Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

Outdoor Retailer Roundup: An iPhone case that's photo-taking friendly

Sea to Summit makes a fingers-friendly, waterproof iPhone case, and Arc'teryx unveils a new hoody to covet.

by: Sami Bruce, Backpacker Reader Reporter

Tags:
• Gear
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• Apparel
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Like I’ve said before, my nickname “Arc” truly describes my outrageous obsession for Arc’teryx. If you’re a huge fan of their Atom LT Hoody wait until you hear about its newest close relative the Ceva Hoody. Coming out in Fall 2012, folks will be able to enjoy this Coreloft-insulated, lightweight, more tear resistant jacket that still has the athletic cut that I’m completely in love with. Weighing in at 14.6 oz., the face material feels silky smooth and the stretch side paneling comes up from the hip, under the armpit, and all the way down to the base of your forearm giving it even more breathability and movement. Being an avid climber, I’m terrified that a sharp flake is going to tear right through my precious Atom LT but the Ceva might just be the cure-all. MSRP $249 (hood), MSRP $229 (no hood). arcteryx.com

iPhone Case That's Photo-Taking Friendly
If you’re sick of bulky hard case protection for your iPhone, The TPU Guide Waterproof Case for iPhone is a sleek, strong Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) bag that protects your phone from accidental lake plunges much better than a grocery store zip-top. A triple-roll Velcro closure, in addition to the zip-top closure, keeps it watertight, and the clear front means you can still use the touchscreen. Bonus: A little cut-out on the back for the camera lens lets you shoot pics right through the bag! The TPU is PVC-free and UV-ray and extreme cold resistant. Bring it on Mother Nature. Available Summer, 2012, MSRP $26.95. seatosummit.com

Eco-Friendly Crash Pad - R3 Mad Pad
A lot of companies are trying to cut down on materials and waste to give back to our beautiful Earth. Mad Rock is coming out with a crash pad on March 1, 2012 that has a 1680 denier nylon shell construction, similar to bulletproof vests, making it the most durable pad in the industry. The R3 Mad Pad’s all-new fill system allows the pad to lay flat, fold easily over features, and decrease the impact force from falls. The baffles contain recycled EVA/PU foam that would normally be overflowing our landfills. Plus, before shipping the pad it’s vacuum-sealed into a poly bag that shrinks it tremendously and the poly bag can be reused for storage or other shipping necessities. Since the shell guarantees a longer lifespan, owners of the R3 will eventually be able to get replacement foam if needed. Climb on. MSRP $189. madrockclimbing.com

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