Gadgets and Gear

Cruising through the gates for a couple of early runs? A big old backpack is overkill, don’t you think? So does The North Face; hence the PGV. Originally designed for the Snowbird Ski Patrol, the vest distributes the weight of your gear more evenly than a half-full pack, which means your light-and-fast mission will feel a little lighter and get a lot faster. They don’t call it slackcountry for nothing. [$189; thenorthface.com]

The proof is in the -proof. As in water, shock, crush, cold, and dust. Adventure-ready—or a good gift for clumsy people. [$350–$400; pentax.com]

What chain lube does for your bike, Skin Proof does for your climbing skins. Prevent snowy buildup and improve glide by
applying regularly. [$8; nikwax.com]

What do we like most about the Rino? Its two-way radio, text messaging, and wireless data-sharing capability? Its touchscreen? NOAA weather alerts? Yes. That. All of that. [$350–$600; garmin.com]

Dawn patrol, late-night reading, power outage—a compact headlamp is good to have on hand. [$20; princetontec.com]

SOL stands for “survive outdoors longer.” Here’s a steel-blade knife, LED, signal whistle, compass, no-fail sparker, and waterproof tinder. [$60; surviveoutdoorslonger.com]

Rock skis or not, nicked edges suck. Fix them with WS7 stones. They work on dry or wet edges, no oil needed. [$9.60 each, three for $25; dmtsharp.com]