Outdoors | Evolving Consumer

Next Generation Console

Bike2Power has introduced its new BikeConsole iPhone 5C Smart Mount, Special Edition. That’s a mouthful, and this handlebar mount for the iPhone, which is now available in five colors, offers waterproof and shockproof protection for the handset. It features SoundBoost microvent sealing technology for enhanced speakers and mic sound.

The BikeConsole Smart Mount also offers a formfitting, silicon-lined shockproof case with an in-bracket safety lock and double-hinged closure design. It is designed to provide the user with full phone functionality from within the case, while the BikeConsole even offers an antiglare screen membrane that perfect for a bike ride on a sunny day. Continue reading Next Generation Console

Made in America: Bowie Returns

The Bowie knife has a long and colorful history, and American knife maker The Ontario Knife Company has had a long history producing various blades. Introduced 20 years ago in its SPEC PLUS Line, the SP5 Bowie Knife was a favorite – even when it was removed from the line of products.

Now the OKC SP5 Bowie Knife is back. As the company noted, it is a fighting knife, a hunter’s companion, and an all-purpose wilderness survival tool. The OKC SP5 features a sturdy, full-tang construction designed for serious cutting and chopping power. Its 10-inch blade is constructed from 1095 Carbon Steel with a 57-59 HRC.

Welcome back Bowie!

The Ontario Knife Company Official Website

Super (LOCK)8

There are plenty of bike trackers on the market and a lot of bicycle locks. The LOCK8 is designed as the first “smart bike lock” and acts as both a lock and tracker should the lock part be compromised. Now being developed via a Kickstarter project, the LOCK8 is a keyless system that relies on the smartphone to do the unlocking, while integrated GPS can transmit the location of the bike.

The system features a number of systems, so that if a bike is stolen the geolocator kicks in, while the smart cable will set off an alarm and send a push notification should it be cut. A gyro accelerometer will also send the push notification and do the alarm thing should someone try to cut the LOCK8 or otherwise remove it.

The idea here is that you can’t stand around and watch your bike all day, so the LOCK8 will do it for you. Video after the jump

Uniform Look

The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games are just a few months away, and last week the U.S. Freeskiing Team – which will make its Olympic debut – unveiled its uniforms for the big show at an event in New York City.

These custom uniforms were developed by The North Face, and include laser-cut stars on the jacket cuffs and unlike the debacle with the summer uniforms (which we remember were made in China), these will be produced at a Bay Area factory! Continue reading Uniform Look

Minimal Acceleration

Swedish shoemaker Icebug is looking to give minimalist runners some serious traction for the trails. The company is in maximum gear with the Acceleritas3, a shoe that strips away everything except what is needed for stable footing in any terrain.

Designed to feel like a pair of socks, this natural shoe provides thermal and impact protection and yes a lot of traction. The outsole offers a special pattern that is optimized to grip on hard as well as wet surfaces. The shoes won’t absorb water and thus won’t get heavier even in wet and watery conditions. Instead they’ll feel light on the feet while offering serious grip in almost any terrain.

Icebug Acceleritas3 Official Website

Host Cities Announced for 2014 USA Pro Challenge

The Colorado-based USA Pro Challenge remains one of the most prestigious races in the professional cycling season, which is impressive given that it only launched three years ago. This week the organizers announced that there will be several new additions including the first-ever mountaintop finish.

What else marks the race for 2014 is that the organizers are asking fans to vote on the final stage!

After overwhelming support in 2013, the race is heading back to Aspen for the overall start of the 2014 edition, where elite professional cyclists from around the world will be put to the ultimate test in America’s most difficult cycling race. The host cities and stages of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge include:
• Stage 1: Monday, Aug. 18 – Aspen Circuit Race
• Stage 2: Tuesday, Aug. 19 – Aspen to Mt. Crested Butte
• Stage 3: Wednesday, Aug. 20 – Gunnison to Monarch Mountain (mountaintop finish)
• Stage 4: Thursday, Aug. 21 – Colorado Springs Circuit Race
• Stage 5: Friday, Aug. 22 – Woodland Park to Breckenridge
• Stage 6: Saturday, Aug. 23 – Vail Individual Time Trial
• Stage 7: Sunday, Aug. 24 – ???

Fans will be able to help shape the race by logging on to www.prochallenge.com/PickStage7 and giving their opinion on four options for Stage 7, including:
1. Denver Circuit Race similar to the final stage of the 2013 race
2. Start in Golden (2012 Stage 6 start city) and finish in Denver
3. Start in Boulder (2012 Stage 6 finish city) and finish in Denver
4. Start in Boulder and end in Golden

What’s Your Vote For Stage 7 Official Website
Press Release: Host Cities Announced for 2014 USA Pro Challenge

There is an App For That – But Beware

The Canadian Avalanche Centre has warned backcountry users not to rely on smartphone apps. These, were are marketed as “transceivers” can give users a “false sense of protection” warned the agency.

The CAC found a number of issues with the technology, including compatibility and frequency range. According to the CAC all avalanche transceivers should conform to the international standard of 457 kHz, so that regardless of brand these can be used to search and find one another.

“Not only are these new apps incapable of connecting with other avalanche transceivers, they are also incompatible between themselves, so one type of app can’t find another,” explained CAC Executive Director Gilles Valade.

The 457 kHz standard was chosen because it transmits very well through dense snow, is not deflected by objects such as trees and rocks, and is accurate. However, according to the CAC the apps don’t come close to this standard, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both significantly weakened when trying to pass through snow.

“We are warning all backcountry users to not use any of these apps in place of an avalanche transceiver,” added Valade.

Canadian Avalanche Centre Official Website

Fast on the Trail

When you’re on the hiking trail sometimes a sure foot is better than being quick, but the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Fast R GTX is for those who don’t think a hike should be a stroll in the park. This lightweight, athletic-inspired hiker is designed for the fast-paced trekker.

It features a breathable mesh upper with supportive synthetic overlays, speed lacing that allows for quick-and-easy adjustments and a molded tongue for added comfort. The FORMOTION midsole provides motion control and downhill comfort, while the Continental rubber TRAXION outsole will provide reliable grip on the trial regardless of the terrain.

Adidas Outdoor Terrex Fast R GTX Official Website

GoBe Brings the Light

The GoBe light from Light & Motion could be the “go to” light for all your outdoor needs. This factory sealed rechargeable flashlight can be used up to 120 meters underwater, but will also shine the way on the hiking or biking trail.

It features interchangeable light heads that allow users to choose the best light for their activity, whether it’s white, red, blue, flood or spot. The GoBe also combines the design features of Light & Motion’s popular Sola scuba dive lights with the size and convenience of the company’s commuter bike lights.

There are six activity-specific base models, with the GoBe featuring a 500-lumen Spot Beam, a 500-lumen Search Beam, a 500-lumen NightSea Beam or in a special Pink Body with 500-lumen Spot Beam light-head edition. The GoBe+ also offers a 700-lumen Wide Beam or Spot Beam light head.

The light weighs just 160 grams and comes with underwater photography mounts as well as a versatile handlebar mount. It also includes a battery life indicator, and it can be charged with USB cable. The GoBe offers three power levels, SOS mode, and can run up to 24 hours on a single charge.

Users can customize the light according to their use with interchangeable light heads, sold separately. The GoBe will begin shipping this month.

Light & Motion GoBe Official Website

New Balance Runs the NYC Marathon

This Sunday will see the annual running of the ING New York City Marathon and New Balance is putting its best foot forward so to speak with special NYC-themed version of the 890v4 and 990v3. If you can’t make it to the Big Apple to get a pair you can try to dash online. But act quick, these are likely to sell out. Video after the jump

Halloween Recap: Zombie Apocalypse

In honor of Halloween, today we look back on some of the various “Zombie” survival tools that we’ve seen in the past year! Of course zombies are real, but that doesn’t mean you won’t want to be prepared.

Axe to Grind: Gerber Bear Gryllis Survival Hatchet
Cartoony Zombie Apocalypse Comes to the Range: Champion Targets has introduced its new VisiColor Cartoon Zombie Targets
Ace of Spades: Crovel Tactical Shovel
Shelter for the Zombie Apocalypse: Zombie Apocalypse Backpack/TentPak from High Peak USA

Boots and Stuff

While the barefoot experience has been a hit with runners, the Lems Mens Boulder Boots are there to offer the barefoot experience on the hiking trail. These lightweight boots feature water-resistant nylon uppers, and full-grain leather to help keep way moisture and protect the feet while feeling food at the same time. And at the end of the hike these boots practically roll up for easy storage.

Lems Mens Boulder Boot Official Website

Mako or Breako at Bat

Easton knows a thing or two about baseball bats, and it recently looks to make a bit of a change with the Mako, a bat that features Thermo Composite Technology (TCT). This reduces vibration in the handle while distributing power into the ball upon impact.

While not legal for use in Major League Baseball, or for that matter Minor League Baseball, it does sound like this bat could have you feeling you’re in the majors when you take a swing with thee Mako! Video after the jump