Page 25 - Jan_14

Each month we review outdoor gear and local beer. want us to review gear and beer
something in particular? send a note to gear@vtsports.com.
C by Hilary DelRoss

extra traction. A twist-lock mechanism
allows quick length adjustment if you

run into variable terrain. Twist the two
pole sections in opposite directions to
unlock, telescope to adjust the length,
then twist back to lock in place. When
compressed, this pair packs down to 26

inches and can extend up to 54 inches
for you taller powderhounds. Made of
aluminum, they weigh in at 1 pound,
5 ounces—not ultra-light but still for drinking at a variety of occasions.
comfortable after several hours—and Available in multiple formats, I like the

they’re quite durable. Removable, click- 16-ounce can for its packability on my
on snow baskets are rated to -15 degrees next excursion. Without much effort,
F and are included with rubber tips so you can find this blend of apples—
you can trek with these puppies all year grown and pressed in Vermont—on tap,
long. Keep the Glissade handy for add- in 22-ounce bottles, or 16-ounce cans

ed stability in any number of Vermont’s across the Green Mountain State and
gEar: Lowa Renegade
hiking, or running errands during mud multitudinous conditions and bounding also in Massachusetts, North Carolina,
season. Men, women, and juniors can terrain.
and Chicago. If you’re local, check out
GTX Mid
$45
their new, expanded cidery and tasting
find the right fit in a variety of widths room in Burlington’s South End and fill
Waterproof? Check. Durable? Check. for those of us who want all the bells bEEr: Citizen Cider
Versatile? Check. The Renegade GTX and whistles without sacrificing com- a 64- or 32-ounce bootlegger. The com-
Mid by European company Lowa hits fort. As a bonus to us fashion-conscious Unified Press
pany’s motto is printed at the lip of ev-
the mark on the attributes you’d expect outdoors-men and -women, the leather ery can: Get Excidered, you say? Don’t
in a hiking boot and still gets it right Is cider the new beer? A glance at the mind if I do!
uppers come in a rainbow of colors. draft menu at your local watering hole
when it comes to comfort. Out of the $225
or down the aisles at your favorite bev-
box, this boot is roomy, yet supportive,
in all the right places. The toe box offers gEar: Mountainsmith
erage retailer certainly proves the hard
enough space to let your tootsies breath cider segment is growing and, more of- Hilary grew up in southern New England
without allowing them to slam against Glissade 7075
ten than not, you’ll see this offering by where she developed her love of nature and
Trekking Poles
Citizen Cider in the lineup at Vermont outdoor recreation, including learning to ski
the front of the boot when pointed establishments. Unified Press, Citizen’s at Rhode Island's only ski hill. After explor-
downhill. The ankle is supportive when Improved balance, safety, comfort, and ing the Rocky and
you need it but not suffocating. These flagship release, has quickly become a Cascade Moun-
boots are lightweight, coming in at un- speed are just a few of the benefits of favorite and for good reason. Light and tain ranges, she
der 2 pounds for the pair (2.5 pounds incorporating trekking poles into your slightly effervescent in the glass and on transplanted to the
winter sports. The Glissade trekking the palate, Unified Press goes down easy Green Mountain
for men’s sizes) thanks to their foot- pole is Mountainsmith’s snow-specific on its own or paired with your favor- State where she
wrapping midsole, but stable without option, designed for ease of use in the snowboards, skis,
being so rigid that you can’t feel features ite localvore cuisine. This slightly sweet hikes, bikes, kayaks
under the Vibram Evo outer sole. A backcountry. The molded EVA grips (or “off-dry” for the connoisseurs out and stokes camp-
four-season option thanks to the Gore- are easy to hang on to with mittened there) libation touts a clean and refresh- fires from her home
hands and are extended for ascents in ing taste, has a 6.8 percent ABV, and
tex liner, this footwear offers security powder, while carbide tips grip ice for
is gluten-free, making it a great choice
base in Montpelier.
from the elements while snowshoeing,

Berlin, VT
229-4131

1 Month Unlimited Classes - $75
($120 Value)

Includes access to as many classes as you want. Does not include CrossFit, CrossFit
Express or CrossFit Rowing. Offer available to new members only. Expires February 28th.
® YOGA - ZUMBA - PILATES - BOOT CAMP - CYCLING - BARRE

www.theconfluencevt.org

FEbruary/March 2014
VtsPorts.coM 25