New Backcountry Gear 2011
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Wenger, maker of the Genuine Swiss Army Knife, unveiled its Fall 2011 footwear line at the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show. The new line is divided into five collections – Cold Weather (10 models), Mountaineering (1 model), Backpacking (6 models), Trail (4 models) and Basecamp (6 models). The big news is that five of the models feature Wenger’s Heat On
Demand integrated heating unit, which allows you to dial up the warmth in your boots electronically–a perfect solution for winter sports enthusiasts, ice-fishermen and others who may need a bit more warmth when the temperature drops.
Developed by professional mountaineer and speed climber, Ueli Steck, the new titanium Ueli Steck Special Edition Swiss Army Knife is super strong and has a number of special features including a lockable, partially serrated blade, hex-nut keys, can opener, flathead screw driver and more. A ¼-inch bit adapter in the handle allows you to use a set of special tools with this knife including Phillips and flat-head bits. MSRP: $140
Klean Canteen, makers of the first BPA-free stainless steel water bottle, have just added compete line of colors to their collection. And their new insulated models will keep cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot things hot for up to 6 hours.
Teva, best known for their comfortable, rugged, water-worthy sandals is branching out into a whole new line of footwear that includes both hiking and lifestyle lines.
These ultra-lightweight shoes weigh just a few ounces. Wear them while you drive to the trailhead then toss them in your pack to wear in camp. Tons of comfort/mere ounces of weight.
The Bot, from Princeton Tech, is a headlamp aimed right at kids. Featuring 15 lumens of light and a burn time of nine hours, these lights deliver the goods yet weigh only 62 grams–perfect for a night in camp or out in the treehouse with friends. And with an MSRP of just $15.99 you won’t feel broken hearted if it gets lost.
The EOS Tactical is one of a brand new series of tactical headlamps from Princeton Tech that’s built with ultra-long burn times and rugged construction. Princeton Tech has been pioneering new technologies in the lighting field for more than three decades.
New from Outdoor Research, the Maestro Jacket combines 800-fill down with baffled construction to make an ultra-light but ultra-warm jacket for any winter activity. This jacket weighs almost nothing and is very compressible.
The Aspect jacket and pant are designed for backcountry skiing but offer supreme protection against the elements no matter what you want to do outdoors. This combination is a hybrid that utilizes higher loft materials where you need warmth and weather protection and lower-loft materials in areas where breathability is crucial.
The Centrifuge is ideal for high-aerobic activities because it pairs wind-blocking but breathable knit fabric in the areas most exposed to the elements and wickable, Radiant LT fleece everywhere else. The result is a super comfortable fit that stretches with you as you move.
The new Ladakh GTX boot from Scarpa is perfect for high-country elk and sheep hunters looking for the ultimate in support when carrying heavy loads.
Scarpa is a huge name in European climbing and mountaineering circles. Now they are bringing even more models into the U.S. with a full line of lightweight hikers and trail-running shoes to complement their backpacking and hiking lines.
Point6 makes a full line of durable hiking socks for all kinds of outdoor activities. Made of pure merino wool, these socks keep your feet dry and blister free no matter what the weather conditions are.
Gregory, makers of fine backpacks, has entered the travel market with a whole new line of roller luggage. The Cache 22, shown here, is the perfect carry-on and because the fold-out carrying handle is designed into the sides of the bag, so you don’t loose valuable packing space inside.
The Alpaca line of roller duffels from Gregory is the bomb–with water-resistant TPU coated fabric and 1200 D Ballistic main body material. This bag can stand up to anything–even baggage handlers!
These are the new Ultra-Lite Infinity Trail Runners from Hi-Tec boots. These are feather light and ultra-breathable–perfect for trail running and stylish enough to wear around town.
The Capri boot is ideal for snow and cold conditions. Completely waterproof with 200-gram Thinsulate insulation, these boots are just as much at home in an ice shack as they are in a ski village after a long day on the slopes.
Hi-Tec has introduced an entire line of clothing including lightweight packable jackets and mid-layers that can be bought separately or zipped together to form the ultimate layering system.
Smart wool has a new line of micro-weight base and mid-layer clothing that’s incredibly lightweight and super comfortable. These base layers are made of all-natural wool but it’s so soft you’d swear you were wearing cotton. These garments breathe beautifully and stay warm, even when wet. And Windstopper keeps them draft free.
Smart wool has a new line of micro-weight base and mid-layer clothing that’s incredibly lightweight and super comfortable. These base layers are made of all-natural wool but it’s so soft you’d swear you were wearing cotton. These garments breathe beautifully and stay warm, even when wet. And Windstopper keeps them draft free.
This stylish TML thermal mid-layer from Smart Wool features a hoodie to keep you super warm. This garment is available in a full-zip hoodie, half-zip and vest style.
The Crossover Kitchen from GSI is perfect for two people who want a lightweight, all-in-one utensil kit for backpacking. Super lightweight with everything you need to cook with. Comes complete with a handy carrying case that’s ultra-lightweight.
For those who like to boil water fast, the GSI Ketalist is perfect. Saves burn time on your stove weather you’re prepping tea or hot water for freeze-dried meals. GSI also makes a full line of base camp cook kits, Dutch ovens and a full range of camp cooking accessories.
This Huskie is still a pup but he was sure game to try on a new set of doggie panniers from Mountainsmith–just part of their full line of trail dog equipment.
For those looking for excellent value in a quality product, Mountainsmith now offers a full selection of down and synthetic sleeping bags. These bags offer many of the features found on far more expensive sleeping bags at an affordable price. Mountainsmith also has a new affordable tent line as well.
lastor
Made from Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric with Polartec® Hardface® technology, the Eiswand jacket is designed to be worn as an insulating mid-layer or light outerwear. Thermal Pro Fabric is highly breathable, dries quickly and provides warmth without weight. Polartec® Hardface® technology is a revolutionary new “surface-fusion polymer application” that dramatically increases abrasion and snag/pick resistance, enhances DWR, creates a smooth surface for easy layers, and maintains a uniform afterwash appearance. All of this without sacrificing breathability, versatility or comfort. MSRP $250
moreor
Looking for a rugged hiking boot that offers both extreme comfort and support? Check out the new Bitterroot GTX from Vasque. An aggressive sole and high-top design allow you to really dig in on steep slopes and the leather outer is tough enough to stand up to the most jagged scree slopes.
orf
thermarest
The Outdoor Retailers Show highlighted the newest camping, hiking and backcountry gear. We give you a first-chance look at the gear you need for 2011.
