Outdoors | Evolving Consumer

Weekend Reading List (09.28.2013): Big Descent, Race Nerves, Go to Google, Newbie Boards

Big Descent

From GearJunkie: Ski Descent Of Fourth Tallest Mountain On Earth
A three-man Italian team will attempt the first complete ski descent of a coveted line high in the Himalayas this fall. Skiers Edmond Joyeusaz and Federico Colli plan to climb and ski down Lhotse, the fourth tallest mountain in the world at 27,940 feet, with videographer Carlo Limonta in the Lhotse Ski Challenge Expedition. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (09.28.2013): Big Descent, Race Nerves, Go to Google, Newbie Boards

Get Your Skate and Leather On

Leather isn’t something you typically need for surfing and not really for skating, but that hasn’t stopped Leatherman from announcing a new line of pocket tools designed specifically for both sets of action sports. This follows the company’s new line of snowboard tools that were rolled out earlier this year.

The Grind and Jam pocket tools are aimed at the skateboarders while the Thurster and Shooter are for those who like to catch some waves. The former are designed to be carried or clipped on a belt, and feature flat and Phillips head screwdrivers, file, bottle openers, multiple open ended wrenches, hex driver, truck key and carabiner – in other words all the things to do some work on the board while on the go.

The surf tools feature bottle openers, bit drivers, wax comb, spring hooks, a lanyard hole, easy outs and a rubber bit holder.

With these tools small repairs won’t let the good times end.

Leatherman Official Website
[Via Gizmag: Leatherman announces new pocket tools for skaters and surfers]

Timberland at 40

Timberland is celebrating its 40th year in business with a very special 40th Anniversary Ltd. Collection, where only 1,973 of each style will be made available – while numbers #1 and #1973 will be put up for auction. Bidding began this week and will continue until October 5th, with all auction proceeds going to Rainforest Alliance.

As the company notes:

“These are the boots that have not only withstood our tests for durability and protection, they’ve withstood the test of time. This special collection is limited to only 1973 pairs each to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our very first original Yellow Boot – the one that started it all.”

Timberland 40th Anniversary Ltd. Collection Official Website

Interbike 2013: Chrome Still Shines

At last week’s Interbike trade show in Las Vegas Chrome put the spotlight on its line of rugged commuter bags and packs for 2014. This included a peak at its knurled welded technology, which utilizes high tech radio frequency welding with a mechanical interlock between thermoplastic fabrics to create bags that will protect virtually anything inside.

These include the Front Rack Duffel 40, which is designed to attach quickly to most front utility racks and can also be carried as a duffel off the bike and the Saddle Bag Rolltop 20, a 20 liter welded-waterproof pannier that can handle adventure cycling as well as the daily adventure to work. The Saddle Bag Rolltop 20 further includes integrated laptop sleeve, five-bar haul handles and a Hypalon MOLLE system. Continue reading Interbike 2013: Chrome Still Shines

Nikon Changes it Up

There is no shortage of rugged cameras on the market, and while most of these can endure an adventure these often leave something to be desired when it comes to photos. Fortunately Nikon has realized that a point-and-shoot camera in a rugged body simply won’t do.

The company has introduced the Nikon 1 AW1, the world’s first waterproof and shockproof interchangeable lens camera. This is the latest addition to the camera maker’s popular Nikon 1 system that offers versatility with functionality. It is waterproof to 49 feet, shockproof to about six and a half feet and freezeproof to 14 degrees. In other words you might give up before the camera does! Continue reading Nikon Changes it Up

Going Asolo

Whether you decide to hike with a friend or hit the trails solo you can do it with the Asolo Piuma, a light but supportive boot. It is heavier than a trail running shoe, so it isn’t meant to replace one – but it still provides natural movement more than a lot of boots. It features a suede/nylon mesh upper and Vibram sole that provides a secure footing on most terrain. While it isn’t waterproof it is meant to be rugged enough for hiking beyond the beaten path.

Asolo Official Website

Nike’s Pole(r) Dancing

Nike has put its best forward in so many sports that we’re not sure how many feet it actually has, but the company has looked to get on deck as well with the Poler x Nike Braata Sneakers. This partnership brings Nike know-how along with Poler Outdoor Stuff camouflage for shoes that don’t so much blend in as totally stand out.

The Nike Braata skateboarding shoe is available in three camo patterns including classic camo, night camo and now the autumn camo.

Poler x Nike Braata Sneaker Official Website

Weekend Reading List (09.21.2013): Concussion Crisis, Used Patagonia, Wet Run

Concussion Crisis

From Sport Techie: The NFL Should Adopt This NeuroTracking Technology Immediately to Help Solve the Concussion Crisis
In the NFL, the risk of concussion is far greater than for almost any other sport. While continued improvements to helmet design and stronger regulations against dangerous play may help limit such risk, one serious issue has yet to be resolved—the return to play. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (09.21.2013): Concussion Crisis, Used Patagonia, Wet Run

Ready for the Xventure

Taking the mobile smartphone on the road shouldn’t result in a journey to the store afterward to buy a new handset should the weather turn. The Xventure Smartphone Handlebar Mount from Bracketron offers an ergonomic compartment that is universally designed for smartphones, GPS devices and MP3 players. It even offers a compartment for credit card, some cash or other small items. The Xventure mount is water resistant and yet will allow touchscreen access and control.

Bracketron Official Website

Camp Dinner Serving

While camping out you could sit down and eat with that pocket knife that includes spoon and fork, but the GSI Halulite Camp Cutlery Set is so much more civilized. It is also a better option than disposable utensils. These are made from halulite alloy so they’re durable yet light, and each sets comes with a carabineer so these won’t get lost on the trail.

GSI Outdoors Official Website

Rugged and Light

Rugged computers, even those in tablet form can often survive just about everything but there is a drawback – namely that these weigh a lot. The new Algiz 7 is a rugged tablet PC that is small, light and yet doesn’t sacrifice on performance. The Algiz 7 features a speedy Intel Atom 1.6 GHz processor, with a massive 128 GB SSD and 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, and even offers a built-in 5-megapixel camera with LED light. All this in a package that weighs less than two and a half pounds.

Algiz 7 Facts and Specs Official Website

X Cube Marks the Spot

Improve your swing with the Golf-X-Cube, a patent-pending training aid that can make the game on the fairway a little more enjoyable. It consists of a UV-resistant polyamide reinforced cube with a hole on the bottom to insert a tee to keep it in place.

The Golf-X-Cube sits between you and the ball as you practice your swing, and this can help with proper golf stance, as it guides you to hit the ball more consistently and straighter. The designers claim that in as little as 15 minutes you will see an improvement in your swing. X marks the spot.

Golf-X-Cube Official Website

Just Glow With It

There are many ways to make a bike stand out at night, but Pure Fix Glow Bikes cut right to the chase and offer up – as the name suggests – bikes that glow in the dark. These minimalist, fixed-gear road bikes offer an almost ghost-like white appearance in the day, but at night cast a glow that can’t be missed.

These are feature a paint that is solar-activated and needs just an hour in the sun for each hour at night, and after the lights go down these will offer a neon green glow.

Pure Fix Glow Bikes Official Website