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Gear Up
By Greg Moore

 

iCat Phone Leash
More than one electronic device has been dropped from Baldy's chairlifts. Now hold on to that iPhone with the iCat, which plugs securely into the charging port.
$25, Formula Sports

 

 

 

 





Fischer Vacuum Boot
With moldable shells that can be squeezed in as well as pushed out, Brad Kane at Sturtevants calls these boots the most significant technical advance since foam liners. The shell is baked, wrapped in a cooling bag, then vacuum bagged around the foot, creating the perfect fit.
$599-$899, Sturtevants

 

 

 






Gheek goggle protector
Made in Driggs, Idaho, this stylish cover has a spring along its edges that snaps the soft material tightly around the goggle, ensuring stylish protection for your lenses.
$18, Sun Summit

 

 



Atomic Tracker Boot
An alpine boot shell with touring features such as a release on the cuff and a rubber sole for walking—either on skis or off. "The lightweight touring boots are fun going up, but they're not so great going down," says Brent Hansen at Ski Tek. These boots are different. With the support they offer, one day you can be skiing Baldy and the next hiking up to Pioneer Cabin.
$649, Ski Tek

 
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Peips Vector
A significant upgrade in avalanche transceiver technology. GPS capabilities provide support during the primary search phase to maximize the search strip width and give coordinates for alerting mountain rescue. A GPS map gives an overview of all search areas, as well as tracking during the entire tour.
$600, Ski Tek, Backwoods Mountain Sports

 



 

 




Atomic Skin Tec Nordic Skis
This cross-country ski borrows from backcountry gear by using a replaceable strip of synthetic hair under the middle of the ski to provide the kick traditionally gained by using sticky kick waxes. It comes with two plastic plates containing mini-skins for cold and warm snow.
$480, Elephant's Perch

 

 

 

 

 





Mountain Force Parka
Quilted down jackets with welded rather than sewn seams, so no place for water to seep into the waterproof, breathable fabric. Both shell and insulation are made of four-way stretch material.
$949, Pete Lane's