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Jan 27, 2012 Press releases, Walk, hike, run
We got a preview of these at ORWM last week, and predict that they’ll be a strong seller for Lorpen. Although a bit pricey, they’re marketed towards the folks that take their winter sports very seriously, and in that respect, they are actually a bargain. Considering the price of high end skis or a snowboard, along with boots, goggles, and appropriate outerwear, plus lift tickets, anything that can extend your comfort is worth the coin.
- Brian
Toronto, Canada (January, 2012) – Lorpen, a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance socks for outdoor and sport enthusiasts, has created a new Polartec sock collection with unparalleled technology that surpasses current technical ski socks on the U.S. market. These new socks will be available at specialty retail stores and online at www.lorpen.com in Fall 2012.
“We are so excited to introduce the first sock available to U.S. consumers that uses Polartec – it is like a softshell for your feet!” says Bruce Barrows, VP of sales and marketing at Lorpen North America. “They have already been tested by some of the most extreme athletes in the world in the most severe weather and terrain. Now, we are bringing this advanced performance technology to outdoor adventurists and weekend warriors so they can continue to achieve their goals in comfort, whether it be hiking, skiing, climbing or trekking.”
NEW POLARTEC SOCK COLLECTION
Lorpen is the first to offer such advanced high performance socks with Polartec technology to the outdoor market. These socks have been designed for the hardcore wintersports adventurist who experiences extended cold weather. Made with Polartec, Power Stretch and Lycra, the socks are uniquely engineered with flat lock seams (vs. a traditional knit sock) and are specifically created for warmth and comfort. The Polartec Power Stretch fabric gives the socks great elasticity and the Power Dry technology helps transfer moisture away from the foot and adds cushioning.
POLARTEC SKI ULTRALIGHT
Materials: Polartec Power Dry and double layer of Power Stretch
Left/Right specific
Colors: Black, Orange
Availability: Fall 2012
MSRP: $49.99
POLARTEC SKI LIGHT
Materials: Polartec Power Stretch
Not Left/right specific
Colors: Red, Black and Royal
Availability: Fall 2012
MSRP: $59.99
About Lorpen
Founded in 1985, Lorpen is based in Etxalar, Spain, located at the base of the Pyrenees and has been selling performance socks in the U.S. since 2004 and Canada since 2001. At Lorpen, technology and performance are the top priority in every sock they manufacture, and as such, the company is a top choice among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, including well-known mountain climbers around the globe. Lorpen socks are now available in 59 different countries around the world, including a variety of independent and major retailers across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, go to www.lorpen.com.
Recent Entries
Jan 26, 2012 Camping
Not too many products we’ve seen can claim they were influenced by the Selk’nam natives of Tierra del Fuego, Chile. While reading about their history, a couple of traits became apparent – they were known for being pretty tough when it came to the cold, and they were image-conscious. Within that context, the Selk’bag makes perfect sense. Borne from a country that has every climate from dry desert to tropical humidity to frozen tundra, a technical sleeping bag you can wear actually starts to make sense. While at first glance it looks fairly simple, a closer look reveals features like quick-release hand closures, anti-slip pads on the nylon soles, adjustable hoods on some models, as well as insulated draft tubes. By combining the best elements of winter wear with those of a sleeping bag, Selk’bag has come up with a product that is fun and practical. Sleep in it, walk in it, play in it. They have Classic, Lite, and Kids models, in a variety of colors.
We’re not even sure how to approach writing about this product without an actual review, but we did get to check them out in person, and came away impressed enough that we’ll be covering each model in greater detail in the future. Selk’bag will also be offering knit hats, neck warmers, base layers, gloves, mittens and socks soon. As soon as we get more information, we’ll share it. www.selkbagusa.com
- Brian
Jan 25, 2012 Random acts of typing
Pacsafe® was started in 1998 by a couple of Aussies that got tired of having their personal belongings “liberated” during their travels to over 80 countries. From their original patented eXomesh® cage system, which fully encloses a backpack or duffel, and allows it to be locked to something stationary, their line has grown exponentially. The eXomesh® is now laminated between sheets of fabric for the majority of their products, allowing for more discrete security. Additional insurance against theft is provided by the Carrysafe® straps, which incorporate hidden steel wires running their length, and Smart ‘Turn & Lock’ Hooks™ that allow you to affix your bag to to a post or table leg, much like locking up a bike. This discourages the casual thief, and confounds the professional. Even zippers get the secure treatment – the Smart Zipper Security™ utilizes a cleverly latching zipper that clips onto a partially concealed loop, preventing a thief from unzipping your bag and making off with the contents. For 2012, Pacsafe® has a record six new collections and 61 new SKU’s containing this technology, and more. There’s no way we could begin to cover all that, so we’re going to hit some of the highlights now, and then we’ll have more individualized articles and reviews as time allows.
For the outdoor adventurer not content to merely explore their own backyard, the smart phone, passport, and maybe a credit card or two are essential gear. But with those items comes the risk of thieves stealing personal data via the RFID chips embedded in seemingly everything but newborn babies. RFIDsafe™ technology protects that data by blocking illicit scanners from reading the chips. Pacsafe® is offering this protection in fashionable, durable products from their simple passport holder, to wallets, handbags, shoulder bags, and even backpacks.
Today’s modern woman carries quite a bit of expensive electronics in her handbag. In addition to a cell phone, she may have a tablet, eReader, MP3 player, or iPad. Naturally, she’ll want to retain ownership of these devices when out and about, whether using public transport to get across town, or traveling around the globe. Pacsafe® obliges with their Citysafe™ and Slingsafe™ lines, which include a variety of handbags, purses, shoulder bags, and even a sling and hobo bag. Styling is fresh, with sleek lines and an attractive color palette, and in addition to the security elements, they’re feature-rich when it comes to organization.
Although they’re loathe to admit it, most guys could probably use a handbag as well. We just call them daypacks, sling bags, backpacks, and hip packs instead. They’re also very rarely are used to carry lipstick or spare nylons. And we describe them in more manly colors, like Cold Steel and Jungle Green, in addition to basic black and midnight blue. Like the ladies though, we’ve usually got a plethora of electronic toys and other valuables to protect, and we require a variety of different sized packs, be it a minimalist one for a bike ride to a party across town, or a 17″ laptop-capable soft briefcase for a train ride to the office. Pacsafe® offers a wide array of products in various sizes and capacities, with names such as Metrosafe™, Stashsafe™ and Ultimatesafe™, all designed to keep our valuables safe and secure.
Check out www.pacsafe.com, and stay tuned for more details coming soon.
- Brian
Jan 24, 2012 Press releases
CamelBak® introduced their Gambler™ hydration packs at ORWM. If you’re heading out for some sidecountry snowboarding or skiing, and like to travel light, this is for you. While the cargo capacity is pretty scant at 200 cubic inches, they have made sure that the smallest essentials fit inside, safe and dry, while you still have room for an avalanche probe and shovel. Naturally, you’ll find a 3L Antidote™ Reservoir with their Quick Link™ System inside as well. At 1.2 pounds without the reservoir, this pack can carry your basic emergency gear, as well as phone, keys, wallet, and a snack, without weighing you down. Retail price should be $90, and you’ll find it at your favorite CamelBak® dealer, beginning October, 2012.
The Groove™ line of bottles continues to grow, with more capacity (25oz/.75 liters for the Groove™ , and 20oz/.6L for the Groove™ Insulated) in this 100% BPA-free array of bottles that feature an innovative filtration system. For those not familiar with the Groove™ , the easily replaceable carbon filter (from bamboo) removes unpleasant tastes and odors such as chlorine, giving normal tap water that “bottled water” taste without the expense and waste of disposable bottles. Filling it three to four times each day, the filter will only need replacing about every three months. If you’re paying five dollars for a 24 pack of bottled water, the break even point on the bottles (with an MSRP of $25-$30) is 45 days or less. By the time you replace the filter, you’ll have spared our landfills from another 300 empty bottles. Look for the new models in February, 2012.
Don’t need a filter? Check out eddy™. That’s right, lower case. This is eddy, as in running water. Another BPA-free bottle line, the spill-proof eddy™ has a silicone Big Bite™ Valve for plenty of water flow, with no need to tilt the bottle. The valve folds down when not needed, to keep it clean. With its carabiner-friendly handle loop, and new color palette, you can take it anywhere, and match any outfit, if you’re so inclined. Size options include 20oz/.6L, 25oz/.75L and 32oz/1L. And they’re dishwasher safe, of course. Available February, 2012.
As mentioned previously, the revolutionary All Clear, (our top pick from ORSM 2011) with its built-in, easy to use UV water purification system, will be available at specialty retailers in about six weeks. Expect to see it more widely available shortly after. As a recap, it takes only 60 seconds to remove 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa from .75 liters of water, making it possible to quickly access drinking water almost anywhere your travels might take you. And since the battery is rechargeable via a USB port, a small solar battery storage system like the Solio Bolt has you covered when you’re off the grid. Very promising technology for traveling into the bush or around the world.
- Brian
Jan 23, 2012 Press releases
Keep Harmful Parabens off Your Back and out of the Water with All-Natural Sun Protectants
MORRO BAY, CA (January 23, 2012) – Many are making healthier, more sustainable choices when it comes to what goes in their bodies, but what about what goes on?
As the sunnier seasons set in, green your ‘screen by choosing chemical-free over conventional with Elemental Herbs sun care products – coral-reef-safe formulas made with all-natural ingredients, including organic healing herbs and oils.
Boasting broad UVA/UVB protection, the company’s SPF 30 Sunscreen Sport™ and Sunstick™ products bring pure, non-nano zinc oxide as an active ingredient – but without its usual ghostly glow. The goes-on-clear formulas can be slathered on without worry of unsightly white residue.
Swimmers, surfers, snorkelers and other ocean revelers can also rest easy knowing that their sun protection doesn’t come at an environmental cost. While petroleum-based conventional sunscreens have been held responsible for killing off coral reefs worldwide, Elemental Herbs’ ocean-friendly formulas are biodegradable and free of harmful parabens.
Instead, they’re packed with beneficial moisturizing and skin-saving ingredients, such as certified organic green tea and rose hip antioxidants and grapeseed, jojoba, coconut and avocado oils.
A beach bag essential, Elemental Herbs Sunscreen Sport offers non-greasy, natural protection for the face and body (MSRP: $15.99 for a 3-ounce tube). Elemental Herbs Sunstick offers convenient, mess-free application and powerful protection for the face, nose, ears and more, in a coconut or unscented formula (MSRP: $7.99 for a 0.6-ounce stick).
Located in Morro Bay, CA and founded by Caroline Duell in 2005, Elemental Herbs inspires people to live in balance with nature by offering organic herbal-based healing formulas including All Good Goop™ healing balm, All Good Lips™ lip balms, Herbal Cool™ pain relief spray, Sunscreen Sport™ and Zinc Sunstick sunscreens.
The products are currently available online and at 500+ retailers nationwide, including health food stores, outdoor sports shops and high-end gift shops. Elemental Herbs, a B Corporation dedicated to social and environmental responsibility is also a member of 1% for the Planet and the Green America Business Network. The company endorses the campaign for safe cosmetics by testing its products on humans rather than on animals. www.elementalherbs.com
Jan 23, 2012 Random acts of typing
Yesterday we wrapped up our visit to the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show in Salt Lake City. The mood at the show was one of enthusiasm for the coming year, despite this season’s relative lack of snow. Over the course of several days, we managed to speak with nearly 100 different exhibitors, and we were still picking up media kits on our way out at the 3PM close. We left energized, and excited about what we saw.
Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing some of the highlights, along with our own personal favorites. In the coming months, expect previews of next winter’s hottest new gear, plus articles and reviews about eagerly anticipated products like CamelBak’s All Clear, which is due to show up at select retailers in just six weeks. We’ve got the scoop on clothing & footwear, electronics, hydration, camping gear & cookware, the best dehydrated foods for camping, and even travel gear for the outdoor enthusiast.
Jan 20, 2012 Random acts of typing
We’ll be spending Friday through Sunday at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market show in Salt Lake City. ORWM gives us an opportunity to check out the latest equipment, as well as previews of upcoming products long before they hit the market. This provides us with much of our material for articles and reviews over the next 6-7 months, at which point we’ll attend the summer show and do it all over again.
Stay tuned for show highlights, and sneak previews of the coolest new gear, coming soon.
Jan 19, 2012 Press releases
SALT LAKE CITY – January 19, 2012 - Thousands of retailers and members of the media converged on Solitude Mountain Resort yesterday for the Outdoor Retailer All Mountain Demo (AMD), the opening event of Winter Market that begins its indoor portion in Salt Lake City today.
The All Mountain Demo provided buyers from around the world an opportunity to test next year’s winter gear ranging from skis and snowboards to snowshoes, avalanche safety equipment and Nordic gear.
“We knew a lot of attendees were worried about the snow conditions here, especially after last Winter Market’s epic day,” said Kenji Haroutunian, vice president at Nielsen Expositions and OR Show Director. “But what we heard again and again was the snow here was perfect for testing, because retailers tried more equipment and had a level playing field to compare and figure out what’s going to work best for their customers.”
Some of the events at AMD included the Nordic Challenge that saw almost 100 buyers compete for bragging rights and a snow safety area challenging retailers to best big mountain skiing legend Dean Cummings’ time to locate a buried avalanche beacon.
“It’s going really well here today, we have a lot of skis and snowboards out. People are turning skis faster this year. These conditions are making people come in and test more to see what works for them and in these conditions we feel like our product really shines. Everybody looks good in powder.” -John O’Conner, Vice President of Sales, K2 Sports
“The organization at the demo has been great this year and we’ve seen a lot more media on the mountain to check out skis. Overall, I’d give the demo a solid ‘A.’” -Jonathan Lantz, La Sportiva
“This event is the beginning of our launch for 2012/2013 products and the first time they’ve been out on the snow for people to try. There’s been a lot of interest and we’ve made a lot of good contacts up here today. It’s been a bad snow year for skiing, but it’s been great for snowshoeing!” -Sarah Rose, Tubbs Marketing Manager
“We’re a backcountry-focused shop, and this event is our best opportunity to try things side-by-side and have a few staff members do so, so that when inventory comes later in the year, they can educate the rest of the staff on pros and cons. The conditions are honestly not a bad thing for testing skis. The runs are consistent and you rotate through more skis and see more potential inventory than if it were an epic snow day.” -Brent Zwiers, Feathered Friends, Seattle, Wash.
“I’ve seen lots of good stuff here today and a lot of new things. It seems like there’s some new blood in the water that’s challenging the status quo from new brands. It’s healthy for the industry and good to see.” -Rod Stojanowski, Rivers Oceans and Mountains, British Columbia, Canada
Attendees now head to the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City for Winter Market 2012, four days of business education, events, networking and finalizing buying decisions. The indoor portion of the show runs January 19-22.
For photos of Outdoor Retailer Summer Market (including All Mountain Demo) and the most recent show happenings, visit www.facebook.com/outdoorretailer or www.twitter.com/outdoorretailer and #orshow.
About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer (OR) brings together retailers, manufacturers, industry advocates and media to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through tradeshows, product demo events and web-based business solutions. Produced by Nielsen Expositions and based in San Juan Capistrano, California, Outdoor Retailer also provides and promotes retailer education, advocacy, responsibility and critical face-to-face business initiatives within the outdoor industry.
Now celebrating more than 30 years, Outdoor Retailer (www.outdoorretailer.com) connects approximately 46,000 attendees on a semi-annual basis for its Summer and Winter Market shows, and thousands more through its year-round online resources and platforms.
Jan 16, 2012 Camping, Gear Reviews
A dual temp sleeping bag makes a lot of sense for today’s camper. By building in different insulating qualities on the chest and back, Eureka! can offer a sleeping bag that extends its comfort range over a wider variety of temperatures. Flipping it from one side to the other allows you to choose the level of insulation – it’s that simple. But the Dual Temp is not a one-trick pony. While it has the traditional taper of a mummy bag, there’s more room in the foot box than expected. This taper helps reduce weight a bit, (it weighs an ounce under four pounds) and allows it to pack down to a reasonable size. Contributing to the lower weight and excellent thermal and comfort properties is the Rteq™ insulation, which is designed to strike a balance between being packable, and providing warmth. The lining is “peached polyester”, which, true to Eureka’s description, feels more like cotton than polyester, to very good effect. For those that care about the technical details of their textiles, the shell is 66D/230T StarGaze polyester ripstop and 66D/210T polyester taffeta, and the liner is the aforementioned 75D/240T peached polyester. So overall, it’s not the lightest, heaviest, warmest or least/most expensive sleeping bag available. But it’s one that seeks to do everything pretty well, and at a price that represents a good value.
Of course, it’s the actual performance that counts. So we put it through our sleeping bag test, which involves climbing in and sleeping. If the bag does its job, we’ll sleep comfortably and warm, and wake up well-rested. It did, and we did. The 72″ x33″ bag fit both testers, and the dual temp range came in handy as ambient temperature ranges fluctuated. The draft collar kept cold air out, and the peached polyester provided a more luxurious feel than your typical smooth polyester, without being grabby. I toss and turn a bit before settling in, and don’t like my sleeping bag to turn with me. I found the cooler side to be more to my liking, but Mrs. Outsider preferred the warmer side. Even when we were side by side in the same tent. Go figure. The point is that having a choice can make all the difference. When it came time to pack it back into the included 19″ x 9.5″ stuff sack, it fit without a struggle, which is always appreciated.
Although we didn’t get to test it at temperatures below 30 degrees, the Dual Temp 10/30 should be indispensable for anyone looking for comfort within that range, and wants the flexibility it provides in colder climates. www.eurekatent.com
- Brian
Jan 13, 2012 Gear Reviews, Walk, hike, run
Back in November, we included Lorpen socks as part of our gift-giving suggestions. So it seemed quite logical to hand out several pairs around the holidays to guys that work hard and play hard, and get some feedback. The socks in question included the Tri-Layer hiking socks, Tri-Later ski socks, and their snowboard socks. (See the original article here)
For those not familiar, the Tri-Layer technology is complex in execution, but simple in explanation. First, there’s an inner-most layer that’s synthetic and hydrophobic, so it’s both soft and keeps moisture off your skin. Next, the middle layer is constructed of natural fibers. This wicks the moisture from the synthetic materials surrounding your foot, keeping them dry. Finally, there is an outer layer of nylon, to provide durability. This results in a sock that’s soft, dry, and strong.
Perhaps the arrival of the socks jinxed our resorts, but we have had very little snow in the mountains compared to previous years, and it’s been spotty in the valley as well. This put a bit of a damper on the skiing and boarding, but it was still cold enough to appreciate warm and comfortable socks. Between myself and the rest of our testers, we did some hiking, spent some longs days working outdoors in the cold, and on the one day we had substantial snowfall, pushed a snowblower through deep snow for a couple of hours. Both the ski and snowboard socks fully delivered. Their blend of Primaloft Eco polyester, Merino wool, nylon, and Lycra kept our feet toasty warm, yet dry. Even the thinner hiking socks did a pretty good job in the colder weather, providing all-day comfort when you’re active on your feet. And that’s without the the bulk of the other socks.
It’s not easy to do a really comprehensive review of socks. We put them on, wear them, and repeat. They rarely break or go through batteries too quickly, and there’s very little chance of them being made so poorly as to be a safety hazard. Each review is therefore fairly subjective. The good news is that with these Lorpen socks, all four testers were in agreement – the performance lives up to the manufacturer’s claims. And from past experience, we know they’re of very high quality construction, and made to last. So while clearing the neighborhood sidewalks with a snowblower might not be the same as hitting the slopes, it’s fair to say your feet will appreciate the luxury of a warm pair of socks when doing either activity. And these socks from Lorpen won’t let them down. www.lorpen.com
- Brian
