Cool Innovations for Cold Weather

Sierra, Sept, 1999

Special Advertising Section

1999 WINTER SPORTS GEAR & APPAREL GUIDE

As the song says, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow." With snowshoeing red-hot and other outdoor activities leapfrogging from three-season to four-season, the outdoor industry has been happily singing that refrain -- and working overtime to keep you warm.

The result? A host of innovative new products for this winter: burly convertible tents that can handle blizzards today and balmy summer heat tomorrow; superconvenient snowboard- and ski-carrying backpacks; newfangled wind-blocking, moisture-management apparel that scrunches down smaller than ever before; lighter, warmer, less expensive backpacking and hiking boots; remarkably improved snowshoes; and an avalanche of new cold-weather socks -- some temperature-controlled, some just for skiing and snowboarding, and some that don't stink, no matter how long you wear them.

That's a relief, because today's winter gear is now so good that you'll be tempted to stay out there a lot longer than before. Here's a quick look at some of the best.

SNOWSHOES

(1) MSR

Denali Ascent snowshoes $149

Do you relish snowshoeing up steep hills? The Ascent, already known for world-class stability on hard-pack ice due to its patented full-length Traction Bars, adds even more upward mobility with two innovations: "Televator" heel lifters that ease calf strain on extreme grades, and a grippy pair of fang-like stainless steel Saber Teeth, which project 3/8 in. beneath the Traction Bars. Remarkably low-priced for a performance shoe, the Ascent also adds an improved stand-up binding to popular features like a durable pivoting steel crampon and a modular design that increases flotation in soft snow by accepting 4-in. or 8-in. extension tails. 800-877-9677; www.msrcorp.com

(2) Atlas Snowshoe

Trackers Snow-Tracker $59; Mountain-Tracker $69

For traction on hard-packed trails where the size and float of snowshoes is cumbersome and unnecessary, Atlas came up with a whole new idea: the Tracker, a strap-on claw for the bottom of your hiking boots or running shoes. Ideal for winter running, hiking, and even walking on icy streets, the devices include an aluminum cleat, a comfortable rocker footbed, an adjustable heel strap, and a buckle closure that goes on and off in 30 seconds. The Mountain Tracker has a larger cleat that digs in better on steep, aggressive terrain. 888-48-ATLAS; www.atlassnowshoe.com

(3) Sherpa

Ru Hiker snowshoe $159

Simplicity rules. The Ru, the Sherpa name for "clan" and the company's new intermediate recreational snowshoe, features the easy new Lotus Comfort binding, a patent-pending figure-eight configuration that tightens with the rearward pull of two straps. Result? You keep your balance while tightening the bindings (others require a pull across the top of the foot) and you don't have the hassle of undoing mismatched right and left shoes, as the shoes and bindings are identical. The frame of aircraft-quality aluminum is mated to a fixed-rotation pivot system for maneuverability. 800-621-2277; www.sherpasnowshoes.com

(4) Crescent Moon

Permagrin 13 snowshoe $229

The best just get better. Acclaimed last year for its light weight, easy-in/easy-out strapping system, and a dramatically tapered teardrop design that eliminated "duck walking" and shoe-to-shoe contact, the Permagrin line gets tougher in 1999. Its Hypalon deck is tauter and more tear-resistant; its much-lauded assymmetrical footplate, a solid base for strapping, is now made of the same tong-lasting urethane found on running shoes. The lightweight 13 model (2 lb., 13 oz.) shown here, while designed for females and smaller males, is the favorite of Crescent Moon's 6-foot-2 owner/designer Jake Thamm, who says smaller-sized models are more efficient for everyone. 800-587-7655.

ACCESSORIES

(5) Terrapin

sunblocks $3.95 (1 oz.); $8.95 (4 oz.)

Everyone claims to be "natural" these days, but the new line of Terrapin water-resistant sun block means it. No petroleum, artificial fragrances or even animal ingredients here---it moisturizes and protects your skin with a mix including safflower and jojoba oils, echinacea extract and insect-repelling, fresh-smelling lavender oil. It not only saves you from skin-burning UVB rays, but give back 2 percent of all Terrapin profits are donated to conservation causes, with a special emphasis on turtle protection. 800-347-5211; www.albabotanica.com

(6) Bolle

Boomslang sunglasses $79

Talk about eye candy. The sporty wraparound styling and breezy side venting of the new Boomslang looks good no matter the season. This new model (named after a poisonous, fanged, 6-1/2-ft. long African tree snake that hisses before it strikes) comes with all the standard features of Bolle's athletic Snake line: lightweight nylon frame, optical-quality Polycarbonate lenses, and stable thermo-Grip temple and nose piece. Add $20 for polarized lenses. 800-22-BOLLE www.bolle.com

(7) Buck Knives

Lightning HTA knives $55-$69

One hand's all it takes. The colorful Lightning series of lockblade knives comes with lightweight aluminum handles and metal Flick-it thumb studs for easy opening with either hand. The family includes the compact, pocket-sized Lightning HTA I, 3-3/8-in. long when closed with a 2-1/2-in. non-serrated blade, and the larger HTA II (4-1/8-in. closed; 3-in. partially serrated blade). 619-449-1100; www.buckknives.com