Taking the Chill Off Winter Expeditions
Being out in the cold need not be too chilling if you are well prepared. So here, to go with ski trips, walks in snowy woods or any winter weather, are some innovative items that will give you a warm feeling no matter how low the mercury dips. Products may be available in area stores. Prices do not include shipping and handling.
Suited for the season: First there was Gore-Tex--a porous rubberized coating that made winter parkas and rain jackets breathable, so that the wearer stayed more or less dry without building up puddles of sweat under the garment. Now Willis & Geiger, maker of cutting-edge upscale outerwear, has developed a nonporous breathable fabric called Diaplex that keeps the sweat out while truly keeping the wet out. The company has used the material to make a snazzy insulated parka and hiking pants with enough bells and whistles to please even the most fussy outdoors-person.
Sealed, bag-style cargo pockets expand away from the body and close with snaps, articulated elbows keep sleeves from riding up on the arm, edges are tacked back to double as rain gutters, Velcro strips at every closure create extra sealing, large underarm vents can be zipped closed or “tacked” shut with Velcro and a mesh liner adds extra ventilation.
There’s also a snap-off hood, zippered internal security pocket and elasticized wind/snow skirt. The pants have an equal number of innovations, from articulated knees to keep the legs from riding up, to mesh netting around the seat for extra ventilation. I wore one into a cold shower--and stayed warm and dry.
In gold or navy. Diaplex Parka (Item No. 5157-97F) is $399; pants (Item No. 5162-77F) are $199 from Willis & Geiger; telephone (800) 223-1408.
Warmth and more: The Snug Rug is a versatile five-in-one product--a stadium blanket, sleeping bag liner, sleeping bag, picnic blanket and throw. Made of thick, soft fleece with a waterproof backing, the 60-inch-by-72-inch rug keeps you dry when used as a ground cover and warm when used as a blanket or zipped up as a bag (two rugs can be zipped together to form a cozy double bag for two). The bag rolls up and secures via a carrying harness with double Velcro straps and a shoulder strap.
Snug Rug (Item No. 630-119) is $58 from REI; tel. (800) 426-4840.
Phoning free: Say you’re skiing the advanced double diamond run while your mate is inching down the bunny slope. How can you keep in contact to meet up for lunch? Kenwood’s FreeTalk personal two-way radios are battery-operated radios that use airwaves at no charge on a special “Family Radio Service” spectrum designated by the FCC. They work like professional two-way radios but are cheaper, smaller and lighter. Slightly larger than a deck of cards and weighing a mere 6.3 ounces with three AA batteries (not included), the radio has a two-mile range and requires no licenses or registration. Its 14 channels, 38 talk groups and “scramble” mode help maintain privacy and avoid interruption from other radio conversations. It’s easy to operate, too.
Kenwood FreeTalk two-way radios are $159 each at electronics stores. Accessories include: armband, $12; nylon case, $15; clip microphone/earphone, $29.95; headset with PTT and VOX, $59.95; and speaker microphone, $39.95. For a nearby store, call (800) 536-9663.
Mini umbrella: Totes, which pioneered small folding umbrellas, has introduced its tiniest model yet. The Small Wonder Light, made of aluminum and fiberglass, weighs less than 7 ounces and collapses to just 7 inches long but opens to full size, making it a space-saving essential to tote around whenever snow or showers are expected.
Totes Small Wonder Light Umbrella is $22 at department stores. For a nearby store, call (800) 762-8712.
Giving cold the boot: Timberland’s new Snow MPO is a waterproof insulated leather boot designed for snow use--ideal for mountain hiking or snowshoeing. The outer sole has grooves and snow cleats for extra traction in icy conditions. A covering over the tongue keeps snow and ice from getting into the top of the boot. Available in men’s sizes (women can try one size smaller than their normal shoe size but may find the heel too wide).
Timberland Snow MPO boots are $135 at outdoor stores. For a nearby store, call (800) 445-5545.
Gear & Gadgets appears the first week of every month.
