Known worldwide for their innovative approach to snowboard design, ecologically-minded construction techniques and distinctly heady graphics, Lib Technologies might very well be responsible for the most radical changes in snowboard design over the last two decades….
Continue Reading…
Yes, it does rain more often than not in the Pacific Northwest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out and enjoy the wilderness. To outfit all-weather adventurers this spring, Seattle-based hat brand Coal teamed up…
Continue Reading…
The core snowboard industry continues to mature with more and more innovation and development in backcountry tech. Whether it’s due to an aging demographic looking for a peaceful alternative outside resort riding or a newfound interest in powder riding from the younger generation, each year brings better, safer and…
Continue Reading…
Foldable ski and skin combination eliminates splitboards from the backcountry equation
While splitboards continue to grow in popularity, the technology involved has generally remained stagnant, leaving riders on a compromised board lacking the performance they often need in the backcountry. As a solution, two snowboard industry veterans have come up with MTN Approach, a foldable skin and ski combination that easily fits into a backpack at the end of the ascent. While you’ve still got to “earn your turns”, the traditionally cambered skis feature permanently affixed climbing skins and cross country-inspired bindings to improve efficiency and reduce fatigue while touring.
At just 140cm long when extended and roughly 21″ folded, the 3.5lb skis fit neatly into the MTN Approach backpack, keeping the weight against the back—one’s center of gravity—and out of the way during the descent. While it’s questionable whether the skis will hold up to extreme abuse, the folding hinge is made of durable fiberglass-filled nylon with a hardened aluminum cam, and the poplar wood ski core features capped construction and full metal edges to perform like a traditional all-mountain ski while traversing.
While all the specs are appealing, the biggest thing the system offers is the freedom to ride any board in your quiver. Rather than being limited to one shape as with a traditional splitboard, the MTN Approach backpack allows the wearer to carry any board comfortably in multiple positions, ready to ride once the goods have been reached.
To better understand each design detail in the MTN Approach system their site offers a handful of descriptive videos alongside numerous endorsements from some of the most reputable names in snowboarding. The MTN Approach system—skis, packpack and backcountry shuvel—sells directly for $795.
Three innovative outdoor accessories that make the future now
While the purity of a lo-fi outdoor adventure can be a blissful experience, innovations in on-mountain tech offer enhancements that increase both fun and knowledge. Last week in Whistler I channeled my inner cyborg and tested three devices that are making the future now by informing, recording and entertaining throughout the day’s activity.
Not often can a single product really change the game, but the Recon Mod Live goggle comes close. The goggle is equipped with the world’s first GPS micro optics display specifically designed for a snow sport use. The incredibly small, unobtrusive device displays clear and easy-to-read graphics in real-time—tracking your speed, vertical stats, altitude, location, distance traveled and even temperature. Paired with an Android phone, the Mod Live even will display text messages and incoming call alerts in the heads-up view.
A bluetooth remote wristband allows the user to navigate the dashboard displayed on the LCD screen in the goggle. Paired with a Contour+ camera, the Recon Mod Live acts as a viewfinder for setting up the correct trajectory of your PoV shot. Plus, once the day is done all the day’s stats can be uploaded to the Recon HQ to see just how you did.
Capable of shooting—and live-streaming—full 1080p HD video, the Contour+ is outfitted with the largest lens of any comparable camera and has an f/2.8 aperture with 170 degrees of vision. To avoid that muffled sound synonymous with PoV cams, the Contour+ is equipped with an external microphone jack to capture accurate sound. While the camera isn’t new, it remains my go-to PoV shooter and now being able to see the viewfinder in Recon’s goggles it’s even more usable than ever.
Always an enthusiast for on-hill entertainment, Burton makes your tunes more accessible with the Mix Master Glove. The waterproof leather glove allows the user full control of an iPod or iPhone with gloves on thanks to a few exterior buttons on the back of the left hand. The remote communicates wirelessly with the dongle plugged in to an iDevice, so you’re free to adjust volume, pause, play and switch between tracks with the tap of your finger.
The innovative snowboard gear start-up uses natural coconut fiber tech for better breathability
Developed, designed and tested in the Pacific Northwest, Homeschool outerwear makes high performance garments built to handle even the most adverse elements the NW has to offer. To achieve this, Homeschool uses Cocona technology, a natural element created from discarded coconut shells to sustainably produce highly breathable snowboard gear.
During a long day on hill or in the backcountry the breathability of your garments is often more important than any waterproof rating—as Homeschool sales and marketing director Jevan Lautz explains, “a trash bag is completely waterproof, but since there are no breathability properties you’ll be soaked on the inside.” As a solution, Cocona tech infuses activated carbon particles created from coconut shells into the fabric fibers to improve moister evaporation, thus boosting baselayer breathability and dry time to 500x faster—and outerwear 40% more breathable—than anything else on the market. Plus it’s naturally oder resistant.
After a few test runs we can confirm the increased breathability claim. Wearing the midlayer over the baselayer kept us warm in both Vermont’s dry cold and Whistler’s wetter coastal climate. For outerwear, the Night Witch Pullover did its job as well. As part of the liberally fitting Baker series, the fully taped 3.5-layer anorak style jacket uses 100% recycled polyester fabric and, like all Homeschool outerwear, features RECCO advanced avalanche tech.
As the only outerwear brand introducing Cocona from top to bottom, Homeschool supports a more breathable and more sustainable life in the outdoors. You can find all Homeschool products through their online store as well as from Evo.
The Swiss ski makers join Italian garment maker for a technically driven set of understated wool outerwear
On a recent trip to Gstaad with Bentley (more on that next week), I had the pleasure of meeting the team from Zai, the high end, handmade Swiss ski manufacturer. Patrick, Daniela and Thomas (pictured here) all happened to be wearing incredible ski suits. As it turns out, Zai has recently branched into outerwear with the Cassacca, an aesthetically subdued, technically advanced outfit for the slopes. In teaming up with exclusive Italian garment and fabric manufacturer Loro Piana, Zai is able to select from the world’s finest wools and cashmeres for the Cassacca. This complimentary alliance is founded in Zai’s commitment to innovation and design and Loro Piana’s uncompromising dedication to material standards and craftsmanship.
For the main upper Zai uses a combination of 94% wool, 5% cashmere and 1% elastane to give the wearer proper freedom of motion while skiing. The fabric blend is treated by Loro Piana’s Storm System, laminating a pliable membrane and sub-layer of microfiber for additional insulation. Once completed the fabric is treated with Rain System, a unique waterproofing process effective at both keeping moisture out and allowing the material to dry surprisingly fast.
As a garment first and foremost it’s engineered to enhance one’s skiing experience, however the Cassacca caters quite well to the Swiss tradition of après activities. The understated aesthetic is sleek, while avoiding being too sporty—a mark that’s not easily hit in the outerwear world. This “essential” design is limited to just four earth-tone colorways to keep in line with Zai’s traditions in wooden ski making.
Zai’s limited production skis expertly blend natural and man made materials for a superior ski. While the weekend warrior can appreciate the beautiful crafstmanship, these skis will be most appreciated by those working towards a triple digit day season. Standouts from the winter ’12 ski collection include the classic Testa with a walnut vaneer and the revolutionary Nezza, made almost entirely of an innovative compound called Zaira.The two hand built skis represent Zai’s superlative use of material on opposite sides of the design spectrum.
As with all superior things in life, quality comes at a price. Zai’s Cassacca sells online for $4225 while their handmade skis are officially sold through retailers in over 19 countries. Use Zai’s national directory for a list of dealers in your region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A test run with Rome Snowboard’s newest all-mountain machine
As a nod to those snow-starved few still counting down the days till the first winter storm, we’ve got a sneak peek at Rome SDS‘ 2012 Postermania from a recent trip to Mt. Hood, Oregon. The generous folks at Windells Snowboard Camp provided a variable playground to aid in testing and after a few laps, I was really digging the Reverse-Free Camber Rocker board. Flat between the bindings and reverse camber on the tip and tail give this all-mountain machine a fun, loose feel.
With loads of pop and a natural buttery ride, the Postermania’s QuickRip Sidecut Technology responded equally well holding an edge at high speed and performing tricks in Windells’ rail and jump sections. Although the combination camber has a slightly squirrely feel it’s more fun than not, and will definitely help float in powder once winter rolls around. Overall, I’d say the Postermania will be best for advanced riders looking to gain a bit of ground in the park and side country this upcoming season.
Rome SDS’ Postermania comes in nine sizes with three longer lengths available in a wide option. An added bonus, the graphics this year are so rad you’ll want to store this board in your living room instead of hiding it in the garage. Dropping this Fall, look to Rome SDS or Tactics to snag one soon for around $430.
Burton has been up to a whole lot of awesome running a scalable live web cam with giveaways galore on their homepage. Check it out.
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
