Klymit, the makers of the “Popular Science” award-winning Kinetic Vest featuring argon gas insulation, is now coming out with a line of softshell jackets to be used in conjunction with their incredibly warm vests. There will be three different models, including the Olympus, Paregoria, and Zephyros. The first two feature shoulder-mount “intercoolers” which Klymit says drastically improves ventilation during aerobic activity. The jackets also have a front chest-zipper to allow access to the “Kontrol Dial” for easy insulation adjustment, and a Klymitizer access port to easily recharge the vest with more gas if needed. The new Klymit jackets will be available in the fall of 2010, but the Kinetic Vests are currently being sold at Klymit’s website. You can also read my review of the Klymit Kinetic Vest here.
Talus Outdoor Technologies has been around a few years and have made a name for themselves among the mountaineering community. Ed Viesturs swears by the product and used it on a Canadian arctic ski trek. According to Talus, the Cold Avenger “mechanically mixes inhaled cold air with exhaled warm air to achieve a dynamic balance of warmth and humidity while keeping the face dry.” Essentially, it allows you to inhale warm air, which protects your lungs from sub-zero temperatures and also keeps your core warmer.
New this year, Talus is reaching out to the younger, skier/snowboarder crowd with funky designs. Young people are especially vulnerable to developing cold-weather asthma due to exposure to extremely low temperatures, so the Cold Avenger is a good way to protect growing lungs while also looking cool. For more info, visit the Talus Outdoor technologies website.
Every outdoor enthusiast knows the value of a good pair of socks, and Lorpen has been on the forefront of making high-performance socks. New for fall 2010 are hiking and multisport socks with new Tri Layer technology. According to Lorpen, they knit three layers of different materials together. The first layer, against the skin, is made from Primaloft Eco-Polyester that insulates and keeps feet dry. The second layer is made from Merino Wool, which wicks and stores moisture away from the skin. The third, outer layer is nylon, which is highly durable so the sock doesn’t wear out so fast. I picked up a pair of Tri Layer ski socks and look forward to testing them out. Lorpen can be found online at www.lorpen.com.
Kombi has been around for decades, and has been a staple on the ski slopes since I was a kid. I still remember magazine ads that show a lost glove beneath a ski lift with the text, “there’s a broken heart behind every lost Kombi.” It went something like that anyway. So how does a glove company that has been around the block a few times come up with something new? They dazzle you with color I guess. Hey Kombi, 1991 called and they want their gloves back!
Kombi is also releasing an MP3 player compatible glove with the control dial located right on the top of the glove.
Kombi is also expanding into the baselayer arena. For more information about Kombi, visit them here. There was lots of things to look at on day 2 at the Outdoor Retailer 2010 Winter Market, and day 3 is sure to be even busier.