Hasta La Ideas

An NYC courier’s must-have on-the-go accoutrements

Josh Rovner is the living embodiment of the adage “time is money.” As a rider for Clementine Courier he pushes pedals on the pavement regularly, weaving through traffic with the precision of a well-oiled machine, all in the name of delivering packages on time. In just a year and half, Clementine has amassed a dedicated client base from all types of industries, including fashion, whose daily deliveries include garment bags and shopping bags up to fifty pounds over the standard weight limit.

Rovner, who has been cycling his whole life, is blessed with a tall and lean body type that can handle such uneven weight ratios at top speed. It’s not surprising that when he’s not delivering packages, he’s training for races. Working as a courier helps him build stamina for the long haul by making him bike extremely long distances. “A good one I did was out to JFK—that was pretty fun. I’ve gone up to Connecticut before, out to New Jersey too,” says Rovner. An airport delivery is easily a 40-mile round-trip guaranteed to keep him off the radar for at least half the day, and since Rovner gets paid per package drop, that’s quite the time commitment.

Like most messengers, Rovner and his team of four other riders pack the same essentials every day. His kit includes bunches of rope to strap things to his body, spare pens and notebooks and a clipboard full of manifests; essential paperwork that every rider must always have on his or her person. Now that the mercury outside is dropping, Rovner is also careful to pack gear to fight the elements. “In fall I always keep arm warmers or gloves, and sometimes a rain jacket with me,” he says.

Rovner also carries a hefty arsenal of tools he uses for everything from making small adjustments to his bike to reinforcing the cleats on his shoes. Now that he can store these in his Coach Bowery Leather Handlebar bag, he’s got more free space for precious packages. Rovner also carries a spare $20 bill, just in case, and a tube of super glue to patch up cuts and prevent the need for stitches. It’s kind of gruesome, but definitely hardcore. “Accidents happen a lot, most of the time we’re OK. You kind of have to learn how to fall,” points out Rovner.

Even off the clock, most of the Clementine Courier crew keep at least one bag on them, presumably out of habit, to not only to fix their bikes on the go, but also to stash a few beers on their backs. During the rare times they go without the baggage, Rovner and his friends, used to riding while weighted down, revel in the difference: “All of a sudden we’re really fast, really light, and really agile. You lose 20 pounds and that weight to muscle ratio is adjusted.”

Most of the time, however, Rovner finds himself strapped. Clementine Courier prides itself on its riders’ ability to carry odd-sized and heavy packages all around town, a standard that has Rovner constantly adjusting his riding pattern to be efficient, but still safe. Whenever he finds himself loaded down, he can’t help but think, “I just earned my beer.”

The Carry On series is brought to you by Coach.

Tried-and-true and new suggestions from the industry’s top talent

Most perennial snowboarders don’t buy an entirely new set-up every winter, knowing that nothing fits better than perfectly worn-in gear. To see which pieces have stood the test of time, we polled a group of the industry’s top pro riders and editorial experts to find out the boards they’re hyped on for 2012, and the single piece of gear they continue to rock year after year. Below are their favorites plus two of our own.

Austin Hironaka

Professional Snowboarder

Seattle-based pro snowboarder Austin Hironaka looks forward to riding the newest iteration of his longtime board of choice, the 2012 Ride Machete. This all-around freestyle board features Lowrize rocker, meaning it’s flat between the bindings with a slight reverse camber raise at the nose and tail contact points. This makes the board responsive while keeping contact points raised from the snow to help prevent catching an edge.

For his favorite piece of past gear, Hironaka is rarely without his black Airblaster Seaman beanie. This timeless tuque fits well with classic boarder style on and off hill.

Nick Lipton

Senior Editor at Yobeat

Born and raised in Portland, recent Chicago transplant Nick Lipton will be ripping the Midwest flatlands on the 2012 Capita Ultrafear FK. A relaxed reverse camber shape throughout gives it a fun feel, while the collage of graphics from the 2012 Capita line adds a touch of glam and gore to the topsheet. This board is perfect for lapping the park and straying into the trees on powder days.

For all weather conditions Lipton is forever hyped on the 2008 Holden CFM Jacket. This workhorse of a coat has fully-taped seams to keep heat in and water out. Plus the vintage twill fabric looks great even years later.

Jason “Hondo” Newman

Online Editor at Transworld Snowboarding

Now based in San Diego, Hondo spent years in Utah running with the best. He’s looking forward to lapping the park with the 2012 Salomon Salomonder. This “urban assault vehicle” is at home in the park and on the streets. With a flat camber and loads of pop, it’s the standard for the best rail riders in the game.

Hondo relies on the 2009 L1 Mendenhall Down Jacket even after years of abuse. Plenty of tech, 10k waterproofing and just enough style make this puffy coat ideal for the hill and beyond.

Corey Smith

Professional Snowboarder, Art Director at COMUNE

Another Northwest native, Smith now calls L.A. home. For 2012 he picked up the Capita Totally fk’n Awesome for all his West Coast riding. Bold graphics—based on photos he shot—and tech from tip to tail earned this board its well-suited name. For pop it features camber between the feet and reverse on the ends, and for control and ease of consciousness its got elevated contact points and a RFC-certified sustainable core.

A longtime loyalist of Holden outerwear, Smith is faithful to his 2009 Holden Southside Jacket. In short, he says, it’s a classic jacket that just seems to get better with time.

Tim Brodhagen

Editor in Chief at Rad Collector

NYC-based Brodhagen is looking forward to getting some days in at Steamboat Springs, CO on the 2012 Burton Fishcuit 50. Designed by the legendary Terje Haakonsen with loads of rocker and the iconic swallow tail, this is the ultimate powder board, feeding on the steep and deep.

Brodhagen stands by his Analog puffy jacket he bought back in 2000. Featuring a two-tone colorway and zip-off sleeves, it’s as classic and “ill” as he’s ever seen.

Chris Owen

Editor in Chief at Snowboard Magazine

Chris Owen has access to some of the most varied terrain in the world, and for this year’s riding the Boulder, CO resident is stoked on the 2012 Yes Basic. Designed to tackle all conditions, this quiver-killer has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Go from park to mountain with slightly directional flex and Camrock— traditional camber between the feet and reverse camber under the bindings.

For years, Owen has relied on his Backcountry Access Chugach shovel for everything from building cheese wedge kickers to digging out fallen comrades in avalanche territory. This one’s a definite must-have for anyone considering venturing out of bounds this winter.

Desiree Melancon

Professional Snowboarder

Southern California dweller Melancon is looking forward to winter on the 2012 Salomon Gypsy. Made specifically for the female ripper, this “freestyle” board is ideal for hot laps in the park and slushy spring days.

Four years ago Melancon found a flannel at a thrift store and has yet to find anything better, as either a base layer in winter or solo in the summer. Coincidentally, word has it Bonfire may have a collaboration in the works with a certain heritage flannel maker, so keep an eye out this winter.

Mary Walsh

Freelance Writer and Snowboard Marketing Director at Windells Camp

Calling the East Coast home means flat terrain and cold winters, and under these conditions Walsh plans to carve up ice coast groomers on the 2012 Rome Lo-Fi Rocker. This stick’s got plenty of flex for pressing and Freepop camber—flat under feet and rocker on tip and tail—making it an all-mountain machine.

After three seasons Walsh is never on hill without her NXTZ tube, Waterville Valley edition. The moisture-wicking neck warmer and face mask protects against wind burn during the cold New Hampshire winters and blocks harsh rays of the Oregon summer sun.

Josh Rubin

Founder and Editor in Chief at Cool Hunting

An avid traveler and long-time snowboarder, Rubin calls NYC home. For 2012 he’s looking forward to getting some time on the 2012 Ride Highlife UL. Super lightweight and built to float, it features a unique all-mountain shape from a rockered tip to camber under the feet and tail.

For layering, Rubin remains loyal to a now-10-years-old Ibex merino wool vest. Perfect for nearly all conditions and made in the USA with double-layered New Zealand wool, it’ll keep your core warm—plus, without sleeves it won’t bunch.

Graham Hiemstra

CH Contributor and Semi-Retired Snowboarder

Now based in NYC, this Northwest native always appreciates a good powder board like the ultimate slayer, the 2012 K2 Gyrator. As the first board to introduce reverse camber technology to a now-obsessed industry, this powder hound will keep you afloat in everything from Utah’s champagne powder to Cascade concrete.

When it’s too nippy for shades, the Oakley O-Frame has been Hiemstra’s go-to goggle for the past ten years. Lenses swap out in seconds and the timeless aesthetic has lasted through every style shift, from food court gangster to Mt. Hood gypsy.

All boards and most gear can be found online from either Evo or Tactics board shop.

Classic pocket knife designs from trappers to toothpicks

The token tool carried by boy scouts and mountain men the world over, a pocket knife is a useful device to have whether in a city or outdoors. The versatile tool can can cut you free in an emergency or simply slice an apple for lunch, keeping it a classic everyday necessity. Below are five traditionally-styled folding knives that will help in quick bike emergency or get you through your next hiking expedition.

As the only knife that expert craftsman Joel Bukiewicz of Cut Brooklyn carries on a daily basis, the Opinel knife’s simple design incorporates a thin carbon steel blade that “holds a great edge” and a twist lock to hold the blade in place once opened. Used by shepherds, farmers and artisans in the French Alps since 1890, this basic knife is one of the great designs of the last hundred years. A staple utensil, the timeless tool is still made in France and sells online for a modest $14.

Fit for any weathered mariner, CXXVI’s Marlin Spike knife carries a 440 stainless sheepsfoot blade and a sturdy marlin spike—used in untying knots or splitting rope. For a bit of flair, the bone handle is etched by hand in Maine with iconic scrimshaw artistry in the same fashion sailors have favored for centuries. Aside from the intricate design, the four and one half-inch long knife also has a thick chain-loop for fastening to your belt or keychain. Selling for $104, look to CXXVI’s online shop to purchase.

Custom made by H.K.Parker, the Two-Blade Trapper is the outdoorsman’s knife of choice. The hefty knife features two highly polished blades set in similarly polished stainless double bolsters. A jigged bone scale handle tops off the clean look. At less than four inches long when closed, the Trapper sells for $295 from Arizona Custom Knives.

A personal favorite as far as traditional knives go, Robert Enders custom made Toothpick is the quintessential pocket knife. Nearly ten inches long when opened, the slender knife is well-balanced for ease of use. A mirror-polished blade and double-nickel bolsters resemble others, while the silver bullet shield and dark brown scales mark its own style. Genuine craftsmanship comes at a price, this heirloom toothpick sells for $350 online.

The same classic style of your father’s pocket knife from one of the most trusted names in modern knife making, Gerber’s Stockman follows the same bone handle path as most classic knives. The etched bolsters add a more ornate styling to set it apart, and each piece is so superbly lightweight you may forget it’s even in your pocket. We prefer the single blade which sells online for just under $34.

With contributions from Greg Stefano

From a minimalist shelter to the ultimate blade, five key items that will keep you alive in the most extreme camping conditions

Call it apocalyptic fantasy or a primitive urge, the allure of relying on little more than wit, instinct and a few essentials in the wild brings out the inner Bear Grylls in all of us. (For those who prefer leaving the survival adventures to the folks on TV, check out our weekend and car camping features.) What follows is the best gear—from the newest to the most obscure—to round out the kits of more enthusiastic explorers .

Possibly the most important tool you can have when put in the situation of man vs. nature, a rugged hunting knife plays a critical role in building shelter, feeding yourself and most importantly protecting yourself. Helle’s Fossekallen can do all this and still maintain an unparalleled level of elegant design. The 79-year-old Norwegian knife manufacturer has handcrafted this beauty using birch for the handle and a impeccably strong triple-layered laminated stainless steel blade. Look to Amazon where most Helle knives sell for around $100.

Designed as all-encompassing survival tool, the Raptor by Eton is a weather-resistant solar-powered charger. The built in compass, altimeter and barometer will keep you headed the right direction while the AM/FM radio keeps you informed and upbeat on your way there. As if that wasn’t enough, the device also comes equipped with a USB cell phone charger, digital clock, alarm and NOAA weather alerts for good measure. With all that and a battery life of 30 hours, it’s not a bad deal for between $110-150 from Eton’s webstore and Amazon.

Described by the United States Army as “the finest single source for self-reliance for all extreme circumstances,” the Survival Field Manual has you covered with essential instructions from how to treat polluted water to making traps and snares to preparing and preserving wild game, as well as all types of fire making techniques. Straightforward text and user-friendly illustrations make the guide helpful even in situations of low mental capacity. It’s available through Amazon for $11.

No matter the season, packing a solid waterproof shell when venturing into the unknown is a wise move. We picked Westcomb‘s Apoc jacket, a lightweight shell that comes in both male and female specific cuts. Most importantly, it’s entirely constructed out of the most breathable waterproof fabric available on the market today, the new Polartec Neoshell. Check retailers for the Apoc jacket ($480) once fall rolls around.

Most claim the key to survival is a strong will and a proper shelter. Cascade Design’s compact and lightweight E-wing helps save your precious energy for the mental game. The waterproof canopy—weighing just one pound— can be pitched using two trekking poles or simply strung up on nearby tree limbs, each allowing for different architectural options, a bare bones option that’s ideal for summer trips to the bush too. It sells for $150 through Cascade Designs webshop.

Four wet-weather accessories for staying dry while looking good

The bright spot in any rain-filled day is actually keeping dry. Below are four accessories we recently put to the test that will keep you from getting soaked without resorting to a yellow slicker, all through the rainy season.

Two-Tone Canvas Tote

Built By Wendy’s Two-Tone Canvas Tote is a roomy universal carryall for guys and girls alike. Made from Sunbrella fabric, the durable bag is stain- and sun-resistant and water wicks right off its surface. Leather corner protectors and a zippered top add details appropriate for toting laptops and other essentials anywhere from a business meeting to the park. An interior zippered pocket and pouch for mobile phones make for a great bag, rain or shine. Pick it up for $158 from Built By Wendy.

Papajo Print Umbrella

Originally designed by Annika Rimala in the 1960s, Marimekko’s Papajo print umbrella still adds a modern twist to any ensemble when Mother Nature makes an umbrella your best accessory. The automatic umbrella sells in black or red colorways from Marimekko stores for $50.

+J Shiny Gathered Parka

The fourth collection Jil Sander designed for Uniqlo includes a
jacket made from a thinner-than-thin nylon that packs down to nothing, and is cut with just enough feminine flair to keep you feeling flirty even when the weather is gnarly. While the brand only vouches that it’s water resistant, rain beaded right off in a recent downpour, and elastic at every edge, as well as a storm-flap covering the front zipper, adds extra protection. The jacket comes in four colors (I went for brilliant blue) and sells online and at Uniqlo stores for $70.

Loeffler Randall Rain Bootie

Loeffler Randall’s waterproof lace-up booties go from day to night without the look of a farmhand, like common Wellie styles. Lined with jersey cotton, the boots are also super comfortable, but Loeffler Randall’s trademark 33mm wedge gives a secret lift. Available in black or army green, the rain booties sell online for $165.