Winter OR Round-Up: Mountain Hardwear

www.mountainhardwear.com
When Mountain Hardwear was acquired by Columbia Sportswear a decade ago, loyalists were worried that the brand would lose some of its top-of-the pyramid functionality. But, if the product evidenced at Winter Outdoor Retailer is any indication, MH seems to be getting better and better. And in fall 2013 they’ve renewed their focus on gear for skiing and snowboarding.

Products like the new men’s and women’s Thermostatic Jacket ($200, oictured left) make use of their new Thermal.Q technology, a proprietary, synthetic insulation that uses a down-inspired matrix of rigid stems and soft fibers to create a ridiculously light, ten-ounce jacket that’s very packable. Once for ounce, Termal.Q is 20 percent warmer than other synthetic insulation, it dries fast, and the jacket itself has a sly street-friendly fashion sense which makes it a good go-to for traveling in colder climes. The Snowtastic 3L Jacket ($550, pictured right), meanwhile, ups the ante for female skiers, with waterproof-breathable fabric treated with Dry.Q Elite technology to help vent excess heat when skinning while still keeping you dry and warm when riding the lift. The men’s Compulsion 3L Jacket ($650) stands as the male counterpart to the Snowtastic, with a soft, comfortable three-layer face with Dry.Q waterproof breathability, pack-compatible pockets, and a removable powder skirt. Mountain Hardwear will also start working with merino wool in fall 2013 with base layers like the Integral LS Zip T ($88), made of a wool/polypropylene blend that wicks, dries quickly, and keeps you warm when you’re wet or dry—and it’s machine washable.

OutDry waterproofing (a technology MH shares with Columbia) pairs with Q.Shield insulation in the Snowrilla Glove ($110), a warm, fashion-forward everyday ski/winter glove made of hybrid leather and a cordura palm. MH is also stepping up their game with winter-specific packs. The Snowtastic 18 ($100) fulfills the need for short back- and sidecountry trips, with 1,100 cubic inches of storage for safety gear, a hydration sleeve, and a single piece of connected weaving to carry your skis diagonally—one of the most secure ski-carrying systems we’ve seen. For all-day backcountry tours, step up to the Powzilla 30 ($190). This ABS Base Unit-compatible pack (the “avalanche airbag” made by various third-party vendors) has a zip-off back panel so can access the pack interior without removing your skis or board from the pack, the same continuous webbing found in the Snowtastic, a hydration sleeve, big compression wings, and plenty of room for your shovel, probe, extra layers, and food.

Prices vary.

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Winter OR Round-Up: Stanley Adventure eCycle Flask

www.stanley-pmi.com
We honestly didn’t think that Stanley—who’s been making great food and beverage containers since 1913—could improve upon their Classic Flask. But they proved us wrong. This spring, be sure to save a Jackson for their new eCycle Flask.

This eight-ounce container is made from recycled (and recyclable) plastic, and it boasts two lids—an attached bottle-style screw-top, and a large hinge top. The latter open the top wide for a thorough cleaning, so you can use this flask for any variety of drink (mixed or straight, non-alcoholic or otherwise) without worrying about lingering tastes or smells. The dishwasher-safe flask is also leak-proof. Better still, thanks to the wide-mouth opening, you can also use this flask as a makeshift dry box for your various electronic must-haves….

$20

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Winter Outdoor Retailer 2013 in Review

Last Saturday was the final day of the Winter Outdoor Retailer—the mecca for all things in cold-weather outdoor gear. Last year’s event and Summer OR in August 2012 were marked with massive innovation, including new products, new technologies, and advances like waterproof down that could trigger seismic shifts in the way outdoor enthusiasts think buying gear.

This year seemed to be more focused on refining those technology, dialing in the fit and function of the pieces of apparel that use that technology in new and interesting ways. Columbia Sportswear, for example, continues to use its proprietary Out Dry waterproof/breathable laminate and Omni-Heat reflective lining (which bounces the body heat back at you to provide furnace-like warmth), but their fall 2013 product takes a more trim, athletic fit. The Millenium Flash jacket ($330; pictured left) demonstrates this approach, employing internal stretch panels for a more snug fit along with a bevy of winter-friendly features like a removable powder skirt, a helmet-compatible hood, and a media and ski pass pocket. Outdoor Research also follows this trend in fall 2013 with products like the Floodlight jacket ($375), which uses 800-fill insulation in a Gore-Tex shell. Merino wool experts Icebreaker, meanwhile, will modify the fit of their travel-friendly line to be less form-fitting and more relaxed. They’re also continuing to branch out into making hybrid products like soft shell jackets with merino wool lining.

All of which isn’t to say that there wasn’t anything new and shiny. Gore-Tex announced its new Gore Tex Pro waterproof-breathable laminate. Same name, different technology, delivering about 20 percent more breathability and a lot more durability than its predecessor—we’re looking forward to putting those new jackets and gloves to the test. And, perhaps the biggest news of them all, Black Diamond introduced their first apparel line. The SLC-based mountaineering and backcountry ski company has long been one of the industry leaders in terms of innovation and style, and their new jackets, pants, and base layers look to have followed in that tradition. Working with three established textile manufacturers, they’ve unveiled products that use NanoSphere Schoeller, Primaloft, and Polartech. The Access Hybrid Hoody ($249; pictured right) is exemplary: the nylon shell uses 60 grams of Primaloft insulation and Schoeller stretch-woven nylon side panels with mountaineering friendly details like a close-fitting, helmet-compatible hood, two zippered hand pockets, stretch-gusset cuffs, and a drawcord hem, weighing in at just under a fairly feathery 18 ounces.

Other innovations—smart uses of synthetic down by Mountain Hardwear, Arc’Teryx, and The North Face, new bursts of color from Blundstone, GPS and heads-up-display ski goggles from Smith Optics, and new ski boots from K2 and Scarpa—still have us reeling, trying to absorb all the stuff that’ll clog the shelves come fall 2013. So, over the next few weeks, we’ll offer a wrap-up of the stuff that got us excited. Stay tuned…

Prices vary.

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Columbia Ultrachange Parka Jacket

www.columbia.com, 24 ounces
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: versatility is key. Witness the following scenario: You’re flying from a temperate clime to a snow-chocked state with a 30-degree temperature difference between departure and arrival. Then, you head to your favorite resort and sign up for First Tracks, which means you’re up before the sun, staring at a thermometer that won’t budge above zero. By midday? Temperature inversion and the heat of the sun have bounced the temps up 20 degrees. There’s two ways to combat this. Pack a lot of layers, or go with an interchangeable setup like Columbia’s Ultrachange Parka. This two-in-one jacket gives you a warm liner jacket, plus a waterproof/breathable, wicking outer shell to keep you warm and dry in even the wettest blizzards. The insulated, ploy inner layer boasts Columbia’s proprietary Omni-Heat liner, which is scattered with small silver dots that reflect the body heat to create oven-like warmth (the spaces in between the dots allow the jacket to breathe). Two large zippered side pockets and a tall collar also make it a fashion-forward, insulated stand-alone. The outer shell, meanwhile, amplifies the weather-proofing, with an advanced waterproof/breathable laminate, vented hand pockets, an adjustable hood, waterproof zips, and a drop tail that you’ll really appreciate when you have to sit down on a snow-covered chair lift. The fit is on the baggy side—especially when you are wearing just the shell. Oh, and our tester’s application to the scenario listed above? He wore the inner lining to the airport and then to the resort. The next morning he started off with both layers to combat the pre-dawn cold, then stripped to just the inner for one bluebird day. And when the white stuff started to fall but the mercury held at around freezing, he wore the outer shell under a mid- and base layer. Four scenarios, one solution, and lots of extra space in his suitcase.

$450

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

Smartwool PhD SmartLoft Full Zip Jacket

www.smartwool.com
We admit we’re a sucker for wool insulation. If it can keep little baby sheep warm and cozy on frigid, blustery cold days in the outback, we know that in our semi-civilized situations, it will be the next-best-thing to central heating. But at first we were mystified with the PhD SmartLoft Full Zip. On the inside is a lining of merino wool. The jersey knit is ultra-fine and soft—so thin it could qualify as lingerie weight. And over it is an ultra-light nylon shell. The merino is truly cotton-soft. And the shell is supple, quiet, and as soft and light as a whisper. The shell has a DWR treatment, means water beads before it permeates the material. That doesn’t mean it is waterproof—but that you can wear it longer than you could a cotton hoody without getting soaked. Plus, there’s no doubt that you’ll stay warm. The layer is deceptively simple—there’s a front zipper with a draft flap and chin guard. Stash your cell, wallet or gloves in the twin zip handwarmer pockets; inside are convenient stash pockets for sunglasses, plane ticket, or even flask. This jacket will keep your core warm on spring days, and keep your entire upper torso toasty if you layer it with an outer jacket—and we just love having options.
$220, TK oz., smartwool.com
Tested In:
Good for: 3-season activities, hiking, biking, backpacking, urban adventure, PTA meetings

$220

Search for Product on Backcountry.com

« Previous Page

See More Gear »