Spyderco Restyles Its $75 Tenacious Knife in a Fan-Favorite Jade G-10 Tanto Combo
Benchmade’s Arguably Best-Looking Flipper Is Also Its Most Affordable
These Stylish New Raincoats Feature a Not-So-Secret Ingredient
The raincoat is one of those highly specific, insanely useful products that hasn’t seen a lot of innovation over the years. When you picture a raincoat, what do you see? A slick, shiny trench-inspired number, meant to repel both rainwater and human contact? See George Costanza’s staple below.
The raincoat needed a little updating, and Aether decided to give the people what they want (and deserve) with its new rain coats: they’re streamlined and sleek, and feature a not-so-secret ingredient that places them a cut above the rest: Gore-Tex.
Aether’s new Tower Jacket was designed for the city, sure, but thanks to its capable wind-and-waterproof nature, you could take it out on a hike in a pinch. Built with super lightweight Gore-Tex Infinium 2-layer fabric, the Tower Jacket also boasts fully taped seams, weatherproof chest and hand pocket zippers and a center-back vent to help with range of motion.
The women’s Cirrus jacket features many of the same performance attributes, with city styling. Along with the center back vent built to increase range of motion, the Cirrus also features hidden snaps at the welt pockets, the center-back vent, and at the sleeve plackets for easy rolling up.
Both jackets are designed for the unpredictable weather that characterizes spring and summer, and although they’re both only available in one colorway (0nyx black), they’re a modern update to the classic frumpy raincoat, ideal for weathering both urban and outdoor environments.
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The James Brand Just Re-Released the Ellis Knife
It’s sleek, it’s simple and it’s reimagined. The James Brand has re-released The Ellis, a mainstay multi-tool in the world of EDC, with a ground-up redesign. The brand took consumer feedback into account, and gave the Ellis new life, including major updates like scissors, as well as more minor updates including three colorways.
As noted above, the most obvious update to the Ellis is the addition of The James Brand’s very first pair of scissors, which ups the ante in terms of the Ellis’ versatility. The James Brand also switched the Ellis over to a slip-joint design, which in simple terms, uses a metal bar spring that holds the knife open and closed, making it easier to use.
Continuing the progression of functionality, there’s also a new deep-carry wire clip, as well as a flat head screwdriver, pry tool and The James Brand’s All Things scraper. The partially-serrated Sandvik 12C27 blade allows for sawing and slicing, maintaining the commitment to a multi-use mentality.
At less than 3.0 ounces, the new-and-improved Ellis multi-tool is ideal for weekend camping trips, quick jobs around the house — and of course, every day carry. We recommend picking one up now, before they’re gone again.
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The Eliminator by Bell Is the Ultimate Street Helmet for Serious Riders
Bell has been making helmets for bikers who like to push the limits since the 1950s. Those 60 years of evolution have produced the Eliminator helmet. Designed with Bell’s drag racing DNA in mind, the auto-inspired design features a fiberglass composite shell and can be worn with a no-fog face shield or visor. Available in colors such as dark smoke, gold and silver iridium–or a custom hue–there is an Eliminator for everyone. For the ultimate style and performance, there’s the Eliminator Carbon, which delivers everything you love about the original Eliminator but with a lightweight 6k carbon fiber shell.
Sunglasses-Compatible
Special pockets woven directly into the Eliminator’s interior liner ensure eyewear compatibility.
6K Carbon Fiber Shell
The 6K carbon fiber gives the Eliminator Carbon helmet the look and performance of a true race helmet.
Capable
Featuring a ProVision anti-fog insert, the Eliminator can handle everyday riding as well as tackle extreme competition.
The Eliminator – Price: $420
The Eliminator Carbon – Price: $640
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Check Out the Best New Outdoor Gear of February 2022
Do you feel that? Is it… could it be… a slight glimmer of spring in the air? Depending on where you are in the country, it could be a balmy 75 degrees or a frigid 35, and that’s the beauty of February; a combination of winter fatigue and spring hopefulness, all rolled into one turbulent month.
Whether you’re sliding sideways, applying sunscreen or hitting the town, you’ll need gear that performs in the cold, protects against the elements and looks good doing it. So with no further ado, here’s the best outdoor gear of February 2022.
Goldwin Pertex Shieldair Pullover
Goldwin
Goldwin
Gorpcore enthusiasts will love Goldwin’s new pullover for its minimal aesthetic, calming colorways and performance capabilities. The loose, pullover style cuts weight and ups comfort, while the waterproof, recycled material protects against the elements. The offset zipper on the collar minimizes friction against the face, and the long zippers on both sides of the garment can be opened for ventilation, or to access a hidden inner pocket.
Price: $450
Gordini x Thindown Gloves
Gordini
Dispelling the myth that to be warm, down needs to be bulky, these gloves prove less is more. For Fall 2022, Gordini has partnered with ThinDown by NIPI, (Natural Insulation Products Inc.,) to bring its patented down fabric insulation to eight new glove styles. By compressing the down and turning it into fabric, rather than fill, material is saved and performance is enhanced.
Roots Polartec® Overshirt
Roots
Roots
If you’re style-minded but still want to stay warm this winter, reach for this overshirt. Roots tapped Polartec to infuse their street-ready styles with soft and cozy fleece, with durability to boot. We’re digging the Overshirt for its tonal overlays on the back and elbows, as well as its use of recycled materials. The classic fit will fit in anywhere — pair it with jeans or hiking pants, and you’re set.
Price: $138
Matador Droplet Water-Resistant Stuff Sack
Matador
Good things come in small packages. We’re guessing that’s the ethos behind Matador’s new 2.5-liter stuff sack, which fits into a teeny tiny silicone case that can be attached to a keychain or backpack. Sealed seams and water-resistant 20D nylon ripstop with a PU
coating keep wet items like bathing suits or rain jackets separate from dry, or protects items from moisture in a pinch. When you’re not using the stuff sack, pack it into its little silicone case, and snap it onto your bag.
Price: $17
Osprey Transporter 4-Wheel Hybrid Carry-On
Osprey
Osprey’s new carry-on is made largely from recycled road barriers — a novel approach to making use of materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill. The rugged polycarbonate shell exterior constructed, of 80-percent recycled post-consumer materials, is a hybrid design that features a combination hardshell (to protect items on long travel days) and TPU coated fabric, which expands to provide 5 additional liters on top of the thirty-six standard liters. At just under 7 pounds, the Transporter is lightweight and ready to travel.
Price: $290
Snow Peak x Rumpl Nanoloft Takibi Blanket
Snow Peak
Snow Peak and Rumpl are back at it again: the two brands have teamed up once again, this time to release a limited-edition, fireproof blanket that combines Rumpl’s post-consumer recycled Nanoloft insulation with Snow Peak’s own recycled ripstop with fire-resistant aramid material. New for 2022, the cozy fireside blanket is wrapped in an eco-conscious face fabric that’s made using natural fire-resistant fibers, mixed with cotton and polyester. On top of that, there’s no chemical coating on Nanoloft Takibi, so you can feel safe wrapping yourself and your loved ones in it for a little extra campsite warmth.
Price: $199
MAAP x 100% Hypercraft Sunglasses
MAAP
Ultralight, ultra-strong. Maap and 100% have teamed up again to release all-new eyewear; this limited edition pair combines the forward-thinking design aesthetic of Maap with 100%’s UltraCarbon performance tech, resulting in a pair of shades that’s a minuscule 23 grams and incredibly strong. Full-spectrum UV protection including UVA, UVB and UV400 keeps your peepers protected, while the proprietary Hiper Lens boosts contrast and colors and enhances detail, so you can cycle safely. The Hypercraft Sunglasses are available in two colorways, Copper and Silver.
Price: ~$218
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Honorable Mention: Bodega x Helinox Natural Habitat Collection
Helinox
This one sold out fast, but man, it was good while it lasted. The much-hyped Natural Habitat Collection flew off the proverbial shelves, thanks to its campy colorway and Bodega prints, combined with Helinox’s premium construction. The collection featured a camp chair, camp cot and table, and was inspired in part by the connection between our urban and rural spaces. Fingers crossed this one will get restocked soon.
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Canyon’s Newest Trail Bike is the Ultimate Quiver Killer
Are you looking to get a little rowdy? Searching for that perfect long and low trail ripper that’s going to be able to keep up with whatever you throw at it? If the answer is “yes” to each of these questions, you’ll want to check out Canyon’s newest family of bikes, the Spectral 125.
Canyon is calling their newest trail bike a quiver killer, and rightfully so. Dubbing it the “Swiss Army bike,” this slack and aggressive short-travel 29er is an update to last year’s Spectral platform. It fully maximizes its 125 mm of rear travel, enhancing connection to the trail while fully leaning into challenging terrain.
So, what are the specs on the Spectral? The frame is solid yet nimble, and is balanced with a 64-degree head tube angle that optimizes confidence. Canyon took their long-travel predecessor and shortened up the travel, beefing up the playfulness and and responsiveness with more supportive suspension.
Leaning on the ever-popular addition of carbon fiber, Canyon’s engineers integrated the hard-working material into the ultra-light 2,500 gram full-carbon chassis, thereby lightening the overall weight and improving strength. The 3,000 gram AL model integrates alloy, allowing it to ride similarly to the carbon model while maintaining durability, and wallet-friendliness.
As part of today’s launch, Canyon is offering five different Spectral 125 models: two alloy models and three carbon versions with global component specs shared in all markets around the world. The Spectral 125 range starts out with the Spectral 5 and its capable alloy frame, Shimano Deore groupset, reliable RockShox 35 Gold fork, and tubeless-compatible tires and rims. For those of you seeking premium, the flagship Spectral 125 CF 9 comes with wireless GX AXS transmission, Fox Factory suspension, and disarmingly light (but tough) DT Swiss XMC 1501 carbon wheels. If you’re looking for something in-between, the three additional models will have you covered.
The complete Spectral 125 family is now available to order at canyon.com.
Note: Canyon USA will only offer the CF 9 in the Big Bamboo colorway.
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The Eco-Friendly Wetsuit Brand That’s Perfect For Athletes of All Kinds
Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or someone diving into the sport for the very first time, it pays to have a great wetsuit — even if you’re not planning on entering into any serious competition. Since Sumarpo was founded in 2008, the brand stands apart in the space for its commitment to eco-conscious design without sacrificing on performance. This focus on eco-wetsuits with cutting-edge technology includes using non-benzene, water-based adhesives and recycled fabric linings. Taking a look at models like the Victory, Vanguard, Race and N-Joy, all of its wetsuits feature tap into the best technology in the industry, like eco-friendly Yamamoto 100 percent Limestone neoprene — which is considered to be some of the best neoprene in the world (with 30 percent more buoyancy than other wetsuits). If you’re thinking about diving into the world of competitive swimming or triathlons, it’s never been a better time to invest in a Sumarpo wetsuit. Just in time for the holidays, shoppers can enjoy up to $200 off selected items across the entire Sumarpo lineup.
Price: $180+
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The Best New Bikes and Accessories of 2021
This story is part of our end-of-year series This Year in Gear, rounding up the most notable releases of 2021.
If the bike boom that began nearly two years ago now is beginning to slow down, no one told the brands. This past 12 months featured bike and accessory makers catering to an ever-wider swath of riders, flexing innovation and production muscles in eye-popping ways.
With the wheels themselves, we saw a Tour de France legend launch a slick e-bike brand and the debut of our favorite new fixie, plus gorgeous road, gravel and mountain bikes at a range of price points. On the accessories side, a vaunted road apparel brand took to the trails, helmets and shoes shaved weight and upstarts developed new ways to mount phones and connect with pedals.
We’ve been tracking the highlights along the way of course. The following 15 drops have us the most excited to saddle up and ride.
Bikes
LeMond Prolog
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The first of LeMond’s sexy new ebikes looks to be worth the wait. This carbon fiber AF ride is sleek, fast and surprisingly light at 26 pounds. A 250-watt motor boosts you to 20 miles per hour, with a range of 45 miles, teaming with an 11-speed Shimano drivetrain to tackle all kinds of ups and downs.
Price: $4,500+
Priority Ace
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The Ace is the only belt drive single speed with a Gates Carbon Drive and a flip-flop rear hub that makes it dead simple to adjust gear ratios and even switch over to fixed gear. We’ve exhaustively tested the lighter, faster Ace of Spades — there’s also a more recreational version called Ace of Clubs — in fixie mode and hot damn if this 22-pound beauty isn’t one of the smoothest, funnest rides we’ve been on in a very long time.
Price: $599 (Clubs); $899 (Spades)
Specialized Crux
Specialized
The facts and figures alone impress: a frame weight of less than two pounds, 47c of tire clearance, efficient SRAM 1x drivetrain, zippy electronic shifting and disc brakes. But it’s on and off road where this revamped ultralight gravel bike proves its worth. We’ve been test-riding the mid-level Expert edition over the past month, and it’s so fast and fun, we can’t help but take the long way home. Stay tuned for a full review in early 2022, but the Crux of the matter is that this bike rocks.
Price: $4,200+
Pivot E-Vault
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Pivot’s new, carbon-framed e-bike is so progressive it’s hard to encapsulate, but a couple of features really stand out. First, the lightweight Fazua Drive System decouples from the bottom bracket when not engaged, enabling you to ride it very much like a regular bike when you like. Second, you can integrate your own fitness data and customize the wireless shifting and power output, getting just what you need out of three levels of pedal assistance.
Price: $9,299+
Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1
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We are hard-pressed to outdo Cannonale’s own description here: “a true performance road bike with race-winning DNA – delivering champagne experience for lemonade money.” Streamlined geometry, an alloy frame with a full-carbon fork and Shimano 105 11-speed shifting bode well for follow-through on that promise.
Price: $1,600
Allied Cycle Works Echo
Allied Cycle Works
This new bike perfectly represents the drive to ride anywhere. As we noted last week, the Echo features flip chips and a corresponding dropout design that lets you shift its geometry. In 15 minutes, you can adjust the chainstay length and fork length to transform from a speedy road bike to a nimble gravel bike. Considering Allied’s history of high-performance gravel bikes, that’s super exciting.
Price: $6,535+
Canyon Grand Canyon 7
Canyon
This surprisingly affordable hardtail is Canyon’s best-selling mountain bike in Europe. Now available stateside, it features nearly 5 inches of front travel, a seat dropper and a lightweight aluminum frame — the whole rig comes in just under 31 pounds.
Price: $1,299
Accessories
Specialized S-Works Ares
Specialized
Weighing less than a pound per pair, this ergonomic breakthrough boasts a super-stiff and responsive carbon outsole, a Dyneema-reinforced lining and BOA’s newest dials, which can both tighten and loosen (as opposed to only the former) for a perfect fit. It all adds up to a very specific, critical and believable promise: the Ares is one percent faster than anything else Specialized makes.
Price: $425
POC Ventral Lite
POC
How’d POC get this helmet down to a feathery 8.5 ounces? By stripping it down to its very essence. The liner is specially shaped to accommodate a lower-density foam, the straps and clip are super streamlined and the outer PC shell is strategically abbreviated, covering only what it must. The happy byproduct is, of course, maximal air flow, another boon to those who prefer to ride hard and fast.
Price: $275
Chrome Mini Kadet Sling
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If you love the Kadet but are looking for something more streamlined, you are in luck. Chrome’s new Mini Kadet boasts many of the same features — water-resistant main compartment, padded rear u-lock holster, integrated bottle opener — but it’s roughly half the size, with 5 liters of storage space rather than 9.
Price: $75
Rapha Performance Trailwear Lightweight Jacket
Rapha
Long celebrated for well considered road apparel, Rapha splashed into mountain biking last week with its smartly designed Performance Trailwear collection. A great example is this lightweight windbreaker, which cleverly packs into its own chest pocket and attaches to your bike frame with an included storage strap, so it’s ready whenever you need it.
Price: $180
Pit Viper High Speed Off Road – MTB Short
Pit Viper
The brand best known for colorful throwback shades and a devoted social media following also makes high-end activewear dubbed LXIX Exclusive — and hit the mark with these puppies. Knee-length but streamlined for speed, they feature a hook-and-loop waist adjustment system, light, stretchy fabric and laser-cut thigh vents. Three zippered pockets, including a sneaky phone slot, round out the winning package.
Price: $74.25
Peak Design Out-Front Bike Mount
Peak Design
Peak Design’s sweeping new approach to phone cases and mounts is exemplified by this mount’s seamless interface with the Everyday case. It locks in with magnets and clips and is super secure — we even gave the bars a vigorous shake (not shown) — yet can be detached using one hand via a clever button-release system. You can also easily rotate the mount to use as your phone as a handlebar cam or turn the flashlight into a bike light.
Price: $69.95
Hustle Bike Labs REMtech Pedals
Hustle Bike Labs
Crested Butte, Colorado-based mountain biker Craig Payne was driven to design a quicker-releasing clipless pedal after a brush with death in 2015. His solution? Neodymium magnets, which allow your feet to find their natural position while staying connected with the pedal — and detach as soon as your foot angles out of the magnetic plane (intentionally or unintentionally). The system works with standard two-bolt SPD shoes and is available now.
Price: $219
Uncharted Park Pack
Uncharted Supply Co.
The magic of this hip pack’s in a “flop-free” structure and an EVA-molded panel that wraps away from the user’s back, doing away with uncomfortable bouncing and chafing. Detachable water bottles evade swinging arms, the included Triage Kit addresses first aid and gear repair, and modular attachments enable you to upgrade it for a variety of activities.
Price: $159
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The Ultimate Weekend Ski Kit
Whether you prefer the gladed runs of east coast skiing or the bottomless powder of mountains out west, both require gear that makes your day on the mountain an enjoyable one and won’t let you down when you need it most. AETHER makes just such gear, and has been a standard-setting name in ski gear since the brand launched in 2009. Made with high-quality fabrics and designed with consideration for everything you might run into while braving the elements, AETHER’s Mission Kit is uncompromising. But beyond just a jacket and pants, AETHER has everything you need to upgrade your gear — this kit will ensure you spend more time cruising down the mountain and less time in the lodge trying to get the feeling back in your toes.
MISSION SNOW SHELL
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol Studios
Aptly named, this jacket is up for whatever mission you have planned this winter. Made with a three-layer GORE-TEX shell, this jacket is waterproof, wind-resistant- and full of details that you never even knew you needed. The collar is insulated with 40g Primaloft® Bio® insulation and extends past the center-front zipper so your face stays protected when the wind picks up. It also includes a pass pocket on the sleeve for easy access to the lift (no more awkward shimmy trying to get your pass close enough to the scanner) and a chest pocket with velcro to stash your valuables (it’ll cut down on your chances of being the person hiking up the lifeline trying to find what you dropped). The Mission Snow Shell is perfect for a winter spent on the slopes.
Price: $895
To Round Out The Kit
Gear Patrol Studios
Stealth Snow Bib Graphite by AETHER $695
Canton Jacket Nordic Navy by AETHER $325
Vapor Base Layer Pant Black by AETHER $85
Vapor Base Layer Crew Black by AETHER $85
Dolomite Boot by AETHER $400
Cashmere Beanie by AETHER $95
Hinckley Overlanding GOAT Trailer
Overlanding doesn’t require you to spend six figures on a capacious vehicle in order to participate, and Hinckley’s new GOAT trailer is evidence of that. The GOAT trailer doesn’t even need a light-duty pickup truck…
The post Hinckley Overlanding GOAT Trailer first appeared on Cool Material.
Zeb Powell’s Future Is So Bright, He’s Gotta Wear (Heart-Shaped) Shades
Zeb Powell is about to drop in. His first X Games. His fourth run. The nascent Knuckle Huck contest, just about to blow up.
It’s late January 2020, a couple months before the world will shut down, and the Aspen crowd waits to watch competitors launch off the knuckle — the tabletop hump beside the Big Air jump. It’s more fun — and less predictable — than a halfpipe or slopestyle event, where the bazillion rotations are impressive but … repetitive.
Powell stands out in a big way. A Black rider in the snowflake-white snowboarding world, he is known to ride unconventional boards — fish sticks in the park, freeriding on a 210-centimeter deck! — and eschew beanies, helmets and goggles.
Tonight is a bit different. With a required brain bucket pushing his dreadlocks against his head, Powell peers through a pair of heart-shaped shades that belong on the cover of a Lolita paperback.
Then things get weird. Seconds into his descent, Powell’s on his back. What just happened? Did he slip? Or was it another wild trick, like the Coffin Slide — an intentional backslide on the snow — that kick-started his first run?
Unfazed, Powell is back on his feet. He doubles down, completing a sequence that momentarily silences both commentators.
This ain’t dead air.
It’s the sublime surprise of bearing witness to the future of snowboarding — and being helpless to clearly articulate what you just saw.
Having watched the clip several times, I’d call it a nose press on the drop to an ollie off the nose, a sweet recovery the 21-year-old Powell has dubbed a “fall and save at the same time.” He then goes off the knuckle backwards (aka switch), launching into a strange, semi-inverted, spinning, body-contorting airborne shuffle — and of course sticking the landing.
No wonder his family and friends sometimes call him Cat. With feline swagger, Powell makes even missteps appear intentional. To this day, the trick has no name —transcendence is like that sometimes.
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Powell grew up in Waynesville, North Carolina, with three siblings. Like Zeb, they’re adopted. From day one, he was in perpetual motion, incapable of walking a straight line.
“There was always a zig or zag or a jump or a flip,” says Zeb’s mom, Val, in an X-Games-produced profile video.
As many East Coast riders do, Powell first hit the slopes at night — a time when visibility is tough through tinted lenses, which may explain his distaste for goggles. Despite an instructor setting up the goofy-footed rider with a regular stance, the then-seven-year-old hit one box and was all in.
North Carolina’s minuscule Cataloochee Ski Area — 740 vertical feet, 50 acres, tiny terrain park — became his second home, even when the weather sucked.
“I was always trying to get as much air as possible,” he recalls. “That forced my mind to look for all the jumps I could find. That still rings true today.”
Like Rhode Island’s Yawgoons and New Hampshire’s Bode Miller, Powell embodies how crappy conditions and small hills can cultivate alpine game changers. Check his Instagram, where nearly 200,000 followers monitor his mind-boggling spins, flips and slides from Stowe, Vermont, to Mount Hood, Oregon, and you’ll get the picture.
But how good is he? Legendary X Games commentator Selema “Sal” Masekela puts him in the class of icons Shaun White, Travis Rice and Chloe Kim.
“Zeb Powell is the type of snowboarder who comes along once or twice in a generation,” he raves. “His style is unique and feels new. It’s a definitive self expression — you’re watching the creativity and the potential of the sport be recalibrated in real time.”
As his star rises, Powell is aware of the opportunity he has to get young people with diverse backgrounds excited about snowboarding. When we spoke, he was coming off a few days at Big Snow American Dream, an indoor slope in East Rutherford, New Jersey. There, he rode with a crew from a non-profit called Hoods To Woods that introduces city kids, many of them Black, to snow sports.
“I want to come up with a cool event that caters to my type of riding and upbringing,” he says. “A fun event that everyone would love around the East Coast and maybe even take it nationwide or worldwide.” Fortunately, his main sponsor is a brand with a rep for making such things happen: Red Bull.
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Still, we wonder, what’s with those heart-shaped sunnies?
Legend has it Powell’s sister Scout was wearing a pair when she took her little bro out for breakfast the morning of the contest. Later that day, she lost them at the venue. He then found a similar if not identical pair.
“I was walking out for practice before the event,” Powell remembers. “I realized I didn’t have any shades or any goggles or anything. I looked down, and they were just by my feet. She might be the reason why I’m known for them now.”
But Powell’s goggle-free days might becoming to a close. He’s working with Smith Optics on a collaboration.
Skullcandy is another new sponsor, joining Thirtytwo, Burton Snowboards, Etnies and North Carolina’s Recess Skate and Snow shop. So he’s been listening to music while riding more often than he has in the past. But it’s complicated.
“I like looking at my surroundings, so I don’t like having music playing,” he explains.“I do love music, so it’s kind of crazy that I don’t like having earbuds in. I’ll sometimes play music out of my pocket.”
Powell’s taste is broad. He likes rap, especially Mac Miller and Travis Scott, but his favorite artist is Mariah Carey.
And he credits tunes with helping him get in the zone: “I put on a Jessie J song [“Domino”] and pretty much figured out my whole run for the Knuckle Huck. That song made me fall into my groove and my flow state.”
Another key? Looking at a run more like a skate park — and envisioning lines and tricks that have never been tried before. Conceptually, they might seem insane. But watching Powell, they appear paradoxically impossible and obvious.
That’s a big reason he’s so fun to watch. Even inverted (which happens often), he’s got incredible awareness and proprioception, often dragging his trailing hand on the snow as though he’s gently petting a puppy. And of course he has style for days, no matter the circumstances.
Which brings us back to that fourth X Games run. After some unintelligible giggling and gasping, commentator Craig McMorris, a pro himself, finally breaks the silence: “At no point did Zeb Powell look like he was in control of his body during the entirety of that run.”
And yet, you get the sense watching him— on Instagram, YouTube or, if you’re lucky, in real life — that Zeb Powell is still somehow in total control. And that no matter which way his body contorts, he’ll stomp the landing and ride it out.
So what will the 2020 Knuckle Huck champ — who missed the 2021 contest due to injury — bring to the tabletop next? Even he couldn’t tell you. But when you view the world through heart-shaped glasses, anything is possible.
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Powell’s Picks
Like the rider himself, his favorite gear has plenty of pop.
“They’re just easy. I can take them off easily if my eyes are watering or I need to clean them. They provide a nice field of vision. And honestly, they just look really styley.”
“I hate snowboard jackets, but I found this NASCAR jacket in a thrift shop and liked it so much I turned it into my outerwear line. It was the first true creation of my own signature gear, andI love the way it turned out with all the embroidery and style.”
“It just fits my style of riding. As far as hitting rails and jumps go, it’s made for doing both of those. It’s a slopestyle mix board — not too stiff but not too sloppy, the perfect middle. I love that thing.”
Gear Up This Season With the Best From Backcountry
You already know that Backcountry is the place to go when you’re looking gear up, but with the shop’s Cyber Sale going on right now, you can find top-tier deals (we’re talking up to 60 percent off) on some of the best brands Backcountry has to offer. For starters, we’re eyeing a pair of POC Devour sunglasses, which offer the shape and coverage of goggles, with the overall aesthetics of casual shades. On the trail or the sidewalk, these are built for just about anything. Speaking of versatile gear, it’s hard to top Therm-a-Rest’s Questar 0 Degree Down Sleeping Bag. Whether you’re heading to higher altitudes or simply want unparalleled warmth on your next camping trip, this 650-fill down bag is protected with Nikwax and a DWR coating for moisture resistance (and that’s just the tip of the iceberg). If you are heading out for a pre or post-holiday camping trip, we suggest you add a MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person 3-Season Tent to your kit. Packing down tight and weighing next to nothing, this MSR tent is easy to add to your gear while expanding up to hold two adults. The bathtub-like floor, combined with StayDry doors, DWR and PU coatings and accommodating vestibules, keep water out and block splashes. With a rotating selection of deals on offer, take a look at the myriad different pieces available right this minute — just in time for gifting to someone you love (or, better yet, for yourself).
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3 Reasons Balance Is Important in Rock Climbing
When we talk about climbing, we talk a lot about forces—forces of friction, forces of gravity, the force you yourself exert on various holds as you push and pull yourself up the crag. Without going full Newton, let’s just say that all of these forces work together to propel you up that wall. But there’s one component of climbing that’s often underestimated: balance.
You may have Superman lats, but if you’re not thinking about the equilibrium of your body on the wall, you’re not climbing efficiently. Without proper balance techniques, you may be unnecessarily fatiguing your muscles by trying to force your way up, fighting against your own center of gravity the whole way. Case in point: balance was the key for climber Craig DeMartino, who had to relearn how to climb after losing his right leg in a bad fall (and wrote a great article about it for Climbing.com, which you should read).
So, let’s get specific. Here are three reasons balance is vital for climbers, plus some tips on how to put what you’ve learned into practice. In other words: Bring balance to the force, climbing Jedi.
Using your center of gravity will keep you on the wall. When climbing, gravity is your number one enemy, but it can also be your friend. In order to avoid swinging or falling, you’ve got to make nice. Being aware of your center or gravity allows you to counterbalance, using your own weight to maintain balance and stay on the wall. First, find your center using a trick that DeMartino and many other climbers recommend: hang a two-foot draw from your harness, and, as you climb, keep the draw hanging straight center between your legs.
Balance is the basis of all your favorite techniques. Stemming, flagging, lay-backing, and more are all based on counterbalancing. In general, try keeping your hips against the wall and your arms straight, letting your legs lead the fight against gravity. In the Masterclass he teaches alongside Tommy Caldwell, Alex Honnold goes so far as to say, “The point of using your arms in rock climbing is to keep you balanced over your feet, so that your feet can push you over the wall.”
Balance conserves energy so you can climb higher and longer. Leading competitive sport climber Lynn Hill values balance over strength. “Many of the women who I’ve taught to climb have a better sense of balance than the men,” she once said. “I think it has to do with being a little more sensitive to it rather than relying on strength. It’s also a reflection of a passive attitude— balancing your way up the rock, rather than attacking it.” You’re not going for pull-ups in the Presidential Fitness Test. Relying on brute strength to force your way up the wall will just tire you out. Instead, improve your balance with stability exercises, like these from The Climbing Doctor, Dr. Jared Vagy, and world-famous climber Jon Cardwell. As you improve your balance and stability, you can climb more efficiently, allowing you to rock those challenging endurance climbs.
This IPA Is Bold and Balanced
Presented by Jai Alai IPA
Inspired by the sport of Jai Alai, this IPA is bold, citrusy and balanced with six different hop varietals. Cigar City Brewing pays homage to the sport and the dedicated players and patrons who keep this Florida tradition alive with this flagship ale. With notes of orange peel, clementine and light caramel, the beer honors the sunshine state as well. Find a Jai Alai near you by clicking through the link below.
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Sourced: The Best New Outdoor Gear of November is Here
As we approach the season of shopping, new products are top of mind for us all. Whether it’s tried and true brands like Rtic, or new kids on the block like Erem, this month we saw a robust offering of new and exciting outdoor gear, just in time for the holidays.
In the market for a fancy new take on the classic snow bib? Take a gander at the Arc’teryx x Jil Sander collab. Hunting for the ideal hiking sock? Season 3 has something special up its sleeve… er, pant. And for those of you eagerly awaiting snow season, get yourself a new helmet while the getting’s good.
Whether you’re starting your holiday shopping now, or waiting patiently for Black Friday, take a look at these selections, and bookmark with gusto! You’ll want to get these goodies before they’re gone.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10
Gear Patrol Studios
Presented by Nokian
If you’re looking for a quality tire to navigate you safely through a northern winter, then look no further than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10. The unique double-stud technology makes use of two stud types that offer maximum safety on ice and snow. The center studs improve acceleration and braking grip, while the studs on the shoulder areas maximize grip during turning and lane changes. This is the tire you want on your car when navigating the icy road up to your favorite mountain. Plus, the Hakkapeliitta has sustainability in mind — it’s made in industry-leading factories and offers an efficient low rolling resistance. It all adds up to help minimize your carbon footprint. Make sure you stay confident and safe on the road while doing everything you love this winter by securing the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 below.
Erem Xerocole Hiking Boot
Erem
Say hello to Erem, the brand-new boot brand from the environmental footwear innovators from the Timberland family. We’ve got an eye on the Xerocole desert hiking boot — it’s biocircular, meaning three things: its materials have 100 percent proven paths back to nature, it is repairable through the Erem Reboot program, and it can be re-streamed into new boots once it has reached the end of its life. The woven canvas and leather upper is stitched rather than laminated (allowing for breathability) and is lined with temp-regulating Tencel Lyocell, which has anti-odor properties as well. Additional specs include 6.0 mm tread lugs to ensure traction, an integrated toe bumper and wood-fiber shank board that provides support on uneven terrain.
Price: $169.99
Patagonia Provisions Lightly Smoked Venison Links
Patagonia Provisions
Looking for a tasty treat that’s responsibly sourced as well? Check out the latest Patagonia Provisions release: these lightly smoked sausage links come from the invasive Hawaiian Axis deer, considered one of the most delicious venison species in the world. Patagonia teamed up with sourcing partner Maui Nui Venison to humanely harvest the deer to help balance the exploding population. The result? A mild, tender, protein-packed link that balances the environment and your diet.
Price: $9/pack
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Deckers X-Scape NBK Mid
Deckers X Lab
Hiking boot on the outside, slipper on the inside. If you’re looking for superior all-day comfort, wrapped in a capable performance silhouette, look no further than this boot. Eco-friendly elements include the Vibram N-Oil Litebase outsole, which is made from over 90 percent natural ingredients, alongside the ECOTAN Leather and a PFC-free durable water repellent treatment. The ergonomic insole is removable, and the lycra panel in the tongue and toes promotes flexibility and softness. All said and done, this is a boot you may not want to take off.
Price: $200
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Smith IO Mag Imprint 3D Goggles
Smith Optics
Goggles made specifically to your face’s geometry? Sign us up, please! Smith’s groundbreaking Imprint 3D tech uses a precision scan that maps your face, then employs 3D printing to create custom-fit goggles, made just for you. If you’ve ever struggled with goggle fit, this is the pair for you. The goggles are pricey, but with a fit as accurate as this one, we’re betting they’re well worth the investment.
Price: $450
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Arc’teryx Overall Jil Sander+ Parka
Arc’teryx
Ultra-progressive style, mixed with the renowned capabilities of Arc’teryx. What’s not to love? The Overall Jil Sander+ Parka is a testament to what outerwear aficionados refer to as “functional minimalism” — clean, contemporary lines, mixed with performance elements including breathable, durable Gore-Tex Pro, the adjustable StormHood which fits over your helmet and ventilation-enhancing pit zippers for temperature control. The overalls aren’t cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but then again, can you really put a price on style?
Price: $2,570
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Ignix FireCan Portable Fire Pit
REI
Bring the warm and comforting glow of a campfire wherever you roam, be it the tailgate party, the backyard or the campsite. This portable fire pit is easy to bring along and set up, thanks to its compact and durable design. Folding legs make for easy storage, while the combo of the adjustable heat and mesh sides guarantee optimal heat, where you need it. The raised, propane-burning design means no scorched earth, and depending on local regulations, you may be able to have a blaze where ground fires aren’t permitted. At just over 11 pounds this won’t exactly become your go-to backcountry stove, but this portable fire pit is perfect for car campers.
Price: $199.95
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Season Three Ultralight Hiking Crew
Season Three
There’s nothing like an outdoors product that can pull double-duty as an everyday staple, and these socks fit that need well. Made with merino wool sourced from New Zealand, the Ultralight Crew is a medium-weight technical sock that features comfy footbed cushioning from heel to toe, providing a plush and odor-resistant ride. The Ultralight Hiking Crew has unisex sizing and comes in both black and cream colorways.
Price: $24.95
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RTIC Outdoors 52 QT Cooler
RTIC
The newest colorway from Rtic, Trailblazer, is inspired by environments from desert sands to sandy beaches and all the landscapes in between, and it echoes the feelings of your favorite terrains. While the colorway is new, the rugged performance features remain the same: the injection-molded design keeps ice for up to 10 days and is 30 percent lighter than comparable coolers on the market. Use it as a cooler, non-slip step, an impromptu bench or cutting board in a pinch.
Price: $199.99
POC Obex MIPS
POC
New for Winter 21/22, the Obex MIPS helmet provides functional performance for skiers and snowboarders. Lightweight and well-ventilated, the Obex features an EPS liner, PC shell and ABS top shell, as well as an interior size adjustment system that makes it easy to find a comfortable fit, without messing with pads. The eponymous MIPS tech enhances rotational impact protection, and sliding vent covers make it easy to adjust ventilation to adapt to all weather conditions. The bottom line? Tons of protection, in a sleek package.
Price: $200
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New Outdoor Products Made with Materials You Wouldn’t Expect
Courtesy
Seaweed tees? Biodegradable boots? Vegan pro models? The concept of using sustainable, novel manufacturing and materials in outdoor products is somewhat mainstream at this point, but what’s interesting about the newest crop of innovators is their use of materials that reflect the natural world in which we recreate, with enhanced performance that wouldn’t be possible in their raw state. Whether it’s merino wool, tencel, seaweed, vegan leather or hemp, the new guard of shoes and shirts built to perform in the outdoors have a hyper-focus on environmentally-conscious creation.
When it comes to materials, these six brands are doing things differently.
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This Down Parka Will Handle Even Your Coldest Adventures
What do you do during an extended belay in freezing temperatures? Hold your ground, stay focused and hope you’ve prepared with the Goldwin GORE-TEX Infinium Down Parka. This cold-weather beast is made for the most intense cold-weather situation — when you’ve got to stand there, anchor your buddy and take the worst Mother Nature’s got to throw at you.
That means it’s good for any cold-weather pursuit where you’ll need to hang around in frigid temps for long stretches at a time. And it’s got some incredible features to keep you warm and cozy when winter gets rough this year.
Goldwin
Goldwin
Stay warm while anchored in place.
This high-loft down jacket was made specifically for belays during ice or alpine climbing. Layered over a shell, its GORE-TEX lining offers excellent wind and snow protection; Kodenshi down insulation keeps you warm; and antistatic taffeta lining keeps you cozy.
Down-tube style inner flap wraps you in warmth.
Want 360 degrees of protection? This parka’s got it thanks to a down-tube style inner flap inside the front and neck to eradicate cold spots.
All the extras you need.
When you’re belaying, you’re not just the safety line and backup — you’re the storage bin. Good thing the Infinium Down Parka packs an inner chest pocket (ideal for gloves, goggles and water bottles) plus an outer flap pocket, hip pocket and security pocket. Add D-hooks for glove attachment to the sleeves and you’ve got the winter parka that keeps you ready for anything.
Price: $950
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8 Essentials for Foul Weather Mountain Biking
When the sun is out and the wind is at bay, there is nothing like taking your bike up a mountain. But let’s face it, not all days offer perfect riding weather. But that doesn’t mean you should have to take the winter off from your favorite sport. As long as you have the gear to keep you comfortable and safe as the temperature drops, you can fully enjoy winter mountain bike season. From essential foul weather riding gear from Fox Racing to must-have items for when you’re out on the trail, this is the gear you need to extend your riding season just that little bit longer.
RANGER WINDBLOC® FIRE JACKET
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol Studios
Gear Patrol Studios
Keep riding through mother nature’s worst with the Ranger Windbloc® Fire Jacket. This insulated mountain bike-specific softshell features Polartec® Windbloc® fabric at the shoulders and lower back so you can stay comfortable on your bike even on the windiest days. The zonal brushed fleece interior keeps the warmth where you want it so you will only have to stop to catch your breath — not to warm up. Plus, with convenient zippered pockets, you can keep your keys and wallet in place while you rip.
Price: $250
To Round Out The Kit
Gear Patrol Studios
Defend Fire Pants by Fox Racing $200
Ranger Fire Gloves by Fox Racing $40
Speedframe MIPS Helmet by Fox Racing $120
8Bit by Wolf Tooth $140
Sutro by OAKLEY $143
Hip Pack Pro 3 by EVOC $95
Bivo One by Bivo $39
It’s Here: The Best New Outdoor Gear of October
Well folks, we’ve officially midway through October, which means by all accounts, fall is here (and winter is well on its way). We’re seeing temps drop, and layers make their way out of storage and forgotten corners of the closet.
If you’re anything like us, you’ve worn your way through some key outdoor items, and it may be time for some new boots, beanies and outerwear. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. (Literally.) October saw some impressive new product releases and updates, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to stock up on some new gear.
Check out what made our picks for best outdoor gear of October below.
Forrest Tool Company Safety Impact Wrench
Forrest Tool Company
Presented by Forrest Tool Company
Nothing slows down your adventures more than a flat tire on the way to the campsite. Make sure you have the gear to get you back on the road quickly with the Safety Impact Wrench from Forrest Tool Company. This tool makes changing a tire under challenging circumstances dead simple. It quickly and safely removes lug nuts using leverage and torque rather than an external power supply. Its manual operation means you won’t have to scramble for an alternate power source if you don’t have access to your generator or battery. The Safety Impact Wrench is light, portable and made in the US according to top industry standards. With compact storage in a Cordura carrying case, you can easily store it in your trunk and be prepared for anything that may come your way.
Price: $158
Osprey Glade 12 Pack
Osprey
Right in time for winter, the pack experts at Osprey launched their newest carry solution for lift-served skiing and snowboarding: the Glade. Built to carry the essentials during winter adventures, Osprey says the Glade is ideal for in-bounds skiing, fat biking, Nordic touring or snowshoeing, for starters. A slim look hides a 2.5-liter reservoir (with insulated hose and bite valve cover), a large main compartment and a separate nook for stashing goggles.
The Glade is made from bluesign-approved recycled materials with a PFC-free DWR coating, and is available in both 5- and 12-liter sizes.
Price: $110
Teva x Cotopaxi Collection
Teva
Teva
This October, outdoor icons Teva and Cotopaxi teamed up to release two limited-edition items: the forthcoming Teca Calido Jacket and Teva ReEmber slipper. Along with the limited release, the brands will be donating a total of $30,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Denver and Hollywood, in an effort to combat systemic limited access to the greater outdoors.
The Teca Calido Jacket is and Teva ReEmber slipper both contain recycled materials, and the light-hearted colorways and patterns are meant to portray both the personality and sustainability mission of the brands.
The Teva ReEmber is made from using a 100 percent recycled ripstop upper a 50 percent recycled EVA midsole, 100 percent recycled collar and collapsible heel and a 50 percent recycled outsole.
The Teca Calido Jacket and Teva ReEmber slipper will both available for purchase today.
Price: $150 and $85, respectively
Snow Peak x Mountain of Moods Fleece Middle Jacket
Snow Peak
In the newest iteration of their collaboration, Snow Peak and Mountain of Moods have released their FW21 collection. The Fleece Middle Jacket is the standout piece from the lineup, and celebrates the brands’ shared ties to Mt. Tanigawa and other alpine regions of Japan. Mixing form and function, the jacket features Polartec and polyester fleece, as well as a high neck with zipper closure, a left bust pocket, and two side pockets at the waist.
Snow Peak recommends sizing up one size from your normal choice for a standard fit.
Price: $269.95
The Moonbike
MoonBikes
Pedal into the future with The Moonbike. Announced this October, the ultralight electric snowbike “blurs the lines between recreation and transportation”. Coming in at a cool $8,500, the e-snow-bike has a top speed of 26mph, is 100 percent silent, and has a battery range of 1.5 to three hours, depending if you’re rocking the optional dual battery.
Three times lighter than a snowmobile, the Moonbike weighs just under 200 pounds, battery included. It’s also cold resistant down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit.
Price: $8,500
Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX Shoe
Arc’teryx
Day hikes, but make them technical. That’s the idea behind Arc’teryx’s new shoe, the Aerios FL GTX. As the name implies, this low-profile hiker features Gore-Tex water and wind protection, with breathable textiles that allow you to stay cool and dry. Inspired by long-distance trail running, the Aerios is meant to be fast and light, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole, compressed EVA midsole and integrated TPU shank all work in harmony to deliver superior trail performance, no matter the weather.
Price: $170
Amundsen Fjordcord Slacks
Amundsen
An everyday outdoor pant that combines comfort and confidence is hard to find; if they’re durable, oftentimes they aren’t comfortable. With Amundsen’s Fjordcord Slacks, part of the brand’s Fall ’21 early releases, you don’t have to choose between the two anymore. The hardworking pant features a DWR treatment and articulated knees, and the corduroy from Cosserat France is garment dyed, giving each pant a unique look.
Price: $299
Backwoods Fellowship Zeal Lookout Goggles
Zeal Optics
This fall, Zeal, Weston and Smartwool announced the Backwoods Fellowship, a team-up with artist John Fellows and the National Forest Foundation to bring awareness to our public lands and conservation efforts.
The partnership brings Fellows’ art to life in a unique collection of goggles, skis, snowboards, apparel and accessories, including Zeal’s Lookout Goggles. The Lookout comes with a bonus lens, and through Zeal’s proprietary tech, provides the clearest field of vision possible, with easy-to-use lens swapping features.
Price: $299
Holden Jackson Down Jacket
Holden
Update your outerwear with a nod to the past. Holden’s newest mid-weight parka combines classic military styling with custom European materials and responsibly-sourced 700 fill down to keep you warm and toasty. Key details like the shearling collar and eco-friendly DWR water repellant finish round out the jacket’s style-forward, tech-savvy attributes.
Price: $875
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Dakine Stoker Gore-Tex 3L BIB
Dakine
Dakine
Hit the slopes in style (and comfort) with Dakine’s new bib, the Stoker Gore-Tex 3L. Made for in-bounds and the backcountry, the Stoker, well, keeps the stoke high, through key elements like its three-layer Gore-Tex build, water-resistant zippers, taped seams and thigh vents for dumping heat when things get hot. Articulated knees provide ample support, and the stretch back panel and redesigned crotch enhance mobility. The center-front entry means getting in and out is a breeze, too.
Price: $480
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