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Drills on compass bearings, UTM coordinate plotting, tests on the principles of declination — these are the puzzles you solve in the new “Table Top Adventure Race and Navigation Challenge” book.

These shades feature frames manufactured with a secret “plant-based material.”

The Ruff Wear Climate Changer fleece fits well, breathes and dries quickly to keep dogs warm in all types of cold-weather pursuits.

Swapping lenses with the Smith Pivlock Sunglasses is as easy as removing the nosepiece and tilting the earpieces at a 45-degree angle to detach them.

From full-strength mini carabiners to a “rip-stop merino wool” backpack, this year’s Outdoor Retailer trade show revealed an impressive lineup of new product innovations. This is the Gear Junkie wrap-up.

Whether you’re crossing a glacier or just biking to the grocery store, the right pair of sunglasses can protect your eyes. This review covers Costa Del Mar’s Corbina model.

The Loaded Dervish is a longboard cambered from tip to tail and with wheels completely visible when standing on the deck. It looks different — and performs different — than any board you’ve ever seen.

A full day on the mountain means goggles on your face for hours at a stretch, so they have to be comfortable. The Rogue delivers with a triple layer foam skirt and a comfy microfleece lining.

E.C.O. (Environmentally Conscious Optics) is the initiative of surfer and environmental activist Rob Machado, and his old-school style is instantly evident in the Experience glasses. They’re a throwback, and these babies are big. The Grilamid nylon frame is supposed to be proportionate to Machado’s ever-expanding ‘fro (seriously, I’m not making that up), so the sheer size of the frames could be a drawback for some.

Adventure Medical Kits’ new first-aid product line is made for international travelers, including one kit dubbed as “the cheapest life insurance policy you’ll ever buy”. . .

The original Indo Board comes with a roller so you swivel back and forth. That device was beyond my realm. But this model, which has a mouth-inflatable cushion instead of the roller, was made to help beginners condition their core and build balance without the danger of rolling off the edge of the board. I brought the board home, determined to conquer the swishy demon.

Studded snow tires have long been a staple in my home state of Utah. In other places, where you go off to the mountains once a week at the most, you carry chains, torture yourself on the side of the road in whipping wind and finger-freezing snow while you try to wrap those clunky links around your tires.

Products as seen by the Gear Junkie at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2009: New REI shell jackets and pants. . .

Products as seen by the Gear Junkie at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2009: EverLite EL9 Solar Clip Light. . .

Products as seen by the Gear Junkie at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2009: Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover. . .

Products as seen by the Gear Junkie at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2009: Timex Expedition WS4. . .

Products as seen by the Gear Junkie at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2009: Mountain Hardwear Refugium Trifecta jacket. . .