As always, I’m tasked with finding the best-in-show. Lots of great gear, but I’ve whittled it down to these.

The North Face FlashDry

With all the new latest waterproof/breathable fabrics on the market, there’s one thing that remains constant — water droplets. With all laminated fabrics from Gore-Tex, eVent, Polartec and the like, the most efficient way to transfer perspiration through them is in vapor form. Well, changing perspiration droplets into vapor takes time and that time is what makes you wet from the inside-out.

To combat this, The North Face has developed their new FlashDry™ technology and will be releasing it on nearly 100 items for Fall 2012. FlashDry will be a core part of several key new products as well as being added to many of their top-performing items.

A quick bit from The North Face on FlashDry:

The porous particles of FlashDry® work with your body to regulate temperature by accelerating moisture removal and dramatically improving dry time. Individually, articles with FlashDry™ outperform anything available on the market, but when worn together in a layering system with a baselayer, mid-layer and jacket, the dry time is even faster than when wearing alone.

The technical demo of the fabric was what wow’d me. Two fabric swatches (one with FlashDry and one without), a constant drip and a puddle under one and nothing under the other. The FlashDry fabric dried so quickly that the water never even had time to fully-saturate the fabric while the regular fabric soaked it up and allowed the water to puddle below. Amazing.

Look for FlashDry in a wide variety of products from base layers to hard-shells this Fall.

Patagonia Light Flyer Jacket

I’m always a fan of lightweight, breathable shells. For my activities of choice, I’m always leaning towards the breathable side of waterproof/breathable. With that in mind, Patagonia will introduce their 9.1 oz Light Flyer Jacket.

Intended as a weatherproof/breathable running shell, Gore Active will allow this jacket to battle anything Mother Nature dishes out while breathing like a champ. Breathability is aided by unique upper-arm vents to allow gobs of airflow. And when the unexpected becomes chilly and cold, the asymmetric cuffs feature built-in mittens to allow you to stay out longer.

Look for the Patagonia Light Flyer Jacket this Fall at a reasonable $279.

Garmont Cosmos Touring Boots

Lots of great new backcountry ski boots were on display, but the one that captured my attention and wrapped my foot in absolute comfort was the new Garmont Cosmos. Billed as the lightest 4-buckle boot on the market at 1450 grams, the Cosmos doesn’t just go for lightweight, it adds a dose of versatility and comfort to the mix.

While the competition does have some great boots, I have to give the nod to the Cosmos for its amazing comfort, supreme walkability with a full 65-degree cuff rotation and overall simplicity of the design. Constructed of 100% Gryllamid, it balances weight reduction with stiffness to make a winning design.

It doesn’t attempt to “out gadget” the competition, instead it provides a no-nonsense design that will withstand years of use and abuse in the backcountry. I loved the stiffness and walkability the most as it goes from a mountaineering boot to a vert-devouring machine in a jiffy. At $699, it’s not the cheapest in its class, but it is on par with the competition.

Black Diamond Covert Avalung Pack

Black Diamond has emerged from the Avalung recall with a vengeance. New materials and design changes highlight the lifesaving device and have it being built into an entirely-new backcountry ski pack lineup. The hero of the group is the Covert pack that sports a complete re-design.

Starting with the backside, the Covert now features floating shoulder straps to flow better with your natural skiing movements. Add on top of that new pivoting waistbelt and you’ve got what BD is calling their “Active Suspension Platform”. The covert now has a sleek new design and includes niceties such as a versatile helmet holder and soft-lined goggle pocket.

Columbia UltraChange Jacket

Gone are the Bugaboo’s of yesteryear, Columbia has some seriously-impressive stuff coming down the pipe. Tops on that list is the UltraChange Jacket. Ditching the bulky and heavy zip-in design, this two-piece shell keeps the system together with a few strategically-placed loops.

Built with strategic combinations of Omni-Wick Evap and Omni-Heat fabrics, the UltraChange impressed me with its fit and comfort in a way no other jacket has. The suppleness of the outer shell and the way the entire package felt like “one” while still remaining independent was truly unique.

Sierra Designs DriDown

From a young age in Seattle, I was told that down bags were a no-no in a wet climate, so I never experienced the wonderfulness of a down sleeping bag until moving to Utah. Now, that advice can be thrown out the window… Sierra Designs DriDown treats down feathers with a hydrophobic polymer treatment that keeps it dry 7-times longer than untreated down with 98% loft retention and 33% faster dry time. The demo says it all as these identical containers were allowing water to enter into the down feather side. One is soaked and the other side has retained its loft and is nearly dry.

DriDown will initially be available in sleeping bags this June at your local REI. Then, a series of DriDown jackets will be released in the Fall.

PORTLAND, OREGON (January 5, 2012) – Garmont (www.garmontusa.com) the recognized and award-winning innovators in backcountry and ski mountaineering boot designs, will unveil their newest breakthrough – the PowerLite AT Series – at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Winter Market and SIA Snow Show.

Available to skiers everywhere in fall 2012, Garmont’s PowerLite design aims for the sweet spot of winter ski adventures: full day alpine tours where climbing agility, skiing performance and complete comfort are all equally critical.

The PowerLite’s most aggressive designs – the Celeste and Cosmos – achieve their skier friendly goals by blending the industry’s most comfortable liners; Garmont’s guide-quality ski performance; and a breakthrough in weight-shaving technology that sets the stage for the lightest four-buckle ski boots, ever.

“Garmont created the big-and-burly freeride AT category, and we’ve brought ultralight AT touring to a broader audience with boots like the Masterlite, but the soul of the brand has always been centered around the backcountry and ski mountaineering experience,” said David Fee, president of Garmont USA. “To create the PowerLite series, we took some of the DNA from the award-winning Radium, added a few new twists, and created something that’s pure Garmont – a series of powerful, comfortable lightweight boots that are a blast to ski.”

In addition to the four-buckle Cosmos (MSRP $699, 1450 g, 125 AT flex) and Celeste (MSRP $699, 1250g, 120 AT flex, women’s specific liner), the PowerLite line also features two three-buckle mountaineering boots: the Orbit (MSRP $649, 1345 g, 115 AT Flex) and the Nova (MSRP $649, 1140g, 110 AT flex, women’s specific liner).

Comfort is the key in the PowerLite series, as the boots are stable and secure thanks to Garmont’s proprietary anatomic shell design and their EZFit PowerLite Liners. Comfortable out of the box, but 100% thermoformable for those seeking a custom fit, the EZFit PowerLite Liners use a bi-elastic skin with Lycra for durability and an exceptional ergonomic fit.

The PowerLite’s Grilamid® shells utilize Garmont’s exclusive “webframe” design technology, which distributes reinforcing ribs throughout the shell and cuff to give maximum rigidity while maintaining incredible lightness. The streamlined, simple Ergonomic Tongue is both elegant and easy to use. And expanded PU inserts in the shells’ inner sole act as a skiing shock absorber, as well as adding insulation, comfort and feel.

The PowerLite Series’ system for Adjustable Forward Lean provides two easy-to-adjust positions. Once the settings are locked in, a single flip of the lever changes modes from “walk” to “ski.” The patent-pending walk mechanism is sleek and streamlined, and moves with the cuff so that rotation is effortless and friction-free.

The ergonomic, supportive cuff sets a new standard for range of motion in an alpine touring boot with 60 degrees of rotation. The cuff’s dual-diameter rivets increase durability and enable free cuff rotation; while an Asymmetric Spoiler with additional medial support can be adjusted to two height positions.

On the sole of the boots, full-length Vibram® dual density rubber ski mountaineering soles cover the instep area for maximum grip when scrambling over rocks. A black, firmer rubber is used around the sole’s perimeter for durability and superior edging power in step-in bindings. Softer red rubber is used in the sole’s midsection for maximum grip.

Magnesium micro-adjustable buckles provide minimum weight and maximum durability, and use Garmont’s unique ‘Wide Open Design’ to maximize the span between open and closed. EZ Open Buckle Straps are simple and easy to manage, hinging out of the way for wide-open entry and exit; while EZ Lock Buckle Catches securely hold the cuff buckles in place during a climb.

More Info: Visit GarmontUSA.com

The North Face Single-Track Hayasa Trail Running Shoes

I was a big fan of the original The North Face Single-Track’s and looking at the new Hayasa has me anxious to get some dirt time. Lightened up, but still sturdy enough and protective enough for the roughest of trail runs. It utilizes an enhanced TPU CRADLE system for support. I’m told that while the Hayasa tips the scales at a mere 8.9 oz each, it’s not a minimalist shoe. Expect this bio-correct trail runner to arrive in Spring 2012 at $110 msrp.

Dynafit MS Feline Superlight Trail Runners

Hitting the ground running with a really killer initial design, Dynafit may just become a well-known trail running brand in a jiffy with the Feline Superlight. It features a tenacious Vibram outsole with a unique Multi Pad midsole to middle from outer traction. I was able to slip into these and they certainly feel impressive. The only downer looks to be the price… $159.95 is pretty steep, even for a great pair of trail runners.

KEEN Backseat Pack

While some of KEEN’s previous packs have missed the mark as far as technical capabilities, the new Backseat Pack doesn’t even attempt to get technical and in the process, it excels at providing an ingenious solution to on-the-fly seating. Have you ever been to a parade or a festival and had to plunk down on the grass for a few hours? Well, this pack is a comfortable and has a built-in fold out seat. It utilizes lightweight materials so you won’t get bogged down as you walk to your destination. Pretty cool pack.

Smartwool PhD Cycling Ultra Light Mini Socks

I’ve never been shy about my love for all things Merino and nobody does Merino wool socks like Smartwool. I got a pair of these socks prior to OR and have ridden a few miles in them already. I like the overall fit and the comfort is off-the-charts. With just the right mixture of natural and synthetic materials, the PhD Ultra Light cycling socks are now top of the heap. Expect to pay $15 per pair.

Gregory Alpaca and Cache Rolling Travel Bags

Everyone’s got to go on vacation every once in awhile, right? When hauling your gear past TSA agents and around town, Gregory has introduced a new twist on roller bags. Everyone has experienced the inadvertent carry-on bag “barrel roll” when dropping a curb wrong or moving too quickly to the Terminal. And I’ve also kicked my bag with my heel because you have to hold the bag in the middle. The wide handle provides leverage to avoid the inadvertent barrel roll and the heel-kick. It also has lots of other great features to boot, but that alone is worthy of praise.

Montrail Bajada Trail Running Shoes

While Montrail has garnered a ton of attention for their trail running shoes, they haven’t yet had a neutral, world-class shoe in their line. The new Bajada features a full-length low-profile Gryptonite outsole along the lines of the Montrail Rogue Racer. Though definitely not minimalist, this shoe reduces excess bulk and certainly provides something that the market is looking for.

Sierra Designs Mojo 2 and 3 Person Tents

Sierra Designs has long made a name for itself in tents and the all-new Mojo single/double-wall hybrid tent takes the best of each designs to deliver a lightweight 2 or 3-person tent. With single-wall upper fabric and split lower with outstretched wings that cover mesh areas for increased ventilation. The 2-person will tip the scales at 2 lbs 11 oz and $399 while the 3-person is 3 lbs 8 oz and $449.

1) Outdoor Research Sensor and Ambit Gloves

Touchscreen, meet all-weather glove. Huh? Yup, you heard me right… the new Sensor ($70) and Ambit ($99) gloves feature TouchTec Leather that allows for touchscreen use without glove removal. Instead of turning your finger into a frozen hot dog on your way up the chairlift, these gloves will quickly prove they are worth every penny (heck, they are reasonably-priced too!).

2) Salomon XR Crossmax Trail Running Shoes

While waterproof membrane booties do have their limited place in trail running, what we need more of is the XR Crossmax. Realizing that if the waterproof membrane was strategically placed in the forefoot, lower tongue and sides, Salomon has created a hybrid shoe that will keep your feet dry while still allowing your feet to breathe. Additionally, should water get inside, it can expel itself through the rear of the shoe and not puddle up due to the waterproof membrane. The loud looks will make quite the fashion statement off the trail, but for long-distance wet-weather runs, these shoes really look awesome.

3) Teva Mush Frio

I’m a HUGE fan of the Teva Mush sandals. Their squishy comfort is unrivaled in flip-flop land. So, what could be better than an ultralight Mush-based shoe? Oh yes they did! The new Mush Frio is an ultralight shoe that uses the same mush foam, but in a shoe. I love my Patagonia Maui Moc’s for lounging, but I think the new Mush Frio’s will be my new kickin’ it shoe of choice.

4) Salomon XT Zip Off Vest

While I hate to have such a love-fest, it’s impossible not to give the nod to the new XT Zip Off Vest. The versatility of this jacket is unrivaled. Instead of placing the zips around the perimeter of the arms, it’s strategically placed in the front from the collarbone to the armpit. Zip, Zip… then pull your arms out of the sleeves and the snap on the back collar keeps everything from falling to the ground. A quick unsnap and it all slips into the easy-to-reach backside pocket. For variable weather and temperatures, I’m seeing this as a must-have piece.

5) Dynafit Radical FT

It’s hard not to give the nod to the new Dynafit toepiece design. The Radical FT is really, really cool. A step-in Dynafit binding will soon be coming to a skintrack near you. No more looking back at your buddy as he’s fiddling with his toepiece… simply step-in and you’re golden. Add on top of that the new climbing bars and beefier construction and this one is hard to beat.

Salomon

First up was a visit to my pals at Salomon. Like every manufacturer, the list of new products was a sizeable, but the two items I latched onto were the new XR Crossmax trail running shoe and the XT Zipoff Vest.

What’s cool about the XR Crossmax shoes is their unique upper construction. Since full Gore-tex booties tend to be overkill for most applications, Salomon is introducing the first hybrid shoe with Climashield waterproof membrane in the front, lower tongue and sides, but no membrane in the rear 1/4 and upper tongue. For long wet-weather runs, these look to be just the ticket.

The XT Zip Off Vest is also quite the hybrid piece. It sports a zip-off sleeve/cape design that allows for a quick transition from jacket to vest. Simply unzip the two front zippers, pull off the sleeves and the snap at the rear of the collar keeps the cape from falling to the ground. Unsnap it and tuck it into the sizeable rear pocket. Available for men and women, the XT Zipoff Vest is very cool.

Teva

It’s always good to see what Teva is up to. The last big thing was the Illum Sandals. This year, we can look forward to freeride mountain bike shoes and (my favorite) the new Mush Frio — an ultralight shoe based on the Teva Mush sandals.

The top-of-the-line Teva Links Freeride shoes feature embedded Ion Mask waterproofing and lightweight, but strong, toe armor to keep your toes intact.

And the ultralight Mush Frio shoes had me at Mush. I’m a huge fan of the Mush Sandals and turning them into a lightweight pair of shoes sounds like a dream. Fall can’t come soon enough.

Woolrich

Yes, the plaid palace yielded one noteworthy item… the Exposure Jacket and Vest. Stuffed with 800-fill down, the new Woolrich Exposure Jacket and Vest look stylish and well-suited for around-town and occasional backcountry use. Both feature audio ports for rocking out on your iPod and the vest sports a baseball-style collar for reduced bulk when used as a mid-layer.

The North Face

Plenty of cool stuff here, but the number one was the new The North Face Powder Guide Vest ($189). We’ve all seen the MacGyver-style ski patroller with the home-made rope strap shovel carrier, well the Powder Guide Vest aims to eliminate that in style and versatility. For sidecountry or quick backcountry adventures, the Powder Guide may be just the ticket to carry all the essentials in a non-backpack form factor.

Another great hybrid (yeah, I heart hybrid jackets) is the new The North Face Zuper Zephyrus Hoodie ($179) for men and women and sports Primaloft insulation and body-mapped stretch venting panels for improved fit and movement.

Scarpa

Last year, the Maestrale stole the show with its amazingly-capable package at a modest price point. Along the same vein is the new, lighter Scarpa Rush. With amazing walkability and light weight, the Rush comes in at an affordable $559. This is focused on those who relish the tour, but it will still be capable enough to whip your rockered fatties into shape.

G3

I’ve had my eye on G3 for years, but this year will really stand out as a big year for the “Little Black Diamond” from the North. First off, the Onyx ($499) tech (a.k.a. Dyafit) touring binding has been refined and has some unique features you’ll only find here. As opposed to other tech bindings, the toepiece’s natural state is closed, so it clamps down on the boot unlike any other on the market. I’ve been told that their release values (pseudo DIN) are much more accurate than others on the market as well (consistently measuring within 1/2 step of the setting vs. DIN that can be plus/minus 2).

The G3 Onyx heelpiece is unique as well. It has a flip on the rear that slides it into ski mode or touring mode instead of rotating, like the leading competition does. The heel lifter system is much more straightforward than previous designs. I’m told that this binding is the tech binding for those who like to ski, not just tour.

Outdoor Research

A handful of great pieces from OR this Fall, but the easiest “wow” factor were the two gloves featuring TouchTec leather. Both the lightweight Sensor Gloves ($70) and the all-weather Ambit Gloves ($99) feature this touchscreen-capable leather. We’ve all taken our gloves off in nasty weather to take care of a phone call or check your email. Now, these gloves will allow you to interact with your smart phone without taking your gloves off.

I gave it a whirl and it works… well… pretty darn well. It’s not 100% perfect, but I think with a bit of practice I could get it to work more consistently. Honestly, I was on overload with all the great new products from OR, but these will suffice as the coolest.

Dynafit

The Fall 2011 Dynafit lineup is something to behold. The boot options are off-the-hook and the new binding design is revolutionary for tech bindings. The Dynafit Radical FT ($599) touring binding now comes with a step-in toepiece. Guided in by the twin “power towers”, the boot toe clips in quite easily. The metal wings are now 100% forged aluminum to save weight and increase rigidity. This one also includes a carbon torsional plate than can be engaged to stiffen up the ski underfoot for ultra-burly conditions. Add on top of this the Speed Step climbing bars and the new Dynafit bindings remain the ones to beat, but are also the most expensive.

Garmont

After nailing it with the Radium touring boot, Garmont pretty much made their old Endorphin/Adrenaline line obsolete. Who wouldn’t want a superior performing boot with less weight? Well, for Fall 2011, Garmont is introducing the Delirium FR 130 no-compromise touring boot for those who want a single boot for the resort and backcountry — it features interchangeable DIN and touring blocks (included). These Frankenstein-ish boots (check out the square toe) aren’t freaky by any means… they are burly and capable. I slipped them on and the toebox is quite roomy. So, for those who need extra room and are looking for that one boot quiver, the $799 Garmont Delirium may be your salvo. You can opt for the slightly softer Mystic FR 120 as another option as well.

Rab

While Rab hasn’t completely caught on here in the States, it is gaining in popularity. It’s product line continues to evolve and this year, expect them to launch an entirely-new base mid and base layer programs. In a midweight fabric, the Polartec Powerdry High Efficiency fabric in the AL Pull-on and Baseline Hoody err on the highly-breathable side of things.

As far as base layers go, the Rab Merino/Cocona lightweight base layers resist body odors naturally and provide a comfortable, durable wear. Look for 165 weight and 120 weight designs in long and short-sleeve designs.

Smith Optics

I’ve got 4 kids, so what caught my eye was the cool, integrated goggle/helmet combo that will be hitting the slopes next Fall. The kids Smith Cosmos helmet and Galaxy goggle has a hook latch on one side and the Tractor Beam magnetic clip on the other side. The result? The kids goggles will stay put and taking them off and on will result in less complaining from the little ones. Very cool.

Gore-Tex

New from Gore is the Active Shell material that is a realization that they were missing out on the more athletic side of the market. While Gore-Tex Pro Shell is undoubtedly bombproof in the field as a impenetrable hardshell, Active Shell is the lightweight and breathable side of Gore while still remaining waterproof.

Therm-a-Rest

With the wild success of the 3-season Therm-a-Rest Neo Air sleeping pad, Therm-a-Rest is now introducing an all-season version to keep you warm and toasty in the snow. Weight still comes in at a paltry 19 oz. and is built with additional layers of reflective material to improve the convective heating capabilities and keep you warm and toasty. Effective R-value is increased from 2.5 to 4.9 as compared to the classic Therm-a-Rest Neo Air.

Kaenon

Take notice… Kaenon has arrived in a big way. While they may still be seen as high-end and “niche”, Kaenon is finally getting their share of attention with bold styles and solid optics. I’m a huge fan and grab mine first over all others.  Check out the new Squeeze for women and the Trade for men. Solid.

Volkl

While Volkl has had backcountry-friendly skis in Europe, they have yet to make something relevant to the North American market. Look for that to change in 2011 with the top dog, Nunataq backcountry touring ski. With enough width, pre-cut skins, early-rise tip and flat camber, the Nunataq can more efficiently attack the Rockies unlike any Volkl before.

Adidas Outdoor

While Adidas outdoor has been strong in Europe for a few years, 2011 will mark their first full foray into North America. Expect the Three Stripes to appear on mountains and in the backcountry with efficient fit hard and softshells featuring Gore-Tex fabrics. The Terrex Feather Jacket is the head honcho of the line… a solid hardshell with some great features.

I also liked the casual Daroga Leather shoes for their versatile, kick-back styling.

Mountain Hardwear

Goodbye Gore-Tex! While Gore is enjoying solid acceptance still among many brands, Mountain Hardwear is switching gears and pulling the plug on everything Gore. This enables them to deliver their products and fabrics THEIR way. For Fall 2011, you’ll find great mixtures of fabrics (hard and soft) and insulation. The fabrics primarily fall into DryQ Active and DryQ Elite product lines with an emphasis on function. Having used a DryQ Active piece for several weeks now, I’m digging where Mountain Hardwear is going.

La Sportiva

Skis, boots AND bindings… whoa! So, La Sportiva is coming into the ski market with a randonee racing twist. Most of the line will only find a home in limited locations, but it all looks well-built and capable. The RT binding is the first tech binding to feature a Release Value (similar to DIN) in the toepiece. It’s a simple design and ultralight. And the Hi-5 ski has enough rocker and size to keep it fun in the deep.

Black Diamond

Talk about an overhaul… wow! The entire Black Diamond ski line gets re-done with more rocker, girth and power than ever before. The Power series gets new and shiny from top-to-bottom and the Efficient series gets the new ultralight Justice (my pick for a backountry slayer). The new top dog is the huge Gigawatt, which sits even wider than the Megawatt. Lots of new technology going on here.

Tecnica

More known for their ski boots, Tecnica is attacking the trail running market with a handful of well-constructed and designed trail running shoes. Utilizing the TRS system (Tecnica Rolling System) for improved rolling stride and with a slew of other innovations (asymmetrical overlap, performance platform, bathtub construction and more), Tecnica really means business… err, trails.

The bright orange Inferno Max ($150) is built like a capable training shoe with the ability to smoke the trails on race-day if you choose to lace ‘em up on your next race. Not ultralight, but the wide platform and rocker design is built to make you more efficient and comfortable for miles. Weight looks like 12.2 oz each on these.

With a more traditional contact patch width and a burrito wrap upper, the Inferno Sprint ($160) packs a serious punch in a low-profile race-ready shoe. A look inside yields all the goodies you’d expect with the addition of a carbon plate for lightweight protection and quickness. These will tip the scales at 10.4 oz each, so not the lightest, but still light.

Suunto

The new Suunto M-Series consists of four watches that are aimed at making workouts drop-dead simple. The three-button design features a large screen and palatable price points for what you’re getting. Once set up, these watches will provide a simple workout plan that adjusts to meet your goals as your performance improves over time. Everything can be uploaded to MovesCount.com and all Suunto watches are now compatible with the most superior computing platform on the market, Apple Macintosh (and the crowd goes wild!!!!).

Easton Mountain Products

Hot on the heels of the success of their snowshoes, Easton is hitting the lightweight tent market with a sledgehammer. Known for their innovation in both aluminum and carbon fiber, Easton is bringing some serious innovation and ultralight goodness to their forthcoming tent line. The headliner is the Kilo 2-person tent ($399) that comes in at a freakishly light 2.2 lbs!

Much of the weight reduction is achieved by using ultralight carbon fiber poles and the elimination of shock-cord to keep the poles together. In lieu of shock-cord, Easton has developed what they call AirLock, which uses a carbon insert held together by mono filament line. Because the poles are now 59% lighter than aluminum ones with standard connections and shock-cord, Easton can continue to use durable fabric weights elsewhere and still come in as one of the lightest 2-person tents on the planet.

Salomon

Based on feedback from the accomplished Salomon race team, the new XR Crossmax ($130) is built to be a crossover shoe that goes from road to trail with ease. Word is they will not sacrifice anything on the trail, but will provide an improved feel on the blacktop. The focus on the XR Crossmax is on the grip, the fit and the ride, so all-new technologies are featured throughout.

Camelbak

The re-design of the market-leading Camelbak reservoir for 2011 has resulted a domino-effect throughout the entire line of hydration packs. To take advantage of the new Antidote Reservoir, each pack is streamlined and optimized for its use. Since there’s no time to give the run-down of the entire line, a few features of the new bladder is going to have to suffice.

The screw-tight fill port opening has now been refined with ease-of-opening in mind. Instead of threading it in for several rotations, it now only requires a 1/4 turn. The opening is the widest on the market and the overall thickness and weight has been reduced. To help reduce sloshing and maintain its shape, the internal bladder features a 6-inch baffle that also reduces overall profile by 24%. Add on top of this the integrated dryer arms and the new Antidote reservoir is the new black. Look for it throughout the entire 2011 Camelbak pack line.

Cascade Designs (MSR & Platypus)

With some great new products from both the MSR and Platypus brands, Cascade Designs continues to see good momentum for their quality outdoor gear. With several new tents in the line, the one I honed in on was the 2 lb 14 oz Fast Stash. This new tent is based on the cult favorite, but long-discontinued MSR Missing Link shelter. As a tarp shelter, the Fast Stash ($299) can be pitched using trekking poles or included poles and features a roomy 2-person single-wall design with a sizeable front porch.

Another simple solution that’s cool is the new Universal Canister Stand. This little number can add extreme stability to nearly any canister stove on the market.

From Platypus, we get the new Origin 3, 5 and 9 hydration packs. Built using years of feedback, the Origin line is built light and as a hydration pack first and foremost. These new packs are built using weatherproof exteriors with welded zippers, laminated fabrics and multiple hose ports for either top or hipbelt exit.

Teva

While the Illum sandals have remained hot, Teva is going to ride the current wakeskate craze in 2011 with the Gnarkosi ($100) wakeskate shoe. While this shoe can be used in tow behind the boat, they can also be rocked around town or anytime watery adventure is on the menu. With a grippy outsole and hydrophobic materials, the Gnarkosi will find a home on the feet of shredders everywhere.

Sherpa Adventure Gear

What a great story here! I met with Tashi Sherpa (President and Founder), who gave me the rundown on Sherpa Adventure Gear. I’d seen their products before and thought they were good quality, but I hadn’t heard the entire story behind the company and the products.

The 50,000 foot level is that Sherpa Adventure Gear manufacturers 80% of their products in Nepal with a local workforce to support the local economy. They also employ actual Sherpas as brand ambassadors who use and test the products in the Himalayas. In short, the great Sherpas of Nepal are directly-benefited by the success of Sherpa AG.With a flagship store in Katmandu, Sherpa AG promotes the use of their products to all climbers and locals alike — offering jobs and opportunities for Sherpas and their families.

Knowing that great story, it will hopefully help you understand the product quality and their ability to offer similar products as some of the larger names at lower prices.

My favorite new piece from Sherpa AG is the Resham Jacket ($199) for men and women. The name Resham means “soft or silky” and the interior of this 3-layer shell feels just that. While it’s completely unlined and relatively minimalistic, the Resham Jacket feels soft, yet still offers excellent weather protection with waterproofing and breathability to hang with the best of them. It tips the scales at a respectable 12.6 oz and should be available Spring 2011. The image shown is the Women’s version.

Patagonia Footwear

Lots of great things coming out of the footwear side of the house at Patagonia. One of my perennial favorites, the Maui Moc, gets some hemp and leather options, but the shoe I want to highlight is the new Specter trail runner ($130). It comes in just a tad more supportive than the Tsali, but with the same midsole and outsole. Weight is slightly higher than the Tsali, but not by much. It features a two-layer mesh upper, exo skeleton arms from the heel to the uppermost lace loop and full-length Dynamic Lace system.

Vasque

While Vasque is headlong in a hiking boot revival mode, their trail runners continue to grow. For this year, the Mindbender has done extremely well, so we can look forward to the Mindbender GTX in stores this Fall. What’s innovative with the GTX is the unique Gore-Tex bootie that reduces weight and improves comfort compared to other liners. It also features a floating tongue that floats under the integrated scree guard, which houses the waterproof membrane.

Thule

I guess I’ve been living in a hole because I didn’t even know that Thule had recently developed a complete travel bag lineup that is absolutely insane. Apparently, it’s even popular enough that Nordstrom is carrying it and selling through it quite well. I got a good look at the wheeled luggage, packs and bags with the Crossover TCRD-2 87 liter rolling duffel ($300) being the star of the show. This bag is built with ultralight materials that offer no compromises when it comes to durability. The telescoping handle is secure with minimal racking or wiggling when pulling. It also features a crush-proof “SafeZone” for goggles, cameras and such.

Now onto the bike side, there’s a new trunk-mounted tray rack (yeah, crazy eh?). The Thule Raceway Platform ($299) provides the convenience and near-universal fit of a trunk rack with the ease-of-use of a tray rack. It features a lifetime warranty and uses rubber-covered steel braided cables instead of straps for security and stability. Bikes sit into one of two trays and then a lever arm gently squeezes the top tube for secure attachment. Locks abound to secure your ride and the rack.

Montrail

Hot on the heels of the Montrail Rockridge and Sabino Trail comes three new shoes for Spring: Fairhaven ($110), Badrock ($100) and Rogue Racer ($110). The Fairhaven and Badrockfirst use Montrail’s new FluidPost technology with  triple-density EVA foam to provide “custom” pronation control under all conditions and terrain. As the foot falls inward, it rolls smoothly from soft to firm support for an adaptive  and safer foot strike — it all sounds pretty cool and is applicable to all foot types.

The Rogue Racer is a lightweight race-day shoe or a training shoe for those who prefer a more minimalistic design. At 8.8 oz, there are lighter shoes on the market, but the Rogue’s are packed with a bit more features than your standard racing flat.

For post-running comfort, Montrail is introducing the Lithia Loop ($60) and Lithia Slide ($65) sandals with dual-density PRFRM thermo-moldable footbeds for soothing trail-worn feet.

Mountain Hardwear

Extending the Hardwave Suspension design, Mountain Hardwear is now pushing its use throughout most of the line. This system is flexible, yet supportive and breathable and has been adapted slightly for use in larger packs, like the Men’s Molimo 70 ($250) and the Women’s Lomasi 60 ($250).

Sierra Designs

It’s been a long time since Sierra Designs had backpacks in their line, but they didn’t get into it halfway… their complete pack lineup is as impressive as many who have been making packs for much longer. Utilizing aircraft-grade aluminum stays, the Fulcrum Suspension system is both light and strong. The entire package is built to carry weight well with the suspension design and other little features, like the angled pack bottom to further concentrate weight on the waistbelt. Not only is this design made for comfort in the long haul, it’s made for ventilation with plenty of airflow. Each pack is also hydration compatible. Shown below is the Revival 65 ($240).

Outdoor Research

Hot off the heels of the success of the Helium Jacket, Outdoor Research keeps the momentum flowing with the ultralight Vigor Jacket ($70) and the Paladin Jacket ($250). Both jackets utilize Pertex laminates for lightweight durability with supreme weather performance. The Vigor is made for cycling and running and weighs a paltry 5 oz. The Paladin is a true 3-layer jacket built with Pertex Shield that can withstand heavy weather and demanding use.

Patagonia

Leading the charge in sustainability, Patagonia’s product line is now 90% recyclable through their Common Threads program. Kudos to Patagonia for that achievement. A new piece is the Ultralight Down Shirt ($250) that tips the scales at a mere 5.6 oz using ultralight ripstop nylon while being packed with 800-fill down for warmth. It’s packable and comfortable.

The new Men’s Torrentshell Pullover ($119) is made for climbers who prefer a minimalist design so nothing gets caught up in harnesses or packs. This pullover is economical and streamlined for demanding climbers and mountaineers.

Another great introduction is the new Air Flow running shirts. Available in both short-sleeve ($59) and sleeveless ($55), the Air Flow fabric features a subtle weave for extreme moisture wicking and performance.

The North Face

Ultralight continues to be the story with The North Face launching the Verto Jacket ($99) that tips the scales at a paltry 3.2 oz. This ultralight jacket will save your bacon in a pinch and packs away into its own energy bar-sized pouch.

With the success of the Single Track trail runners, The North Face is evolving their designs with the introduction of the Double Track ($110). This shoe features a bit more stability (X-Dome Cradle), yet still promises the overall performance that the Single Track’s are known for.

Another great piece from The North Face is the new Silicate mountain bike shorts ($85). These are more trail-friendly with a high-quality removable liner. The chamois is infused with silver microbial technology and was Italian-designed.

GoLite

I saw a few great pieces from the great folks at GoLite, but the one that stands out the most is the Kenai jacket ($200). Built with Pertex Shield, this technical 2.5-layer jacket is trim-fitting and perfect for demanding pursuits. I tried it on and loved the anatomical sleeve cuffs, pit zips and helmet-compatible hood. Weight is listed as 10 oz. on this, so it’s light, but not scary-light.

Arc’teryx

There’s just no stopping the Arc’teryx momentum from year-to-year. They just keep on innovating. For starters, the new Motus Crew shirt ($59, short-sleeve or $69, long-sleeve) is built to keep you warm (when needed), dry and comfortable with its hydrophobic and silver ion infused yarn.

Another cool bit from Arc’teryx is the new Cierzo ultralight pack line. Available in three sizes with several fun colors, the Cierzo line is simplistic yet still full-featured and is priced from $59-$119.

La Sportiva

After the announcement of the new La Sportiva MorphoDynamic trail runners last week, I thought they’d be content with that. Well, to my surprise, there are a few new or updated models and that includes the new La Sportiva Crosslite 2.0. Built with the same outsole and a similar upper, the Crosslite 2.0 has all the makings of a race-day feel with day-to-day training capability.

Black Diamond Drift Skis

As part of the new Black Diamond Efficient Series of skis and boots, the Drift looks to be the money ski in the line–at least for us living in the Wasatch. The entire series consists of 4 boots and 6 skis with the Drift being the fattest of the quiver. Aimed at lightweight backcountry slashing, the Drift is 100mm underfoot and available in either a 176cm or 186cm length. The full curve profile is 136/100/123.

So, you get a good sidecut for carving turns (yes, some of us still like to carve turns) and a nice rockered tip for extra flotation and crud-busting. The entire package tips the scales at a respectable 7 lbs. 4 oz. per pair. Retail price will be $699 with availability in the Fall. Visit www.SkiBD.com.

Fritschi Freeride Pro

Taking the lessons learned from the Fritschi Eagle and applying them to the more powerful Freeride platform, the new Fritschi Freeride Pro bindings are for hard-charging skiers who still want efficiency in the skintrack. With a wide new mounting platform (narrow skis need not apply), new toepiece and a more natural pivot point, the Freeride Pro is hitting the market just in time to combat the new Marker Tour. I’ve yet to hear a price on this new binder, but I’d guess in the $450 range… stay tuned.

Dynafit Stoke Skis

Revelstoke, super-stoked, stoking the fire… whatever you say, this ski is getting a ton of attention. The new Dynafit Stoke is a lightweight backcountry ski with ample girth to get you through the rough stuff. Tipping the scales right around 7 lbs. 4 oz. in the 182cm length, this ski has a great profile for all-around backcountry use at 130/106/120. As expected, the Stoke is equipped with an early-rise tip for breaking trail and floating in all conditions as well as metal tip/tail reinforcements for skins attachment. The Stoke is ready for backcountry adventure–so long as you’re a Dynafit disciple since it comes pre-mounted for Dynafit bindings. Coming in at $799, these skis are available now at Backcountry.com.

Turns out I/O Bio has over 75 years of Merino expertise (where have I been?) and has been laying down the fabric for quite some time. In fact, they use an exclusive low-torque weave that keeps the fabric stretchy, comfortable and breathable while maintaining the same thermal properties. As an added touch, all base layer bottoms utilize the licensed Calvin Klein waistband–a man known for his prowess in the whitie tightie market and made famous by time travelers in the 80′s (hello… McFly!).

A new piece for Fall 2010 is the Glory Zip Top (below) with contrast stiching and a hood. Another interesting piece is the Contact Pilot Suit one-piece base layer which has been garnering a slew of attention for its gap-free coverage and comfort. All long-sleeves include thumb loops (hallelujah!).

You can purchase directly from their Web site or at select online and retail locations near you.

More Info: Visit IO-BIO.com