I may be biased on this knife, which is named after a race in Patagonia that I will compete in next month. But the Wenger RangerGrip 179 WPER, $72.95, is a worthy Swiss Army tool, including a wood saw, screwdriver, cap lifter, wire stripper, and a big serrated blade with a safety lock. The handle has rubber inlays and is laser-engraved with the Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race (WPER) logo.
Bringing computer control to the category of the headlamp, Petzl’s CORE System is a rechargeable battery compatible with many of the company’s popular TIKKA and ZIPKA lights. Plug it into a USB computer port to charge. The ion-polymer battery can store enough power for 120 hours of operation. Soon to come, Petzl will add an application for users to set up custom battery power and light strength via a control panel on their computer screen.
CamelBak introduced a pair of winter hydration packs for backcountry skiers and snowboarders. The women’s Roulette and men’s Pit Boss backpacks include the requisite CamelBak hydration hose and reservoir plus adjustable carrying straps for skis or a snowboard on back. Both packs have a shovel pocket and places to stow climbing skins, an avalanche probe, goggles, and other backcountry essentials. Available for next year’s ski season at $100.
Outdoors/climbing-shoe company Five Ten celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2010. With it, the company brought out a retro “Spiderman-sticky” Five Tennie tennis shoe that mimics a model released a quarter century ago. The shoe’s look is similar to the 1985 model. But the tech is upgraded with the company’s proprietary Stealth C4 Dotty Tread sole, split-grain leather, and abrasion-resistant nylon. Available next month for about $70.
At $810, Salomon’s Quest Pro Pebax boot will blend downhill performance with alpine-touring (AT) comfort, the company says. Marketed as a “high performance, all mountain boot,” it is compatible with all major touring bindings on the market, including Dynafit. Ride and Hike modes allow alternatively for easy uphill striding or downhill performance. Available for next year’s ski season.
Teva’s Forge Pro is a multisport shoe with an aggressive outsole and a synthetic-leather and mesh upper. The midsole has an external shock pad, and there’s a nylon shank for added stability. It doesn’t look bad on the street, either. Available in May for $110. Look for them at the Teva Games this June in Vail, Colo. (It’s the “official shoe” of the event this year.)
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