If hitting the slopes early means a lot to you then the First Tracks app for Android and iOS devices is something that should be on the phone. This isn’t just an alarm, it actually will wake you early if snow has fallen and there is fresh powder to enjoy. On the other hand if conditions remain unchanged then the alarm will go off at the normal time so you can get your beauty sleep.
Category: Outdoors
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market: I.C.E. It
Ice is cold, but the I.C.E. Stove will help you get cooking. This 8-in-1 multi-tool offers the functionality of a wrench, saw, bottle opener, can opener, ruler, wing nut wrench, screw driver… and it can be put together to become a wood stove! Basically three of the tools panels are actually stove walls but the fourth is a seven-function multi-tool. The company recently unveiled this product at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Show Winter Market.
Shimano Gets in on the Action
This month Shimano announced that it was entering the action camera market. The CM-1000 Sport Camera (MSRP: $299) will be available in May and is the first product from the company’s Lifestyle Gear Division, which targets both the fishing and cycling markets, and will be able to be integrated with existing Shimano electronics.
This HD camera can record video and stills, and features an F2.0 lens that will be good for low-light conditions, and offers dual, standard angle 135 degree and super wide 180 degree modes, while also providing a 90 degree increment auto-image rotation. That feature will allow users to flip the camera and still maintain a horizontal image plane.
The CM-1000 weighs in at 86 grams and will be waterproof to 10 meters without an external case. It offers ANT+ wireless connectivity as well as Wi-Fi and works with its own Android and iOS apps.
Backpack Cooker
Much has been made in recent weeks about the “polar vortex,” which has left much of the country in a deep cold spell. Those looking for some heat would no doubt appreciate the Vertex Ultralight Backpacking Stove – not that anyone should be camping in this weather.
However, for those times when camping weather arrives this is the thing you’d like to have in your backpack. It weighs just 1.8 ounces and folds down flat, thus taking up little more room than a map. It is map of tempered stainless steel and provides a sturdy platform for cookware. It works with Trangia Spirit alcohol burner as well as solid fuel tablets, so fire shouldn’t be difficult to make. Vertex is now looking to a Kickstarter project to get the fire started for the Ultralight Backpacking Stove. Video after the jump
Nax to Grind
The Nax 2.0 doesn’t look like an axe, but that’s kind of the point. While axes served a purpose for centuries the Nax 2.0 is a 21st century take on the chopping tool. It was designed in collaboration with special forces soldiers, survival gear aficionados and preppers. The result is a multi-tool for the wilds that combines the features of kukri knife – the blade used by Nepalese Gurkhas for centuries – mixed with that of a machete and hatchet.
This easy-to-carry tool offers 4130 chromoly steel blade with a professional, zero ground edge. The blade was heat-treated to +48 HRC hardness so it can stand up to the end of the world and then some. It also includes a pommel with a pry and bottle opener, built-in gas shut-off wrench and a handle that is wrapped with 550 paracord. We’ve seen a lot of tools for the end of the world and this is one to add to that list.
One Xtreme Lizard
Snow Lizard’s new SLXtreme 5 has your iPhone 5/5S covered. Designed for those who like to head off the beaten path these ultra-rugged, waterproof cases also feature battery-boosting technology. These offer an integrated 2550mAh battery that can more than double the life of the handset, and the cases also offer a built-in solar panel for emergency charging on the go.
These cases can also help ensure a phone can survive some wild water adventures and the SLXtreme 5 can handle being submerged up to six feet and has an IP-68 rating. It even provides functionality for underwater photography.
“The SLXtreme line has a proven track record of protecting and enhancing iPhone usage while tackling the harshest outdoor conditions,” says Steve Calle, CEO and co-founder of Snow Lizard Products. “We are excited for consumers to check out the SLXtreme for the iPhone 5/5S as it shields against drops, spills, providing peace of mind that their investment is protected.”
The case is further certified with MIL SPEC 810G rating, and thus can protect the phone from a six feet (two meter) falls as well as from dust and sand. This new model case has also been updated to include a 3.5mm audio input jack allowing users to listen to their favorite tunes, and watertight plug to keep it waterproof. The SLXtreme 5 is now available in Black, Orange, Yellow, White or Hunter Camo.
Sidi Gets Casual
We know Sidi for their hardcore cycling attire and shoes, but apparently the company has a more relaxed side. This is apparent as the company has introduced a line of casual, urban shoes as part of its 2014 Side Sport Collection.
These new “sneakers” are called Insider and are both technical and fashionable at the same time. These feature a rubber sole that provides grip on a variety of surfaces along with ankle bones and toes that provide for a reinforced and protected fit. The Insider even offers a removable insole that is closed with laces and suede uppers. The shoes are available in gray, black and camouflage (above). Any way you choose these can’t be missed.
Danish Cargo Bike Ready to Roll
While the Dutch are often associated with cargo bikes their cousins to the north know a thing or two about bicycles as well. Denmark’s Butchers & Bicycles has created the Mk1 cargo bike that can handle corners better than most. The bike is actually designed to “lean” in when making a turn, which is something that will no doubt turn heads as well.
The Mk1 features the designer’s proprietary Balance Point Tilting system along with a powder coated T6 aluminum frame, an infinitely-variable NuVinci N360 planetary hub transmission, an ABUS frame lock, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes on all three wheels, and Schwalbe puncture-proof 20- and 26-inch tires. The bike also utilizes an ABS cargo box, which has a front access door along with mounts for children car seats. It has a maximum load capacity of 100 kg (220.5 lb), so this thing can probably haul as much as the rider’s can handle. Continue reading Danish Cargo Bike Ready to Roll
Roq Out
Hypercel is looking to let you rock out with the Roqout, a water-resistant and sandproof Bluetooth speaker. This mono speaker features a 50mm speaker drive and passive radiator and offers 4.5 hours of playback from the built-in 500mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery. This small package packs a big punch. Continue reading Roq Out
Outdoor Retailer Show: Cold Weather Boot
At last week’s Outdoor Retailer Show Winter Market Kamik introduced a boot that will keep your feet dry even when fly fishing or trekking through wet terrain. The Cold Creek won’t keep you high and dry exactly, but the 17 inch height of the boot is high enough for fairly deep water.This American made boot is waterproof and features neoprene and rubber. So maybe with it you will be actually high and dry.
PGA 2014 Merchandise Show: It’s In the Bag
Batman likely doesn’t have time for golfing – you know with all that crime fighting stuff he does. Alter ego Bruce Wayne probably does swing a bit, at least to keep up appearances. Either way OGIO has just the bag for billionaire crime-fighting playboys.
Introduced last week at the PGA 2014 Merchandise Show in Orlando the OGIO Gotham golf bag collection features both stand and cart bags, which combine a proprietary blend of fabrics and construction techniques that will make every golfer feel like a superhero.
The Gotham includes innovative speed zippers for easy access to balls and tees, and creatively placed internal storage compartments (something we suspect a crime fighter might appreciate). The Gotham collection also features OGIO’s four point-strap system for the ultimate in carrying comfort – because not everyone has the strength of a superhero.
Made in America: Tie One On
If you’re going to tie one on better to tie it on with the Khordz Hand Tied Mug, a multi-purpose line of drinkware. These customizable mugs are designed to replace single-use cups and are insulated with 25 feet of hand tied paracord, which is used as the sleeve and handle. It is suitable for a multitude of tasks; from use as a snare trap to hanging a hammock.
The 16 ounce food-grade, heat-resistant glass jar is designed to be easy to clean. The mugs are made in America, and the entire package is assembled here as well. The designers are looking to Indiegogo to snare some interest and mass produce the Khordz Hand Tied Mugs.
Outdoor Retailer Show: Running Through the Snow
Vibram has made a name for itself in the minimalist shoe market, and at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Show it proved that barefoot-style running can be a year around thing. The company introduced the toe-segmented Bikila EVO WP, which is made for running through snow and on icy surfaces. It features a special rubber compound on the soles to provide a “snow tire” type of grip. The shoes won’t be ready for this brutal winter however.