If you're currently in a state of semi-permanent misery because of the bleak, damp cold outside your window, help is on the way. After looking at the new gear and clothing revealed at major sports shows like ISPO and SIA, as well as in the latest crowdfunding campaigns, we've found the newest, most innovative and, in some cases, weirdest new gizmos and wearables for beating the cold and frost, on the slopes and on the streets.
We haven't always been impressed with winter-specific rubber outsoles. Unless there are spikes or chains involved, winter shoes and boots do little to eliminate the fear of doing spontaneous acrobatics on the really slick stuff.
Hopefully Vibram Arctic tech will prove different. Vibram bills it as its "most advanced cold-weather gripping system ever" and says that it's designed specifically for traction on wet, slippery ice. Thermochromatic lugs change color in winter conditions to let you know the tech is at work (assuming you're looking at the bottom of your shoes).
Vibram was confident enough to bring blocks of ice to Outdoor Retailer and ISPO for testing, and the early feedback sounds promising. Arctic Grip will launch in (Northern Hemisphere) Fall 2016 on footwear from the Wolverine Worlwide group of brands, including Merrell and Saucony.
Built for the cold, gritty winters of Detroit, Michigan, the FNDN scarf wraps your neck and chin in electrically-heated micro fleece. The lithium-ion-powered heat system provides up to 4.5 hours of heat via three settings.
If a full-blown heated jacket or vest seems like too much heat or weight, perhaps this $130 heated scarf will be just the ticket.
Remember what we said before about never trusting bare rubber to perform a task that should be left to chains and spikes? Swedish footwear manufacturer Icebug seems to agree, offering winter shoes, boots and accessories with built-in carbide studs.
The ISPO Award-winning Now4 Bugweb RB9X combines Icebug's carbide stud traction technology, in the form of a removable "Bugweb" traction aid, with its RB9X non-slip wet-weather outsole technology. So the shoe grips effectively in snow and ice, as well as in warmer slick conditions. The Bugweb fits neatly around the outsole for a cleaner integration than third-party traction aids.
Aimed at three-season urban use, the Now4 features a casual design with water-repellent suede upper. It will launch in (Northern Hemisphere) Fall 2016 for an estimated €169.95 (approx. US$190).
Michigan-based startup SubQ Designs pulls the avalanche airbag out of the backpack and integrates it directly into a 10K/10K waterproof-breathable shell. With its multi-component storage system, you can wear the Jackson jacket alone or wear it with the included harness and secure the shovel/probe holder and ABS system. The jacket can also carry a hydration bladder and secure skis or a snowboard for the hike up-mountain. It's designed to provide a lighter, freer and more versatile alternative to airbag backpacks with more weatherproofing than layering garments like the TNF Powder Guide ABS Vest.
An all-season action sports gadget that could prove handy to the likes of backcountry skiers and snowmobilers, the Kel52 Powr takes in-helmet audio to the next level. Instead of simply connecting with your smartphone for music and hands-free calling (which it does), the Powr also offers helmet-mounted access to your walkie talkie and GoPro-based audio recording for clearer action cam audio. You can also use the recorder for phone calls and other audio. Basically, all your on-slope audio gadgets get easier to use when you put a Powr inside your helmet. It's scheduled for release in (Northern Hemisphere) Fall 2016 for $139.
An ultralight, ultra-thin insulator, aerogel has a history of use in highly demanding applications like oil pipeline insulation. Oros claims that the Solarcore aerogel in its new Orion line is the first aerogel suitable for apparel, offering warmth, flexibility, breathability and durability. If you're looking to stay warm without the bulk of traditional fill insulations, aerogel might be worth a look.
If you run cold in winter, down is one of the best ways to insulate yourself. If you run really cold, though, you might want to turn on electric power. Utah startup Ravean combines those two body-warming standards in its lightweight, battery-heated C6 jacket.
Designed to keep you warm in temperatures right down to -4° F (-20° C), Ravean's C6 jacket features a three-setting core heating system that also serves to dry out the water-resistant fabric. More than just a heater, the C6 is a wearable power system that can charge your mobile phone up to six times or power the accompanying heated gloves. Ravean held a successful $1.3 million Kickstarter campaign last year and went on to offer more preorders through Indiegogo InDemand. It estimates a $349 retail price for the hooded down jacket with 12V heating system and gloves.
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