Fun, Funny and Downright Useful New Travel Gear
What’s on the way in travel gear? I just got back from the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market held each year in Salt Lake City. It’s a place where retail buyers come to see what’s new and different for the upcoming fall season and place their orders. For us media types, it’s a chance to get a sneak peak at what’s going to be hitting stores later.
Over on our sister Cheapest Destinations Blog I already posted a rundown on new trends in travel gear that you should go check out before or after reading this post. It’s all about light gear getting lighter, but basic materials costs driving up prices. Plus some buying advice and a rant about retro bags.
When covering this show, most gear and outdoor publications get all serious and dive into the technical specs for all the new wonder jackets and slightly changed backpacks. I’d rather cover those items here in detail later—the ones fit for normal travelers—after they hit the market. I saw three developments that might be true game-changers though.
1) Lightweight shoes that are not just for runners. We’ve had ultra-light running shoes for quite a while now, thanks to the barefoot running style craze. But now the technology is making it to the mainstream. The post I mentioned before has some very packable winter boots from Teva. The picture above has some ultra-light Nike running shoes on a scale—and a pair of comfy Rockport shoes that weigh less.
2) Treated down that repels water. I saw two companies talking about this process, where down is subjected to a microscopic polymer that repels water, before it goes into a sleeping bag or jacket. Sierra Designs is the one that’s leading the way on this and is putting the most marketing muscle into it. From what I saw at the demos, it really works.
3) More and better rechargeable devices. I’ve tried some solar chargers over the years with mixed results, but now I’m seeing some solar panel/battery combos that pack some serious juice, like enough to charge a laptop once or an iPad multiple times—after a few hours of sunlight. Plus there are more items hitting the market that can be charged via USB instead of having to deal with AA batteries. The SteriPEN Freedom is a hit already and as this year goes on you’ll see more flashlights, lanterns, and purifiers that plug and charge. I’m especially excited about a Camelbak bottle coming in March that has its own UV purifier lamp built in.
Bring on the fun!
Enough serious stuff. Here are some of the items that I found more interesting to take shots of than yet another waterproof ski shell.
First up, two new face warmers to give you a cozy beard while on the slope. The left photo is me with a sample from 5 O’Clock Shadows. On the right are sample styles from Bearded Apparel.
I’m a sucker for silly winter hats for kids. The ones at the top of this post are from Knitwits. The ones pictured here are from Nirvanna Designs—made in Nepal.
Actually most of the gear that makes you smile is geared to kids, which means I think we all need to lighten up a bit. I mean how can you not smile when you see this backpack from MadPax? Or these fun mittens that look like bear paws (and have an opening where you can get your hand out to pull up a zipper) from Bear Hands & Buddies?
Okay, okay—I’ll put some photos of some serious gear to watch for on our Facebook page if you really want to know what’s coming to a store near you in six months. So go like us there and watch for pics the next few days.
Meanwhile, stay tuned the rest of 2012 as we review the best travel gear for your money.
Posted by Tim L. in Adventure Gear, General Gear, Kids and Family, Travel Light on January 25th, 2012
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Feather Shell and Windstopper Hybrid Jacket
As a family of soccer players, we thought we were quite familiar with the Adidas brand; I’ve been buying their cleats, shorts, and athletic warm-ups for years. But as skiers and winter outdoor enthusiasts, we had no idea Adidas also offers a high quality, high tech line of outdoor apparel.
The women’s GORE-TEX Terrex Feather Shell weighs in at the absolute lightest full-coverage, full-duty outer layer jacket I’ve ever tried. It features a helmet-compatible hood with built-in visor and drawstring adjustment, full-zip closure, zip-ventilation on the sides and under the arms, adjustable cuffs (perfect for fitting over winter gloves), and an adjustable, removable storm skirt. All this, and it folds up to next to nothing for packing.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical before I tried this shell. With a retail price of $495, I figured it had better be lined with gold. But what actually makes the Terrex Feather Shell stand apart is what Adidas calls ‘formotion technology’: the jacket’s design is such that it follows your natural movement. In other words, this jacket will move with you, not against you. I wore it downhill skiing, hiking, and while walking the dog (trust me, that’s an aerobic activity!) and could feel the difference from other shells.
Underneath, I paired the shell with Adidas’ Windstopper Hybrid-Jacket, which, unlike my initial skepticism of the shell, I fell in love with immediately. The Windstopper is roomy without being bulky, thick without being suffocating, and truly such a windbreaker that on all but the most frigid of days, it could pull solo duty as an outer layer. Where does the ‘hybrid’ factor in? The Windstopper is designed with different performance fabrics placed in different (strategic) locations, all targeted to work with the human body in movement. This jacket will definitely be in my luggage for every type of cold-weather travel (and in the meantime, it’s the one I reach for every day at home).
As aforementioned, the Terrex Feather Shell lists for $495, but you’ll probably find it for less at Amazon and REI. The Windstopper Hybrid lists for $200 and is also at Amazon. You’ll find both at some outdoor physical retail stores too, but Adidas just launched this whole outdoor line a year ago so the items aren’t totally widespread yet.
Bottom line: can you outfit yourself for winter travel and outdoor sports for less? Of course. But if you’re truly looking for the best of the best when it comes to performance and comfort, this may be it.
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Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear on January 24th, 2012
Cheap Survival Insurance: $15 Adventure Medical Kit
With this kit, you can prepare for unexpected problems without carrying a lot of extra weight and bulk.
If you’ve ever been on a guided tour or hiking trip, you’ve probably noticed that whenever something goes wrong or someone gets hurt, the guide has a Hermione-like magic bag filled with all the right bandages and first-aid supplies. You almost never see a professional guide without some kind of daypack because they need to be prepared for whatever nature can throw at them.
How prepared are you when you go hiking, kayaking, biking, or rural road-tripping on your own? Are you prepared for getting stuck somewhere for the night—with no heat?
It’s hard to justify a big and bulky kit that covers every possible bad situation. But I’m digging this little 4-ounce, $15 Survival Medic packet from Adventure Medical Kits. It’s got some first aid supplies in it, like antibiotic cream, an antiseptic towelette, and bandages. The real high-value items though are things you would probably spend much more than $15 on if you were to buy them individually and pack them up yourself. (And they wouldn’t fit so well together.)
This kit has their cool little firestarter that makes sparks, tinder to light up from those sparks, and an emergency blanket to retain your body heat while all that gets going. There’s a compass to keep you from wandering in circles and a signal whistle to alert anyone around that you need help. You also get 26 inches of duct tape and some very useful survival instructions in a small booklet.
All this packs into a waterproof plastic bag that’s about the size of one hand. It takes up about as much room as a solar charger, so it’s not going to be a packing burden or weigh you down.
You wouldn’t know it from watching 24-hour news channels, but I read that more tourists died in U.S. national parks last year than died in all of Mexico. But people don’t usually warn you to be careful when you say you’re going to go hiking in Yellowstone. Pack one of these—it’s cheap insurance. Order it direct or get it from Amazon here. It should also start showing up at stores shortly.
If you go backcountry hiking on a regular basis, check out this heftier kit I reviewed earlier from the same company: Origin SOL Survival Kit.
Posted by Tim L. in Adventure Gear, Travel Light on January 19th, 2012
Polarmax Technical Base Layers
I received Polarmax’s line of women and youth’s base layers just in time for the temperature to plummet and the snow to fall. My 12-year-old son and I wasted no time taking the various styles on test drives at our local ski resort, where conditions can vary faster than you can say ‘crazy Oregon weather’.
Right out of the (eco-friendly) packaging, I knew I was going to like Polarmax’s Technical Base Layer line (separated into Warm, Warmer, and Warmest categories), primarily because I’m shallow at heart: I loved the athletic and stylish fit and the soft feel of the fabric. My son loved the MaxRide line’s understated (but fun) graphics and colors. He’s even deemed the Team Shirt warm enough to wear under his ski jacket yet cool enough to wear to school (which is great news for parents who are tired of sinking money into the tween fashion industry).
I tried both the Double Base Layer crew shirt and pant (in the Warmer category) and the Comp 4 Tech Fleece crew shirt and tight (in the Warmest category). While both sets are similar, the hint of fleece liner on the Comp 4 line really sets it apart in terms of warmth and comfort. Still thin enough to fit comfortably under waterproof ski pants and a thicker fleece or jacket, the Comp 4 base layer has you totally covered (and toasty warm). In contrast, the Double Base layer set is light enough for warmer ski days or vigorous Nordic skiing or snowshoe treks; I’ve even taken to wearing it on my early morning runs. (Both come in men’s sizes and style as well.)
As mentioned, kids are covered too: in addition to the MaxRide Team Shirt, the MaxRide line of a youth crew and pant deliver the same performance as the adult versions, with the addition of bright piping on the seams.
For year round base layer options, check out Polarmax’s AYG (All Year Gear), which includes TransDry cotton and stretch silk undershirts, camisoles, and underwear. All Polarmax fabrics include Acclimate Dry, designed to stretch for comfort, wick away moisture, breathe, and best of all, prevent smell with Scent Prevent anti-microbial treatment. (See Tim’s earlier review of the AYG underwear.)
Last but not least, I love that it’s still possible to get quality tech clothing without breaking the bank. Snag deals on Double Base Layer, Comp 4, and MaxRide lines and see for yourself!
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Posted by Amy in Adventure Gear, Kids and Family on January 17th, 2012
Baffin Candy Boots Let Girls Fight the Winter
Do you want your daughter to have warm feet, dry feet, and the ability to stay upright on packed snow and ice? If you outfit her in these Candy boots from Baffin, she’ll be next to indestructible from the calf down—but she’ll look cool too.
Baffin is probably Canada’s best-known footwear brand and they know a thing or two up there about dealing with frigid winter weather. When local conditions aren’t bad enough to test out their boots’ performance in sub-zero weather, the president has been known to trek to the North Pole for a test run. These are serious boots with the technology to take on whatever wintry conditions you may encounter.
This particular Candy version is a great example of the toughness. There’s a thick rubber sole with serious tread, but the boots have some bend to them even in extreme cold. The rubber extends over the tops of the toes, with an extra layer over the front. The whole upper is waterproof. The laces and tassels on the side can be left as is for show, but they are functional if it makes sense to tie the boots tighter around the calf.
Inside there’s a removable 5-layer lining that makes these really warm and snug: they’re rated to -40 degrees F. Brrrr! Despite that and the lack of scrimping on the rubber, they are surprisingly light, weighing in at 1 pound 6 ounces each.
No girl or tween worth her doll collection wants to be seen in a clunky pair of boots with no style though, so these Baffin Candy ones look as good as what Mom wears, with a healthy dose of pink. The fake fur on the cuffs along the top helps too. There’s also a solid black version if she’s too cool for pink.
So far my daughter has just worn these in barely freezing weather in Virginia, so I can’t vouch for that minus-40 claim yet. She didn’t whine when we asked her to put them on and when it’s time for a ski trip or a journey to an icy place, we’ll be ready.
The Baffin Candy boots list for $80, but check prices online at Backcountry and Altrec. See the full line of Baffin boots for kids here, including some more boy-friendly versions.
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Posted by Tim L. in Adventure Gear, Kids and Family on January 11th, 2012
