The freedom of movement for the digits on the feet is the first thing one notices when wearing Injinji toesocks. The sock form-fits to each individual toe, eliminating skin-on-skin contact to prevent blisters. Designed for breathability, the sock is made with nylon and a moisture-wicking fibre, and is engineered to fit snugly to the foot. This sock was created with runners in mind; Injinji has expanded its toesocks line to include outdoor, yoga and comfort series.
Nothing wrecks a great day of riding or sledding like breathing in and choking on kicked-up dust and fumes. Protect your lungs with the RZ Mask—a neoprene covering with replaceable, carbon-activated filters designed to prevent 99.9 per cent of airborne particles from entering the lungs. Not only is it recommended for dusty conditions, the mask is also good for use in cold temperatures, as it keeps the face warm and won't fog glasses or goggles. The straps are hand-washable and the mask comes in several colours—from camouflage to pink. It is also useful in industries such as farming and construction.
The iPhone is one of the most popular cellphones on the market right now and a big reason for that is the ability to download software applications, or apps. Garafa LLC has developed an app called the GPS Kit that backcountry enthusiasts may find useful. This app can be downloaded on an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad and features a GPS system integrated with wireless technology. Create waypoints and add any metadata such as a sweet riding spot or a cabin to mark the location. Distances to waypoints can been seen in real time and the dashboard is fully customizable—users can set useful fields like time, distance travelled and elevation change. Even outside cellphone range, the GPS Kit functions true to its name.
Stow your gear away in dry bags made by Coghlan’s, a company specializing in outdoor camping accessories. These lightweight nylon bags come in different sizes—55 litres, 25 litres and 10 litres—and the seams are taped and waterproof.
The dry bag can be used to prevent extra clothing or equipment from getting wet or dirty on the back of your ride—whether it be a sled or a quad—though it won’t keep out water if completely submerged.
Budding photographers can get an entry-level professional DSLR camera without breaking the bank in the Canon Rebel T3i. The newest addition to the popular Rebel family, the T3i is a smaller DSLR camera, making it easily portable in your backpack while sledding or quadding. The 18-megapixel-resolution camera can also capture high-definition video and is compatible with all of Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses. A large vari-angle LCD screen is designed so that users can flip the screen for those difficult overhead or low-angle shots. Unique in-camera features include options that allow users to add a soft focus filter effect, a grainy black-and-white filter, a vignetting and colour-shift filter and a miniature-effect filter—all without altering the original JPEG file.
Get dirty with the 2011 Suzuki RM-Z450—the current model reigning over the FIM/AMA Supercross Championship. The RM-Z450 isn’t a brand new model, but the company has taken a formidable machine and tweaked it to improve performance. The 449 cc, four-stroke engine uses an electronic fuel-injected system and features a five-speed transmission. A reduced noise limit at 94 decibels without losing engine output is one of the new upgraded features on the 2011 models. This machine is ready to compete out on the track right on purchase and is a fierce competitor in the world of Supercross.
Wearing safety gear while riding is a no-brainer, and as technology evolves, so does the effectiveness of the equipment. Alpinestars Inc. has developed a bionic neck support that is designed to mitigate severe neck injury. The BNS provides an alternative load path for energy that compresses the neck if a helmet is in contact with it when an accident occurs. While not guaranteed to prevent catastrophic neck injuries, the BNS—along with other safety gear—reduces the risk of such events.
Conquer any kind of backcountry terrain with the new 2011 BRP Can-Am Commander 800. BRP’s first foray into the side-by-side market comes in a few different models that are aimed at consumers and high-performance sports users alike. Base features include a Rotax 800—or 1,000—EFI engine, and a large box in the rear for cargo storage with additional space underneath. A killer suspension system provides exceptional control even through rough terrain and heavy braking. Additional features include creature comforts such as adjustable driver's seats and cupholders.
en-us.can-amside-by-side.brp.com
Keep your enclosed toy carrier aired out and secure with the GateKeeper CargoScreen made by United Shade. The screen is made from a heavy duty material and comes in automatic or manual versions. When the trailer ramp is down, lower the screen to keep airflow in the unit without the invasion of insects or UV rays. The automatic motor springs, along with side channels and a bottom rail, provide a firm screen that requires no locking mechanism. A manual version is also available, which can also be securely locked.
Garages and trailers can be a cluttered mess but a hanging system called the SuperHangAll—a wall-mounted track with adjustable hooks that slide along to hang gear and other apparel—can save the day. The five- and seven-inch hooks lock into place and the track can be installed at any height. There are multiple holes available for mounting on wall studs. Adding more length and hanging space is simple as track extensions snap on to existing mounted ones. The SuperHangAll can also be installed in enclosed ATV trailers.
When the sun's rays are fierce, you may be tempted to stay indoors and avoid the heat. Fortunately for outdoor-lovers, a new product makes sun protection and comfort easy. The Sport-Brella is a large, easily portable shelter that makes enjoying the summer a breeze.
The Sport-Brella sets up and collapses instantly, thanks to its umbrella-like folding mechanism. At about three metres wide, it can comfortably shade several people. It is suitable for a variety of situations, such as a day spent fishing along a river. It comes with a carrying bag and tethers to provide additional stability. It guards against more that 99.5 per cent of UVA and UVB rays.
The Sport-Brella is compact and can easily be fastened to the back of an OTV.
Give your engine a jolt to boost octane power and stop knocking, pinging and hesitation with the Prolong Fast Fuel Octane Power Boost. When your gas tank is near empty, add the contents of the 12-ounce bottle and fill up—never use without 16 gallons of fuel in the tank. The extra power is ideal for hauling a trailer or boat over long distances and steep inclines. The additive will not damage oxygen sensors or catalytic converters and will help improve performance over time through consistent application.
Style and function all in one fine goggle. With a design inspired by fighter pilot face shields, the Aviators may look cool, but they’ve been crafted to perform in the harshest of winter conditions. A unique rimless frame design leaves you with unmatched peripheral vision. The Aviators come with a bronze mirrored spherical lens which is anti-fog, anti-scratch, and features seven vent ports. Several other lens options are also available for 2011. With a two-inch silicon backed strap, triple layer face foam, and 509’s famous removable nosemask, the Aviator is an unbeatable goggle. Available with a black or white head strap.
www.mountainsportsdistribution.com
Motorcycle accidents are often deadly because there is usually no protection for riders except for a helmet. Armored Air Jackets, a company based in the U.S., is doing its part to improve rider safety by creating a jacket lined with strips that will inflate if a rider is thrown off their machine. A ripcord is tethered from the jacket to the motorcycle and when the rider is thrown, the force pulls the cord and releases air stored inside a CO2 cartridge that fills the airbags inside the jacket. The airbags are strategically placed to loop through the collar around the back of the neck, down the left and right sides of the chest and back. The airbags inflate in less than half-a-second and provide protection to sensitive areas like the spine and neck. There are two different products made by the company: the Armored Air Vest and the Armored Air Leather jacket. Both come in black, are waterproof and machine washable.
Get more bang for your buck with the Polaris 400 Sportsman H.O. ATV, a new model released in their 2011 lineup. This new unit is designed to be a workhorse and is great for trail riding and hunting due to the a 455cc engine, a full-sized chassis and a stellar suspension system. Engage the 4WD to traverse those gnarly trails or switch to 2WD when traction isn't needed. With 9.5 to 11.5 inches of clearance, you can be sure to navigate around obstacles. The front rack features the lock and ride system and is coupled with a rear matching rack that will keep your gear stowed away safely and securely.
The new 2011 line of off-road vehicles from Polaris Industries has been released, and trail riders have many different models to choose from. One new model in the line-up offered from the company is the Ranger 500 EFI, a single-cylinder unit that packs 32 horsepower and a top speed of 71 kilometres an hour. Polaris packed this new model with tons of driving features like an odometer, speedometer and a fuel level indicator.
The 500 EFI sports an all-wheel drive system with the option to switch to two-wheel drive. The VersaTrac Turf Mode can unlock the rear differential that will allow for sharper turns while driving in two-wheel drive. The Independent Rear Suspension allows for nine inches of travel, (the front for eight inches), and sits on a chassis small enough to fit in the back of a truck bed. The unit also has a dump box on the back with a gas-assisted dumping operation, and doubles as cargo space for all kinds of outdoor needs.
www.polarisindustries.com/en-ca/vehicles/pages/home.aspx
