Helium Jacket

An ultra-lightweight waterproof jacket protects from summertime downpours with high-tech fabric

With all the rain in NYC lately, I’ve had a chance to properly test the Helium Jacket that Outdoor Research recently sent over. At only 6.8 ounces, the jacket is the ideal weight for toting around in preparation for summertime storms or tossing in a backpack while hiking. The fully waterproof Helium jacket, with 2.5 layers of the Seattle, WA-based company’s 20D Pertex Shield DS …

Ride’s Hempbrain Snowboards

A sustainable lightweight snowboard with naturally beautiful patterns, all thanks to hemp

In an effort to reduce weight and increase sustainability, Ride replaced the traditional plastic top sheet of their Society UL and Slackcountry UL snowboards with hemp. The Hempbrain technology uses less material overall and allows for an entirely new way of working with graphics thanks to the fabric’s texture and patterns. The all-mountain Slackcountry UL ($650) retains its natural hemp color while the freestyle Society …

Thermal Mapping

Canada Goose designs jacket insulation around specific warming needs

An industry-first technology created by Canada Goose, thermal mapping uses strategically-placed premium duck down to insulate the family-run label’s forthcoming HyBridge line. Tailored for men’s and women’s unique needs, the approach makes for sleek silhouettes with optimal warmth and flexibility thanks to its soft-shell construction. Treated nylon fabric wicks away moisture, while an adjustable hem and fleece-lined cuffs help guard against the chill. An internal …