Outdoor Retailer Winter 2016: ACCESSORIES

By Will Rietveld

Please note that this article simply highlights new lightweight gear of interest, and by no means is it comprehensive of the category or constitute a review of the item. It’s simply a collection of new interesting gear for lightweight backcountry travel.

Bike Touring and Bikepacking by Justin Lichter and Justin Kline. This new Falcon Guide is Trauma’s second book in the last year. He teams up with Justin Kline to produce an informative guidebook for bikepacking. Chapters cover how to choose the proper bike, choosing the right gear, planning a trip, bikepaking overseas, making repairs, and how to survive a long distance trip. USBN #978-1-4930-0968-8, $12.95.

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight Medical Kit .3 and Survival Medic Kit. These are two of the lightest kits available from AMK. The first provides medical supplies for one person in a watertight pouch; $14, available now. The second basically provides the “10 essentials” for survival, plus a few first aid items; 4 ounces and $15, available now.

DeLorme InReach Explorer. The InReach Explorer is another step forward in personal location devices. It combines the following functions: GPS, digital compass, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, trip statistics, send/receive messages, tracking, and OK/SOS signaling with confirmation. DeLorme uses the Iridium satellites for communications. The GPS function gives your simple location; it’s not a mapping GPS. However, they have a phone app that will communicate via Bluetooth with the Explorer to provide mapping GPS on your phone. Weight is 6.7 ounces and MSRP is $380. Service is either $11 or $15 per month depending on the amount of messaging you want, and does not require a contract so you can start and stop it as needed.

DryGuy Travel Dry DX Boot Dryer. Slip these units inside your boots, plug them in and their heating element and fan will quickly dry them out. They come with two power adapters – AC 120 volts for use at home and DC 12 volts for use in your car. MSRP is $40 and they are available now.

Eagles Nest Outfitters Moonbeam Headlamp. This 1.8 ounce gem serves as headlamp, magnetic clamp light, and tent light. USB charging with integrated battery. The light unit is easily removed from the headband and magnetically attached to a plastic hanger for use other than a headlamp. $35.

Eagles Nest Outfitters Relay Tote. This handy ripstop nylon tote has loads of pockets to organize your items – the main compartment with a zippered interior pocket and stiffened bottom, two mesh end pockets, one side pass-through sleeve, one side zippered pocket with a key clip inside, and carry handles. It could also be used as a carry-on bag. Weight is 13.6 ounces and MSRP is $35.

Light My Fire Leschi Lantern + Flashlight. This is a handy unit that weighs just 1.6 ounces without battery (one AA). The light puts out 110 lumens; $15 and available now.

Petzl Reactik+ Headlamp. This headlamp is on the cutting edge. It automatically adjusts the beam to user needs depending on the ambient light level, it’s rechargeable, and produces up to 280 lumens. Weighs 4 ounces, $110, and available July 2016.

Sawyer Filtration Accessory Pack. This convenient kit includes everything you need to accessorize your Squeeze Filter and Mini Filter. It includes two 32oz. Squeeze Pouches to use as back-ups or just to have on hand as additional reservoirs, the Fast Fill Adapters so you can fill your hydration pack directly from the Squeeze or Mini Filter, Inline Adapters to turn your Squeeze filter into an inline system on a hydration pack, and the Cleaning Coupling, a new adapter that allows you to backwash your Squeeze Filter with a plastic bottle; $25 and available now.

Snowline Chainsen City Slip-On Traction Aid. At 2.2 ounces/pr this is probably the lightest slip-on traction device to be found other than one that fits over the toebox only. The chain and spikes are stainless steel and the band is an elastomer that stays pliable down to -76F. MSRP is $25. Distribution in North America is by CAMP USA.

Snowline Chainsen Light Slip-On Traction Aid. At 8.2 ounces/pr the Chainsen Light is the next step up in their line of traction devices. It has a more substantial elastomer harness and more and bigger spikes. MSRP is $60. Distribution in North America is by CAMP USA.

dueNorth Everyday G3 Traction Aid and Rubz Massage Balls. The dueNorth Traction Aid has six small carbide points on the bottom side to get a good grip on ice. They weigh about 8 oz/pr, cost only $20, and are available now. The Rubz hand and foot massage balls are designed to mimic acupuncture techniques to relieve plantar fasciitis as well as relieve sore muscles. MSRPs are $6-$13 and they are available now. Both products are distributed by the Sure Foot Corporation.

Sven Can See Lens Anti-Fog and Lens Cleaner. These products do not contain any alcohol or scents. Simply put one small drop of the Anti-Fog on one lens and rub that small amount onto all lens surfaces. The Lens Cleaner has a mini-sprayer to dispense it onto each lens. Each product is $10.95. Available now.

 Return To List of Outdoor Retailer 2016 Articles

Outdoor Retailer Winter 2016: INSULATED CLOTHING

By Will Rietveld

Puffy clothing is a favorite category for me and many readers, I suppose because they are cuddly and warm. In this part I cover everything insulated that I found to be of interest from a lightweight or versatility standpoint

Please note that this article simply highlights new lightweight gear of interest, and by no means is it comprehensive of the category or constitute a review of the item.  I do not include anything on downhill skis and bindings, which are not my forte’. It’s simply a collection of new interesting gear for lightweight backcountry travel.

Items featured will be available in spring 2016 unless stated otherwise. Weights are for men’s size Medium apparel.

Berghaus Ramche 2.0 Down Parka. The Ramche 2.0 is as high-tech as a down jacket gets. The insulation is body-mapped to add more down where warmth is  needed most in the torso, and less down in the sleeves. The jacket is insulated with 850 fill-power 16-hour Hydrodown (Nikwax treatment), with sewn-through construction in the sleeves and baffled construction in the torso. The shell is a 70x70 denier fine nylon with DWR. Weight is 16 ounces and MSRP is $450.

CAMP G Comp Wind and G Comp Warm Gloves. The G Comp Wind Glove (right) is a fast-drying synthetic glove for chilly and windy conditions. The orange Windmit’N in the photo normally resides in a pocket on the wrist and can be pulled out to cover the topside of the glove when more wind protection is needed. Weight is 3.5 oz/pr and MSRP is $100. Sizes from S to XXXL. The G Comp Warm Glove (left) is a similar glove but its pull out Warmit’N is insulated with 40 gram Primaloft Gold. The weight is 4.1 oz/pair and MSRP is $120.

CAMP Hotmit’N. This super warm mitt has a windproof membrane and is insulated with 50 grams of premium down. Their specs do not indicate it is waterproof (I suspect it isn’t), or the fill-power of the down. Weight is 6.1 oz/pr and MSRP is $140. Available now.

CAMP Summit’N. The durable Summit’N is insulated with 350 gram Primaloft Gold and has a Hipora 3-layer waterproof-breathable membrane. Weight is 7.8 oz/pr and MSRP is $160. Available now.

Heat Factory Heated Fold-Back Mitten. These mittens are made of a soft fleece-like fabric and are insulated with a bit of Thinsulate according to the label. The unique feature is that it’s both a glove and a mitten; when you put it on, your fingers slip into the fingers of a glove, and then there is a mitten flap that covers the fingers. A chemical hand warmer (included) can be placed in the palm or finger area (or both) for extra warmth. The packaging doesn’t say anything about waterproofness, so these mittens would work best with a shell over them to keep them dry and seal in the heat. Weight for size XL is 4.6 oz/pr; MSRP is $25. Available now.

Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka. This jacket is an addition to Montbell’s Plasma 1000 line featuring 1000 fill-power down and 7 denier shell fabric. This jacket is a dream come true; it contains 3.4 ounces of fill and the jacket weight is just 8.4 ounces, which is amazing considering the jacket’s features. Sewn-through construction. Features include a full height front zipper, attached 2-way adjustable hood, hem drawcord, two zippered hand pockets, and elastic cuffs. That’s a lot of warmth and features for the weight. MSRP is $379; available in mid August 2016.

Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Vest. Another addition to the Plasma 1000 line is this 3.1 ounce down vest insulated with 1000 fill-power down. The shell is 7 denier Ballistic Airlight ripstop nylon with sewn-through construction. The only feature is a full-height front zipper; no pockets. MSRP is $199; available mid August 2016.

Montbell UL Thermawrap Jacket. This jacket is updated with a new 12 denier shell fabric with DWR and a new Stretch Exceloft synthetic insulation to give the jacket more stretch and breathability. The weight is 8.5 ounces and MSRP is $139; available mid August 2016. An updated Thermawrap Pant will also be available with the same materials; 7.7 ounces and $135.

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Jacket. The stretch comes from a new stretch-welded construction (rather than sewn-through seams), combined with a light knit fabric and lining that moves with you. It’s insulated with 750 fill-power Q.Shield water-resistant down. Features include two zippered hand warmer pockets, one zippered chest pocket, two interior drop pockets, 2-way adjustable hem, and elastic cuffs. Available with or without an attached hood. Weight is 17 ounces and MSRP is $250.

Montane Featherlite Down Pro Pullon. This pullover down jacket features a Pertex Quantum CS10 shell, 800 fill-power Eco HyperDry down insulation, 2-way front zipper, zippered front pouch with reach-through pockets over it, inside mesh water flask pocket, and attached hood with stiffened brim and 3-way adjustment. Loads of features and versatility for 16 ounces and $214.

Rab Zero G Jacket. Another standout puffy is the new Rab Zero G featuring 1000 fill-power down (4.5 ounces of fill), Pertex Quantum face and liner fabric, two zippered hand warmer pockets, elastic hem, and an attached hood with one adjustment on the back. Weight is 11 ounces and MSRP is $550.

Seirus Solarsphere Ace Mitt and Gloves and Aura Mitt and Gloves. The new Solarsphere insulation amplifies the temperature inside a glove or mitt up to 10 degrees. The Solarsphere process starts with sunlight being absorbed into the glove or mitt and converted to heat via the Solarsphere insulation. It is made with lightweight, durable, and compressible hollow filament spheres that retain form unlike other insulations. The shell is water-repellent. The Ace mitt and gloves have 3-gram Solarsphere + 60-gram HeatLock insulation with a lightweight shell fabric and an elastic cuff; MSRP is $35. The Aura mitt and gloves have 7-gram Solarsphere + 160-gram HeatLock insulation with a more durable shell and gauntlet cuff; MSRP is $40.

 Return To List of Outdoor Retailer 2016 Articles

Outdoor Retailer Winter 2016: NEW TECHNOLOGIES

By Will Rietveld

New technologies that will drive future gear design are unveiled at nearly every Outdoor Retailer trade show. Gear is continually evolving as new technologies are incorporated in an effort by companies to stay on the cutting edge and be competitive. Following is a look at new technologies, and updates on developing technologies, showcased at the winter 2016 Outdoor Retailer Show.

Allied Feather and the Responsible Down Standard. I reported on the Responsible Down Standard in previous OR coverage. Having worked intimately with The North Face to develop the Responsible Down Standard, Allied Feather & Down claims to be the first adopter and primary supplier of certified responsibly sourced down for the outdoor industry.

This time on my visit with Allied Feather and Down I learned more about the Track My Down label attached to down garments using sustainably sourced down. It’s worth the effort to track the down in your newly purchased garment; simply scan the QR code on the label, or go to Trackmydown.com and enter the number on the bottom of the label. The amount of information that comes up is amazing. One thing of interest is the fill power, after treatment, for the down in the garment you just purchased. This particular lot of down turns out to be 904 fill-power rather than the advertised 800; lots vary so this one gives you a windfall. There is also loads of information on the country of origin, purity of the down, and how down is processed. Fascinating and educational.

Other news:

• After a sharp rise, the cost of down is declining at the wholesale level but has not reached the consumer yet, especially for lower fill-power downs. But prices are holding for high fill-power down, which comes from mature birds and is more limited in supply. Down is a by-product of the meat industry, so lower FP down from younger birds is much more plentiful, and cheaper.
• Down water-resistance treatments increase the fill-power of high fill-power downs, e.g. 900 FP can go to 1150 FP with treatment. However lower fill-power downs are harder to treat, and get less of a boost because they have fewer filaments.
• So far, there is no evidence that water-resistance treatments affect the longevity of down.
• Garment manufacturers are pulling back on their use of water-resistant down. That’s not because it’s not working, but because new technologies (like welded seams) reduce the need for it. They are focusing more on using it where it is actually needed.

WR Not DWR. While visiting with the folks at Downlite, they made the point that many down water-resistance treatments will wash out with only one or two launderings using a traditional laundry detergent. I didn’t know that! Downlite has shown that their Nikwax Hydrophobic Down will last at least five home launderings when paired with NikWax Down Wash Direct (photo). The Nikwax product properly cleans down garments and restores water-resistance. The product was reformulated in late 2015 to eliminate fluorocarbons. Next, I visited Nikwax to verify what I had heard. Their representative was a bit more optimistic, stating that most down water-resistance products should endure 2-3 washings.

This is definitely enlightening. The takeaway message is that these treatments impart water-resistance to down, but it is not a DWR for down, so take away the D (durable) part, its water-resistant but not durable water-resistant like the surface treatment on many garments that typically last through 80 or more washings. Bottom line, it’s still best to keep your down garments from getting dirty and wash them only when they really need it.

eVent DVdry LT for Footwear. Until now waterproof footwear has been based on a bootie or gasket, which places a waterproof-breathable sock inside the shoe, encasing the foot. With the eVent DVdry LT construction, the eVent laminate is the outer layer of the shoe.  eVent engineers developed a method that simplifies shoe construction, reduces weight, and increases breathability by 40%. In the photo above the yellow fabric (red in the rear shoe) exposed on the top and sides of the shoe is the face fabric of the laminate, with the eVent membrane right underneath it, so the laminate is the upper of the shoe. To create the technology eVent developed a new membrane and shoe construction method. The first company to adopt the technology is Topo Footwear, in their Topo Hydroventure shoe (photo) for spring 2016; $130.

Gore-Tex Active. Don’t confuse this with Gore-Tex Active Shell, which is the most breathable conventional Gore-Tex construction. Gore-Tex Active, like Columbia Outdry Extreme, puts the membrane on the outside of the garment. It required the development of a new membrane that is sufficiently durable to abrasion, UV light, etc. when it is exposed on the outside of a garment. The Gore representative emphasized that in its current form the technology is only suitable for running and cycling jackets; it is not durable enough for carrying a backpack.

One of the first companies to adopt Gore-Tex Active is The North Face in The North Face HyperAir Jacket (photo) for fall 2016. The jacket has two hand pockets with water-resistant zippers, a hem drawcord, attached hood, and Velcro tab cuffs. Weight is 7 ounces; MSRP is $250.

Gore-Tex Thermium. Thermium is a lightweight waterproof-breathable shell fabric from Gore intended for insulated jackets. This is a new membrane with enhanced water-resistance, wind-resistance, and breathability. The representative emphasized that the insulation (down or synthetic) is part of the construction and they are designed together.

One of the first companies to adopt Thermium is ArcTeryx in the ArcTeryx Firebee AR Parka (photo), which is insulated with a mix of down and Coreloft (synthetic), with a MSRP of $949.

Columbia Outdry Extreme Shell. We all know the limitations of waterproof-breathable jackets, when they get dirty or lose their DWR, they don’t work anymore unless you clean them and restore the DWR. The required maintenance is an inconvenience, and many buyers are not aware of the maintenance issue or don’t do it. OutDry Extreme is the first waterproof ultra-breathable jacket with a waterproof membrane on the outside of the jacket for permanent water repellency and durability. By putting an abrasion-resistant membrane on the outside where it’s in contact with the rain, there is virtually no risk of the jacket “wetting out” like others do when their DWR wears off. This is a durable, permanent waterproof layer that actively repels moisture and rain (left). The outside of the jacket has a “rubbery” look, and it is not lightweight so this is primarily a technology story. When Outdry Extreme arrives in spring 2016, Columbia will introduce it in 19 different styles of jackets and pants priced from $150 to $400.

New for fall 2016 is the Outdry Extreme membrane on the outside of a down jacket. The Columbia Diamond Down Insulated Jacket (right) is insulated with 800 fill-power Turbodown (why water-resistant down if the shell is so protective?) and will cost $500.

Pertex CS10. Pertex fabrics with CS10 technology use yarns with unique diamond shaped filaments (inset), which interlock to provide a very stable construction, like triangles in an engineered structure. These tightly interlocked filaments give fabrics superb abrasion resistance along with improved water beading properties. For example Velcro will abrade finely woven conventional fabrics, but will not abrade a fabric with CS10 technology. CS10 fabrics are also very soft to the touch, downproof, and have a pleasing sheen.

I asked the Pertex representative if CS10 will be a new category of Pertex fabrics or if it will be an enhancement to existing fabrics. He indicated it was undecided. However, the next day I found the Montane Hi Q Luxe Pro Pullon (photo) which features Pertex Quantum CS10 as the outer shell over insulation in the torso area. So there’s my answer – it’s an enhancement. The Luxe Pro Pullon is loaded with body mapped technologies; it’s made of Dry Active fleece with extra insulation in the torso area and top of the hood shelled with Pertex Quantum CS10, 2-way zipper so the bottom can be opened for ventilation, and a mesh inside water bottle pocket. Weight is 16 ounces and MSRP is $214.

Vibram Arctic Grip Compound.  According to Vibram’s press release, Arctic Grip is the most advanced wet ice gripping compound Vibram has created. I couldn’t get any information on the secret sauce in the new rubber compound, but it is claimed that Arctic Grip has up to 30% more traction on wet ice in extreme cold. Vibram had a slippery ice walk set up at their booth for attendees to try out shoes with Arctic Grip outsoles, and yes, it does make a big difference. If feels like you are wearing a traction device over your shoes, but you’re not; the outsole makes that much difference. I will update this report later when I can find more information describing how the technology works.

The Dyneema Project. Last summer I reported that Cubic Tech Corporation was acquired by DSM Dyneema, a large Dutch company. Now we are finding out more about the new owner’s visions for Dyneema, the criss-crossed fiber strands that provide exceptional strength to Cuben Fiber laminates. The first thing to know is that it’s not called Cuben Fiber anymore; the new name is “Dyneema Composite Fabrics”. We need to get used to that, but can we come up with a shorter, easier to remember name? Maybe “Cuben Fiber” won’t go away after all.

The Dyneema Project is a research, development, and applications group within Dyneema that will work with gear manufacturers to develop and tailor Dyneema Composite Fabrics to their specific needs. This approach isn’t unusual, other companies have been using that approach for years, companies like Gore, Boa, and Vibram. The best way to get your technology into applications is to be actively involved in assisting product specific development. The expected result is a wide range of products incorporating Dyneema to make them stronger, more durable, and lighter. For more detailed information on the Dyneema Project, read my recent article on the Gossamer Gear Blog.

Return To List of Outdoor Retailer 2016 Articles

Outdoor Retailer Winter 2016: FOOD

By Will Rietveld

I always enjoy sampling and reporting on new energy bars and snacks at OR, especially those offered by new companies. Please note that this article simply highlights new energy food products of interest, and by no means is it comprehensive of the category or constitute a review of the item. It’s simply a collection of items of interest for lightweight backcountry travel.

Compete Energy Bites. I covered these in my summer 2015 OR coverage, but I am including them again because they have been reformulated. Each bite contains 135 mg of caffeine, equivalent to a cup of coffee, and the caffeine is encapsulated to provide slow release, so no caffeine high followed by a crash. A 6-pack costs $4,49 and a 2-pack is $1.99.

Go Raw Sprouted Watermelon Seeds. According to their literature, “Sprouting seeds multiplies powerful nutrients and unlocks enzymes to supercharge digestion and support optimal health”. A bit of hype there… The sprouted watermelon seeds taste quite good, and an ounce provides 160 calories and 10 grams of protein. A 10 ounce package costs $10. As shown in the right photo, they have lots of other sprouted seed snacks, and all are claimed to be 100% junk free.

KaKookies. This is an energy bar in the form of a cookie, a healthy cookie. While many energy bars get rock hard when cold, KaKookies stay soft and are arguably a more inviting way to fuel up. They contain no wheat, dairy, or egg products. The Pecan Apricot flavor shown has 220 calories, 13 grams of fat, and 5 grams of protein per cookie. They cost $2.25 to $2.99 each.

K’UL Chocolate. These dark chocolate bars are labeled as a superfood with a glycemic index of 23 for long lasting energy and no crash. They contain guarana a natural energy booster and maca a natural stamina booster, plus seeds, algae protein, currants, pomegranates, and peanuts. One 50 gram bar provides 260 calories, 18 grams of fat, and 5 grams of protein. The bars cost $1.74 each.

Navitas Naturals Power Snacks. A new flavor featured at the show is Coffee-Cacao, which is delicious. Three pieces provide 130 calories, 6 grams of fat, and 4 grams of protein. An 8 ounce package costs $10.

Rx Bar. This is a tasty protein bar, providing 210 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 12 grams of protein per bar. No added sugar, dairy, soy, or gluten. Each bar contains three egg whites. They are available in eight flavors for $2.50 each.

Wildway Grainless Cereals. Grainless cereal – what? Yep, they are grain, wheat, and gluten free, non GMO, sweetner free, and Paleo friendly. And they taste great. It’s claimed to be calorie dense, but no specifics were provided. A 1.75 ounce package is claimed to be a meal. It’s available in six flavors, and a box of four packages costs $6.

Return To List of Outdoor Retailer 2016 Articles

Outdoor Retailer Winter 2016: CAMPING AND CLIMBING GEAR

By Will Rietveld

Please note that this article simply highlights new lightweight gear of interest, and by no means is it comprehensive of the category or constitute a review of the item. It’s simply a collection of new interesting gear for lightweight backcountry travel.

Items featured will be available in spring 2016 unless stated otherwise

Steripen RealTree UV Water Purifier. The RealTree will be Steripen’s smallest and lightest water purifier. It’s basically the Freedom without the integrated flashlight feature, making it a smidgeon lighter at 2.6 ounces. Like the Freedom, it has a built-in USB rechargeable battery and a lamp that will provide 5000 treatments. It will purify a pint of water in 48 seconds. MSRP is $70, compared to $100 for the Freedom. I didn’t like the flashlight feature of the Freedom anyway; it sometimes came on by itself inside my pack, draining the battery, and I never used it as a flashlight for the same reason. Finally, I don’t care for the camo theme on the RealTree because it makes it easier to lose; I would personally prefer a bright color so I don’t misplace it. Available in June 2016.

CAMP Essential Light Mat. The Light Mat is part of CAMP’s Essential line of gear that is designed to be so lightweight and functional that you will not want to leave it behind. I found several items in the Essential line to report on. The Light Mat is a full size 18x71-inch sleeping pad made of coated ripstop nylon. Note that it is fairly thin, about 1.5 inches, and it does not have any insulation at all, just air inside. The weight is 11.1 ounces and MSRP is $60. Available now.

 

Ace Camp Mosquito Headnet and Mosquito Canopy. The Mosquito Headnet weighs an ounce or less and costs $6. The A-frame shaped Mosquito Canopy are be available in 1-person and 2-person sizes for $35 and $40, respectively, and can be adapted to fit inside most tarps. That’s a great value. Weights are around 6 ounces and 9 ounces. Available now.

Big Agnes Fly Creek Tent With Mountain Glo. Big A’s Mountain Glo tents have been a big hit, and the technology is trickling down into their extensive tent line, even their ultralight tents. According to BA, the Mtn Glo feature, without the battery, adds only 1 ounce to the weight of the Fly Creek 2-person tent, but that weight is offset by a new pole structure that reduces weight and adds 25% more volume. Trail weight for the Fly Creek HV UL2 Mtn Glo model is 2 pounds and MSRP is $440; available in June 2016.

Black Diamond Couloir Harness. This new lightweight harness weighs just 7.6 ounces and costs $65.

Big Sky International Chinook 1P+ Tent. This is a three pole double-wall tent with an expandable floor feature – the floor can be narrowed to increase vestibule space, or widened to accommodate a second occupant. However, it’s a single door tent, which is not convenient for two people. A plus is the inner tent is a solid fabric which helps to keep dust and snow out and hold heat in. The floor is a durable 40 denier coated ripstop. Weight is 3 pounds 11 ounces and MSRP is $499. Available now.

Big Sky International Glacier Extreme Tent. This is a four-season three pole two person tent that weighs just 3 pounds 9 ounces. It has an end entry, solid fabric interior, two top vents and 40 denier floor. MSRP is $499; available now. This is one of the lightest four-season tents currently available, but there is not much vestibule storage; an add-on vestibule is planned.

CAMP Sky Carbon Trekking Poles. These 3-piece poles adjust from 115 to 135 cm and are 36 cm collapsed. They are made of carbon fiber and aluminum alloy. Weight is 13.3 ounces/pair and MSRP is $150.

CAMP Corsa Ice Axe. At 7.1 ounces, the Corsa is claimed to be the lightest ice axe in the world. The head and shaft are 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. Available in 50, 60, and 70cm lengths. This is the perfect ice axe for backpackers who might need an ice axe on early season trips. MSRP is $160. Available now.

Hydrapak Arctic Fusion Hydration System. The TPU foam insulation on the drink tube has been tested to -20F for 1 hour. It has an 85 fluid ounce TPU reservoir with a center baffle and a slide top closure for easy filling and cleaning. Total weight is 5.5 ounces. The tube can be purchased separately for $20, or the whole system for $40. Available spring 2016.

Hydrapak Seeker Flasks. The new Seeker Flasks, made of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), are so tough you can stand on them. They will be available in 1 liter (1.3 oz/$19), 2 liter (1.7 oz/$21), and 3 liter (2.1 oz/$22), which is similar to Platypus and other flasks. They have attachment points so they can be attached to a pack or limb in camp. Their 42 mm Flow Control cap allows you to drink or pour with ease. Available spring 2016. At this time there is no drink tube available so you can use the Seeker as a hydration reservoir.

Hydrapak Ultraflask. This type of water bottle isn’t just for ultra runners; it would also work well in a shoulder pouch for ultralight backpacking. When hiking where water is plentiful, it saves weight by carrying only a small amount, and the Ultraflask provides easy access. You simply squeeze it to dispense water. It’s available in spring 2016 in two sizes: 450 ml (1.3 oz/$19) and 600 ml (1.4 oz/$21). It’s made of very durable TPU plastic. 

Klymit Inertia Ozone Sleeping Pad. As with other pads in the Klymit Inertia series, this one is also full of holes to save weight. The unique feature of this pad is its attached pillow. Pad dimensions are 21.5x72 inches, weight is 12.5 ounces, and MSRP is $89. A bonus is it blows up very quickly.

Snow Peak LiteMax Titanium Stove. At 1.9 ounces, the LiteMax is now Snow Peak’s lightest stove. It does not have a piezo igniter, and one is not currently available as an add-on accessory. It produces 11,200 BTU, a tad more than their Gigapower stoves. And it’s very collapsible. MSRP is $60; available now.

Sea to Summit Ultralight Sleeping Pad. The recently introduced STS sleeping pad line has already gained a reputation for being comfortable and supportive. The Ultralight model is the lightest in the series. I want to point out that the Ultralite is available in a Short version, which is actually a mummy length measuring 21.5x66 inches, weighs 11.5 ounces and costs $100. The full length pad (shown) is 72 inches long, weighs 12.5 ounces, and costs $119. It’s temping to get the full-length pad. Available now.

Travelon Packable Multi-Pocket Backpacks. Two styles, lots of pockets as the name implies, lightweight, 8 ounces, $35, available now.

Yukon Charlie FlipOut Trekking Poles. This is a three-section collapsible pole available in carbon fiber or aluminum. The carbon version weighs 12 ounces, costs $99, and is available now. The first section provides adjustability from 110 to 130 cm, and its 35 cm long when collapsed. Available now; this is a great value.

Return To List of Outdoor Retailer 2016 Articles