Estimated read time: 9-10 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY—This has been a strange winter in Utah. It’s February and people have been outside in shorts and tank tops, doing summer things like washing their cars. The current weather is ideal for a diverse range of outdoor activities. This article looks at nine products that might be a good match for your next adventure.
Klymit Static V Luxe ====================
PRICE: $99
GRADE: A-
Made right here in Utah, the Klymit Static V Luxe is a compact sleeping pad that offers some impressive features. At 30 inches wide, it gives you an ample sleeping base. And its V Body Map design keeps you comfortable and in proper place on the pad. Heat loss is minimized by the sleek design, which is always important.
This isn’t a self-inflating pad, but it has two mouth valves and you can usually fill it in 30 breaths or less (so you won’t be feeling light-headed). Included with the Static V Luxe is a patch kit, which conveniently stores in a pouch in the stuff sack. And if for some reason the 75D polyester outer fabric can’t be fixed with the patch kit, the pad comes with a limited lifetime warranty so you’ll probably be taken care of.
While the Static V Luxe packs into a 4.5-inch by 8-inch bundle, it’s an impressive 76 inches long once inflated. And it’s barely more than 26 ounces, which makes it an excellent choice for backpacking. There are numerous ultra light sleeping pads to choose from out there and this is one of the best.
STAGE STUNT Snowboard/Ski Goggles =================================
PRICE: $89
GRADE: B+
When Matt Mathews and JT Von Lunen founded their winter sport company in Salt Lake City in 2010, their goal was to make gear that stood out from the crowd. Five years later, their signature product is STUNT goggles for skiing and snowboarding.
These goggles come with a comfy frame that boasts triple-layer foam and a microfleece liner. The spherical, double-pane lens offers a broad field of vision. It’s also anti-scratch, anti-glare and anti-fog, all of which give you confidence in adverse conditions.
Above all, the STUNT’S customization really makes them great. You can choose from thousands of color combinations to design your perfect goggles. There are seven frame colors to choose from, plus a dozen interchangeable lenses and nearly 100 different straps. You can swap out the lens and strap at any time, though the interchangeability isn’t quite as smooth as others I’ve tested. All in all, however, STUNTS are a versatile and stylish goggle.
Slumberjack Big Cot ===================
PRICE: $104
GRADE: A-
This extra wide and extra long cot definitely earns its name. At 32 by 82 inches, it can handle nearly all campers. And the 350-pound capacity means that it can also be used as a gear platform. With that heftiness comes weight and the Big Cot tips the scales at more than 20 pounds. Yes, it’s strictly for car camping.
One unique benefit of the Big Cot is that it incorporates a steel reinforced-aluminum frame that is guaranteed not to squeak. This may seem inconsequential, but anyone who has spent time in a tent next to a restless sleeper on a squeaky cot can appreciate it.
The cot comes with a convenient carry bag and is a breeze to set up. I really like that there’s also an under-cot storage pouch, which is handy for storing things you want to keep close during the night. And because the Big Cot is made from 600D by 300D nylon ripstop fabric, you know it’ll last you for years to come.
Granite Gear Blaze A.C. 60 pack ===============================
PRICE: $239
GRADE: A
The Blaze A.C. 60 is an impressive pack from Granite Gear. First off, I think the cactus and java color combination is one of the coolest on the market. But that’s just one aspect of this award-winning pack.
One thing you’ll notice right away is the Air Current suspension system, which is a molded alloy frame with air channels that direct heat away from your back. Other packs on the market employ similar designs, but this one is definitely elite. It’s always nice to avoid having your pack glued to your sweaty back.
The Blaze A.C. 60 comes in two torso sizes and employs a super convenient torso length adjustment system. Other features include an interchangeable belt, Line-Loc compression and hydration compatibility. Lightweight and technically advanced, this is an excellent pack for short- and medium-range excursions.
Eddie Bauer All-Mountain 3-In-1 Jacket ======================================
PRICE: $249
GRADE: A
Eddie Bauer didn’t invent the 3-in-1 jacket (other brands have been making them for years). What they did was elevate it. The All-Mountain jacket is impressively warm and lightweight. It’s the rare kind of jacket that feels so solid when you wear it that you feel impervious to the elements.
It all starts with the WEATHEREDGE PLUS outer material. It’s a 150D polyester shell that’s waterproof and breathable. Eddie Bauer adds a moisture-repelling outer finish to the fabric so water won’t linger. While the jacket is fully seam-sealed, it allows heat to dissipate from the inside. Break a sweat while skiing or snowshoeing and you won’t get the greenhouse effect in your jacket.
Like most 3-in-1 jackets, the All-Mountain comes with a zip-in fleece jacket or vest. It fits snugly inside and definitely enhances the warmth. With this much attention to quality, the All-Mountain jacket gives you protection from all but the nastiest weather.
MSR Lightning Trail snowshoes =============================
PRICE: $219
GRADE: A
I’ve been really impressed by the Lightning Trail shoes from MSR. First off, they have 360° Traction frames that give you rugged crampon grips from front to back. With this focus on maximum traction, you’d expect a compromise on the weight. However, these shoes are surprisingly light, tipping the scales at barely more than 3 pounds.
MSR designs the snowshoes in their Trail series to excel on rolling terrain. As long as you’re not trying to scale a summit, these Lightnings will get you where you want to go. With their lightweight build, you may actually find it easier to cover far distances because you’re exerting less energy. And if you find yourself in conditions where you need more float, these snowshoes can be outfitted with supplemental 5-inch tails.
As with any top-flight pair of shoes, Lightning Trails have great bindings. They incorporate a DuoFit system that’s notable for its versatility and is compatible with most winter-friendly footwear. The DuoFit bindings also make it easy to make adjustments, so you’re good to go even with gloves on.
Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy 600F ================================
PRICE: $299
GRADE: A
I’ve been impressed by all the Sierra Designs sleeping bags I’ve tested. They have a rare combination of comfort and performance. The Mobile Mummy is no exception. It’s one of the plushest mummy bags out there. One of its best features is how well it moves with your body. If you’re like me and move around a lot in your sleep, you’ll appreciate that it doesn’t get bunched up nearly as much as regular bags do.
This is a three-season bag so it’s not the right match for your next high-elevation camping trip. That being said, the Mobile Mummy actually feels warmer than its rating suggests. It’s loaded with 600 Fill Duck DriDown that offers incredible warmth and dries fast. And the shell is 30D polyester ripstop, which is hearty enough to resist most snags and tears. The bag weighs less than 3 pounds and can be compressed quite small.
The Mobile Mummy has a front zipper rather than a side zipper. This may seem like a minor design element, but it’s incredibly convenient. And for the times when you want to break free from the confines of the bag, it has zipperless arm ports that allow you to use your hands.
Spy Optic Doom Goggles ======================
PRICE: $184
GRADE: A-
Spy Optic has really upped its game with the Lock Steady lens change system. There are a lot of goggles out there with interchangeable lenses, but this is one of the sleekest systems I’ve tried. Simply push a button and you can swap out your lens in a matter of seconds. Most importantly, the lens locks so securely onto the frame that it’s indistinguishable from a permanent lens.
Aside from its impressive lens system, Doom goggles also boast other great features. The polyurethane frame is strong but flexible where it needs to be. It’s outfitted with triple-layer Isotron face foam with moisture-wicking fleece, so the goggles feel like heaven on your face.
The lens itself is an anti-fog 5.5-base ARC spherical dual-lens offering 100 percent UV protection and impressive clarity. Most of the Doom kits come with two different lenses, so you can easily adapt to the conditions. The spare lens can be kept in the storage bag and quickly implemented when needed.
Numinous GlobePacs 65L Rucksack ===============================
PRICE: Varies by retailer
GRADE: A
Numinous is a British company that makes travel/adventure packs that are as rugged as tanks. Specifically designed to be theft-resistant, they boast lots of innovative features. And the very things that make them perfect for international travel also make them a great addition to your next winter adventure. The most impressive thing is that even with all the technology incorporated into these packs, they don’t weigh much more than a regular pack.
For starters, the 65L Rucksack is made with Kevlar. The outer material has an extremely high tensile strength to weight ratio that keeps it lightweight while still ensuring your gear is protected from the elements. Basically, it can take a serious beating and still come home intact.
Of course, even the toughest fabric is only as strong as the zippers that traverse it. The zips on the 65L Rucksack are puncture proof and definitely elevate the protection level. Add in features like compression straps, full-length opening, padded lumbar support and adjustable back panel, and you’ve got a bag that is strong and versatile enough to take anywhere.
Grant Olsen joined the KSL.com contributor team in 2012. He covers outdoor adventures, travel, product reviews and other interesting things. You can contact him at grantorrin@gmail.com.
