Weekend Reading List (12.21.2013): A Walk in the Snow, Daily Vitamin?

A Walk in the Snow

Snow-Art

From Gear Junkie: Artist Walks For Hours To Create Snow Art
With an orienteering compass in hand and TSL snowshoes on his feet, Simon Beck creates amazingly intricate but enormous designs in fresh snow, one step at a time. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (12.21.2013): A Walk in the Snow, Daily Vitamin?

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Extreme Archer

Archer-XtremeArcher Xtreme has introduced the Titanium Recon, an arrow rest that is clearly a step above the rest. This is more than simply for reducing weight, and the AAE’s DOA trigger technology allows the launcher to support the arrow longer, and fall faster than competing designs.

The tight tolerances and proven technology increase accuracy where it matters most — down range – while the internal trigger system allows the archer to micro tune the rest to the arrow for longer arrow contact through the second paradox. This ensures target-like accuracy from any setup at any range.

Moreover, the performance is further enhanced by AXT’s use of carbon and titanium materials, and the result is a launcher that allows for up to a 30 percent increase in speed and arrow contact. Now we’d call that extreme.

Archer Xtreme Official Website

Going to PowerPot X

PowerPot-XThings are really going to pot – and we mean that in the best way possible. The PowerPot X, which is being developed through a Kickstarter crowd funding project, has met its goals with just under a month to go. This 10-watt portable generator is designed to create electrical power while camping or otherwise out in the wilds.

Simple fire and water create power! The original PowerPot V was launched via Kickstarter in April 2012, and now the company is looking to bring it up a notch.

“We are astounded by the amount of support the PowerPot X has received in such a short time,” said Matt Ford, CEO of Power Practical. “We used Kickstarter to launch our inaugural PowerPot and Practical Meter, so we’re not new to the concept of crowdfunding, but we didn’t expect such preliminary success. This gives us a head start on getting the next generation in thermoelectric power manufactured and shipped to all our devoted supporters.”

This bigger, lighter and even strong addition to the PowerPot X Series emits 10 watts of power but has no moving parts. It can also be used to charge up to four devices (such as GoPro cameras) simultaneously, and can power up smartphones and even a tablet computer. It produces electricity in any weather, day or night. Video after the jump

Under the Hoodie

ZurichThe Zurich AP series, Merino softshell hoodie will do more than just keep you warm on a cold day. This one is designed for high activity, and features single welt hand-warmer pockets, rear zipper pocket and semi-fitted hood. Yeah, it will keep you warm, but it will do so in style. It features a 4-way stretch nylon shell with soft Merino wool lining. It feels so good you might look forward to working out in the cold.

Mission Workshop The Zurich official Website

Hand Signals

ZackeesWhen riding a bike we know that drivers can’t read our minds when we need to make a turn. The best option – really the only option – is to use hand signals. The problem is that many times drivers still don’t take notice, and at night it can be hard to see these signals.

The Zackees Turn Signal Gloves, which are being developed by San Francisco cyclist Zach Vorhies, a former software engineer at Google, could help make the signals a little clearer to drivers. The gloves are washable, utilize a super bright LED light, and offer a long battery life. The Zackees are  now being developed by a Kickstarter project and could be just the thing to make your intentions known.

Video after the jump

Holiday Gift Guide: These Waterproof Socks Fit

Showers-PassShowers Pass has a new line of waterproof yet breathable socks for runners, cyclists, skiers and anyone else who might risk some cold, wet feet. The new Crosspoint WP socks offer moisture control while still feeling a regular old pair of socks.

These feature three-layer bonded construction that includes an Artex waterproof-breathable membrane that is sandwiched between the knit outer layer and moisture-wicking Coolmax FX nylon lining, while some Spandex ensures a snug fit even after multiple washings.

Showers Pass Official Website

Holiday Gift Guide: One Bad Looking Jacket

Badlands-EXOBadlands have released its new EXO rain series, which includes the Badlands EXO Jacket. Designed for those who will head out to hunt in all conditions, according to the company this jacket is designed repel water better than a seasoned sea otter’s pelt. It also contains 4-X scent containment technology thanks to a Dupont Repel DWR-treated polyester layer. This stops the water from coming in and the wearer’s scent from going out.

Not a bad idea.

Badlands EXO Jacket Official Website

Holiday Gift Guide: Give the Gift of Light

TerraLuxLight can be precious this time of year, and the TerraLux allows those heading out for a hike or to hunt to not so much get extra daylight, but this headlamp will shine the way back home. The TLH-50 utilizes LED lights that deliver up to 540 lumens for up to three hours, and it offers single operation functionality that makes it easy when wearing gloves. This model offers four light levels, and even a search-and-rescue friendly strobe.

The TerraLux TLH-50 is made of durable corrosion-proof aluminum, plus it is water-and impact-resistant.

TerraLux Official Website

The Eyes Have Wiley-X for 2014

Wiley-XWiley X has unveiled its new models for 2014, including the new WX Arrow, which feature Wiley X’s patented removable, soft-foam Facial Cavity Seal that blocks out wind, dust and unwanted light. This design enhances the wearer’s vision over a wide range of conditions and provides a comfortable, climate-controlled environment for the eyes.

The WX Tobi has also been added to Wiley X’s Active Series family, and it features wraparound-style frames with soft rubber nose pads and temple grips. The WX Tobi offers superior protection, excellent field of view and a comfortable, secure fit.

Both are ideal for active users who work or play hard.

Wiley X Official Website

Adventure Pants

ProisWhile there is no shortage of apparel for men looking to heading out on adventure, women tend not to have as many options. However, for Próis will introduce the new line of Adventure Pants, which are ideal for a day at the range or a on safari. These are built with comfort in mind as much as function and versatility, and were created by women for women.

These aren’t baggy or bulky like downsized men’s pants, nor tight and awkward like up-sized pants for the kids. Instead these fit at a women’s natural waist with room in the hips and thighs for normal mobility, while deep front pockets and convenient back pockets with zippered closures will keep small gear and valuables like extra shells, tags or hunting licenses safe and within reach at all time. Constructed from 100 percent polyester/spandex blend, these are exceptionally lightweight stretchable athletic pants that will move right along with the wearer wherever the adventure goes.

Próis Hunting Official Website

Nike Golf Swings With New Wedges for 2014

VR-X3X-Toe-SweepGolfers know they won’t always hit the green in the most ideal conditions, but Nike Golf will help with the upcoming VR X3X Toe Sweep wedges, which can tackle rough or wet grass, difficult lies and even daunting bunkers. These were designed to be the solution for the toughest conditions golfers might face.

“We built the VR X3X Toe Sweep wedges from the ground up,” says Mike Taylor, Nike Golf Master Modelmaker. “Our Tour athletes have told us that the toe side of the sole is most critical in bunker performance. In a bunker shot, these new wedges are carefully crafted to provide bounce relative to the path of the club head. Around the green, our athletes ask for material to be ground away from the heel to aid open-face versatility – and we’ve done that with this new design.”

The VR X3X features improved groove technology to deliver a more consistent shot in all conditions, while the wider sole area toward the toe can help make it easier to hit out of the bunker. The new wedges will be available in January.

[Press Release: Nike’s VR X3X Toe Sweep Headlines New Wedges for 2014]

SHOT Show Preview: The Shirt Says it All

BuckwearIf you have a sport shooter in the family then you might know that ammunition has been hard to come by. Outdoor apparel maker Buck Wear is introducing a new line of shirts highlighting this fact at next month’s SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show). The new “Get Some” shirt features the well-recognized Buck Wear logo along with the stylish design that should appeal to hunters and sport shooters.

Buck Wear Official Website