Gearzilla » The Future of Gear

Winter OR Round-Up: The North Face

nborchelt — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:00:48 +0000

www.thenorthface.com
Of the three big pushes coming from The North Face in the fall of 2013, we’re perhaps most excited about the brand’s new insulation innovations. ThermoBall ain’t the sequel to Skyfall; It’s a synthetic insulation made in concert with Primaloft, providing spherical patches of insulation designed to mimic the structure of down, trapping heat within small air pockets. This also makes it highly packable, and will insulate even when wet. The insulation on the ThermoBall Full-Zip Jacket ($199, pictured) is equivalent to that of a 600-fill down jacket of similar weight. ProDown—TNF’s proprietary water-resistant down—will also be introduced this fall, boasting products that will stay dry and full of loft for up to 100 minutes, and will be found in such products as the 950-fill Supernatural Jacket ($449). They’ll also introduce the new ZLoft tech, which uses Primaloft One synthetic insulation with a Z-baffle shape that maximizes warmth without adding much weight or bulk in hybrid, high-performance pieces like the Zephyrus Pro Hoodie ($299).

Another big initiative in 2013? Apparel and footwear for cold-weather running, including products that’ll make use of Gore Windstopper and proprietary tech like FlashDry and Thermo3D designs to create high-performance, gender-specific temp regulation for long-distance cold-weather runners. Products like the Feather Lite Storm Blocker Jacket ($200)—the lightest fully-waterproof, seam-sealed jacket they’ve made at just 10.5 ounces—were tested by TNF athletes on the trails of Mont Blanc, so they’ll work for you just fine.

They’ll also fill out a new line for the niche outdoor scene that prides themselves on braving the harshest cold-weather environments. The new Steep Series was tested by TNF athletes in the harsh world of Antarctica, and the 19 pieces in this new line will bring forth hardcore products with tech like the new Gore-Tex Pro waterproof/breathable fabric, water-resistant down, and other features that’ll keep you sheltered from the extremes.

Winter OR Round-Up: Arc’Teryx Caden Jacket

nborchelt — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:00:08 +0000

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.

Winter OR Round-Up: Princeton Tec Vizz Headlamp

nborchelt — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:00:46 +0000

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.

Winter OR Round-Up: Gore Running Wear

nborchelt — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:00:30 +0000

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.

Winter OR Round-Up: Osprey

nborchelt — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:00:27 +0000

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.

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

nborchelt — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:00:01 +0000

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.

Giro Combyn Soft-Shell Helmet

nborchelt — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:00:15 +0000

www.giro.com
Those few skiers and snowboarders who are still not wearing a helmet just ran out of another excuse. Available this August, Giro will introduce the Combyn, which they’re calling a “soft shell” helmet. It uses an impact-absorbing liner made with vinyl nitrate foam constructed into two distinct layers to handle both high- and low-energy impacts. Unlike most helmets on the market, this liner is compressible and flexible, and, when paired with a proprietary shell material similar to that found in hockey and football helmets, makes for a very comfortable, flexible fit without sacrificing any safety features. The helmet will have eight vents, a removable goggle holder, three fit kit sizes, and will be fully compliant with CE EC 1077 safety regulations.

Winter OR Round-Up: Gore Tex Introduces New Gore Tex Pro

nborchelt — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:00:09 +0000

www.gore-tex.com
Gore Tex’s most waterproof membrane, Pro Shell, got a significant upgrade this year. The 2.5- and 3- layer membrane has always been on top of the waterproof category, but breathability was an issue. The new Pro Shell is a rumored 28 percent more breathable than the original, putting its sweat management properties up with the best in the industry. The 100 percent ePTFE-based microstructure is bonded to the outer material, with a specially developed lining completing the system. To increase durability, Gore added a new patent-pending Micro Grid Backer technology for internal abrasion and snag resistance. We tested a new Arc ‘Teryx Pro Shell jacket for Fall ’13 on an Interconnect ski from Solitude to Alta to Brighten and back. This tester’s pants were last year’s Pro Shell, the jacket was the new stuff. The Interconnect is lots of steep skinning, followed by great backcountry ridges and bowls. The new material really does breathe well. We’ll report on ongoing tests later this spring, with special focus on not only breathability, but waterproofness as well. Expect to see this new tech in a handful of outdoor brands like The North Face, Arc’Teryx, Outdoor Research, Marmot, and Mammut.

Winter OR Round-Up: Icebreaker

nborchelt — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:00:34 +0000

us.icebreaker.com
As we mentioned after the Summer Outdoor Retailer, New Zealand’s Icebreaker continues to expand their line of high-quality merino wool into designs that marry their magical wool with soft shell exteriors to provide weather-proof pieces with all the all-natural qualities already associated with the brand. The Viento Jacket (hooded: $325; non: $300) and the Stealth Jacket ($300; pictured left) and Hood ($325) will boast a water-repellent, breathable, wind-proof exterior, with a comforting merino wool lining. We particularly like the fashion- and fit-forward silhouette of the women’s Viento Hood ($325; pictured center), with its slim hourglass cut.

Their GT line—technical apparel dialed for high-aerobic activity like winter running, Nordic skiing, and skiing and riding—will expand with new garments like the Drive Long-Sleeve Half-Zip top ($140; pictured right), with wool has been treated with nanotechnology to add water and stain resistance. This bluesign-accredited technology integrates tiny nano particles on a rigid surface to reduce the contact area to let mud, water, and oil simply run off the fabric.

Perhaps most compelling, however, is the slight revamp to their travel-inspired line, which expands its formerly slim/athletic fit to become a wee bit roomier. This should make products like the woman’s Vista Skirt ($100) and windproof soft shell three-quarter-length Highline Jacket ($380), the men’s Escape Hood Stripe ($140), and the Seeker Pants ($180) appeal to a broader swath of smart travelers.

Winter OR Round-Up: Mammut P.A.C. Backpack

nborchelt — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 13:00:52 +0000

www.mammut.ch

Already highly praised by the backcountry crowd due to the R.A.S. (Removable Airbag System) avalanche airbag packs, Mammut looks to make things even lighter for backcountry skiers and riders in fall 2013. The company is introducing the P.A.C. backpack—this fully R.A.S.-compliant, lightweight pack boasts better cushioning in the shoulder straps, hip belt, and back panel than the old R.A.S. packs, so the carry is more comfortable. Mammut has upped the performance quota by providing more trauma protection for the upper torso with a design that’s intended to keep you floating feet-first in the snow in the event of an avalanche. It’ll come in five new sizes, but in order for the airbag to offer full protection, wearers must have at least a 16.5-inch-long torso.