Monday, February 14, 2011
Faction Skis demo days in Whistler!
Faction Skis will be demoing our full line of skis this Tuesday the 15th and Wednesday the 16th on Whistler mountain at the Dave Murray downhill. Drop by the demo and enter to win a pair of Faction Skis!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Kayland Vertigo Light - Outside Magazine "Gear of the Year" 2009 Summer Buyer's Guide
Kayland Vertigo Light | By Ben Hewitt |
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| (Shana Novak) |
1. Lots of support, very little weight—that's the Vert Light's recipe in a nutshell. Built on the same last as the company's much burlier Vertigo High, the 20-ounce Vert Light actually weighs less than some of the low-cut hiking shoes we tested. But it's much sturdier than all of them, thanks to its stiff leather rand (the piece that joins the sole and the upper), sturdy ankle support, and precise toe-to-heel fit. 2. Don't hesitate to set out with a 30-pound pack. This boot can take it. The Vert Light's nylon-and-polyester-weave uppers are remarkably abrasion-resistant—our test pair still shows nary a scuff or scratch. The sole also boasts a rockered profile that lends a lively feel. A note of caution: Although the slightly concave outsole grips well on soft surfaces, it felt a bit less sure-footed on slick and steep rock. 3. The Vert Light's Cocona lining helped keep testers' feet impressively dry on hot days. And with its breathable eVent membrane, three-quarter height, and ample tongue overlap, it was the most waterproof boot we tested, making it great year-round. One tester's feet stayed bone-dry after plowing through wet, early-season snow all day. Note: It fits narrow-to-medium-volume feet best. (20 oz) kayland.com
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Icebug Attla BUGweb - Outside Magazine "Gear of the Year" Winter 2011 Buyer's Guide Review
"If you're determined not to let icy trails get in the way of your workout, consider the Attle/ Its spiked lugs are almost imperceptible, but they dig into the hardpack like tractor tread. For even more bite, slip the included carbide-studded rubber "webs" over the toe and heel, between the lugs."
- Berne Broudy
"Okay, number six (Attla) is really a winterized runner. If you're serious about winter running, check it out; it provides better bite than the aftermarket, screw-in traction products."
Tags: running, traction, speed, waterproof
http://www.icebug.se/Product.aspx?m=458
ATTLA BUGweb®
- Berne Broudy
"Okay, number six (Attla) is really a winterized runner. If you're serious about winter running, check it out; it provides better bite than the aftermarket, screw-in traction products."
Tags: running, traction, speed, waterproof
http://www.icebug.se/Product.aspx?m=458
ATTLA BUGweb®
Protection from water in all forms! The upper has a waterproof, breathable membrane and the sole system can be modified according to the need for traction: In dry or moderately slippery conditions, the soft compound rubber sole will be sufficient. When there are icy spots or packed snow, the traction can be upgraded with the six carbide tip studs BUGweb and when there is a layer of fresh snow, it’s best to leave the deep profile pattern to grip. Soft and flexible sole with good torsion and comfortable cushioning system. Neutral midsole.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
BUGweb Awarded Gear of the Year 2007 by Sportfack
BUGweb Awarded
"Gear of the Year"
"Gear of the Year"
Icebug continues to win awards for innovations.
Icebug continues to win awards for innovations in the “traction footwear” category. The BUGweb system, was appointed “Gear of the year 2007” for best footwear innovation in the trade, by Swedish trade press magazine Sportfack.
We quote from the jury’s reasoning:
”Integration is a key word, both in politics and product development. It’s seldom that the result is as simple, obvious and functional as in this Swedish invention.”
The BUGweb has six carbide tip studs. It’s made of rubber, and thanks to the elasticity, it fits easily into the sole pattern of Icebug’s Crawlers’ styles.
There are several substantial advantages compared to a conventional anti-slip devices that are attached on the outside of the tread:
• The original pattern of the sole is still active providing grip.
• The studs are positioned on an ideal distance from the sole: Protruding sufficiently to give grip, but no so much that the shoe becomes unstable on hard surfaces.
The BUGweb is kept in place by fitting into the corresponding grove pattern in the sole.
To cope with modern winter conditions, the Icebug Crawlers styles – that are BUGweb compatible – feature waterproof membrane uppers, thermostatic soles and functional linings – all in a sleek, modern design. The soles are in a grippy rubber compound and pattern, which gives sufficient traction for most normal winter conditions. When it gets really slippery, six extra points of extreme traction can be added with the BUGweb®.
We quote from the jury’s reasoning:
”Integration is a key word, both in politics and product development. It’s seldom that the result is as simple, obvious and functional as in this Swedish invention.”
The BUGweb has six carbide tip studs. It’s made of rubber, and thanks to the elasticity, it fits easily into the sole pattern of Icebug’s Crawlers’ styles.
There are several substantial advantages compared to a conventional anti-slip devices that are attached on the outside of the tread:
• The original pattern of the sole is still active providing grip.
• The studs are positioned on an ideal distance from the sole: Protruding sufficiently to give grip, but no so much that the shoe becomes unstable on hard surfaces.
The BUGweb is kept in place by fitting into the corresponding grove pattern in the sole.
To cope with modern winter conditions, the Icebug Crawlers styles – that are BUGweb compatible – feature waterproof membrane uppers, thermostatic soles and functional linings – all in a sleek, modern design. The soles are in a grippy rubber compound and pattern, which gives sufficient traction for most normal winter conditions. When it gets really slippery, six extra points of extreme traction can be added with the BUGweb®.
Osmosis Outdoor Sport Marketing Systems Represents Faction Skis!
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BACKPACKER MAGAZINE EDITORS' CHOICE 2009: KAYLAND ZEPHYR BOOT REVIEW
Backpacker Magazine – April 2009
EDITORS' CHOICE 2009: KAYLAND ZEPHYR BOOT REVIEW
Can't decide which boots are right for the trip? Stop wondering and start hiking with this all-purpose
mid-weight.
by: The Backpacker Editors - Kayland Zephyr (Steve Howe)
Let's be clear: Gear testing has its glory moments, but putting your feet through the new-boot grinder to
find blisterproof footwear is not one of them. Unless the new boot in question is the Zephyr. It worked for
nearly every trip and load–out of the box–with the support and stability for carrying 50-pound packs in
rough terrain, and a low-bulk design for fast striding on dayhikes.
How does Kayland achieve the superior versatility? For starters, a polyurethane exoskeleton enhances
both durability and stability without adding much weight. And a secure heel cup, reinforced by the
exoskeleton, locked our feet in place. Fit and all-day comfort are improved by a series of small but smart
details: the forefoot has plenty of wiggle room for swollen toes; the lace holes link to the exoskeleton, so
it's easy to either suck in or let out the sides of the boot to adjust width without adding pressure points;
the gusseted tongue never budges; an ergonomic pad at the Achilles notch gives the midcut Zephyr the
ankle support of a higher-cut boot on uphills, but it flexes on the way down for comfort; and an EVA midsole
and plastic shank provide just-right cushion and support. It all adds up to this: "The Zephyrs are by far the
most comfortable boots I've worn all year," said one tester. "It's almost like they propel you forward when you walk."
To complete the package, the Vibram sole's aggressive tread grips like a crampon–testers scrambled surefooted
over rain-slick rocks in Wales while others slipped. And the eVent liner provides dependable waterproofing with
superior beathability. Bonus: Testers who usually use aftermarket insoles reported that the insoles included with
the Zephyrs are so supportive that there was no need to replace them. Best for medium-volume, medium-width feet.
$239.95; men's 8-12, 13; women's 6-10; 2 lbs. 7 oz. (men's 9);
www.kayland.com
Thursday, November 18, 2010
BACKPACKER MAGAZINE EDITOR'S CHOICE 2010: Kayland Contact Rev Review
A boot with mega support without the extra weight
Carrying a monster pack over monster terrain? You need rigid support and rock-solid stability. But you don’t need a clunky boot that’s anchor-heavy and uncomfortable when trail walking. What you want: the Contact Rev. “It never felt clompy despite thick soles and stiff collars,” reports one Colorado-based tester. “It protected my feet and ankles, but it has enough flex that I could hike fast when I dropped my pack to summit a spur peak on a Fourteener.” Credit a polyurethane midsole atop a lasting board that’s stiff in the heel and progressively more flexible toward the toe. That, combined with the weight-saving upper materials—suede and nylon, reinforced with abrasion-resistant microfiber—creates what one tester called a “springy feeling.” The high ankle kept another tester secure during a scramble—with a 50-pound pack—through an Adirondack blowdown. And the toothy tread never failed. “On a hike that included mud and ice, these boots held whether I was climbing over downed trees or up slick rocks,” says a New York tester. An eVent liner delivers waterproofing with top-notch breathability. Bonus: Zero break-in.
$319.95, 3 lbs. 5 oz.; m’s 8-14, w’s 6-10
Carrying a monster pack over monster terrain? You need rigid support and rock-solid stability. But you don’t need a clunky boot that’s anchor-heavy and uncomfortable when trail walking. What you want: the Contact Rev. “It never felt clompy despite thick soles and stiff collars,” reports one Colorado-based tester. “It protected my feet and ankles, but it has enough flex that I could hike fast when I dropped my pack to summit a spur peak on a Fourteener.” Credit a polyurethane midsole atop a lasting board that’s stiff in the heel and progressively more flexible toward the toe. That, combined with the weight-saving upper materials—suede and nylon, reinforced with abrasion-resistant microfiber—creates what one tester called a “springy feeling.” The high ankle kept another tester secure during a scramble—with a 50-pound pack—through an Adirondack blowdown. And the toothy tread never failed. “On a hike that included mud and ice, these boots held whether I was climbing over downed trees or up slick rocks,” says a New York tester. An eVent liner delivers waterproofing with top-notch breathability. Bonus: Zero break-in.
$319.95, 3 lbs. 5 oz.; m’s 8-14, w’s 6-10
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