2017 Winter Outdoor Retailer Climbing Report

I only had a day to check out the Winter Outdoor Retailer show, but it was packed from start to finish and I got to check out a lot of the new stuff that’s coming out. As usual, nothing groundbreaking, but many small innovations and refinements. A brief recap follows, let me know in the comments if there are products you’d like more info about. FYI this is product coming out Fall/Winter 2017/18. For new product hitting retailers soon, check out the summer report.

SHOES

The Mundaka is the latest shoe from Tenaya. Slightly wider and more aggressive than the Iati, with the adjustable, single-strap Draxtor closure system.

The Scarpa Chimera is a lace up that’s similar to the Drago, with a TPS insert in the front for added stiffness and edge support. I like how soft the Drago is, but I imagine the added stiffness should improve the versatility of the Chimera.

Five Ten is offering a new twist on an old favorite: the Moccasym will now be available in a synthetic version for a more consistent fit. Oh, and it’s white.

Those familiar with environmental causes are no doubt aware of the massive problem of plastic pollution in the ocean. Millions of pounds of plastic end up in our oceans each year, and while much of it gets stuck in slowly rotating vortexes, many tons washes ashore each year. Enter Parley for the Oceans, an organization dedicated to protecting the ocean and cleaning up plastic from beaches across the world. But what to do with all that waste? Thanks to a new partnership with adidas, it’s going to be turned into shoes and clothing. The Terrex Parley Climacool Boat is just the first in a planned line of shoes and outerwear made from recycled plastic cleaned up from the sea.

HELMETS

The Petzl Sirocco gets a complete redesign, using the same lightweight foam, but now in white or black as they found a company that could dye it a different color than orange. A slimmer profile with an EPS panel on the top means you no longer have to look goofy while rocking what’s still the lightest helmet on the market (it’s 5 grams heavier). The foam comes lower on the side and back for added protection in those areas.

The Grivel Stealth Carbon uses a carbon fiber outershell for increased durability over other lightweight helmets.

HARDWARE

The Grivel G20 crampon gets a few upgrades, including a replaceable frontpoint and improved adjustability.

The Petzl Gully is a new technical mountaineering axe, for those situations where you don’t know what you’ll find at the top. Available in hammer or adze configurations. Weighs 280 grams. The Sum’Tec is a completely new tool. It now has the same fully modular head as the Nomic and can take any technical pick from Petzl. It swings like an ice tool, and weights can be added if you so desire. 40 grams.

Metolius Bravo Keylock and Wiregate quickdraws feature a sling made from double-layered 11mm Monster webbing for improved durability while still being lightweight but easy to grab when you are dogging your way to the top.

The Grivel Flame is a lightweight axe carbon and steel for ski mountaineering that weighs 235 grams.

PACKS

The Patagonia Descentionist is ski-oriented version of the updated Ascentionist. With a burlier outer fabric, a high-denisty foam back panel, padded hip belt and diagonal ski carry loop for the ascent.

The Black Diamond Creek Transit does double duty as a durable crag/gym pack, with a laptop sleeve for those taking it to the office.

The Technician is a new four-season harness built on the same technology as the Solution, which I think is one of the most comfortable harnesses out there.

The Gregory Alpinisto get’s a major update, it’s now lighter and more durable, with improved comfort and functionality. A bigger crampon pocket, better tool attachment system, with a removable top lid, framesheet and hipbelt for going as light as possible. Available in 35 & 50 liter versions.

OUTERWEAR

The beloved Patagonia DAS parka is going away, but taking its place is the new Hyper Puff Parka, which utilizes 100 grams of the new hyper DAS insulation. These fibers are shaped like an accordion, meaning they compress really well and spring back into full shape very quickly.

The Ibex Pursuit shell is 100% wool that’s highly wind and water resistant from the weave alone, no nasty chemicals.

The Outdoor Research Alpenice Jacket combines their AscentShell fabric, Pertex Microlight and various weights of Polartec Alpha Direct for a piece that will keep you dry and comfortable on the move in variable conditions.

The Latok is Rab’s latest bombproof shell for any conditions, using eVent DVexpedition three-layer fabric for weather protection and superior breathability. The Valiance uses waterproof down wrapped in a Pertex Shield shell for the coldest and wettest winter days.

The Mammut Eiger Collection is completely redesigned, with one common thread across the line: every piece has high visibility liners for rescue situations. So even if you have a black jacket, the interior is bright orange. Seems like a really simple but potentially life-saving feature. (The Barryvox S was the big news here, check Wild Snow for the details.)

The Arc’teryx Alpha IS is a top-of-the-line hard shell combined with active insulation for the most heinous of conditions. Pairing the air permeable insulation with Gore Tex actually makes for improved moisture transport, even though it’s a much warmer garment. Compared to combining two similar separate jackets, you save 18% in weight.

The Black Diamond Mission Down Parka features Gore Thermium and Primaloft Gold for warmth and weather protection. The First Light Hybrid Hoody combines the active insulation of the First Light Hoody with merino wool panels for increased breathability during aerobic output.

 

A huge thanks to all the companies and people we met with, see you in the summer!