Slowly, everyone involved has recovered from the after-effects of Ispo 2013. Some suffered from the well-known post-Ispo flu (mostly caused by an overload of the "I want to have" center in the freerider brain) and others had thick thighs because there was so much Canadian-light powder snow to track after the majority of potential trackers preferred to stay in the post-Ispo flu-infected exhibition halls in Munich. We take advantage of the calmed waters and present the new products from the PG partner forges.
More breathability, less abrasion: Arc'teryx Caden jacket
The Canadians from Arc'teryx have once again worked together with Gore-Tex on a new membrane, which will also be used by other manufacturers in the coming winter. The new Gore-Tex Pro-Shell is said to allow 22 fewer drops of sweat per 100, or in other words: it is over 22% more breathable than the previous model and still just as robust as the old outer layer. We have been testing the Caden model for a few weeks now and so far we are very impressed! Although we haven't counted any drops of sweat, it's already clear that you can let off a lot more steam with this jacket. It's our choice for those PowderAlert days when you can't see your hand in front of your eyes for all the snow and still want to go touring! And for everyone else too. Otherwise, it remains to be announced that Arc'teryx now also produces down jackets (Ispo award for the Cerium LT jacket), but there will be more information about this on PowderGuide shortly. To the manufacturer page...
More freeride, less piste: Bergans Hodlekve collection of jacket, pants and ABS backpack
The Norwegians from Bergans are starting the new winter with a complete freeride line. It is named after the small freeride area of Hodlekve, which is no longer one of the insider tips in the far north. Consisting of a jacket, trousers and backpack (optionally in ABS airbag version), the collection is characterized by a high level of practicality on the mountain - and impresses with its modern design and color scheme. The hardshell combo (also available for women) is equipped with the usual Bergans high-quality Dermizax NT membrane, which ensures high breathability combined with reliable weather protection. The long cut and the large, sewn-on pockets, which offer enough space for all kinds of small items, are particularly striking. The elongated cut is particularly beneficial for telemark skiers, who have been heavily involved in the development and are normally more susceptible to snow under the jacket. The Hodlekve backpack (30L) doesn't need a lot of frippery and still offers enough space for a freerider's daily essentials - so it can also be carried comfortably on the lift. The zipper of the avalanche bag version has been newly developed and opens automatically when the airbag system (ABS Twinbag) is triggered. To the manufacturer's website...
More rigidity and flexibility: Black Diamond Factor 130 MX and Shiva 110 MX
Without exaggeration, Black Diamond can call itself the forge of the original freeride boot: The Black Diamond Factor is THE classic on the market. And it has now been completely redesigned. The result is the Factor 130 MX and the women's model Shiva 110 MX. The big plus has always been and continues to be the Factor's stiffness on downhill runs - Black Diamond has remained true to the line of the downhill-oriented freeride boot. With the newly developed Mx Direct Connect technology, however, a significantly higher lateral stiffness of the boot is now achieved and thus lower losses in power transmission. With justifiable pride, the North Americans have repeatedly announced that their freeride pros, such as Johnny Collinson, even compete in the FWT contests with this boot. Anyone who thinks the boot is no longer suitable for climbing is very much mistaken. The Triax Pro frame construction provides twice as much freedom of movement as the previous Factor models: Now it's already 40° and in walking mode it's very reminiscent of its touring brother Quadrant. At the same time, it weighs 100 grams less and the pair (in Mondo 27.5) now weighs four kilos less. We are looking forward to the first tests. In any case, it has already won one of the numerous Ispo awards. To the manufacturer's website...
More safety is not possible on the low-tech binding market: Diamir Zenith 12
The Swiss family-run company has been working on a low-TECH binding for some time now, but in true Swiss fashion, they continued to work on it until they were able to present a really good product from the development department. The first prototypes were presented at Ispo and the Zenith 12 is set to go on sale in January 2014. With an announced weight of 400 grams, it will be a real lightweight. Weight played a subordinate role, Diamir was much more interested in recognizing and expanding the advantages of low-TECH bindings. And above all to increase the safety and comfort range. With the Zenith 12, the side release on the rear jaw has been dispensed with and is instead handled by the front jaw, as with a normal alpine binding. Instead, the pin arms simply fold to the side. The result: high elasticity for horizontal and vertical release and a defined, adjustable Z-value on the toe piece. This release should now also work in ascent mode, which may well prove to be an advantage, especially in view of avalanche accidents on the ascent. The problem of the flex influence of the ski on the release has also been addressed and so, as with an alpine binding, the toe piece lies against the boot and is floating. In addition, the switch from walking to downhill mode is just as easy to adjust with the pole as the adjustment of the climbing aids (three different levels). Sounds exciting and we are looking forward to the first practical tests! To the manufacturer's website...
More tours and even more versatile: Evoc Patrol 40+5L
The backpack, luggage and protector manufacturer Evoc is expanding its range with several new backpack models (Patrol 40+5 L, Line 28 L, Slope 18 L), which are intended to open up a wider range of applications. Previously clearly focused on the freeride sector, there are now backpacks without the back protector (Performance series) for the first time and, above all, a model with more than 30 L: the Evoc Patrol with a volume of 40+5 liters. This marks Evoc's entry into the ski touring backpack sector and a few positive features are immediately apparent to the expert eye. Extremely many lacing and attachment options and yet a low weight (1.8 kg). You can easily attach climbing gear to the hip belt or remove it completely to save even more weight. The main compartment is designed as a toploader, but can be accessed from the side with a well thought-out side access (almost the entire length). We have been testing this backpack for a few weeks now and this side compartment in particular has impressed us and finally allows us to pack sensibly! The Patrol is particularly suitable for ambitious hobby freeride photographers in combination with one of the in-house camera blocks. As usual, the avalanche emergency equipment is stowed in an extra compartment and does not interfere with reaching into the main compartment. The completely newly developed carrying system impresses with its clever ventilation channels and ergonomic straps. Thanks to the stabilizing brace made of lightweight aluminium, the backpack sits comfortably on the back. We will be publishing a more extensive test here on PowderGuide shortly. To the manufacturer's website...
New freeride maps for Austria, Germany and France
Until now, the range consisted of 23 different map sheets, which mainly focused on Austria and Switzerland. In these countries, only a few new maps are to be developed in the future, as the most important freeride regions have been covered for the time being. In contrast, the focus will now be on the French and Italian regions. One or two long overdue freeride maps were also released this winter: The Mecca of steep wall riding Chamonix finally got its own maps (North and South)! German and Austrian freeriders can also rejoice, as the 'Freeride Map Germany - Zugspitz-Arena' now covers the only 'German-Austrian' freeride area. In Switzerland, the Schilthorn became famous a long time ago thanks to its presence in the James Bond film, but the Freeride Map Schilthorn/Jungfrau Region has only just been published. Two of the few Tyrolean areas not yet covered, Hochgurgl/Obergurgl and Sölden, are now also each covered by a freeride map. To the manufacturer's website...
More skis from Canada: G3 Empire and Empress Ski
According to confirmed reports, the Canadians from G3 finally want to become more active on the European market. They have become known above all for their safety equipment (probes, shovels), telemark bindings and not least for their excellent skins and the Onyx, the first freeride-oriented pin binding. For some time now, they have also been convincing with all-round skis that are suitable for touring and do not shy away from innovative shapes. The new ski line is extremely interesting and, above all, consistently light. In general, the Empire (men's) and Empress (women's) skis stand out in particular. The Empire was presented last winter, but had hardly been seen in Europe - surprisingly, as it had been very well received in North America and won several awards. Consequently, the idea has now been expanded into an entire ski line. The Empire will be available in two versions (153-127-138 in 173, 183, 193 cm length and 145-115-126 in 175, 180, 185, 190 cm length) and the Empress only in the narrower version (in 165, 170, 175 cm length). Both impress with a full rocker concept and, according to unconfirmed reports, this is a real powder weapon. We are very excited about the first turns and hope to be able to provide you with a test report soon. To the manufacturer's website...
