The snowkite season is quickly coming to an end but before you know it the summer will too and you’ll be thinking about snow again. Lucky for you Tkb’s snowkite expert James Brown attends the Snowsports Industry Association expo and on-snow demos every winter. Here’s a sneak peek at new products and technology that apply to snowkiting and will be available for the 2017 season. Enjoy”¦
Native Goggles – Treeline Cylindrical with Photochromatic lenses (5 other styles available)
We tested these goggles and were super impressed by the versatility in varying light conditions and loved the peripheral view of the Treeline model. Peripheral view is important to be able to see everything that is around us. Keeping your kite, surrounding terrain and other kiters in view is important. Once you try a pair of goggles like these with maximum peripheral, you will feel like you are looking through a tunnel if you go back to your old frames.
There are many other cool features including an anti-fog coating that is designed to delay fogging up to 8 minutes, versus the industry standard of 30 seconds. Built-in polarization decreases the intensity of light while still being able to differentiate ice. The frames are made of a biodegradable resin so Mother Earth thanks you in advance. The large frame and double cylindrical lens of the Treeline model will fit over prescription glasses and yet still fit inside a snow/motocross helmet if you are accessing terrain with a snowmobile. The photo-chromatic lenses have faster reaction time than other lenses on the market and worked great in the variable light conditions during the demo. Their low-light specific (non-photo-chromatic) lens are also amazing. They also came up with a two-stage foam “Nasal Nest” that reduces nasal pinching. // https://nativeyewear.com
Belong Designs
We love this jacket and it’s not just because it has a sweet Colorado logo on it for those of us that live there. It has tech features that are essential for snowkiting like coated seams and taped zippers for waterproofing, a powder skirt with adjustable waist and hood bands, internals sleeves with thumb holes and it’s 100% windproof. // https://belongdesigns.com
Seat Rack
Simple. Replace your head-rests with this rack and you’re all set. It works with snowboards, skis, surfboards, paddles, fishing poles or shovels (if you need to bury something in a hurry). // https://www.seat-rack.com
NoiseApp
Using motion sensing, this app will turn you music up while you are moving and then turn it down when you stop so you don’t have to do it manually to hear your friends. It sounds like a great idea for at the resort and might work for snowkiting. // https://www.noisapp.com
Capita Outerspace Living 158cm
This is a true twin with typical alpine side-cut and camber. If you don’t mind standard aggressive side-cut while snowkiting and want something that is going to shred the resort or backcountry on days when it’s not super deep, then take a look at this board. It’s super lively. // https://www.capitasnowboarding.com
Scott Superguide Boot
We tried a bunch of different AT ski and boot setups and found that these boots were the most comfortable while providing plenty of control. The price tag might burn a hole in your wallet but the boots will help you land that backroll kiteloop every time. [Note that we really liked the Scott AT skis and bindings in addition to the boots. The bindings were easier to step into than some of the other two-pin toe bindings we tried.] *This photo is from the 2015/16 season so there may be some slight differences. // https://www.scott-sports.com
Union Bindings
We were impressed by the quality and fit of Union bindings. They have a ton of models to choose from. Give them a try if you need a new pair that will last. // https://www.unionbindingcompany.com
Mammut Ultralight Removable Airbag 3.0
Apparently this pack is the lightest airbag on the market. It features a height-adjustable deployment handle, low weight and low volume (18 liters). The neon orange color makes it easier to spot in a rescue situation. The pack itself features a diagonal ski carrying system, ice axe & pole holder, side compression, fully-zipped access to the main compartment from the back panel and can be used with most hydration systems. // https://www.mammut.ch/US/en_US
GloveTacts
This is a conductive patch that goes on the fingertip of your glove so you can operate your phone. The adhesive is made by 3M and guaranteed to stick. // https://glovetacts.com
Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0
We have used and loved the Chips since they first came out. You can listen to music and talk on the phone while kiting – and control it with simple slaps to the side of your head like Rainman. Then version 2.0 was just announced where you can use them in walkie-talkie mode with other 2.0 users. So now you can look like Rainman and also look like you are speaking back to the voices in your head. // https://www.outdoortechnology.com
Seirus HeatTouch Torch Heated Gloves
Simply touch the button on the back of the hand for dual-stage heating powered by a long life lithium battery. The full-grain leather outer and Thinsulate insulation should hold up to the rigors of kiting. // https://seirus.com/heattouch-torche.html
Kitten Factory Carbon AT/Alpine Converter
Sorry there isn’t a photo available but this is an interesting product that we wanted to feature. It is a lightweight device that allows you to convert any standard alpine binding to AT to climb. Once you get to the top you take the converter device out and step into the regular alpine binding. It saves you not having to buy AT bindings. [Note that you do need to have the AT toe slots on your boots so you can use this setup]. // https://kfskis.com
GoGlove
These Bluetooth enabled gloves allow you to control your music, apps and camera by using various gestures with your fingers. It works in combination with a simple remote that can be used separately by strapping it to places including your bike, wrist or keychain. // https://goglove.io
Giro MIPS Helmets
The latest advance in helmet technology is called MIPS which stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. The technology is supposed to protect your brain in glancing/rotational blows. Giro has a couple different styles and price ranges with MIPS technology. The more expensive version has a two-piece shell that shrinks or expands for different size melons. // https://www.giro.com/us_en/snow/mens/snow-helmets/rangemips.html
Athalon Amped Heated Boot Bag
This boot bag can be plugged into a regular household outlet or your vehicle’s 12v outlet. It is insulated, has three temperature setting, non-heated pockets and backpack straps. // https://www.athalonsportgear.com
If you have heard of any new products that aren’t listed here, feel free to let us know.