Gear New models for off-road enthusiasts

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

Gear Maps go digital

When striking out into unknown territory, bringing along a map is a no-brainer, but paper copies are slowly becoming obsolete due to the rise of commercial GPS technology.

Backroad Mapbooks has embraced the digital revolution and jumped into the GPS world, making their Backroad Map series available in an SD card format that can be plugged right into a hand-held unit. The software is compatible with Garmin GPS and MapSource, and features all kinds of data from the typical highway routes to specific details like trail systems for ATVs and snowmobiles, paddling routes and terrain contour and elevation information.

Other useful data includes wildlife management boundaries and point specific wilderness campsites, trail locations and backroad attractions. Backroad Mapbooks has been in the map making business for 17 years and released guides for B.C., Alberta, the prairies, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

www.backroadmapbooks.com

Gear Boom box generation

Bosch Power Tools and Accessories has recently released its new Bosch Power Box 360—the take-anywhere sound system. This sound system is built to withstand the elements and can be taken while boating, camping and hiking. The Bosch Power Box 360 comes with a built-in battery bay and serves as a great place to charge other electronic devices, like your phone and laptop. This handy music box also has positioned rubber bumpers to suspend the radio inside the protective cage to isolate shocks and impacts commonly encountered while in use.

www.boschtools.com

Gear Say no to helmet hair

Have you ever taken off your helmet and realized that your once perfectly styled hairdo has been flattened and pressed firmly against your head? One way to avoid this, while having fun at the same time, is to get some Flair Hair! Created by Backgate Designs, bandannas and visors are available in many different styles and hair colours. These fun visors and bandannas really makes a statement, whether you are driving with the top down on the convertible, enjoying a day out on the golf course or relaxing after a great ride on your ATV or motorcycle.

www.flairhair.com

Gear Don’t be blinded by the sun

With the Scott 89Xi Light Sensitive Goggles, you will have excellent protection for your eyes while taking advantage of the sunny weather. The lens is built to self-adjust based on the amount of light it is exposed to—from a light green tint in low light conditions to the popular Amp Blue tint in bright light conditions. Complete with an anti-fog coating, these goggles will make any rider's day.

www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/scott-89xi-light-sensitive-goggles.html

Gear Keeping the ladies safe

The HJC CL-X5N Bella-Donna Womens Motocross Helmet is designed to accommodate the growing number of women in the motocross industry. This lightweight helmet is made with an advanced channeling ventilation system to enable front-to-back airflow—keeping out heat and humidity. The interior is antibacterial, and can be taken out and washed when needed. The fit is exceptional, and the visor is made to grant maximum visibility and comfortable goggle wear.

www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/hjc-cl-x5n-bella-donna-helmet.html

Gear Chock value

Even people who aren’t worried about their manicure can appreciate the ease and convenience afforded by Fastway’s skookum One Step chocks. After one easy adjustment, this chock set can be placed between your tandem wheels, steped on and will automatically lock into place. When it’s time to break camp, simply pull up on the plastic-coated steel cable and the chocks will pull free as they fold up.

www.fastwaytrailer.com

Gear All-in-one fun!

Check out the all-in-one camping package from Napier Enterprises. The Sportz X-Treme PAC includes everything you need to spend the night in the great outdoors—in one compact carrying case. The Sportz XTreme PAC includes a two-man tent, full rain fly, two mummy-style sleeping bags and two folding stools. Just strap it on to the back of your quad and go!

www.sportzbynapier.com/wheretobuy.html

Gear Rough and tough—strong and durable

After 30 years of making socks, the people at Darn Tough Vermont know what they are doing. A socially responsible company, Darn Tough socks are made in Vermont with merino wool that allow your feet to breathe, yet will keep them warm in colder climates and maintain its shape. You can wear Darn Tough socks for up to six days without noticing an unpleasant odour and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on what activity you like to do, including ATVing, hiking, fishing, hunting or snowmobiling. Darn Tough Vermont is so sure of its product that it offers a lifetime guarantee. If your socks wear or tear, you can send them back to Darn Tough Vermont for a new pair—no questions asked.

www.darntough.com

Gear Go green

Solar power is definitely the way of the future. Pulse Tech is way ahead of the game and has recently introduced the SP25 Solar Pulse—the most effective solar charger on the market. With 1.6 amps, the 25-watt Solar Pulse can charge all types of 12-volt lead acid batteries. The SP25 is ideal for any vehicle including quads, tractors, construction equipment and boats. When mounted on your vehicle, the SP25 is an automatic battery conditioning and charge system that extends battery performance.

www.xtremecharge.com

Gear A versatile pack

The Dragonfly Pack by Outdoor products is adjustable so that it can be made to fit either adults or children. Constructed on a 76 centimetre (30“) Enduroflex frame, this pack is strong enough to withstand years of trekking. With a volume of 7,060 cubic centimetres (2,780 cubic inches), the Dragonfly can carry enough gear for your excursion. Plus, with the bungee compression system, you can properly centre your load. Outside pockets help you organize your water, snacks and GPS device.

outdoorproducts.com

Gear Don’t try this at home

Throttle Entertainment is a production company based out of California that specializes in producing adventure sport programming for DVD and theatrical release. The newest from Throttle Entertainment is Enduro At Erzberg—The Polish Hat Trick. An annual event usually held in Austria, the Erzberg Rodeo is one of the most difficult motorcycle races to finish and not for amateurs of any kind. Shane Cuthbertson—an extreme motocross and supercross rider from Alberta who got sixth-place at the Red Bull Last Man Standing—competed but did not finish the Erzberg Rodeo. However, he highly recommends the video.

store.throttleentertainment.com