- Gear

JP Auclair Oakley Crowbar Goggle

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400

It only makes sense that Oakley gave J.P. Auclair his own signature goggles. As one of the most legendary skiers of all time, Auclair puts his stamp on everything he does, from helping produce and direct for Poor Boyz Productions to being part owner and ski designer for Armada. The man is never content to let others get ’er done for him. With his goggles, Auclair chose the Tokyo subway map as a pattern for the Crowbar frames. Combined with the orange mirrored lens, the J.P. Auclair Crowbar is as badass as the man who wears them. www.oakley.com

Dakine Sequence Camera Pack

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Nothing screams “I’m a pro, dude” like hefting around a couple of camera bodies mounted with those fancy white Canon zooms and a big honkin’ monopod. But how to carry all of that photo bling when you’re on the slopes? Dakine to the rescue, with the multifunctional Sequence backpack. The beauty of the Sequence is its ease of access to your gear so that you can start shooting quickly. Simply slip out of the shoulder straps, loosen the waist belt and spin the pack around so it’s in front of you. Then, zip open the backpad and access your contents in the “camera pad”—sort of a pack within a pack—that houses your body, lenses and whatever accessories you’re carrying. Your gear is protected by a multitude of nylon-covered foam dividers which Velcro into place so that your bodies and lenses don’t bang into each other. Side pockets store accessories, while two broad-webbing straps let you strap on skis or a tripod. The top pocket is ideal for storing lunch, sunglasses or other small items, while compression straps on the top of the shoulder harness can hold a down sweater or soft-shell. A flap on the exterior zips back to stow a shovel blade and a handle and avalanche probes, and features daisy-chain webbing for lashing on other items. dakine.com

Nelson Faceplant

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The Kootenays are perhaps more famous for their combustible slope substances than their brown suds, but Faceplant Ale is brewed right in the NBC (Nelson Brewing Company) studio, er, brewery on Latimer Street. The brew is certified organic (this is the Kootenays, after all) and is meant to be savoured, not swilled. It’s a hearty, full-bodied brew that is packed with flavour and character. The best thing is that it’s in a can, which means you can jam one into your pack for a liquid lunch, or toss one into a snowbank for an après-backcountry brewski. Purists should note that Al from NBC tells us cans are actually a superior way to preserve this malty creation than bottles are. If you’re skiing at Baldface Lodge this winter, Faceplant will be available as the Lodge’s official “house brand.” Faceplant is a seasonal brew, but NBC also makes a whole quiver of craft beers (Paddywhack IPA is the biggest seller) to suit every taste. nelsonbrewing.com