850 fill power premium northern European goose down is the best you can do for insulation on any mountain.

Here’s the jacket you can live in up to 26,000 feet elevation, before slipping in to the full-body version for the twilight assault to the summit. On Mt. Everest, that would be another 3, 035 feet straight up and your insulation system needs to be as tough as you’ve become to get you to that point.

First Ascent brings you this super-warm jacket filled with 850 fill power premium northern European goose down. The Peak XV is available in men’s and woman’s sizes. Your two color options for men are Dark Lava (a coal-ember red) and Black as in “lights-out.” Women’s colors are a light purple and a light charcoal.

Here’s some of the specifications you’ll need to make your purchase decision:

• Integrated hood fits over your climbing helmet
• Unequaled warmth, compressibility, and lightweight
• 850 fill power premium norther European goose down
• Water resistant shell made from stout 22-Denier fabric
• Turtling collar shields your face from bitter cold and wind
• Pockets are lined with brushed Tricot to keep your digits dextrous
• Men’s back lenght is 26.75″
• Weight is 26.34 oz

It’s so rare to truly get recommendations on products like the First Ascent Peak XV from most low-altitude earth dwellers. So listen to what two of the most accomplished heavyweight expedition mountaineers have to say about “the” jacket they wear when it’s time for “Parkas on!”

“My Peak XV is the perfect loft and weight for the big muntains I work on. It moves with me and doesn’t get in my way while protecting me from serious cold, yet it packs down neat and small when things get more civilized.” — Dave Hahn

“From the Antarctic blizzards to Himalayan summits, this jacket will heat you up. Nothing beats 850-fill down for insulation and packability. Take this jacket n your next extreme adventure.” Ed Viesturs

First Ascent Peak XV is available through www.whittakermountaineering.com and retails for about $269.00

Breathable Mesh Fabric

The A.M. Run Cap combines a great fit, fun colors and plenty of reflective detail for maximum visibility. Available February 2012!

Featuring:

• Breathable mesh fabric
• Reflective front logo
• Reflective brim piping
• Micro-velcro closure

Fabric/Hydramax

• 100% polyester
• 125 gm.

Size: One size fits all

Price point of $30.00

Color Ways: Amethyst, Blue Crush, Nimble Green, Black, Vizipro Pink and White

Baffin, Canada’s largest winter boot brand, is pleased to announce that Paul Hubner, CEO, will be putting his brand to the ultimate test this March. Paul and his three sons, Mark, Brent and Ryan, will be outfitted head to toe in Baffin – polar proven footwear and apparel, testing their products against some of the world’s harshest conditions. The group will travel from Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtun from March 12 to the 25, 2012.

In an extreme Research and Development undertaking, Paul trusts that his brand will not only stand up against the extreme cold temperatures and howling winds of Baffin Island but that it will also keep his three sons warm and safe as they cross the Arctic Circle. Mark, 24, Brent, 21, and Ryan, 16, will be spending their March break in a most unconventional way, compared to many young men their age. Matty Mcnair, National Geographicʼs Adventurer of the Year, will be guiding Paul and his sons on their trek.

Paul’s previous expeditions include trekking to the geographic North (2006, 2008) and South (2008) Poles and Baffin Island (2009), as well as Everest Base Camp (2011) in Nepal. Being known for it’s extreme footwear, Baffin has only recently ventured into extreme clothing.  For the first time ever this March, the Hubner’s will be outfitted entirely in Baffin – head to toe. Featuring Baffin’s unique apparel layering system of base, mid, shell and an outer down layer, the Hubner’s will have no trouble keeping warm in temperatures of up to -100ºC.  “Baffin is based around the core philosophies of ‘living the brand’ and being ‘Polar Proven’, it wouldn’t make much sense to not test our new clothing system under the most extreme conditions”, says Paul Hubner.  “Through constant real world testing and technical innovation, we remain focused on being the undisputed leader in outdoor performance footwear and apparel.” Based just outside of Toronto, in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada. Baffin Inc. is Canada’s largest winter boot brand, with a new line of polar apparel.

For more information, visit www.baffin.com.

KneeBinding's For the Wise!

KneeBindings quite possibly might be one of the most significant story’s in skiing for some time.  Now there is proof that KneeBinding technology is effective at mitigating knee injuries in skiing.

During the four years since KneeBindings were first introduced, skiers using all other brands of ordinary bindings sustained an estimated 280,000 serious ACL injuries, including 210,000 “phantom foot” ACL injuries.

The injury rate has been about one serious ACL injury in every 1900 skier days.  Over those same four years, KneeBinding skiers have accumulated at least 80,000 skier days.  If KneeBinding skiers had the same injury rate as skiers on ordinary bindings, our bindings would have been involved in at least 42 serious knee injuries.

KneeBinding was specifically invented to solve the knee injury problem.  We launched four seasons ago, and began winning awards and accolades right away.  We have steadily improved the product, and won convert after convert.  But there has always been that nagging issue of how to prove it really works.

So here’s the actual number:  ZERO. Zippo! So far, no skier has injured a knee on KneeBindings.  That means our customers have seen a 100 percent reduction in knee injuries – injuries that would have otherwise occurred if they had been using ordinary binding brands.  If someone asks how many potential knee injuries KneeBindings have prevented, it is perfectly appropriate to respond, “All of them.”

Now – we still believe it is inevitable that, sooner or later, someone will injure a knee on KneeBindings.  But these numbers prove, beyond any doubt, that KneeBindings are extraordinarily effective at mitigating the worst, and most frequent injury in skiing today.  If anyone asks you if we can prove it – tell them we sure can.

As you probably know, 70,000 skiers injure an ACL each and every year.  Knee injuries are the #1 in the sport, accounting for one of three reported injuries. More than 20 percent of the injured never ski again!

The downhill skiing industry hasn’t wanted to talk much about this – with good reason!  But KneeBinding has found a way to mitigate the injuries without any pre-release issues.  The KneeBinding patented technology is as effective at mitigating knee injuries as ordinary bindings were at mitigating broken legs when they first appeared more than 40 years ago.

KneeBinding Carbon RT for 2012.

Ok. It’s cool. You probably thought KneeBinding was still a little start-up.  Guess what!

• KneeBinding generates the highest dollar margin of any brand of ski bindings (avg. $181/pr).
• KneeBinding now has approximately 300 retail partners in six countries and 36 States and Provinces.
• Despite inconsistent snow, reorders have been strong, and we are completely sold out for the season.
• The KneeBinding “Carbon” appeared as the second best-seller on REI’s web site for several weeks (out of some 40 different bindings) – until recently, when REI completely sold out of them!
• Many of our retail shops have already sold through.
• KneeBindings are incredibly durable and reliable – there are no warranty issues.
• KneeBinding has won every major award in the industry, from “Gear of the Year” to “Best Alpine Binding” to the recent “Fantasy Draft Skier’s Choice” award from Powder Magazine.
• The skiing industry recognizes KneeBinding’s ability to reduce knee injuries, as well as our excellent performance and retention.
• KneeBindings are technically advanced, and in demand by top skiers. More than 10-percent of KneeBinding sales this season have been to professionals (instructors, patrol, etc.)

News Flash!

Next season, KneeBindings introduce our best-looking KneeBindings ever – with sophisticated, textured styling and color, and with an expanded DIN range of three through 12 for all models.

Jet Black color way

Brand new this season, Gordini has introduced Memory Foam technology in the GLC series goggle. This patent-pending technology is built throughout the inner foam padding. Imagine your cheekbones enjoying the same luxury as sleeping on a memory foam mattress through the night.

Three different color ways to choose from to coordinate with your skiing attire.

• GLC S-Frame in Spectrum
• GLC E-Frame in Ice
• GLC E-Frame in Jet

- Medium fit

- Spherical Lens

- Air Flow Design (AFD®) – patented technology to maximize air circulation and prevent foggy goggles

- Fleece Covered Dual Density Foam – fits every face with zero pressure points and air gaps

- Outriggers For Helmet Compatibility

- Goggle Bag Included

Get your boots buckled up tight, and hop on down the moguls in a pair of Gordini GLC Goggles!

LOWA Baikal GTX

By Rick Shandley

Baikal GTX is a load bearing winter boot LOWA put some thought into. And it shows. The Baikal GTX is a stable, Partalana insulated, nine-inch-high boot you can consider for significant pack loads, warmth, comfort, and traction.

The test grounds for assessing these Baikal’s was at a mountain retreat at more than 7,000 feet elevation, and up in the trails and canyons that spider out along the Front Range of Northern Colorado. This and frequent early morning commutes to Boulder and Denver, and lots of walking in slushy winter low-traction situations outside of the work day. These boots literally saw duty from work to play on any given day for a month. And they worked great.

Uppers are an aesthetically pleasing balance of top quality suede leather and Cordura fabric mated to stiff foot lasts, stout mid-soles with rigid inserts to manage pronation and supination, and robust outsoles. Throughout the boot the stitch work is tight and flawless.

You can choose either of two color themes the Baikal GTX is available in. Color options are brown leather with medium dark gray and black Cordura fabric. A second color choice is black leather and the same shades of gray and black Cordura. Both color themes contrast nicely with the black rubber toe and heel guards. MSRP is U.S. $280.00.

We like the narrow profile of the Baikal GTX for countless reasons.

This combination of boot upper construction and sole components make the Baikal GTX supportive of the foot, ankle, and lower shin to guard against twisting the foot or rolling an ankle on rocky, icy, terrain with or without a pack load.

It is also this rigid boot construction that allows you to haul winter backpack weights up around 50-plus pounds if that is one of your boot choice considerations. As you may know, you’d be less than wise to go ultra-light with your gear in snow country. You have to carry what you need, and what you might need just in case. And that makes for a hefty pack load even on an overnight trek. For me, the stiffness of the Baikal GTX is what I would want in a heavy-duty backpacking or mountaineering boot. And the Baikal GTX offers all the stability, under a load, you could ask for in a winter trail boot.

Narrow Profile

What stood out up front is a narrow overall profile in a winter boot that was worn daily in serious cold weather in snow, on ice, and in general low-temp conditions. This narrow profile, about 4.5-inches wide at the forefoot of a U.S. size 14 boot, makes a huge difference in your ability to drive a vehicle without the safety risk and awkwardness traditional (five inches or wider in a yeti-sized foot) snow boots pose.

I had taken delivery of these LOWA Baikal GTX boots and was on my way to Boulder, CO one wicked cold night in early December, when I plucked these babies out of the box. There they were in the LOWA box, when I hooked a left into a Safeway parking lot half-way to my destination, and laced them up. My single enormous reason for researching an insulated winter boot for every day cold-weather use was to find a pair that I could safely drive a vehicle in icy road conditions.

These boots are it. One cannot “safely” drive a vehicle on icy, snow covered roads, paved or dirt, with traditional, bulky snow boots on your feet. Bulky snow boots, in my size, tend to cover the accelerator and the brake pedal at once. It can be a scary deal. For driving, the rigidity of these boots took a little getting used to, but I’ll take it any time over bulky snow boots.

Baikal is good for cold, windy, wet weather...all day long.

Insulation and Warmth

The thing about GOR-TEX waterproof boot lining is you have the confidence that water or moisture will not get to your feet. The GOR-TEX waterproof lining in the LOWA Baikal GTX boots. Boot interiors are lined with Partalana insulation. Partalana is a synthetic/wool blend designed for cold environments. The footbeds are also lined and insulated to keep cold from coming up through the outsoles. In any event, these relatively thin fabric liners provide insulation that keep the feet warm and dry in pretty cold weather and helped reduce the profile of the boot itself.

Warmth is a subjective, very individual, characteristic to try to quantify in broad terms. There are no comfort ranges listed for these boots. So much depends on the amount of physical activity, individual vascular circulation, and tolerance to cold weather. For the most part, my feet where warm wearing single layer, and double layer, wool-blend boot socks.

During a recent cold snap, I wore the Baikal GTX boots with early morning and night time temperatures down to less than five degrees F° with moderate physical activity. My feet where warm as long as I was active and not standing still.

Throughout the span of evaluation time I wore these Baikal GTX boots, temperatures at night and early morning where usually less than 32° and generally in the mid-to-low 20’s.

On the mild side of wearable comfort, the LOWA Baikal GTX were nice to wear in daytime temperatures up to about the mid 50’s to low 60’s. And they were never less than totally comfortable.  The GORE-TEX, CORDURA, and Merino wool socks are all breathable types of fabric. Even on days when the snow is melting and the mid-day weather is mild, cold mud and melting snow can chill your feet down quick. As I experienced these boots, the wearable comfort range makes Baikal GTX a viable choice to consider for daily cold winter wear.

Panda Fleece insulation, Cordura, and GORE-TEX round out the weather barrier.

Comfort

Right out of the box, the LOWA Baikal GTX boots were comfortable. Sizes are US 7.5 - 12, 13, and 14. They required no break in time. My size 14 boots weigh more than the 3.5-pounds per pair of a men’s size 9 Baikal, but it’s negligible. At this relatively light weight, the Baikal GTX boots are good for wearing for hours without feeling like you’ve got a pair of honey-glazed hams strapped to your feet. They go on in the morning and come off late at night; can’t give a higher comfort rating that that.

The fabric eyelet (fore foot), composite eyelet (mid foot), and composite hook lacing system at the top of the foot allows the boot to wrap the foot, and the lace hooks, as a system, accommodate a quick lace up. This lacing system tends to work together to make the boot a unified part of the foot. Sizing is true to stated information. Never was there a hot spot, blistering, heel slipping, or overheating of the feet.

Outsole and traction

Sure there’s been the melt-offs of snowpack that panicked the ski resorts, but when the sun drops off the skyline on high country winter eves, it gets frigid quick. And the snow accumulation that doesn’t melt into the ground, well it just freezes solid every night. So, LOWA is happy with their new G3 sole technology, and can quantify good traction on slippery surfaces. The G3 sole unit offers supination and pronation support, a heavy-duty polyurethane (PU) midsole, and an outsole that improves traction on snow and ice by as much as 32-percent.

Texturized fabric loops on large oval lugs work with rubber compounds and tread pattern to improve traction on ice.

Regardless, the outsoles worked well in the myriad of ground and weather conditions this pair of Baikal GTX boots have been exposed to. That includes light snow over ice, heavy wind, deep snow, drift snow (with snow pants and gaiters on), mud, slush, and freezing rain.

That said, ice is ice, and you will never have the upper hand. You can only manage the downside. Yes, I slipped on ice wearing these boots. But my general confidence in the traction is high. And the frequency of a chance to slip on ice is every single day for a good part of the day when outdoors. Walking on icy roads, ranch land and terrain, it is inevitable. But I did experience solid traction in most icy conditions where there could be an inch of fresh snow on top of hard-glazed ice from previous snowfalls and the cycle of melt-freeze-melt-freeze that occurs frequently. This in no way takes away from the improved traction the G3 sole unit offers. You have to be hyper-aware of foot placement, weight transfer, and balance on icy terrain…even with crampons on your boots.

LOWA used European Norms (EN) valuations to measure traction on ice, ceramic, and steel; all slippery surfaces. LOWA engineers focused on various low-temperature soft rubber compounds that offered stickiness and designed traction lugs, and sole pattern, that put at least one traction lug in contact with the ground surface at all times. Within these strategically placed traction lugs, LOWA built loops of fabric with enough texture to potentially enhance traction. One primary lug is a contact patch at all times during the foot stride, and each lug has a fabric loop that adds a non-rubber traction aid. It makes sense, and traction on ice is commendable. There are plenty of voids between sole lugs and traction features to allow water, mud, or slush to self-clean in the process of walking.

Baikal GTX heel structure and G3 logo.

To take it a step further, and to get a little closer to what real snow tires do to make the claim “Snow tires for your feet,” LOWA can use tread micro-sipes on all the featureless surface area that remains across the outsoles. Siping is a practice of molding or cutting fine lateral grooves or slits on the tread of a true snow tire, like the Pirreli Scorpion Snow and Ice tire for instance. Look at any high-end winter tire and you’ll find tread siping for additional ice-biting capability. Siping is standard on a modern snow and ice tire, so why not have them on a boot outsole? The advantage is the same.

By way of experience with snow tires, much of my earlier media career was based in the automotive performance aftermarket. After many new tire product launches, winter driving schools, tire reviews and the subject of rubber compounds, tire savvy and traction are serious topics. Siping adds another dimension to traction on ice that LOWA can incorporate into their outsole design.  A 32-percent increase in traction is a measureable improvement, but there is still 68-percent traction left on the table.

Overall, LOWA Baikal GTX boots are awesome winter boots that have performed in a stellar manner day in and day out so far during the winter of 2011/12. It’s easy to recommend these winter boots for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which are comfort and warmth. It would be nice to see a boot like this have available information as to the general comfort range its insulation is designed for.

Here’s something you don’t expect in a winter boot: When the weather is frigid, schools are closed, and the roads may or may not be free of snow, these LOWA Baikal GTX boots look perfectly fine poking out of the pant cuffs in professional business casual dress attire. When they get muddy from a couple days of melt-off, I just turn on the hot water hydrant in the barn and rinse them off while they are still on my feet. They clean up nice.

New Sierra Designs DriDown Zissou 15

Sierra Designs launches new down-fill technology in DriDown™ with five sleeping bags at the 2012 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show in Salt Lake City, UT January 18-22.

It’s cutting edge, and a vast improvement over regular down, DriDown™ features a molecular level polymer applied to individual down plumes during the down finishing process.

DriDown™ is a proprietary application method developed by Sierra Designs that ensures a hydrophobic finish.  As a result, DriDown™ stays dry seven times longer in the presence of rain, melting snow, or spills, maintains 98% loft after a night in a high humidity environment, and dries 33% faster when it does get wet for a dryer, warmer, more comfortable night’s sleep.

“Our inspiration for DriDown™ came from the need for higher performance down insulation,” said Sue Timbo, Sierra Designs marketing director.  “Due to its warmth to weight ratio, down is indisputably the best performing insulation available.  Its only downside is a loss of thermal efficiency as it becomes wet.  DriDown™ tolerates moisture far better than untreated down, improving the performance of down sleeping bags so everyone from pro athletes to family campers will sleep dryer, warmer, and more comfortably.”

Staying dry longer, lofting better, and drying faster, DriDown™ sleeping bags represent the evolution of down insulation technology, outperforming regular down sleeping bags in any given environment from arid deserts to humid costal locals to icy polar environments.  Sierra Designs is introducing five new sleeping bag styles, covering a wide range of backcountry conditions.

Sierra Designs’ DriDown™ sleeping bags include the Zissou 0 HI (3 lb, 1 oz; $299), Zissou 15 (2 lb, 11 oz; $259), Zissou 30 LITE (2 lb, 1 oz; $199), Eleanor 20 HI women’s (3 lb, 0 oz; $299) and Eleanor 30 LITE women’s (2 lb, 9 oz; $259).  All five bags feature 600 fill DriDown™, polyester ripstop shells, and polyester liners for an outstanding blend of performance, warmth, compressibility, and light weight.

DriDown™ sleeping bag retail availability is scheduled for June 1 exclusively through REI stores, Sierra Designs’

DriDown apparel debuts in August 2012. Women's Tov shown here.

first-to-market partner.  Look for Sierra Designs DriDown™ sleeping bags at other specialty outdoor retailers mid-July with DriDown™ apparel debuting in August 2012.

Sierra Designs DriDown™ FAQ sheet:

1.   What is DriDown™ by Sierra Designs and how does it work?

-          DriDown™ is natural down treated with a molecular level polymer applied using Sierra Designs’ proprietary method, creating a hydrophobic finish on individual down plumes.  This polymer enhances the down’s durability and structure.  DriDown™ stays dry longer, lofts better, and dries faster than regular down.

-          When wet, regular down plumes collapse, reducing loft and insulating efficiency.  DriDown™’s water tolerance far exceeds that of regular down, staying dry 7-times longer* in the presence of natural body moisture, humidity, rain and snow, offering superior loft and thermal efficiency for a warmer, more comfortable night’s sleep.

2.   Is DriDown™ waterproof?  Does is use a waterproof/breathable membrane?

-          The goal was not to create waterproof down, but rather down that would tolerate the presence of moisture, allowing it to outperform regular down in every weather condition.

-          Waterproof/breathable membranes are great for keeping moisture out, but they also keep a lot of body moisture in, reducing loft and warmth.  DriDown™ sleeping bags allow internal moisture to escape far more effectively, enhancing loft and warmth retention to outperform down bags with membranes.

-          DriDown™’s polymer coating helps keep external moisture from soaking into the insulation, staying dry 7-times longer than regular down.

3.   What are the advantages of DriDown™?

-          As regular down gets wet, it loses loft and therefore loses its ability to insulate.  DriDown™ helps eliminate this problem.  DriDown™ is the evolution of down insulation.

o   DriDown™ stays dry 7-times longer than regular down.*

o   DriDown™ retains 98% loft which can equate to a 15° temperature advantage.

o   DriDown™ dries 33% faster than regular down.

4.   Where did the inspiration come from?

-          DriDown™ was inspired by Sierra Designs’ commitment to innovation.  For its weight, down is indisputably the best performing insulation available… lighter, warmer, more compressible, and more durable than synthetic insulations.  Its only downside is a loss of thermal efficiency as it becomes wet.   Constantly looking for ways to improve the outdoor experience, Sierra Designs created DriDown™ to advance the benefits of regular down, enhancing its performance in a wider range of conditions and allowing anyone from pro athletes to family campers to stay warmer, dryer, and sleep more comfortably.

5.   How do you know it works so well?

-          We use ASTM-certified lofting tests, environmental chambers to simulate humid conditions, and tests to determine drying times.  Sierra Designs has also developed proprietary testing to evaluate DriDown™ performance in extreme conditions.  Field testing confirms it outperforms regular down in every situation.

6.   What is the down treated with?

-          DriDown™ uses a molecular level polymer coating applied through a proprietary method during the down finishing process to create a hydrophobic finish on individual down plumes. This polymer finish maintains down integrity and increases durability without adding additional discernable weight.

7.   Has this technology been used before?

-          Sierra Designs has developed a proprietary and exclusive process to adapt this tried and true technology specifically for use in outdoor products.  Staying true to a long history of ingenious solutions to backcountry challenges, DriDown™ by Sierra Designs represents the evolution of down insulation technology, giving the outdoor world the best-performing insulation yet.

* Results based on scientific laboratory bulk water absorption testing developed by Sierra Designs.

Featherlite Down Jacket by Montane

Look for this Featherlite Down Jacket from Montane Fall 2012. Featherlite promises to be a warm and compact piece of kit which weighs in at just 14.3 ounces and stuffs down to the size of a large orange.  Exceptionally light, this jacket is highly versatile for year round mountain activities and can be worn as a mid-layer when moving quickly in cold conditions or as outer insulation on cool evenings at camp.

Featherlite is designed as an ultra light, highly compressible mountain jacket. The Featherlite Down Jacket will hardly be noticed while stowed away with the rest of your gear.

Compact and constructed with PERTEX® Quantum fabric shell, the jacket is 100-percent windproof and has superior water resistance.  The Featherlite jacket liner is made of PEAQ® Down, which is comfortable next to the skin and is both highly breathable and fast drying.  For years Montane has gone from strength to strength with its Featherlite category of ultralightweight Pertex windproof gear.  The Featherlite Down Jacket continues this innovation story.

MSRP: $269

This jacket, and the entire Montane line, will be showcased at the Sport Hansa booth (BR527) during the upcoming Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City from January 19th through the 22nd.

Protecting your face and lungs from the elements

By Mary Webb

Talus Outdoor Technologies’ ColdAvenger Pro multisport face mask will help you handle the bitter cold. Made in the USA, the soft shell fabric design is a half-mask that covers the face, ears and neck. Comfort is evident throughout the breathable fleece fabric, custom-design fit, and ease of ventilation.

One size fits all. Everyone in my hiking group was envious as I wore the ColdAvenger on our march to Mount Baldy. While temperatures have been warmer this year in Southern California, we were still at a temperature of about 30 degrees and colder on a late afternoon snowshoe trek. Last year, we went on the same wander to Mount Baldy and my face was very cold; fog and icy breezes from the north made my face quite chapped over the next couple days following the hike. It was great to be wearing the ColdAvenger on this trip.

I immediately noticed the soft feel of the elastic, water-resistant fabric, particularly the soft fleece interior, and the mask was very simple to put on. A large-width Velcro strap at the back of mask wraps you up in warmth and accommodates various head sizes.

The stitching, which surrounds the mask, offered extra support to properly place the mask over the bridge of my nose and cheek bones. A custom foam insert also comes with the mask and fits inside the ventilator to offer extra padded-protection. These pads are available for a mere $0.75 when you need a replacement.

State of the art Ventilation system

Talus’ ColdAvenger covered my ears and neck and my face felt warm and protected from the elements. The rounded-out design of the mask allowed for my beanie and sunglasses to be worn in unison. I found it best to put the mask on first, then glasses and beanie.

The mask would not be complete without the state of the art ventilation system. Made of non-toxic medical grade Polyurethane, the ventilation system facilitated breathing, even on the most challenging parts of the trail. Microbial resistance is inherent in the Polyurethane, assisting to ward off unwanted microbes in the air.

This is how the ventilation system works; as I took in the cold air from the mountain range, through the ventilation slots of the mask, and exhaled warmer air, temperate balance between the two exchanges of warm and cold air occurred in the Polyurethane. Moisture did not build up on the Polyurethane finish and my lungs felt as though they were working less even though my heart was pumping faster.

Inside temperatures of the ColdAvenger can get up to 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty substantial for $59.95 MSRP. While skiing at night, the reflective Talus logo at the back of the mask helped keep goofy snow boarders from running into me. Also, I did not feel wind chill on my neck as I flew down snow-powdered runs; the neck portion of mask fit inside my jacket collar, so once I zipped up my coat, my neck stayed warm and dry.

Breathable Fleece fabric

There is a removable interior valve you will clean after each excursion. I appreciate the bright lime green color, as it was easy to find on the counter after I washed it. After it is clean, you simply pop it back in place.

Available in black or gray, the ColdAvenger Pro Softshell series mask will protect your lungs while you work or play in temperatures as low as -20 degrees.

This cold weather mask by Talus will not only warm your face, but your spirits as well, as you set your sites on winter activities.

Weight: 0.75 LBS

www.talusoutdoor.com/coldavenger