bright LED that can illuminate up to 90 feet. The Vizz is waterproof down to one meter for up to half an hour, and runs on three AAA batteries—with a built-in power meter to let you how much juice you’ve got left in the estimated 160-hour run time; a low-battery indicator also triggers when you’re down to 20 percent.

Product Type
Headlamps
Good For
, , , , ,
Tested In
Coming soon.

Winter OR Round-Up: Gore Running Wear

www.goreapparel.com
We’ve been testing Gore Running apparel for the past six months. While the brand is a top-seller in the category in Europe, it has only recently been distributed in the United States. For Fall ’13, we are excited about their new Magnitude Outfit Systems for men (the Comp Shirt and Tights are pictured above). The performance line is designed for the long-distance runner. The tights have enough compression to shape and support the quads and calves, without restricting movement. We like the new vest and jacket with Windstopper laminate for cold-weather training, as well as the reflective and neon detailing for heightened visibility after dark, great ventilation, and smartly-positioned pockets.

Product Type
Base Layers, Wind Shells
Good For
, ,
Tested In
Coming soon.

Winter OR Round-Up: Osprey

www.ospreypacks.com
“The Internet of Things” was a big, buzzy phrase at last year’s CES, as online accessibility continues to become part of our daily lives. And while the outdoor industry probably won’t ever go full-cyborg on us, we have seen some smart tech-centric products over the last few years, from avalanche airbag backpacks and outdoor-focused apps to smartphone cases with batteries and high-def videos of…everything. And in fall 2013, Osprey’s Portal line of packs (pictured) will continue this trend, targeting traveler and touch screen-dependent subway riders.  The seven packs, like the Tech Commute, will have touch screen-friendly see-through windows and padded sleeves for tablets and smart phones, in both messenger bag and backpack styles, starting at $99.

They’re also making packs for the more active commuter (read: the cyclists, runners, and in-line skaters—hey, we see one in DC every once in a while!).  Designs like the Radial ($159) and the Spin ($139) will have a nicely vented back panel, a padded laptop sleeve, an integrated rain fly, and bike-friendly features like a dedicated U-lock pocket.

We also look forward to the new line of snow packs.  The Reverb ($89), for example, will target the lift-access resort set who might also want to do some in-bound (or sidecountry) hikes. It’ll open via the back panel (so it lays in the snow with the shoulder straps facing up, thus keeping them dry), let you carry your skis diagonally (or your board vertically), and has space for all the essential backcountry tools as well as an extra layer and a hydration reservoir.  The Kode ($129) ups the ante with more storage (including a stowable helmet  pouch on top), the ability to carry the skis A-frame or diagonally, side-zip access, and a hydration sleeve in three different pack sizes.

Product Type
Day Packs, Hydration Packs, Snow Sports Gear
Good For
, ,
Tested In
Coming soon.

Winter OR Round-Up: Sea to Summit Spark Sleeping Bag

www.seatosummit.com
Weighing in at a whispery 12.3 ounces, the new Spark is a 850-fill waterproof down sleeping bag that’s primed to become a minimalist’s favorite outdoor resting place.  The bag is rated to 46 degrees and packs down to the size of a softball. It’ll be out this August in both regular and long lengths. The 10D Pertex Quantum shell is treated with DWR water repellency, with a soft-touch nylon interior. Through-hikers, adventure races, and dedicated minimalists will love the bag’s awesome weight-to-warmth ratio.

Product Type
Down Sleeping Bags
Good For
, ,
Tested In
Coming soon.
« Previous Page
See More Gear »