GEAR

Things we found at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market '17

RX Bars

I discovered the RX Bar, a whole food protein bar at the Outdoor Retailers Winter Market. To say that it made a huge difference in my OR Show experience is not going too far. I eat a low carb diet and was hard pressed to find things to eat so I made up for it with the bars. Since I've been home I have been eating them as a dessert.
There are 8 flavors. My favorite is the chocolate sea salt. Ingredients are almonds, egg whites, dates, and cashews, plus chocolate and salt.

Point6

In a side by side comparison Point 6 socks kept my feet plenty warm snowboarding and there was no swamp from feet sweat- as they promised. The compact spun merino wool yarns "catches moisture before it becomes a sweat drop".

Wild Country Revo Bi-directional Belay

Gear testing by Gunks climbers this spring. Check back for the 4-1-1 on this innovative belay solution.

Grayl Water Purifier

Product testing on-going. Light weight at 10.9 oz and Provides full-spectrum protection against pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and protozoa), particulates, chemicals and heavy metals.

Crescent Moon Snowshoes

Eva-the-all-foam snowshoe. Light with velcro straps and a natural rocker these snowshoes won many awards at the Winter OR Show. "It feels as if you're floating," said Jake Thamm, "There were a bunch of adults wearing the show running around on the snow like kids". Video here Available Fall '17

Qalo - The functional wedding ring

Q-uality A-thletics L-ove O-utdoors= Qalo, pronounced KAY-lo.
This is a silicone ring designed for the active lifestyle. The creators found they loved the symbol of the wedding band but it was not practical for their lives.
I wore the ring for several days, in my regular daily life as well as in my athletic pursuits.
I found it comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. My claddagh ring doesn't fit over my knuckle any longer. It didn't interfere with stacking wood, climbing,or pull-ups and chin-ups. Those were all the reason I've stopped wearing rings of any kind.
The Qalo stretches to a point and then breaks so if it does get caught on something it will give before your finger does.
The one aspect to be aware of is that because it's silicone water and/or soap will stay trapped underneath it and can be irritating.

HotShotz

HotShotz are reusable heat packs made from food grade materials and medical grade vinyl. You push a button inside the package which acts as a catalyst in a chemical reaction causing the liquid to change to a solid so quickly it creates heat.

Sven Can See

Sven Can See is a coconut oil based anti-fogging gel
Gathering Beta - so far it has worked great. It was a foggy, damp day and the fog just melted away.

Petzl Helmets

The Petzl Sirocco, a lightweight, polycarbonate, climbing helmet, is a favorite Gunks climbers. Now Petzl has made it shorter, with a sleeker profile. The new model weighs 160 grams for s/m and 170 for m/l and comes in white or black. Petzl has added an adjustable strap, a strap for ski goggles and fixed the chin strap buckle that was causing problems. Available in July.

IFA Prowear- In For All

IFA Prowear is a 90% bamboo blend. It's moisture wicking, thermo regulating, and breathable with four way stretch. One of our local triathletes will be product testing throughout this winter and spring. Check back for her gear reviews.

There were a lot of great new product and product innovations from old favorites at the 2017 OR Winter Market. Here are some of our favorites. Read more