May I present the 2009 FeedTheHabit.com Gear of the Year:

DaKine Blockade Gloves

Super-versatile, comfortable and warm enough for most high-output winter activities (backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, trail running, etc.), the DaKine Blockade gloves feature Gore Windstopper and softshell fabrics to ensure long-term durability. Read full review…

Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover

This jacket quickly won me over with its ultralight insulation and flexibility. Use it as a mid-layer or outer layer–either way, the Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover is a winner. Read full review…

Mountain Hardwear Hooded Compressor PL Jacket

Lightweight and even more versatile than the Patagonia Nano Puff, the Mountain Hardwear Hooded Compressor Jacket utilizes Primaloft Eco insulation and has all the bells-and-whistles you’d expect from Mountain Hardwear. I love the warmth of this jacket and found it to be an excellent outer layer for backcountry touring when things got chilly. Read full review…

Scarpa Skookum Alpine Touring Ski Boots

With the versatility to go Dynafit or Fritschi, the Scarpa Skookum’s are a solid choice for burly backcountry tours. The extra weight is well worth it on the Skookum as these boots absolutely shine on the down while maintaining supreme walkability on the up. The Intuition liner and proven design make the these winners. Read full review…

Arc’teryx Fury AR Windstopper Pants

It’s usually hard to find fault with Arc’teryx gear and the Fury AR pants are great backcountry skiing pants. The trim fit of the Windstopper softshell fabric screams efficiency, but the brushed lining also helps them breathe while adding a titch of warmth when needed. Read full review…

La Sportiva Crosslite Trail Runners

Tenacious grip… race-car handling… nope, not an Audi S4, but the now-beloved La Sportiva Crosslite trail running shoes. These kicks were fast and fun on the trails. While not cushiony enough for long-distance training (at least for a flat-footer like me), these shoes simply nailed it on 4-5 mile runs and would be an excellent choice for race-day. Read full review…

Chaco Paradox Sandals

Not the most technical footwear but fun and extremely-comfortable shoes/sandals for cruising around. These are the sandals that should have gone viral instead of Crocs, but that’s another story. Super-comfortable Bio-centric footbeds, excellent traction and super breathability. Read full review…

Jetboil Flash Cooking System

Welcomed improvements to the already-stellar Jetboil Personal Cooking System make this an easy choice. Boiling water has never been so easy and cooking meals in the backcountry for yourself has never been so quick. I’m really digging the new Flash PCS. Read full review…

SRAM XX Components

SRAM has really come up with a killer component spec in the new XX grouppo. While the full meal deal doesn’t come cheap (it costs more than XTR), it is without a doubt the smoothest shifting drivetrain I’ve ever pedaled. Add on top of that the weight savings and simplification of a 2×10 design and there’s no way I could overlook the new SRAM XX this year. Read full review…

Fox TALAS 32 RLC 15QR Suspension Fork

As the pioneer of long-travel single-crown suspension forks, the 2010 Fox TALAS 32 RLC is for real. With the new FIT dampening system and the solid 15QR axle, this lightweight wonder offers smooth travel that’s fully adjustable in every way shape and form to be both XC efficient and AM durable. Read full review…

Ibis Mojo SLX Mountain Bike

Full-carbon goodness wrapped in the much-lauded DW-Link suspension design in a complete bike for under $3000! Are you kidding me?!? To think that you can get into a complete Ibis Mojo for that price is really unthinkable, in my opinion. The parts spec is rather pedestrian with a full Shimano SLX grouppo, RockShox Revelation fork and Ibis house-brand wheels and cockpit–still nothing to shake a stick at. While my review of the Ibis Mojo was a custom build, there’s no way you will find an equally-impressive all-mountain bike for $3000 on the market today. Read full review…

Santa Cruz Tallboy 29er

I’ve got a serious love affair with 29ers and the all-new Santa Cruz Tallboy simply blew me away with its quiet smoothness and versatility. I was not expecting such a refined steed from a 29er newbie, but Santa Cruz definitely did their homework with this one. Read full review…

There you have it… my picks for the 2009 Gear of the Year. What’s on your 2009 best gear list?

Great new products coming soon. Here are the highlights.

Osprey Hydraulics Raptor Hydration Packs

Available in 4 sizes (6, 10, 14 and 18) and sporting what’s called an Airscape Suspension (accordion-style back for torsional stiffness, breathability and conforming fit), the new Osprey Hydraulics hydration pack line consists of the Mantra line (for hiking) and the Raptor line (for mountain biking). I’m stoked on the Raptor line and the Raptor 6 in particular as it provides a streamlined form-factor, optimized fit for minimal “pack bounce”, an integrated and customized Nalgene bladder that features a solid back that locks into place inside the pack and a simplified helmet holder. For reference, the picture immediately below is the Raptor 14 showing the bungee helmet button system. MSRP will range from $79-$119 based on size and I’m told these should start hitting the shelves this Fall.

Platypus Platy SoftBottle

These flexible hydration bottles kick the whole plastic vs. stainless bottle debate to the curb by utilizing a soft, durable and BPA-free material that packs well and reduces volume as you use it. New for Fall 2009, the new Platypus SoftBottle will be offered in two, ultra-portable sizes (0.5 L and 1 L) with either a HyperFlow bite valve or a standard closure cap. This bite valve has a simple 1/4-turn locking system to prevent accidental spillage. With the bite valve, water flow is excellent and it easily doubles as a water gun to keep the kids cool on a hot summer day.

Bottles stand up on their own and the 0.5 L version is made to fit into standard cupholders. Each size will also come in three colors. Platy Bottles are available now, but expect the SoftBottles to arrive at retailers in September 2009 with prices ranging from $7.95 to $12.95 depending on size and cap option.

Merrell Spokes Commuter Bike Shirt

With more and more people bike commuting, the market is ripe for cool innovations like the Merrell Spokes polo shirt. On the surface, this shirt seems like any old polo shirt, but don’t let that fool you, it’s got some great features for bike commuters and loungers alike. Take the plaited Opti-wick material used in its construction, which mates soft cotton outside fabric with a polyester inside for moisture and odor management, add on top of that a grippy material on the back hem that prevents plumber’s crack and a small zippered pocket for lip balm or keys and you’ve got a solid shirt for the town or the trail. It’s not cheap at $69, but it’s got some unique features not found on other shirts.

Merrell ST Stamina 2 Running Shoe

Merrell recently jumped into the traditional road running market and continues to offer a handful of road-specific shoes in the line. As a refinement from its introduction, the new ST Stamina 2 looks to clearly set the stage for Merrell’s acceptance into the market. The running shoe market is flush with offerings from all the major players, but Merrell’s core following should latch onto some of the nice fatures of this shoe, including: improved stability (G3 Phase Pronation), increased breathability, more comfortable fit with optimized uppers and ample cushioning in the forefoot and heel. Expect these in stores this Spring at a $105 pricepoint.

Arc’teryx Accelero Jacket

Small tweaks and a full zipper makes the Arc’teryx Accelero Jacket a welcome improvement over the Accelero Pullover (one of my personal favorites). This lightweight and breathable material sheds water extremely well and breathes like a mesh shirt. Wind resistance is minimal–just enough to keep the chill off, but perfect for a cool morning or a light rainstorm. I love my Accelero Pullover, but the full zip should make this jacket that much better.

MSR Carbon Reflex 3 Tent

Building on the ultralight MSR Carbon Reflex 1 and 2 tents, it’s time to have a Carbon Reflex 3 tent for ultralight (as MSR deems it hyperlite) performance. Carbon fiber is stronger and lighter than aluminum–thus shaving precious pounds from your pack compared to similarly-sized tents. For example, the new MSR Carbon Reflex 3 has a minimum weight of 4 lbs. 7 oz. while the Mutha Hubba tips the scales at 6 lbs. 9 oz. A savings of over two full pounds! Even though it’s lightweight, the Carbon Reflex 3 is still liveable with plenty of room and two vestibules. The major setback here is price. This tent will cost a pretty penny at $600 (but did I mention how light this is!?!?!). Look for it to hit retailers in January 2010.

Smith Optics: Pivlock V90 and V90 Max Sunglasses

An all-new minimalist shield design from Smith offers a super-lightweight design with solid wraparound protection. The V90 and V90 Max differ only in the size of the lens, otherwise all other features and interchangeable lens designs are the same. Trying them on, they are extremely lightweight and comfortable–I can’t wait to try them on the trail as I imagine I’ll forget I’ve got them on. The lens design not only eliminated frame interference in your line-of-sight, but it also reduces material usage. Throughout the entire Smith line, you can expect solid optics, polarization options and Eco-friendly materials with the Evolve lineup.

The V90 and V90 Max will be available soon with an MSRP of $119 for a single lens and $139 for 3 lenses.

New Balance: 876 and 100 Trail Running Shoes

As one of the staples of the trail running market, New Balance will offer two updated styles: The 876 (replacing the current 875) comes out in Jan/Feb 2010 and the race flat 100 comes out in Oct 2009.

The New Balance 876 features an all-new design from top-to-bottom featuring a debris-free tongue design, Absorb cushioning, N-lock heel and an entirely new, lower-profile tread pattern. As you can see in the 2nd picture, the tread pattern has been drastically changed for the better (top is new 876 and bottom is current 875). Tipping the scales around 20 oz./pair, the new 876 looks to be a solid everyday trainer for warm weather. MSRP will be $99.95.

The New Balance 100 is a race flat with a few really cool innovations. While it’s not as low-profile as some race flats, it appears to provide just enough cushioning and support for longer races (hence the 100 name for 100-mile endurance races). It does feature a Rockstop Plate and is built to wear with or without socks–all in a svelte 7.7 oz (each) package. MSRP will be $74.95.

Lowe Alpine: Zepton and Nanon Backpacks

Minimalist, yet bomber… that’s the mantra of the new Lowe Alpine Zepton and Nanon top-loading mininalist backpacks. Sporting the ultralight, yet bomber Dyneema Fabric, these packs weigh next-to-nothing. As with most packs in the line, they also feature Adaptive Fit waistbelts but the back panel is a unique honeycomb material for breathibility. The Nanon comes in a 50-60L size and weighs about 1 lb. with more pockets and a quick-access side zipper. ! The smaller Zepton comes in a womens-specific 50L and unisex 50L size. MSRP for the Nanon will be $220 and Zepton will be $180 with Spring 2010 availability.

Asolo: Predator  and Dominator Trail Running shoes

The entire trail running lineup from Asolo underwent a complete re-design for the Spring 2010 release. Expect a much more competitive product with both the Asolo Predator and Asolo Dominator trail runners giving the more established trail running brands a run for their money. The new Propulsion Plus design is very similar to the Salomon XT Wings (an excellent trail shoe) in that it’s built with a single-piece EVA midsole that’s then supported in the heel by a TPU cage and finished off with an EVA heel cushion before the rubbery goodness is applied. The new design looks much better than the previous designs. MSRP looks to be $120 for both shoes.

Arc’teryx: Aerios Hydration Packs

While Arc’teryx has made an excellent name in outerwear and backpacks, hydration packs are a new offering. Coming Spring 2010, the Aerios hydration pack lineup will launch consisting of 7, 10 and 14 Liter designs. The 7 L and 10 L designs look to be the most promising for highly-aerobic adventures like mountain biking or long-distance trail running. As with all Arc’teryx products, the key is the laminating process with sleek lines and smooth transitions between seams and fabrics. The semi-rigid back panel is a unique, porous design for breathability and stability under use.

The waistbelts are removable or re-positionable for a variety of activities and the interior sports a variety of stash pockets for pumps, tools, keys, phones, etc. It doesn’t come with a bladder–that way you can select your favorite one. Expect the Aerios hydration packs to arrive in Spring 2010 with $89-$119 price-points.

Inov-8: Roclite 312 GTX and 305 Trail Runners

These shoes caught my eye while at the Gore booth. There was the women’s version of the Innovate Roclite 312, front-and-center. The shoe stood out from the crowd with its minamilist design that actually looked performant, not just minimalistic. The 312 and 305 are essentially the same shoe… differing only in that the 312 features a full Gore-Tex liner for waterproof/breathable performance. The sole technology built into these shoes is really interesting as they try to mimic and augment the natural movement of the foot. With the patent-pending Fascia Board and other supportive features, running efficiency is maximized. Product weights are both in the 11 oz. range each. I’m looking forward to testing these shoes come Fall trail running season. Both the Roclite 312 and 305 are available now at $135 and $100 pricepoints, respectively.

Overall a very productive first day at Outdoor Retailer. Look for more updates on Thursday.

More Info: View All Photos from Today

For Spring and Fall 2009, there are a number of noteworthy styles in skiwear, outerwear and training. As usual, Arc’teryx pays attention to every little detail so the end product is about as nicely-crafted as is humanly-possible.

Arc’teryx Skarab Jacket and Pants

This combo is new for Fall 2009, so you’ll have to wait awhile to see and buy it, but it looks to be well worth the wait. The construction of the Scarab jacket and pant is well thought out and executed. Every little detail, from the hidden stitching to the embedded, but stealth RECCO transmitter just tells me that this jacket could be one of the best-fitting and designed jacket for inbounds  and occasional backcountry pursuits.

Built with Gore-tex soft shell fabric and other goodies like a fully-articulated fit, slight stretch in the fabric, snowskirt, Keprotec instep protection and brushed lining in just the right places. MSRP for the jacket is $550 and pants is $399 and will be available Fall 2009.

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody and LT Jacket

This new superlight and highly compressible insulated jacket is a sight to behold. Every little detail is thought out to make this Coreloft-insulated lightweight puffy as dialed in as possible. Tipping the scales at a scant 10 oz, there’s no excuse not to carry an extra layer in your pack–just in case. It is available with or without a hood to suit your personal tastes. Availability looks like Fall 2009 with an MSRP of $199.

Arc’teryx Venta LT Windstopper Jacket

A new minimalist jacket from Arc’teryx, the Venta LT is constructed of Gore Windstopper fabric for a lightweight, comfortable and breathable shell. Offering a slight stretch and athletic cut, this jacket would be perfect for backcountry skiing or Spring/Fall when you need protection from wind and the elements. Also available with a hood as the Venta SV jacket.

Arc’teryx Sentry PrimaLoft Ski Jacket

A first from Arc’teryx… the new Sentry jacket is an insulated ski jacket that’s built with Primaloft One insulation and Gore-tex Pro Shell.  Primaloft insulation offers some of the best warmth to weight ratios in the industry while still remaining nearly as packable as down–but with much higher performance when wet. As with all Arc’teryx outerwear, the Sentry is built to the exacting standards of Arc’teryx designers. MSRP is $600

Arc’teryx Visio Comp Jacket

A minimalist aerobic training jacket that’s perfectly-suited for cool trail runs or early-season mountain biking, the new Visio Comp jacket looks like a great option. Built with very little frills, just the right mix of breathability (strategic use of fabric weights in the right locations) to make your swift adventures that much more comfortable. MSRP is $275. Women’s (top) and men’s (bottom) shown here.

Buy Now: Search for Arc’teryx Gear

The all-new Fury AR pants are built to offer a little bit of stretch, a tad more warmth, yet still be breathable on the hill. While the avalanche conditions in the backcountry have been sketchy, I’ve been able to use the Fury AR pants enough to get a good feel for how well they work.

About the Arc’teryx Fury AR pants

New to the line for Fall 2008, the Fury AR pants are designed to be slightly warmer and more breathable than a typical hardshell pant. With a slim yet highly-articulated fit, these Windstopper® pants excel at climbing and skiing in cold climates. They also feature a slight stretch in the fabric and are lined with moisture-wicking brushed knit backing.

Rounding out the Fury AR pants, Arc’teryx has included all the right features to make these pants at home in the backcountry.

Features of the Arc’teryx Fury AR Pants:

• Windstopper stretch fabric with brushed knit backing
• Highly-articulated fit for comfort
• Removable suspenders
• Keprotec instep cuff guards
• Powder cuffs
• Posterior thigh vents
• Colors: Black and Tarragon
• MSRP: $349.95

Arc’teryx Fury AR Pants Review

With winter hitting Utah like a linebacker, the mountains are now filling in (as is my driveway), so testing is now complete with the Arc’teryx Fury AR pants. Like most of Arc’teryx pants, the Fury AR’s are trim-fitting.  They aren’t so snug you feel like you’re wearing a pair of pants from the 80′s (or today’s unfortunate guys-wearing-girls jeans trend), but they are cut perfectly for backcountry pursuits with enough freedom of movement in design and fabric stretch.

The Fury AR pants are lined with a brushed knit backing.  This lightweight backing keeps the pants quiet and comfortable as well as wicks away moisture.  After wearing predominantly shell-only pants last season, it was nice to have just a touch of lining. The only downer of the backing is that it grabs your base layer as you slip them on. It reminds me of the flannel boards that were so popular as a kid.  Once on, there’s no noticeable friction between the pants and base layers.

A welcome feature is the rear thigh vents, which have come in handy on backcountry tours. While the pants do stretch and breathe extremely well, it’s always nice to have a blowoff valve and just let the cool air come in unabated.

Front hand pockets are tight, but good enough for a stick of lip balm and a set of keys around town.  The front cargo pockets are held closed by a small piece of Velcro and are only to be used for temporary storage. On the mountain, anything in those pockets became quickly annoying and was removed.

A pair of removable suspenders are included with the Fury AR’s, but I opted to remove them from the get-go.  The pants stayed up well, but I did wish for a tad higher back panel to keep my lower back covered in falls or athletic maneuvers.

The lower leg cuffs aren’t super wide, but I was easily able to slip them over both my Garmont Endorphin and Head World Cup boots. Rubber grippies kept the cuffs in place and scuff guards kept the pant legs cut-free. The exterior has also held up well to repeated tree-carwash abuse in the backcountry.

Good Fury AR

• Great fit for backcountry travel
• Windstopper Fabric offers just a tad bit of stretch
• Leg vents are awesome
• Brushed lining wicks moisture and provides some warmth
• Lower leg cuff holds things in place

Bad Fury AR

• Brushed lining can grab base layers
• Front cargo pockets are nice, but not practical while skiing
• Rear waistline should come up an inch higher

The Bottom Line on the Arc’teryx Fury AR Pants

Despite repeated abuse and backcountry adventures, the Arc’teryx Fury AR pants are still showing little signs of wear and tear. Comfortable enough to hang out in, yet trim-fitting enough to remain efficient in the backcountry, these pants are my “go-to” pants this season. I enjoy the slight stretch of the fabric and both the wicking ability and extra warmth offered by the lightweight brushed lining.

Buy Now: Search for Arc’teryx Fury AR Pants at Mountaingear.com

Arc’teryx is one of the premiere manufacturers of outdoor apparel and equipment.  They have a wide variety of base layers, mid layers and outerwear for just about any active outdoor pursuit. Committed to the core outdoor enthusiast, Arc’teryx knows how to make a great product. I got my hands on the new Arc’teryx Velox Comp Crew shirt a few months back and have been flogging it on the trail. Just what makes this shirt tick?

About the Arc’teryx Velox Comp Crew Shirt

This shirt is aimed at outdoor activities in warm weather or where the wearer is going to sweat a lot. Hmmm… sounds like mountain biking or trail running in Utah! Built with Libro fabric on the main body to maximize airflow and breathability and lightweight Vivital™ on the shoulders and side panels for moisture wicking superiority, this shirt is dialed for outdoor activity.

Features of the Arc’teryx Velox Comp:

• Lightweight and breathable
• Athletic fit
• Gusseted underarms
• Flat-locked seams
• Crew neck
• Heat transfer label at interior neck line
• Reflective logo centre front
• Weight: 108 grams
• Colors: Amazon (tested), Black Pearl, Deep Blue, Picasso Red
• MSRP: $58.95

Arc’teryx Velox Comp Shirt Review

After several months of flogging, this shirt remains my top choice for trail rides. Even though I’m not a huge fan of the Amazon green sleeve color, I can’t deny how comfortable this shirt is on hot, sweaty mountain bike rides. The fabric is so lightweight and comfortable, you almost feel like you don’t have a shirt on at all. The mesh body fabric breathes better than any shirt I’ve worn.

The smooth fabric on the sleeves feels great under a hydration pack and, unlike other fabrics, never grabs the straps as you’re taking your pack on/off.

Even after pounding up a 1000 ft. climb in 95-degree heat, I can take the hydration pack off and my back is nearly dry.  Give it about a minute and what little moisture that was trapped in the fabric has now dissipated.

The shirt has proven to be extremely durable with no snags and obviously no rips or tears. I think I could have gone with a size medium, but the athletic fit reduces unnecessary fabric and bulk.

Good Velox Comp

• Very soft and comfortable
• Best breathing shirt I’ve worn
• Top-notch quality
• Flexible enough to be used for various activities

Bad Velox Comp

• Price… this is an expensive shirt, but MTB jerseys can cost much more
• Green sleeve color (I tested the Amazon) is a little ugly, but that’s my personal preference

The Bottom Line on the Arc’teryx Velox Comp Shirt

Arc’teryx does it again. Their legendary quality and use of innovative fabrics puts the Velox Comp shirt on the top of the list for lightweight, breathable shirts. The next time you grab your MTB jersey, just remember that the Arc’teryx Velox Comp shirt is likely half the weight and will breathe twice as well. This shirt is an outstanding performer in hot weather when the sweat is pouring out of you like a sieve. It dries extremely quickly and stays comfortable.

Buy Now: Search for the Arc’teryx Velox Comp Shirt on GEAR.com

As an example, Arc’teryx is definitely one of the premiere manufacturers of core outerwear, clothing, backpacks and accessories for demanding outdoors enthusiasts. They have a strong reputation in the industry for building bomber-quality gear to meet specific needs. I’d say Arc’teryx is what other top manufacturers used to be–100% committed to the core athlete who demands a lot from their gear. As a result, Arc’teryx products are consistently high-rated and sought after by those who beat the tar out of their gear.

About the Arc’teryx Accelero Pullover Jacket

Though clearly I don’t know where to draw the line between jacket and shirt, the folks at Arc’teryx have skillfully blurred that line with the Accelero pullover. Simple and lightweight, the Accelero is best worn as an outer layer when it’s chilly outside.

Here are a few highlights:

• Dry Web Fabric: Breathable stretch polyester double-weave with bamboo charcoal next to the skin
• Laminated side pocket with headphone port
• Non-locking 3/4 length zipper
• Reflective logo and piping
• Stretch-woven cuffs
• MSRP: $98.95
• learn more

Arc’teryx Accelero Pullover Jacket Review

Though Arc’teryx has a strong following in the mountaineering and climbing crowd, they have lots of great pieces that span multiple core outdoor activities. The Accelero pullover is a great example of a piece that can be used for many activities. As outerwear, it’s perfectly-suited for a brisk morning run or an early-season mountain bike ride. As a middle layer, it’s also well-suited as lightweight insulation.

The material found on the Accelero is soft and lightweight. It doesn’t have that swish swish feeling you get with most synthetic outerwear (think of those parachute pants you wore in elementary school). That’s because it is a fine mix of woven polyester and bamboo (Dry Web fabric), which makes the fabric soft, stretchy, wind-resistant and water resistant as well.

The size Large I received fit me well, but I think I could have gone with a medium. That said, this is an athletic cut (thankfully)… which means that it was designed to fit the body snug or loose where it should be. Because of that, it was still form-fitting and not at all bulky.

I wore the Accelero on a handful of trail runs and on bike rides. I love how lightweight the fabric is and how comfortable it is overall. It does a fair job at blocking the wind, but isn’t completely windproof. Because of that, it breathes extremely well and does a great job at taking the edge off a cold wind to keep your core warm and dry. The non-locking 3/4-length zipper is great as well. You can pull it open very easily to increase ventilation, but be careful when taking this thing off because the zipper can catch your nose (maybe my nose is larger than average?).

On bike rides, I stuffed the jacket away in my hydration pack just in case. At only 241 grams, the Accelero is light and packable. I just shoved it to the bottom of my hydration pack and never noticed it. Aside from the asymmetrical, non-bulky sleeve cuff design, the only other detail worth mentioning is the welded side pocket–perfect for stashing away a key or an iPod Nano. I tried to stuff my iPod Touch in there to no avail, but it’s perfect for my Nano.

Good Accelero

• Lightweight and durable
• Soft, woven poly and bamboo fabric is super comfortable
• Breathes extremely well
• Athletic fit
• An awesome mid our outer layer

Bad Accelero

• Side pocket could be a titch larger
• Be carefully when pulling it off… the zipper can catch you right in the nose

Bottom Line on the Arc’teryx Accelero Pullover

I love having a variety of jackets and shirts to wear depending on the weather. As an early-morning activity kind of guy, I dig the comfort and breathability of the Accelero. It takes the edge off harsh winds and keeps me from feeling clammy. This is a great choice for springtime riding or running.

Buy Now: Get the Arc’teryx Accelero