Big Agnes Lost Ranger Sleeping Bag Review

Posted by gufrocks on May 28, 2015 in Brand Videos, Brands, Industry Interviews, Outerwear Technology, Product Reviews, Technology | Leave a comment

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ_Rv98OKZU&w=780]

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Lost Ranger Sleeping Bag

1-big-agnes-camping-gear-logo-120
For campers and backpackers who value a good night’s sleep and recognize that weather forecasts aren’t always right, the Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15 Sleeping Bag is here! Made with a rectangular shape for more room in the foot box and the shoulders, the Lost Ranger is stuffed full of DownTek water repellent down insulation for big warmth even when it gets wet and features an integrated pad sleeve so you never have to worry about rolling off your pad again. The Isotect Flow system is a flow-optimized insulation system is engineered for efficient heat-distribution and natural body contouring, and the built-in pillow pocket is perfect for stuffing in a fleece or puffy coat to make a pillow. Sawing logs isn’t just for firewood when you have the Big Agnes Lost Ranger Sleeping Bag!

[PURCHASE]

Key Features of the Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15 Long Left Sleeping Bag:

  • Integrated full pad sleeve
  • DownTek water repellent down insulation
  • Rectangular shape offers more room in foot box and shoulders
  • Mesh storage sack and nylon stuff sack included
  • Built-in pillow pocket holds a fleece or Big Agnes pillow
  • Interior fabric loops for sleeping bag liners
  • 70″ YKK #8 Left Sided Zipper. Mate together our left and right zip bags with same size zipper
  • No-draft collar seals around neck to keep cold air from sneaking in
  • No-draft wedge insulates the connection between the bag and pad
  • No-draft zipper tube insulates along the length of the zipper
  • Shell fabric: Down proof, nylon microfiber rip-stop. WR surface treatment to repel water
  • Lining: Soft and breathable, down proof nylon microfiber with stain resistant finish
  • Pad sleeve fabric: Nylon rip-stop. WR surface treatment to repel water
  • Flow Construction: Insotect Flow is a flow-optimized insulation system that delivers uniform heat distribution and natural body contouring through its revolutionary baffle design. Flow Construction eliminates lateral and vertical down shifting by using vertical chambers with Flow Gates to regulate fill positioning and density. Strategically placed Flow Gates minimize vertical down shifting while vertical chambers minimize lateral shifting. With continuous vertical Flow chambers in place of traditional side seams, Flow bags eliminate potential cold spots which can occur with side seams. Vertical baffles now flow with your body for more rapid and uniform body heat distribution
  • Long – Fits up to 6’6″/ 198cm

[PURCHASE]

Men’s Hiking Style Guide

Posted by gufrocks on May 27, 2015 in Brands, Buying Guide, Camping Gear, Featured, Hiking Shoes & Boots, Lookbook, Outerwear Technology, Style Guide | Leave a comment

17 - Hiking Style Guide Hero

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Function and fashion are important.  When exploring the world function is the most important.  If someone says that fashion doesn’t matter, it can be assumed they probably wears crocs to weddings and have no real say on the topic.  Get outside and look good exploring this beautiful world of ours.

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3 - Down Jacket v2Arc’teryx Cerium SL Jacket

Perfect for layering on those blustery days, the Arc’teryx Cerium SL Jacket for men is the piece your wardrobe has been missing. Outstanding in its warmth to weight ratio, this cozy jacket will keep you going through plummeting temperatures and blustery conditions.  [PURCHASE]

 

3 - Rain Jacket v2Helly Hansen Loke Jacket

The Helly Hansen Loke Jacket is an essential light weight shell. Practical for a variety of weather conditions with full water and windproof yet breathable construction. With front storm flap to keep out wind and rain, and with vents to prevent overheating.  [PURCHASE]

 

3 - Hat v2Columbia Trail Dryer Cap

The Trail Dryer Cap has a sweat-activated, super cooling headband, offers UPF 50 protection from the sun and has a hook-and-loop back adjustment. Sometime the future is so bright you ahve to block it out with a brim.  [PURCHASE]

 

3 - Shoes v2Adidas Terrex Fast X GTX Hiking Shoes

For lightweight performance on and off the trail, lace up the Adidas Terrex Fast X GTX Hiking Shoes for men and get outside this season! Designed to be as comfortable as they are effective in wet and slippery conditions, the Terrex Fast X hiking shoes are made with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex liner to keep your feet dry and happy no matter where the trail takes you.  [PURCHASE]

 

1 - WatchFreestyle Navigator 2.0 Watch

The Freestyle Navigator 2.0 Watch has a built in digital compass with 1° of resolution and declination adjustment to help make navigating a breeze. The Navigator 2.0 also features three alarms, a calendar, and a timer useful for many outdoor activities including hiking and running.  [PURCHASE]

 

1 - pantsMountain Hardwear Warlow Hybrid Pants

The perfect alpine spring climbing pant designed in collaboration with Mountain Hardwear’s athletes. Minimal design with maximum stretch and superior fit make the Mountain Hardwear Warlow Hybrid Pants the most versatile and well rounded outdoor pants know to man.  [PURCHASE]

 

 

 

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Burton Waterproofing

Posted by admin on June 20, 2013 in Outerwear Technology | Leave a comment

Good. Better. Best. That’s how simple Burton makes it to determine the waterproofness of each snowboarding jacket and pant. You can be certain that whatever Burton outerwear you choose, it’s will certainly keep you dry. After all, Burton is a snowboarding company, so of course even the lowest priced pieces will keep the wet stuff at bay. The question of which level of waterproofness is best depends on where you ride most often.

Do you frequent the Cascade Range or the Canadian Rockies? Then, you’ll definitely want to go for a jacket with the most waterproofing properties like the AK 2L Cyclic Jacket, AK 3L Freebird Jacket or the AK 3L Hover Jacket. Burton jackets with the highest waterproof rankings are built with Gore-Tex fabric, so no matter how wet it gets or how many hours you spend on your board, you’re guaranteed to stay dry on the inside…for life.

The main difference between “Best” and “Better” is the lighter weight material used in “Best” jackets. “Best” jackets are designed for backcountry missions, heli trips and the most extreme snow conditions. A middle of the road jacket in terms of waterproofness is also guaranteed to keep you dry. “Better” jackets like the Crack Down Jacket, Full Metal Jacket, Hostile Jacket, Mob System Jacket, Payday Puffy and Squire Jacket are a terrific choice for anyone looking for full weather protection in a more fashion forward style. Some “Better” styles are even constructed with Gore-Tex.

Burton Poacher JacketBurton SentryBurton AK 3L

 

“Good” jackets will leave you with some extra cash for a lift ticket. They’re a tremendously economical and are all treated with DWR, a water repellent coating. For mild temperatures and sunny conditions at Vail, park missions at Big Bear or a late season comp at Mammoth, “Good” jackets like the Arctic Jacket, Breach Jacket, Checkpoint Jacket, Fraction Insulated Jacket, Fraction Jacket, Groucho Jacket, Hackett Jacket, Poacher Jacket and Softshell Hoodie are perfect. Such jackets are also ideal for walking to and from class, waiting for the school bus or just cruising town. You’ll find the most prints, colors and wallet friendly features in “Good” jackets by Burton.

Boarding School – Waterproofness

Teacher – Mark, do you have questions about waterproofing?
Mark – Nah, just trying to determine how waterproof this jacket is.
Teacher – Ya know, Burton’s outerwear level of waterproofness either measured by good, better or best – so ahh, you don’t really need to do that.
Mark – Well, how am I supposed to know which is the outerwear for me to get.
Teacher – That’s a decision you’ll have to make for yourself.
Mark – Alright, I live in British Columbia, so it gets wet up there. Does that mean I need BEST rated outerwear?
Teacher – All Burton outerwear is prepared for weather, but some are designed to handle anything Mother Nature coughs up.
Mark – So, you’re saying it’s a decision I’m going to have to make myself.
Teacher – Yup, it all depends on the conditions you’ll be riding in.

Burton AK Gore-Tex Technology

Posted by Mindy on January 26, 2013 in Outerwear Technology, Technology | Leave a comment

Do you like the best of the best? Do you like your purchase to deliver year after year? Look no further. Burton’s AK outerwear line is all that and more. Every piece is constructed with Gore-Tex®, the legendary fabric that’s guaranteed to keep you warm and dry. Before we dive in any deeper, let’s start with the acronym, ‘AK.’ What the heck is that? ALASKA, of course! Perhaps the best, untouched snowboarding is found way up north. Think thousands of acres of mountainous terrain with fluffy, white, perfect snow. You’ll need a sled, cat or heli to get to the goods. Lifts don’t exist in these parts. You’ll also need some solid snowboarding experience, a guide, beacon, avalanche safety equipment, some lungs and some kick a** snowboarding outerwear. If Burton’s AK outerwear line is tough enough for Alaska, it’s certainly lives up to being best in class.

Burton has devoted a ton of R & D to their AK line. It’s basically a test laboratory for new technologies that will eventually trickle down to the regular Burton line. Riders like Terije Haakonsen, Jussi Oksanen and John Jackson ride AK for comfort, style and the ultimate protection against the elements. Whether hiking the pipe or dipping out of bounds for freshies, you can be certain that AK outerwear will keep you warm and dry while allowing the garment to breath. Say good bye to sweaty and clammy days ripping some pow. Seriously, AK Gore-Tex really is all that. The most popular jackets for 2013 include the 2L Cyclic Jacket, 2L Stagger Jacket, 2L LZ Down Jacket, 3L Freebird Jacket and 3L Hover Jacket. For pants, dip into the 2L Stagger Pant, 2L Cyclic Pant or 3L Freebird Bib Pant. Whatever you choose, we promise you won’t be disappointed. AK is worth every penny.

We incorporate Gore-Tex® fabric into the entire AK outerwear line for riders seeking the ultimate in comfort and durable waterproof, breathable protection. Gore-tex® is so confident in their gear that they back every product with their guaranteed to keep you dry promise.

This has been a part of the Burton Technology articles.

2013 Burton Leg Lifts Technology

Posted by Mindy on January 26, 2013 in Outerwear Technology, Technology | Leave a comment

Burton prides itself on being a rider driven company. And for that very reason, they come up with the wackiest, craziest and smartest ideas in everything they design to make riding more practical, comfortable and FUN. The Burton team riders travel the globe following snow throughout the year and it’s a no wonder they demand outerwear that suits their every need and desire. One of our favorite features on Burton pants are the leg lifts. It’s simply a snap system where the back of the cuff can be tucked up to avoid stepping on it…and ruining your pants overtime. Many riders wear their pants a little big, so stepping on your pants will certainly wear them down much faster than the rest of the pant. The leg lifts are a quick and easy way to tack your pants up. Even better, it doesn’t look nerdy. The snap is only on the back, so it just looks like your pants are bunched up a bit. Leg lifts are incorporated into all Burton mens pants, womens pants, boys pants and girls pants.

Burton leg lifts eliminate the need to roll up each pant leg to steer clear of mud, rock salt, pavement or nasty restroom floors. Simply snap up each cuff and you’re set.

This has been a part of the Burton Technology articles.

2013 Burton DryRide Mist-Defy Technology

Posted by Mindy on January 26, 2013 in Outerwear Technology, Technology | Leave a comment

burton dryride jacket

If you’re like many savvy consumers of today, a purchase that serves several purposes and has a long life span is worth every penny. How about a flannel shirt that wicks moisture, breaths, adds a layer of warmth and looks clean enough to wear to a parent teacher conference? Burton has made this possible with their Tech Apparel line. Long are the days of wearing cotton hoodies to the mountain. Well, some people still do it. They’re easily recognizable with chunks of snow glued to their cotton snow magnet that hangs beneath the jacket. Wearing anything cotton while snowboarding is just plain silly. Because we’re snowboarders, we don’t want to look like a goof wearing a nerdy mock turtle neck base layer either. Snowboarding is all about style and individuality on the mountain…in the lodge and at happy hour!

This year, the designers at Burton bumped up a few pieces of their tech apparel line with Burton DryRide Mist-Defy. In addition to being quick drying and moisture wicking like the rest of the tech apparel line, DryRide Mist-Defy pieces also water repellent. They look and feel like street wear, but perform like a regular jacket. Take your pick from these mountain and street friendly killer pieces…

Burton Repel FlannelMEN
Dags Flannel Jacket
Sabath Fleece
Tusk Jacket
Repel Flannel

WOMEN
Pick Up Fleece 

Select Burton Tech apparel styles have been enhanced with DryRide Mist-Defy. Water repellent, quick drying and moisture wicking, it performs on and off the mountain while maintaining soft, stretchy and comfortable benefits of cotton.  Read more about Burton DryRide Tech here.

This has been a part of the Burton Technology articles.

Burton DRYRIDE Technology

Posted by Mindy on January 25, 2013 in Outerwear Technology, Technology | Leave a comment

A Burton DryRide hang tag is a guaranteed seal of approval that your hoodie, fleece, outerwear, gloves or long underwear will keep you warm and dry. Wearing cotton while snowboarding is like wearing socks swimming. It’s just plain silly. Weekend warriors and backcountry mountain men all know that every piece of clothing should have a technical component in the fabric to keep your garments from becoming saturated. Whether it be sweat or snow, if your gear gets wet, you’re pretty much screwed out of a good time. Burton made it easy to pin point the technical clothing pieces in their expansive line by branding them with Dryride. Imagine a long sleeve polo that adds a layer of insulation and will never (ever!) become damp. Burton tacked it with the Rugby First Layer Shirt. How about a hoodie that won’t become a snow magnet as soon as you hit the lift? Done and done with the infamous Bonded Hoodie. And of course, Burton gloves, jackets and pants are all armed with Dryride making them the most tech choice for long days at the mountain.

Dryride is Burton’s fabrication technology used in outerwear, gloves, fleece, softshell, first layer and tech apparel. It represents a strict set of criteria that all materials must meet to be included in our line. Wear your gear with confidence knowing that materials carrying the Dryride name have been designed, developed and tested to ensure you stay drier, more comfortable and outside longer.

This has been a part of the Burton Technology articles.

Burton Clothing – Engineering Warmth

Posted by Mindy on January 20, 2013 in Outerwear Technology, Technology | Leave a comment

It’s true. From the backcountry at Baldface to the rope toe in the Midwest, Burton makes a jacket to keep you warm no matter how hard or where you ride. Truth be told, the best snowboarding jacket is one that’s versatile, balances body temperature and won’t restrict mobility. To make it easy, Burton ranks their jackets on a simple scale.

  • Heavy – Think single digit wind chill, blustery winds or a long commute by foot to class in a Northern climate. Heavy jackets typically have 100g of synthetic insulation or down insulation. For the coldest days imaginable, layer up beneath your jacket and you’ll be stylin. For warmer days, simply wear a think first layer.
  • Mid – With just enough insulation to to take the chill off, but not so much that you’ll start to roast on your second pow turn, jackets with Mid insulation usually have 40g – 80g of insulation.
  • Shell – A true shell doesn’t have any insulation. They’re meant to be extremely versatile with enough room to wear a fleece or extra layering beneath for the coldest days. For warm spring days or a hike to get the goods, a thin fleece or even just a first layer top beneath will suffice.

Keep in mind that all insulated Burton jackets are engineered. There’s more insulation where you need it, like your front and back, and less where you don’t, like the sides of your torso. This allows for maximum range of movement, comfort and temperature control.

Boarding School – Warmth

Jack – Have you ever been so cold that you’ve had to wear two jackets?
Narrator – Jack, two jackets. That’s crazy. Don’t you know that Burton offers to keep you warm no matter where you live or where you ride?
Jack – Well, what if it’s really really cold and how do I know if the jacket is warm?  Is there an insulation rating?
Narrator – Actually, Jack there is. Jackets with higher insulation ratings are warmer and  require less layering when the temps rise. A shell has no insulation for versatility with layering and fleece underneath.
Jack – Well, would you look at this.
Narrator – Jack, say something about how there is added warmth where you need and less where it’s not to improve mobility and balance temperature.
Jack – Well, I think you said it. Burton makes jackets for you to stay warm no matter what.

For more Burton gear and clothing, check out our Burton shop.

Burton TouchTec Gloves Technology

Posted by Mindy on July 26, 2012 in Outerwear Technology, Technology | Leave a comment

You’re running around down town on foot just a hair before midnight trying to find which bar your friends have taken over. It’s 18 degrees out. Your bare hands are so cold that your touchscreen phone won’t budge. You put your gloves on for a few minutes to warm them up. The moment you take your gloves off to try texting your posse again, your hands refreeze. Sound familiar? Well, a bunch of companies have created gloves that work with touchscreen phones and music players. The vast majority of these gloves are either knit or constructed with a super thin material that won’t even take the chill off in 50 degree weather. I don’t know about you, but I wear gloves to keep my hands warm.

Burton has hands down created the best, most functional, comfortable and warmest touch screen glove. Above all, it even has incredible dexterity. They’ve teamed up with TouchTec to create a supple and buttery leather that enables us of touch screen devices. In addition, the Pinnacle Glove, Gondy Glove and Veda Glove are all waterproof and breathable. Whether on the lift or cruising town, get ready to make a call, skip a song or snap a pic with your gloves on. Check out all of Burtons Gloves here.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxJkB-m9Jr4&w=745

Have you ever wanted to text somebody, but it’s way too cold out to take your glove off? Well, want no more with Burton’s TouchTec Technology you yourself can be staying connected all over the glove with friends and family and keeping your hand warm at the same time. This revolutionary nano technology creates genuine leather that combines a supple, buttery feel and rugged waterproof breath-ability with the freedom to use your touch screen phone or music player while using your gloves.

This has been a part of the Burton Technology articles.

Travis Rice Base Layer – Quiksilver Cityscape Base Layers

Posted by gufrocks on February 21, 2012 in Brands, Industry Interviews, Outerwear Technology, Product Reviews, Retail Store, Snowboard Tech, Technology | 4 Comments

 

Quiksilver Travis Rice Collection Cityscape Base Layer

The Quiksilver Cityscape Travis Rice Base Layer is designed for riding and hanging out at the bar.  Slay the backcountry and roam down to the local watering hole without looking like you sleep in your car.

This 100% Polyester Oxford is soft on your skin and dries faster than you can get it wet.  The stitching, buttons, chest pocket rise above all others for the most fashion forward base layer of 2013.

Quiksilver Travis Rice Collection Cityscape Base Layer Specs

  • 100% Polyester Oxford
  • Technical Layering Shirt
  • Contrast Fabric Details
  • Quik Dry
  • Travis Rice Signature Hydromark Logo
  • Regular Fit

2013 Quiksilver Travis Rice Collection

2013 Quiksilver Travis Rice Collection – Symbol Jacket

2013 Quiksilver Travis Rice Collection – Shadow Pant

2013 Quiksilver Travis Rice Collection – Aspect Jacket

2013 Quiksilver Travis Rice Collection – Square Mitt