Fresh Air Junkie : The Outdoor Gear, News, And Adventure On-line Magazine » Gear

First Ascent Peak XV Parka

Shandman — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:48 +0000

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

Saucony A.M. Run Cap

Shandman — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:11:38 +0000

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

ExOfficio Storm Logic Sweater Converts To A Travel Neck Pillow

admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:16:04 +0000

ExOfficio’s Storm Logic Sweater is a new hooded version of the Storm Logic Jacket (Read our review here) . This newer version is just a light, warm but also features a hood. The sweater, which really looks more like a jacket, folds into an integrated stuff sack to form a very comfortable neck pillow.

The jacket keep you warm with Permaloft® insulation, and is treated with DWR to repel moisture. The micro fleece lined pockets keep your hands warm and there’s plenty of internal pockets for your glasses, wallet, airplane tickets and other goodies. The Storm Logic Jacket retails around $155. For more information, visit www.exofficio.com

SCARPA Backcountry Ski Boots Get Lighter

admin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:26:28 +0000

Scarpa introduced it’s light Maestrale RS and Gea RS 120 flex ski boots that weight slightly over three pounds. These backcountry ski boots work well in various conditions, including alpine touring and freeriding. The boots feature a 40 degree cuff travel so they’re easy to walk in and when switched to ski mode, provide extreme performance for big skis.

The men’s Mastrale RS weighs in a three pounds, seven ounces; while the women’s Gea RS weighs three pounds, two ounces. Both feature SCARPA’s axial alpine tongue design and polyamide construction. The boots retail around $600 and come with easy-to-use buckles and quick-step tech fittings. For more information visit, www.scarpa.com

Wenger Introduces Blackout Series Knives

admin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:39:15 +0000

Wenger introduced a new series of Blackout knives that are encased into black gloss handles with black rubberized EvoGrip and RangerGrip handle designs.

The Blackout series of knives from Wenger feature a black Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) finish on every implement. The coating is non-reflective, durable, very hard and scratch proof.

The Blackout EvoGrip 10 (pictured) is equipped with rubber inlays for additional comfort and safety. It features nine implements that provide up to 13 functions, including a 2.5″ Blade, a patented locking flat screwdriver, corkscrew, wire stripper, nail file and more. It retails around $89.95.

The Blackout EvoGrip 63 has six implements that provide up to eight functions, and has an MSRP of $59.95. The final knife in the Blackout Series is the RangerGrip 52 which features the signature RangerGrip handle and provides a textured non-slip rubber inlay embedded in four areas of the knife where the handle makes contact. This knife offers three implements serving three functions, and has an MSRP of $87.95. For more information, visit www.wengerNA.com

Ragged Edge Makes A Backpack That Is Stronger Than Steel?

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:00:58 +0000

There’s lots of tough fabrics available but carbon fiber is now used to make backpacks, gear bags and other items that are lightweight, yet stronger than steel. Ragged Edge introduced its new carbon fiber backpack that weighs in at two pounds and is manufactured from carbon-fiber sailcloth laminate.

The material is waterproof, strong and is held together with triple step, zig-zag stitching. The back panel features a high density 1/8-inch ShockTek gel, and the straps are made from flexible neoprene. The bag has a single large compartment and one zip pocket in front. This lightweight and seemingly indestructible pack will set you back about $400 bucks. Dimensions 12.5″W x 18.5″H x 7″D. Visit www.raggededgeproducts.com

Brooks Range Introduces Mojave Jacket With Water Resistant Down

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:00:50 +0000

Down has always been a preferred material for insulation…until it gets wet. The Brooks Range Mojave Jacket, however is a high-performance 800-fill
jacket that features DownTec technology with down that has
been treated to make it impenetrable to moisture.

This technology uses a micro-thin nano polymer that is applied to the down, creating a water repellent, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial insulation that actually floats on water. The result is a down feather that feels like regular down and repels water while maintaining its loft and insulation value,
even in the wettest of conditions. It also maintains it ability to

breathe, which is a key factor for comfort. The shell of the Mojave Jacket is made of lightweight but durable Pertex® Quantum fabric making it the ideal jacket for outdoor enthusiasts no matter what Mother Nature has in store. For more information, visit www.brooks-range.com.

Terra Nova Makes A 14oz Ultra-Lightweight Backpack

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:08 +0000

Due in the spring of 2012, Terra Nova’s Quasar series backpacks will stretch the levels of ultra-light backpacking to another level. The high-strength, yet very light-weight fabric allows their new series of backpacks to weigh in around 14 ounces. Three packs are slated for the line that include 30 liter (weights 14oz), a 45 liter (weighs 17oz), and a 55 liter (weighs 19oz).

The packs feature a removable lid and backfoam to minimize weight. All have no frame and have two removable belt pockets. Manufactured to a mountaineering backpack design, the Quasar packs have a fully adjustable chest strap with and integrated whistle, and two water bottle attachment points on the shoulder straps.

While the Ultra fabric is extremely lightweight and durable, Terra Nova added Cordura fabric on high-wear areas and the packs should be available in February. For more information, visit www.terra-nova.co.uk

Heat Holders Lock In Heat To Keep Feet Warm

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:38 +0000

Heat Holders are a new sock from the UK, that claim to be seven times warmer than normal cotton socks. These socks feature an extra long looped thermal pile which is unique to Heat Holders, and has been newly developed. This innovative knitting technology locks in warm air, holding it closer to the skin, keeping feet warmer and for a longer period of time. The soft brushed inner adds comfort and softness where feet need it the most. Their gentle grip prevents rubbing or discomfort that may be experienced from a sock with a lower tog rating.

In addition to the Heat Holder’s warmth properties, the advanced insulating yarn provides high performance insulation and superior moisture wicking abilities. They are available in a variety of different colors and sizes. For more information, visit www.heatholders.com.

Gordini GLC Goggles

Shandman — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:17:29 +0000

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!