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Outdoor Retailer Roundup: Goggles, Headphones, Bags, and Boots Made for Pow

As the snow falls in Salt Lake City, finally, BRR Steph makes the final rounds of the ski gear.

by: Stephanie Buelow, Backpacker Reader Reporter

Tags:
• Gear
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Sitting in the full-body Airblaster Ninja Suit I reflect on this weekend the aisles of outdoor gear paradise I have explored. Exhibitors stepped up their game showing off their newest and coolest gear. Now, after multiple reviews on backcountry ski/snowboard gear, backpacks, and snowshoes, I am doing a final review on those items with trend-setting potential.

Pow Gloves – Assault GTX and Stealth GTX
The Pow Gloves Assault GTX is going to keep those man hands warm and dry. They are outfitted with waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex and a premium leather shell, plus a goatskin leather palm. A Sherpa fleece lining and hand warmer zip pocket tops this glove off and makes it a candidate for the warmest glove award in my book. For women Pow Gloves offers the extremely warm Stealth GTX glove and mitt. These are available now for $99. powgloves.com

Easy Lens Change – VonZipper El Kabong Goggles
El Kabong Goggles by VonZipper takes their best-selling Feenom model and pares down the goggle frame, allowing for lenses to be swapped out super fast. There is also a triple-density, polar fleece face foam so they will be super comfy on long days. Available August 2012 for $160 and $180 (with bonus lens). vonzipper.com

Lightweight, Performance-based Alpine Boots - Technica’s Chochise Pro Light
Lightweight is a trend that won’t end. Technica’s Chochise Pro Light alpine ski boot promises a revolutionary combo of lightness and performance control. At 1610 grams their Trix plastic is temperature insensitive and stripped down with only thin buckles and a power strap. The true alpine performance comes from their lateral stiffness and forward lean optimization thanks to a metal spine connection. The spine also snaps down and allows you to walk freely when not pointed down the mountain. With an interchangeable sole and a thermoforming liner that is moisture wicking, these sound like awesome boots. Available this Fall for $900. tecnicausa.com

Active Headphones - Outdoor Tech Rocks
Outdoor Tech Rocks break the mold of past headphones with a coiled cord for active use. They also promise not to freeze while skiing or snowboarding and are sweatproof and water-resistant. They work with any Bluetooth device and have a built-in mic for phone calls. Powered by lithium-ion battery they will give you a Hi-Fi sound on the slopes or trails. Available Fall 2012 for, ouch, $100. outdoortech.com

Big Snowboard Bag - Burton’s Wheelie Locker
Traveling to shred the pow should be easy with a bag like Burton’s Wheelie Locker. Burton’s largest board bag, this model is designed for easy organization. There are integrated removable boot, binding, and tuning bags and the compartmentalized upper deck has room for outerwear, a helmet, and whatever else you need. Multiple boards fit in the roomy lower storage compartment. You’ll experience less stress through the airport with the fully padded handle and IXION wheel system. Available Fall 2012. burton.com



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