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Ski Gear You Do Not Want to Miss in 2009 | Salt Lake City, UT United States | 01/26/09, by Ski Waheenie

Over the last several days, Skiing the Backcountry has been checking out a sneak preview of next year's gear at the Outdoor Retailer show.� It seems as though every brand these days, big or small, is able to create functional and fashionable products.� Gone are the days when only The North Face has waterproof/breathable fabric and only Arcteryx has taped seams. �

Below is a list of products that stood-out from the crowd.� Some are new, some are improved and some are revolutionary.� All of the products below merit a closer look!

#1) Snowpulse Avalanche Airbag

If there is one product that you should throw down for next year, it's the Snowpulse Avalanche Airbag.� Statistically, this product has a better chance of saving your life than any beacon, probe, shovel and avalanche class combined.� There are a few different airbag products on the market, but this one buries the competition.� With the highest volume, the fastest inflation and a patented shape, it not only prevents burial, it also protects your head and vital organs from trauma.� Although not a newbie, 2009 is the first year that the Snowpulse Airbag will be distributed in the US.

#2) Dynafit Dy.N.A.

Although this is a randonee racing boot that you probably won't be able to find in US stores next year (only a limited supply will be available), it's truly revolutionary.� With one little buckle, this boot goes from ultra-flexible to mega-stiff.� It's as comfortable as a walking shoe- you've got to pick this thing up to really appreciate how lightweight it is!� We are hopeful that the technology of this boot will trickle down to all AT boots, and within a few years, we'll laugh about the pain endured lugging "downhill" boots into the backcountry.� Even though I'm not a racer, I would ski this boot on any powder day.

#3) Loki Jackets

Instead of just copying what every other ski clothing company already offers, Loki offers new solutions.� Their jackets are to backcountry skiers what a one-stop shopping center is to a single mom.� In Optimus Prime style, the sleeves of Loki jackets extend into mittens that can be tucked away when not in use.� Same goes for a face shield.� All of their jackets include a large back pocket, and some of them even transform into a backpack with extra space for your keys and a snack.� Don't worry though, Loki functionality is accomplished with clean and stylish design.

Another bonus:� Some of Loki jackets feature Event waterproof/breathable fabric, which is a breakthrough technology in itself.� Move over Gore-tex, there's a new kid in town!

#4) 22 Designs Free-Pivot Axl

Free your heels (and your toes)! With this new Axl binding, you'll actually be able to keep pace with your AT friends on the uphill.� And you'll still get the snappy, powerful performance of the hammerhead binding that you love.�� Who would have known that these two Idaho ski bums would revolutionize the telemark experience? �

#5) Patagonia Outerwear

Always a leader in technical outerwear and environmental sustainability, Patagonia also came through this year a new footwear line and� more style than ever before.� Every product in their 2009 line is something that I would put on my Christmas list.��

#6) G3 Onyx Tech Binding

For a small penalty in weight, the new G3 Onyx improves upon the classic Dynafit bindings by allowing backcountry skiers to do these 2 things:

1.� Switch between touring and skiing modes without taking off your skis, and
2.� Adjust the binding to fit a wider range of boot sizes.

#7) Black Diamond Justice Ski

A smaller, lighter version of the raved Megawatt, get ready for a new favorite ski.� The rocker tips allows the Justice to kick ass in anything from breakable crust to super-light, booby deep powder.

In conclusion,

We hope to test all of these products in the near future, so stay tuned for official product specs and to find out if these products live up to the hype!