Bunny’s Top Picks From The 2011 Winter Outdoor Retailer Show
I couldn't help, but think of my hammock wielding long time backpacking partner Andy when I saw this insulated beast. Chilly nights are pretty common among hammock sleepers, especially when there's a breeze. To prevent being victimized by cool drafts hammock sleepers have been known to carry heavier sleeping bags, an extra liner, sleep in layers, and sleep close to camp fires. These tricks are great and all, but carrying extra gear kind of defeats the purpose of traveling light with a hammock, and sleeping near the fire often leaves you smoked out. No worries, no more! ENO's insulated Ember hammock is made to provide the extra layer of warmth you need, without the hassle of carrying more gear.
KLYMIT, INERTIA XL While running from booth to booth, I planned on finding some gear tailored towards bigger guys. One of the items I found was a new sleeping pad by Klymit, the Inertia XL. Much like it's predecessor the Inertia X Frame, the Inertia XL didn't disappoint. I was a little reluctant at first to sprawl out on this mat in the middle of the OR, but I'm sure glad I did now. The Inertia XL was amazingly comfortable, I dare to say the most comfortable sleeping pad I have ever laid on. It's built in head cradle and V-chambered body felt as if it was stretching my back out, relieving pressure on my discs. This is going to be a really nice feature after a long day with a backpack. Don't let it's size deceive you, this pad was made with the minimalist camper/backpacker in mind. It rolls up to about the size of a Nalgene bottle, and more impressively it weighs only 16.8 oz.!!!
MAKO
PocketToolX has become an instant hit with their series of flat framed multi-tools. Made from 6AL-4V aerospace titanium, the MAKO Bike Tool (pictured above) is an extremely light and compact-able tool, weighing a hardly noticeable 19 grams. The MAKO's compact size, light weight, and ability to get repairs done, make it a must have tool for cyclists everywhere.
- 6AL-4V Titanium 0.125" Thick
- Overall Size: 3.5" X 1.2"
- Frame Weight: 19 grams (0.7 oz.)
- Weight w/ bits: 45 grams (1.6 oz.)
- Smooth stone-washed finish
- Neoprene Bit Holders
- Included 1/4 Hex Bits: Torx T25, Phillips, 5mm Allen & 6mm Allen
- Box Wrenches: 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 15mm, & 16mm
- Bottle Opener
- 14G & 15G Spoke Wrenches
- High-visibility reflective lanyard
PIRANHA
Along side of the MAKO, PocketToolX also boasts a multi-purpose tool known as the PIRANHA. Like the MAKO, the PIRANHA is another compact flat tool, that makes most light repairs a cinch. Unlike most other multi-tools the PIRANHA is TSA-compliant, good to know in case an on-flight mechanic is needed 😉 PocketToolX has a complete line of these small flat multi-purpose tools, and thankfully for us they remembered the bottle opener!
- 154CM Stainless Steel 0.140" Thick
- Overall Size: 3.875? × 1.5?
- 54 grams (1.9 oz.)
- Heat-treated to 58-60 HRC
- Coated Double-ended driver bit (P2, #8)
- Open and box Wrenches
- Bottle Opener
- Pry Tips
- Scraper End
- Package/Box Opener Notch
- TSA-Compliant
- Available Finishes: Smooth Stonewash (Standard), Satin Beadblast, Smoke Conversion Coat
While at the show it's easy to get caught up and overwhelmed by all the flashy gear. Out of all the things you pack for your trips food is a must have, and it's easily overlooked at the trade shows. I'm glad to tell you I didn't over look this essential item, and I was happily surprised with what I found. Since getting out of the military I've tried to avoid Made-Ready-to Eat meals (MRE's), or anything of the sort, but Bridgford's new ready to eat sandwiches have convinced me otherwise. They're good, really good!!! Granted the only one I've had as of now is the Italian Style sandwich, but it was delicious! If you're looking to pack light and fast, I definitely recommend you give Bridgford sandwiches a try. What can I say, I like food.
Kahtoola, MTN Series Snowshoes
The Kahtoola MTN Series Snowshoes are a hassle free way to switch from snowshoes to crampons in a flash. The patented SKYHOOK® step-in technology allows you to step in and out of the the snowshoe frame, while staying connected to the boot mounted Eight-Point Trail Crampon. Sometimes you need a snowshoe for the deep powder, sometimes you need crampons for icy trails. Kahtoola's MTN series has made it possible to over come these conditions without the timely process of changing between crampons and snowshoes. Available in both the MTN 24, and the larger MTN 28 this highly adaptable snowshoe-crampon system, will likely be sought after by adventures everywhere. I'm thinking a winter 14er summit attempt would be a perfect test for the Kahtoola MTN 28 Snowshoes.
There were so many great things at the 2011 Winter Outdoor Retailer Show, it's hard to limit them down into just one post. Like I said these are just a few of things that caught my eye. Unfortunately some of the items highlighted here will not be available until the fall. Full product reviews and gear test are soon to follow, stay tuned.
Menikmati,
Bunny
