There are two things in life that I love more than anything in this world (besides my lovely wife and awesome dog of course)… the outdoors and beer. That’s why UpaDowna is one of my favorite new websites. The guys and girl at Colorado-based UpaDowna.com have come up with a way to combine quality brew…
Author: Jared Hargrave
Kombi Outland glove review
Kombi always reminds me of an old ad that appeared in ski magazines during my high school years in the 90’s. The image was from the viewpoint of someone riding a chairlift looking down at a lone glove laying in the snow far below. The caption read, “there’s a broken heart behind every lost Kombi.”…
Ninja Suit by AirBlaster the coolest gear at Outdoor Retailer
How could anyone not love the Ninja Suit from AirBlaster? I mean, it’s long underwear that makes you look like a ninja for pete’s sake! Svelte young men and women were walking and rock climbing on the Salt Palace floor during the Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market in their Ninja Suits. As the buzz spread…
Salomon FreeskiTV videos the perfect stoke builder
After all this Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market coverage, we need a break from writing (and reading) about gear, gear, gear! Today is a day to dig out from technical specs of jackets and shoes and get stoked on ski season again. The Salomon FreeskiTV videos are a series of short movies with episodes released…
Sherpa Adventure Gear at Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market
I’ve been a fan of Sherpa Adventure Gear ever since I bought a black softshell jacket from them way back in 2003. I still wear that jacket, even though it’s been through the skiing/rock climbing/hiking/every-day living wringer. Sherpa is still going strong these days, and are putting out sweet gear that stands up to even…
Backcountry skiing Lake Desolation
Lake Desolation is surrounded by quality backcountry skiing, from south-facing open glades, to tree skiing on north and east aspects. The area draws all kinds of backcountry types – from weathered telemarkers out for a long tour, to modern twin-tippers barreling down from the Canyons ski resort next door. They all come to this tiny…
Wolverine brings custom comfort to Winter Outdoor Retailer
Wolverine is a brand I had never heard of before the Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market, but after visiting their booth and seeing the quality of their boots and shoes, I think it’s a brand that we’ll be seeing a lot more of. Below is just a small sample of their 2011 selection, and a look at…
Ryders Eyewear celebrates 25th birthday at Outdoor Retailer
The Ryders Eyewear booth at the Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market was pretty much a party atmosphere, and for good reason. The company is celebrating their 25th birthday, and the occasion was marked with neon headbands, mullet wigs, hillbilly teeth, and cheesy music set to a backdrop of a ’70s style basement complete with wood…
Cloudveil goes back to basics at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market
Cloudveil has undergone a huge transition this past year, after the Jackson, Wyoming-based company was bought by private investors and moved to Massachusetts. The new owners have restructured operations and are now focusing on the basics of outdoor gear with hard and softshell jackets, pants and mid-layers. The new Cloudveil had a presence at the…
Sneak peek at Salomon gear from Outdoor Retailer Winter Market
Salomon is once again taking gear to another level at the Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market, with a new AT ski boot that’s even more advanced than the Quest 12, and updated trail running shoes designed around the needs of elite runners, but made for you, the consumer, to use on your own adventurous trail…