![\"Best](\"images\/Best_Of_Winter2014.jpg\" "\\"Best")
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I have been going to the Outdoor Retailer show for over 15 years now and I am always on the look out for some innovative and new products. A couple years ago we decided to start giving out awards to the companies that have produced great gear. One of the hardest things about giving out awards is trying to decide what makes it and what doesn’t. And this year was no exception.\u00a0We have pick 14 new products that are either currently available or will be available later this year.<\/p>\n
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Saving weight and space is key in most outdoor activities. The Pocket Spike is a perfect example of a great product that does both. The POCKET SPIKE is at home on the fine ridge between ski mountaineering with an ice pick and free hillwalking in steep terrain. Although usually tucked away in your backpack or pants pocket (hence the name), the emergency axe can quickly be retrieved in dicey situations. In just two steps, you can mount it onto Ortovox\u2019s metal-reinforced PRO ALU III shovel handle for added protection. The POCKET SPIKE has two parts: The sharp forged axe head made of anodized AL 7075 T6 and the shaft spike, which replaces the shovel blade. The two parts can be folded together with no sharp edges for stowing in the carrying bag and weight just 95 grams. ORTOVOX offers the POCKET SPIKE either separately or as a set in combination with the PRO ALU III shovel. Suitable for all tours where a little additional support is needed over the last few meters.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Available fall 2014<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $50.00<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0http:\/\/www.ortovox.com\/3585–home.html<\/a><\/p>\n The winter show isn\u2019t usually full of tents but the Shield 2 has some unique features that surely deserve an award. First thing that I noticed was the fabric that is used. Big Agnes choose 37.5 (Cocona) breathable, waterproof fabric. This fabric provides exceptional moisture management and will help move moisture out of the tent to keep the inside dry and less stuffy. Another one of the features that caught my eye was the vents. They have created pass-throughs in the vents to give you the ability to secure yourself to a wall or anchor.\u00a0<\/p>\n Features:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Single door\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Heavy duty reflective guylines and reflective webbing\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0<\/span>37.5 (Cocona) breathable, waterproof fabric that vents moisture directly to the outside, keeping you and your bag dry inside\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u2022 Durable nylon laminated floor fabric\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 All seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape<\/p>\n \u2022 DAC Featherlite NSL pole system with press fit connectors\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 DAC Twist Clips and sleeves attach tent body to pole frame\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 8 lightweight Mega X stakes\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Over-sized, reinforced stake out loops – to be used with skis, ice axe, ski poles, etc.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Trail weight: 3lb 15oz\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Packed weight: 4lb 12oz\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Packed size: 5″ x 17.5″\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Floor size: 28 sq ft\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Head height: 40″\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0https:\/\/www.bigagnes.com<\/a><\/p>\n Salomon S-LAB Hybrid Jacket M\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n At first glance you will not see anything super special about this jacket. But I think that is why I have given it one of the best of show awards. This ultra-light hybrid jacket is perfect for those who love to move fast in the mountains. It has waterproof panels to protect you when the weather turns south. But what makes this jacket stand out is the innovative Quick Stash waist. The Quick Stash waist is a stretch panel around the waist that allows you to remove and store your jacket without stopping, just like a waist belt. Now, you don\u2019t have to try to tie the jacket around your waist or stuff it in a bag. It also features laser cut ventilation for breathability and an elastic band to keep the hood in place.\u00a0<\/p>\n Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Ultra-light jacket integrating waterproof panels\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 Innovative Quick Stash waist<\/p>\n \u2022 MotionFit technology<\/p>\n \u2022 AdvancedSkin Dry<\/p>\n \u2022 Skin fit hood SKIN FIT HOOD<\/p>\n \u2022 Active fit<\/p>\n \u2022 3\/4 front zip<\/p>\n \u2022 Reflective branding on front and back<\/p>\n \u2022 Weight: 4.23 oz.<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $275<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0http:\/\/www.salomon.com\/us\/range\/trail-running-s-lab.html<\/a><\/p>\n New Balance Chameleon Jacket<\/strong><\/p>\n For fall 2014, New Balance will expand its winter weather collection made for dedicated athletes who brave the frigid conditions for a great workout. The New Balance Chameleon Jacket features Polartec\u2019s Alpha fill technology providing down-like warmth in front and back heathered m\u00e9lange panels, extended hems in the back and reflectivity set this jacket apart from any other running jacket on the market. Polertec Alpha technology uses an open-construction weave to create airflow that pulls moisture away from the body and holds in warmth for a unique and versatile running jacket perfect for extreme winter weather workouts. The new Chameleon Jacket provides insulated warmth while remaining remarkably lightweight and extremely breathable.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $150.00<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0http:\/\/www.newbalance.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n Columbia 890 Diamond TurboDown\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Features of the 890 TurboDown:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Omni-Heat reflective lining<\/p>\n \u2022 Water resistant fabric<\/p>\n \u2022 Draw cord adjustable hem<\/p>\n \u2022 Zippered hand pockets<\/p>\n \u2022 Hood<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $325<\/p>\n \u2022 http:\/\/www.columbia.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n The Terrex Climaheat Ice Jacket is a high-end insulation jacket that will be available for winter 2014. What is different with this jacket is the new PrimaLoft Down blend filling which provides exceptional climate comfort. A known problem of box-wall down jackets is the fact that between the single insulation boxes, heat escapes through the seams. In its Climaheat Ice Jacket, adidas puts an end to this by employing a new, innovative concept: The insulation boxes have different sizes and overlap, thus covering the seams completely and trapping the heat. The jacket is elongated and has elastic stretch panels filled with PrimaLoft\u00ae on the sides and the upper back, providing additional insulation. This guarantees ideal fit and total freedom of movement whilst keeping the heat where it belongs: close to the body.<\/p>\n Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 PrimaLoft\u00ae Down Blend Gold: 30% PrimaLoft\u00ae and 70% goose down<\/p>\n \u2022 Water repellent ripstop outer fabric<\/p>\n \u2022 Insulating, breathable stretch panels<\/p>\n \u2022 3-point adjustable hood<\/p>\n \u2022 Two zipped side pockets<\/p>\n \u2022 One chest pocket<\/p>\n \u2022 Elasticated cuffs<\/p>\n \u2022 Cocona\u00ae lining for moisture management<\/p>\n \u2022 Available in both men\u2019s and women\u2019s styles<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $350<\/p>\n \u2022 http:\/\/www.adidas.com\/us\/outdoor\/<\/a><\/p>\n Icebreaker Helix\/Halo Jackets<\/strong><\/p>\n Icebreaker\u2019s 2014 Fall\/Winter collection debuts technical and lifestyle jackets made from MerinoLOFT, a new lightweight insulation created from premium, ethically-sourced wool fibers. Ten percent of the loft comes from recycled merino offcuts salvaged from the factory floor, while the jackets\u2019 water repellent shell is made from recycled polyester. MerinoLOFT garments are Icebreaker\u2019s warmest-ever jackets, and are ideal for lightweight layering. \u00a0 Unlike puffer jackets made from down or a synthetic fill, MerinoLOFT jackets are warm when wet \u2013 great for adverse weather conditions. A durable woven merino lining next to the skin regulates temperature and breathes to prevent overheating and clamminess. Built for the outdoors and styled for the city, the Halo Hood and Halo 3Q Jacket for women and the Helix Hood for men which have a shaped hood and an internal storm flap for extra warmth and protection. The Halo Hood has a tapered construction to give it an even sleeker, more slimmed-down look and comes with a drawcord to keep out the cold for even more warmth.<\/p>\n \u2022 Available for men (Helix) and women (Halo)\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $349<\/p>\n \u2022 http:\/\/us.icebreaker.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n The Betty Down Hoody from FlyLow has been one of my wife\u2019s favorite jackets. The only downside to it is that it is not waterproof. But that is where the Jody Down Jacket comes in. It is perfect for those days when you want to ski in a down jacket. It has a waterproof\/breathable membrane to keep snow and water out. The Jody Down is a 600-fill down jacket with a removable powder skirt, a helmet-compatible hood, and a long length for sitting on cold chairlifts. Also when you are working up a sweat the waterproof membrane is also breathable.<\/p>\n Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 10K\/10K waterproof breathable membrane<\/p>\n \u2022 Fully seam taped<\/p>\n \u2022 4 pckets<\/p>\n \u2022 Helmet-compatible hood<\/p>\n \u2022 Powder guard snaps<\/p>\n \u2022 High performance DWR<\/p>\n \u2022 600 fill down<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $350<\/p>\n \u2022 http:\/\/flylowgear.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n For Fall 2014 KEEN adds the Durand collection to its hiking selection. The Durand collection offers hikers looking to log serious miles a full-featured, durable option from KEEN. It is also made in KEEN\u2019s factory in Portland, Oregon. The Durand features a unique direct-inject construction technique that attaches a water-proof Nubuck leather and breathable mesh upper directly to the midsole resulting in unprecedented durability. Designed to offer the wearer underfoot support, cushioning and protection on long hikes, the Durand employs a PU blended midsole and integrated heel cushion that rebound step after step. In a compression test conducted to demonstrate how the Durand resists compacting overtime, results showed after one million steps, the KEEN PU midsole compressed 3 percent vs. more than 50 percent compression of a traditional EVA midsole.<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $180<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0http:\/\/www.keenfootwear.com\/us\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n Lowa has been making some great boots for years and they have even been making climbing shoes in Europe for a few years. 2014 will be the first year that they bring climbing shoes to the US. The X-Boulder is a top performance climbing shoe with a moderately aggressive downturn and extra stiff midsole that excels at steep and overhanging technical bouldering and sport climbing. The X-style Velcro closure system provides a custom fit for different foot types. Out of the box, very comfortable, with little to no break-in required. High toe box allows for powerful toe position without discomfort.<\/p>\n Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Microfiber upper.<\/p>\n \u2022 X-style Velcro\u2122 closure system, for great foot hold, with a wide, comfortable last.<\/p>\n \u2022 Anti-bacterial Bio-Active lining, provides excellent temperature regulation, while inhibiting odors.<\/p>\n \u2022 Extra-stiff midsole<\/p>\n \u2022 VIBRAM\u00ae XS-Grip outsole with great ‘stickiness.’<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $175.00<\/p>\n \u2022 http:\/\/www.lowaboots.com\/catalog\/x-boulder\/4301123030\/18<\/a><\/p>\n New for 2014, Nite Ize introduces the INOVA STS Headlamp, the first ever multi-mode, dual color LED headlamp with Swipe-to-Shine\u2122 Technology. The INOVA STS multi mode headlamp makes brilliant hands-free illumination simple, versatile and comfortable. The advanced engineering in the Swipe-to-Shine\u2122 interface allows simple access to multiple modes in both white and red LED color. By swiping your finger on the swipe-to-shine panel on the top of the lamp\u2019s housing, you can easily turn the lamp off\/on, change LED color and switch between high, variable dim, low, strobe and lockout mode. Lightweight body, high quality woven strap and waterproof construction makes the INOVA Radiant STS Headlamp an indispensable high-performance lighting tool anywhere hands-free illumination is needed.<\/p>\n Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Red and White LED\u2028<\/p>\n \u2022 Both light colors available in high, low, variable dim, strobe and lockout mode<\/p>\n \u2022 Waterproof up to 1 meter<\/p>\n \u2022 3 AAA batteries (alkaline or lithium) Fully O-ring sealed battery box with solid latch<\/p>\n \u2022 Available in 3 colors: black, blue and orange\u2028<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $34.99<\/p>\n \u2022 http:\/\/www.niteize.com\/product\/INOVA-STS-Headlamp.asp<\/a><\/p>\n What makes this headlamp stand out from other headlamps is its ability to automatically adjust the beam of light to where your eyes are looking. When your head moves up or down your eyes add to the angle resulting in the line of sight not catching the beam of light. Traditionally headlamps have tilt adjuster to compensate for this, but Snow Peak designed this light to eliminate the need of manually adjusting the light. Snow Peak’s new Mola Headlamp, with Optic Motility technology enables the angle of the light to follow the vertical angle of your eyes. By employing a counter balance to dynamically adjust the beam direction by using the movement of your head to approximate angle your eyes move at.\u00a0<\/p>\n Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Weight 2.5 oz.<\/p>\n \u2022 Material: PMMA, poly carbonate, elastromer<\/p>\n \u2022 Output 11o lumnes<\/p>\n \u2022 2 AAA alkaline batteries<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $59.95<\/p>\n \u2022 http:\/\/www.snowpeak.com\/lighting\/headlamp.html\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022 Currently available at REI\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Louis Garneau Black Everest<\/strong><\/p>\n What made this snowshoe stand out for me was the BOA mechanism on the foot harness. This provides a great fit that is easy to adjust and holds the foot evenly. The Black Everest is designed for backcountry hiking, and perfect for steep ascents and access to summits. The light and sturdy deck has a sharp front edge that provides great snow shedding, and high carbon steel crampons ensure maximum traction on any terrain and condition. The free foot rotation on axle ensures an efficient stride and the heel raiser reduces calf fatigue while climbing.<\/p>\n Features:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Single BOA mechanism<\/p>\n \u2022 Sharp edge on the frontal area<\/p>\n \u2022 U-shaped profile reinforcing the deck structure<\/p>\n \u2022 Crampons and V-rail<\/p>\n \u2022 Free foot rotation on axle for an efficient stride<\/p>\n \u2022 Contact harness system with EVA padding<\/p>\n \u2022 MSRP: $189.99<\/p>\n![\"Ortovox](\"images\/ortovox_pocketSpike.jpg\" "\\"Ortovox")
Ortovox Shovel POCKET SPIKE<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Big](\"images\/bigAgnes_ShieldTent.jpg\" "\\"Big")
Big Agnes Shield 2 Tent<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Salomon](\"images\/salomon_slab_hybrid.jpg\" "\\"Salomon")
\u2022 MSRP: $599<\/p>\n![\"New](\"images\/NB_PolartecAlpha.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Columbia](\"images\/Columbia_turbodown.jpg\" "\\"Columbia")
Columbia has once again taken their technology one step further with the creation of TurboDown. By taking their Omni-Heat thermal insulation and layering it with premium down, Columbia has created a new line of jackets. TurboDown is also enhanced with Omni-Heat thermal reflective which reflects body heat while maintaining a high level of breathability. Columbia has created three different levels in this jacket series. First they have Gold, that has 550 down fill with 100 grams of Omni-Heat thermal insulation. Next is Platinum, with 800 down fill and 60 grams of Omni-Heat insulation. The premium is Diamond which had 850 down fill with 40 grams of Omni-Heat insulation. \u00a0<\/p>\n![\"adidas](\"images\/adidas_climateheat.jpg\" "\\"adidas")
adidas Terrex Climaheat Ice Jacket<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Icebreaker](\"images\/icebreaker_halo.jpg\" "\\"Icebreaker")
<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"FlyLow](\"images\/flylow_jody.jpg\" "\\"FlyLow")
FlyLow Jody Down<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Keen](\"images\/keen_durand.jpg\" "\\"Keen")
Keen Durand Mid<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Lowa](\"images\/lowa_xboulder.jpg\" "\\"Lowa")
Lowa X-Boulder<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Nite](\"images\/NiteIze_INOVASTS.jpg\" "\\"Nite")
Nite Ize STS headlamp<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Snow](\"images\/snowpeak_mola.jpg\" "\\"Snow")
Snow Peak Mola headlamp<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Garneau](\"images\/garneau_everest.jpg\" "\\"Garneau")
<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"Vapur](\"images\/vapur_shakefilter.jpg\" "\\"Vapur")
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