Does it Work
Zeal Z3 GPS Goggles
By Jenny Willden
Prove you’re the best skier on the mountain with these techy goggles that track your speed, distance, vertical feet and locations traveled. Based on last year’s Transcends, the Z3s are revamped and tricked out for easier use, better vision and optimal comfort. They offer real-time statistics of your runs and are now operated from a wireless remote you can wear on your wrist or the goggles. With large, easily distinguishable buttons, the remote is easy to operate while keeping your mitts on.
Does it Work?
Suunto Core’s Storm Alarm
Some of my closest friends are meteorologists, whom I trust implicitly when it comes to weather-based decision making for recreation. However, because we’re not together every second of the day, getting a watch that alerts me to changing atmospheric conditions, seemed a logical choice. I know almost nothing about barometric pressure, and I’m terrible at math. I need a watch that can measure units of pressure, known to scientist types as hPa, (hectopascals) and relate what that means to me in some type of primitive format, like arrows that indicate rapidly dropping air pressure or perhaps a storm alarm.
Geigerrig Hydration Pack
By Jenny WilldenNew gear continually floods the outdoor recreation market, and occasionally, an item stands out that truly wows you, like Geiggerig’s Pressurized Hydration Packs. Created by Utahn Bob Geiger, the company is headquartered in Ogden and makes packs that are everything you never knew you needed in a hydration pack.
The hydration bladder, or Hydration Engine as Geigerrig calls it, is the pack’s most innovative feature. It’s pressurized by an external squeeze pump, which pumps air into a chamber separate from the water, keeping out dust particles. Just 15 pumps and water will flow when you simply bite down, no sucking required. Tested it on a long bike ride, and being able to spray water in my mouth as I huffed and puffed was a lifesaver.
The pressurization also takes the gross factor out of sharing water with your two- or four-legged buddies. Just squeeze the bite valve into their mouth for shared hydration, without swapping saliva. For muddy adventures, use the mouthpiece to spray yourself clean.
If you run out of water, refill the Geigerrig anywhere.The slidetop lets you dunk the bladder in any stream, lake or river to fill. Then snap on Geigerrig’s in-line filter ($28), which removes 99% of Giardia and cryptosporidium so you can drink with peace of mind. Don’t worry about river junk getting in the bladder, because cleaning it’s a snap. Geigerrig’s innovations let you unsnap the drinking tube’s quick-release valve, flip the bladder inside out and toss it in the dishwasher.
The packs are heavier than most hydration packs, but are made of heavy-duty balistic nylon with industrial zippers and are practically bombproof. On YouTube, you can see videos of people tossing Geigerrigs out of speeding cars with virtually no damage done. I chose to trust those tests and not conduct my own, but loved the pack for cycling and hiking. Many sizes are available, but pick the minimalist Rig 500 for biking, running and short hikes, which has just enough room for 70 ounces of water, an iPod or phone and energy bars. For all-day journeys, choose the more substantial Rig 1600 with 100-ounce bladder, padded hip belt, organization pockets and plenty of space.
Bonus alert! Included with every Geigerrig purchased this year is a Skullcandy Mountain Passport with free lift tickets to ski resorts throughout the United States and Canada, including three in Utah. Rig 500 $110, Rig 1600 $140 geigerrig.com
iBike Dash Cycling Computer
By Rachael HodsonIt’s hard to sort through the never-ending technological options that greet us in every magazine, with every click of a mouse and in the onslaught of media which fuels our need for more, more, more. Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, however, get their fuel and adrenaline from the rush of sport and the world that greets them beyond their computer screens.
VESTPAC GADGET AND HYDRATION PACK
By Jenny WilldenWhen you’re out all day skiing or riding, having a pack to tote water, electronics and valuables safely is heaven sent! Created in Jackson Hole, VestPac is the solution for carrying your MP3 player, smartphone, camera, ID, ski pass and water...without worrying about losing anything!
But VestPac is different from most hydration bags because it’s designed to fit underneath your coat, which means water stays thawed and your electronics’ batteries will last longer. Plus, you won’t ever have to worry about tangled straps trapping you on the ski lift. For backcountry use you can sling a larger pack on top of your coat while keeping your electronics and water close, dry and warm.
Individual zippered and Velcro pockets keep you organized while preventing harmful condensation from accumulating on your phone or iPod, so you can keep using it in freezing temperatures. The chest-mounted design offers quick access and keeps electronics and other valuables safe.
All models also have a 3D airmesh backing that promotes airflow and improves moisture management to prevent sweat accumulation. Plus, each one is hydration compatible and includes a reservoir. Overall, the VestPac I tried was light, comfortable and virtually unnoticable. Usually carrying a pack throws off my balance while riding, but with the VestPac on I felt stable. And being able to drink water all day without it turning into an ice block was delightful. Tons of styles and colors are available, but we liked the GranitePac because it's affordable and features just enough pockets for essentials. $67.95 vestpac.com
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