Category Archives: Reviews

Announcing Patagonia Footwear

We here at PEMBA are excited to announce that we have entered into a long-term agreement to represent Patagonia Footwear in the Midwest. In our line of work, it’s rare that find a company to work with that is so close to the core of what you believe. Patagonia Footwear completely aligns with our values, ethics, and aesthetic, we believe the line is well positioned for the needs of the Outdoor Retail specialty store.

In addition to shared values, Patagonia Footwear and PEMBAserves are also closely aligned with our approach to growing business. Patagonia Footwear has a deep quiver of marketing brand-tools that are very similar to our own, with opportunities for field events in support of local outdoor advocacy groups, a strong on-line presence, and a social component to business operations. Patagonia was a founding member of 1% for the Planet, and PEMBAserves was the first rep agency in the country to join the organization.

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Outside Magazine Gear of the Show Award: PETZL NAO Headlamp

Peer into the darkness to check on your buddy (or maybe scan the trail to the outhouse) and Petzl‘s Nao headlamp shines a bright, focused beam. Look down to fiddle with your gloves or glance at your map, and the Nao’s sensors instantly adjust both the intensity and type of light shining from its LEDs. The Nao could make manually adjusting your headlamp between tasks a thing of the past, and those sensors even increase burn time by dimming the light when you don’t need it.

Read More: Outside Magazine – PETZL NAO Headlamp with Reactive Lighting

Introducing the PETZL NAO Headlamp

The rechargeable NAO headlamp adapts its two high power LEDs instantly and automatically to the lighting needs for greater comfort, fewer manual interventions and longer battery life.

NAO is the first Petzl headlamp with REACTIVE LIGHTING technology: a sensor measures and analyzes the ambient light. The OS by Petzl software, free for download at www.petzl.com/OS, allows the NAO’s potential to be maximized with the option to personalize the headlamp and its performance.

www.petzl.com/NAO

Introducing New Speed Series Snowshoes | Atlas Snow-Shoe Company

Atlas Snow-Shoe Company, the leader in snowshoe innovation, introduces the newly redesigned Speed Series snowshoes. The all-new Race and Run snowshoes will debut at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2012, booth #34101.

Atlas engineers drew inspiration from the experts of the Atlas Racing Team in the complete redesign of the Speed Series. The new Race and Run snowshoes provide a new bar of performance in running snowshoes, designed for those who refuse to settle for second. Utilizing ultralight materials like titanium and 7075 aluminum, Atlas has developed their lightest snowshoes to date, while maintaining the durability seen throughout the line.

“Having raced on Atlas snowshoes for more than 15 seasons, I’ve seen them evolve to become state of the art, lightweight and top-performing running snowshoes,” said Adam Chase, captain of the Atlas Racing Team. “There’s a reason you see them at almost every snowshoe event: they are easy to use, durable, superlight and practically exude energy.”

FEATURES:

  • LightSpeed Bindings – New LightSpeed Pro and LightSpeed Bindings are the lightest bindings Atlas has ever constructed, developed to hold the foot securely and ensure exact placement on technical trails.
  • Spring-Loaded™ Suspension – Atlas’ signature suspension system offers natural articulation of the foot for an uncompromised running stride.
  • Speed V-Frames – Crafted from durable and lightweight aluminum the Speed V-Frame shapes are designed to prevent frame clipping while still providing maximum flotation.
  • Nytex Decking – Lightweight and flexible, Nytex decking ensures the durability that trail running demands while effortlessly shedding snow for an easier stride.

Atlas Race: 7075 Aluminum Speed V-Frame, LightSpeed Pro Binding, Titanium Toe and Heel Traction, 22” SRP: $319.95

Atlas Run: 6061 Aluminum Speed V-Frame, LightSpeed Binding, Aluminum Twin-Trac™ Toe Crampon with heel cleat, 22”  SRP: $209.95


Backcountry Skiing Canada: Atlas Aspect Snowshoe Review

Atlas Snowshoe Aspect

You gotta get up to get down – and when you are a snowboarder that can’t or doesn’t want to spent 2K on a splitboard setup, snowshoes become an easy answer to get you into the backcountry.  The popularity of snowshoes has been exploding over the last couple of years, but most of that growth has come in the “I want to go walk in the park” category.  Snowshoes are not created equal – not by a long shot, most of the snowshoes on the market are built for that user who is going for a walk in the park.  A backcountry snowshoe needs to pack well, be durable, have good traction and be comfortable when climbing.  Enter the Atlas Aspect Snowshoe built with the backcountry user in mind.

The Atlas Aspect Snowshoe replaces the BC (Backcountry) model in the Atlas line up.  It is a great replacement; I think they have done a great job of creating a product that has everything that a snowboarder headed off resort could ask for in a snowshoe.  Here is what this shoe has and what I like about it.

Read More: Atlas Aspect Snowshoe Review

Outdoor Informer Review: LEKI Micro Stick Trekking Poles

Out on the trail, having a good pair of hiking poles can make a big difference. For example, poles can make the difference between nimbly navigating a choppy talus field and limping back to the car with a swollen ankle. Or the difference between popping back up onto your snowshoes and wallowing hopelessly in fluffy unpacked powder like an overturned turtle.

When picking poles, a great choice is LEKI’s Micro Stick. Built from segmented aircraft aluminum, these trekking poles are LEKI’s premier option for climbers, day hikers, or long-distance hikers. They pack down to only 15 inches, so you can strap them to the outside of your pack with ease. Since they’re tremendously lightweight, you don’t even know you’re carrying them until you need them. Weighing in at a scant 250 grams—barely over half a pound—you won’t be able to tell whether you packed hiking poles or a few extra energy bars.

Read More: LEKI Micro Stick Hiking Poles review

Snowboard Mag Holiday Gift Guide: Atlas Aspect Snowshoes

Running Village: Running Snowshoes 201 | Atlas Snowshoes

Nice overview of running snowshoes from Running Village. Notice how fast and easy it is to get the Atlas bindings on and adjusted.

The Adventure Blog: Survival Medic Review | Adventure Medical Kits

Are you looking for a great stocking stuffer for the outdoor adventurer on your list? Then look no further than the Survival Medic from Adventure Medical Kits. Like any other product from AMK, this little med kit is packed full of useful goodies that could come in handy when dealing with emergencies on the trail.

The Survival Medic tips the scales at just 4.8 ounces (136 grams), which means you can throw it in your daypack and barely notice that it is even there. But don’t let its diminutive size fool you, as AMK has managed to pack a lot of useful items into this tiny package.

Read More: Gear Box: Adventure Medical Kits Survival Medic

ESPN Action Sports Gift Guide: PETZL PIXA Headlamp

“New this year, the Pixa was originally designed for emergency workers and contractors, but it also makes a perfect tool for backcountry missions. The Pixa 3 features three lighting modes, is 100 percent waterproof and can be set up like a lantern.”

Read More: ESPN Action Sports 2011 Holiday Gift Guide

PETZL PIXA3 Headlmap on petzl.com