Hey hey, it was demo day at Solitude Mountain Resort, and the booths were out in force. The snow started falling around 1pm, and the booths were clogged with people trying on boots, getting fitted for skis, and slapping YakTrax on their boots. It's already looking like a good event, with the mainstays rolling out some new innovations and the upstart companies hitting back with some interesting pieces of their own. Here are some Trek Tech highlights.
Recon Instruments adds Scott and Smith Optics to their lineup.
Recon Instruments, the guys who brought you the in-goggle head's up display,are adding big eyewear names Scott and Smith Optics to their line of Recon-compatible goggles. Soon, you'll be able to see just how much hang time you got on that kicker so you can brag with precision.
Recon Instruments, the guys who brought you the in-goggle head's up display,are adding big eyewear names Scott and Smith Optics to their line of Recon-compatible goggles. Soon, you'll be able to see just how much hang time you got on that kicker so you can brag with precision.
According to Nargear.com, these guys make packs for wildland firefighters and Fire/Rescue crews. And now, Nargear is introducing tough-as-nails packs for the likes of us. With heavy-duty 1000 denier fabric and double-stitched with military-spec parachute thread, Nargear's offerings for backcountry skiers and snowboarders look like they'll be able to survive wrecks that will end you. Just plain end you. So whoever finds your frozen corpse will end up with a sweet pack.
Is it icy outside? Yaktrax's XTR crampons slip on over your running shoes. Ten spikes on two flexible plates give you traction on icy roads and sidewalks, keeping you on your feet and off your butt. Too much snow? Easton Mountain Products' Vo2 snowshoes let you mount your choice of shoes to the deck. A floating mounting joint and the flexion point behind the ball of the feet give you a natural feel, and carbon fiber decking keep the snowshoe's weight to a minimum.
With its low-profile Karve series, Osprey brings a slim pack that will fit the essentials (reservoir, shovel, probe, food, extra layer), but is sits comfortably on a ski lift. An innovative diagonal zip design caught my eye, and the economy with which it stores said items kept it. Can't wait to try one of these guys.
Lots of good stuff, and the show hasn't even started yet. Things are looking good for this week.
