Julbo Ultra Review

The Julbo Ultra is an impressive pair of sunglasses, being comfortable, fog free, durable, scratch resistant, and offer superb optical clarity, with great varying light capabilities from their photochromic properties. Julbo stepped up the ante this year and lightened the photochromic protection category of this lens, so they are more useful in wooded areas, during inclement weather, and evening usage. In the many months of use, they have been through every weather condition possible, snow, hail and rain, and have withstood heinous terrain and my full abuse, and they have performed flawlessly, and they are my go to sunglasses.

Drift HD Camera: Smaller and Smarter

Smaller and Smarter: Drift Unveils New Drift HD Point of View Camera

07.26.2011– Point of view cameras are one of today’s hottest commodities in countless markets and demographics. The growth trend has invigorated camera technology advancements, recorded the most extreme events in history and firmly established bragging rights in action sports communities. Drift, an innovative point of view camera manufacturer, is proud to announce the global launch of the new Drift HD point of view camera.

The new compact, durable, easy-to-use Drift HD camera elevates the point of view camera market to a higher level with the most feature-rich, multi-functional helmet camera available to date. To view the new camera in action, please visit, http://vimeo.com/driftinnovation/new-drift-hd-camera.

Ergon BX2 Review

European pack companies have always made their products comfortable and conformable, with excellent weight carrying attributes and incredible amount of fit adjustment, and Ergon has been at the forefront of this type of technology. The BX2 is the epitome of this ergonomic thinking, and it's exceptionally comfortable, ventilates well, carries its load balanced and close to the back and hips, and has vertical adjustment for different torso lengths, and uses a unique free floating shoulder strap. The Ergon BX2 pack is available in two sizes (regular and large) and two colors (Black or Team Edition Green), and has a storage capacity of 8 liters, with an expansion to 9.5.

Gould and Wells successfully defend cross-country national titles

Ketchum, Idaho (July 16, 2011) – Georgia Gould (Fort Collins, Colo./Luna Pro Team) successfully defended her pro women’s cross country national title in front of her hometown crowd on day three of the 2011 USA Cycling Mountain Bike Cross-Country National Championships on Saturday. Todd Wells (Durango, Colo./Specialized) also maintained his Stars-and-Stripes jersey after an impressive showing at Sun Valley Resort in Ketchum, Idaho. By virtue of winning national titles today, the pair earned an automatic nomination to the team that will represent the United States at the Union Cycliste International World Championships in Champéry, Switzerland, from Aug. 31-Sept. 4.

Giro CODE Review

They're an impressive shoe, being comfortable, supportive and offering superb power, and plenty of useful and innovative features, such as the adjustable arch insole kit. The upper's have a combination of a leather like synthetic fabric and scuff guards for fit, protection and durability, and the stiff carbon sole has a hint of flex for walking, and it's finished off with thick aggressive lugs for grip. The Code uses unique offset Velcro straps, and a ratchet buckle system that was the easiest I have ever used, using a downward pressure to release, instead of the usual up.

Code Green - Pros		Code Red - Cons
	Insole - Adjustable Arch Kit		Not the best hiker
	Stiff, Powerful and great feel		Premature wear on toe section
	Ratchet system		Slight heel lift
	Protective Scuff and toe bash guards		Expensive

Hydrapak Integrates Shape-Shift Reservoir Into 2012 Line

07.06.2011– July 6, 2011 (Oakland, Calif.) – Hydrapak, a premium supplier of active lifestyle hydration equipment, is pleased to introduce the Shape-Shift™ Reservoir for 2012, a revolutionary engineered drink system with virtually universal brand and pack compatibility; providing a true advantage for consumers upgrading or enhancing their hydration ready packs.

“TheShape-Shift™ was created to address the need for a reservoir that could maintain shape control, while still offering an easy cleaning feature,” said Hydrapak President Matt Lyon, “Whether they’re using the Shape-Shift™ for big-wall climbing, off-piste skiing, single-track riding or trail running, active outdoor athletes will appreciate the balance and utility offered by the reservoir. It’s a big leap for hydration management and should enhance our customers’ sense of security in taking on challenging activities while staying hydrated.”

The patent-pending Shape-Shift™ Reservoir, available in a 100-ounce and 70-ounce model, is constructed with an interior form-supporting Snap-Zip™ baffle which enhances the structural integrity of the reservoir, without giving up the trademark cleaning features that Hydrapak is known for.

Zipping the baffle flaps together controls the shape of the reservoir, making it easier to slide in and out of the backpack, while reducing sloshing and improving backpack ventilation. Disengaging the baffle then allows for greater carrying capacity as well as the ability to reverse the reservoir for cleaning.

The Shape-Shift™ Reservoir also features a stronger, easier to grip Superslider closure system with a built-in handle for easy attachment; a Straight-Shot Plug-N-Play to accommodate standard inserts used by filtration companies; and a Hydraflex Tube for improved kink-resistance and better draping.

The Shape-Shift™ will be featured prominently in the Hydrapak booth (#7010) at Outdoor Retailer, anchoring an ambitious new Point of Purchase component stand and tray. The POP set-up will be available to retail partners this summer, and features a dozen Shape-Shift™ reservoirs in 3L and 2L sizes; surge valves and tube brushes; replacement tubes, clips and tube kits; and Straight-Shot Plug-n-Play sets. The reservoir will be featured in four packs within Hydrapak’s 2012 line- the Morro, Jolla, Laguna and Big Sur and available to all OE Partners.

About Hydrapak

Created in 2001,Hydrapak,the originators of innovative and advanced hands-free fluid delivery systems, was introduced to satisfy the growing demand from athletes for personal hydration systems. Hydrapak produces a lineup of custom built hydration backpacks, reservoirs, and bottles for a variety of sports, including biking, hiking and running. Hydrapak is also an OEM for top manufacturers specializing in consumer, commercial and military purposes. To view all packs, bottles and accessories visit www.hydrapak.com or call 510.632.8318.