Camelbak, Smith, Sombrio - Press Camp 2015
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 Camelbak's Low Rider collection is designed to keep the weight of water and gear lower on the body. |
Skyline 10 LR
The Skyline 10LR is part of Camelback's upcoming Low Rider line, a series of packs designed to shift the weight of water and gear closer to a rider's hips, giving those tired shoulders a rest and making the pack less likely to shift from side to side while riding.
Unzipping the panel on the rear of the Skyline reveals a 100oz bladder that has a much wider shape than the traditional long and narrow IV fluid bag design, which is how Camelbak was able to shift the Skyline's center of gravity away from the upper back.
In addition to the 3 liters of water, the Skyline will hold up to 7 liters of gear. The elasticized outer pocket will fit an extra layer of clothing, and inside the main zippered pocket there's a pouch that holds an included tool roll, and another zippered pocket for a wallet, keys, and any other small items. A fleece lined zippered pocket is found at the top of the pack for a phone, sunglasses, or goggles, and there are even more storage options on either side of the hip belt. Half shell helmets can be carried by using the two hooks on either side of the pack, and the two buckles at the base of the pack can be used to carry knee pads. MSRP: $130 USD, ships January 2016.
The Palos holds 50oz of water and 2.5 liter of gear.
The outer pocket flips down for easy tool access.
Palos 4LR
They're easy to poke fun at, but don't knock 'em until you try one - hip packs are a convenient way to stash enough gear for shorter rides without dealing with the bulk of a pack. The Palos 4LR is also part of Camelbak's Low Rider line, and houses a 50 oz. bladder plus enough storage for 2.5 liters of gear. There's a drop down outer flap for quick access to tools, and a larger main compartment for other necessities. Previous hip packs from Camelbak had the hose clipped to a rider's jersey, but in this case the hose from the bladder loops in front of the rider's waist, and slides into a magnetic holder found on the hip strap. MSRP: $75 USD.
They're easy to poke fun at, but don't knock 'em until you try one - hip packs are a convenient way to stash enough gear for shorter rides without dealing with the bulk of a pack. The Palos 4LR is also part of Camelbak's Low Rider line, and houses a 50 oz. bladder plus enough storage for 2.5 liters of gear. There's a drop down outer flap for quick access to tools, and a larger main compartment for other necessities. Previous hip packs from Camelbak had the hose clipped to a rider's jersey, but in this case the hose from the bladder loops in front of the rider's waist, and slides into a magnetic holder found on the hip strap. MSRP: $75 USD.
The reservoir hose slides into a magnetic clasp on the side of the hip belt.
Smith had their Forefront helmet on display in a rainbow of new colors that will be available next year, including the four choices shown above.  |
| The Disciple jersey and Pinner shorts are part of Sombrio's Darren Berrecloth signature series. |
Sombrio turned their attention to their own backyard on Vancouver's North Shore when dreaming up the designs for 2016's apparel line, and ended up incorporating imagery of natural elements like ferns, leaves and flowers into their jerseys and shorts. The camo pattern on the Disciple jersey was created by scanning leaves into a computer, and then manipulating the image from there. The 3/4 length jersey is constructed from Cool Wik fabric and will retail for $60 USD.
The Pinner short ($120 USD) has been in Sombrio's line since the very beginning, but it's received numerous updates over the years to reduce the weight and improve the fit. There's a DWR coating on the 4-way stretch fabric to ward off drizzle, and a seamless crotch for increased durability.
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| No matter how grey the day, the colors of the Burst jersey and Drift shorts will be hard to miss. |
The women's Burst jersey ($70 USD) and Drift shorts ($130 USD) have a relaxed fit with enough room to accommodate knee and elbow pads underneath. Built to withstand the abuse of DH riding, the Drift shorts have zippered pockets on the front and back, and a lift ticket holder on the inside of the left pocket.
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I've said it before and I'll say it again....if you live in a hot area like I do the hip pack is freaking awesome! I never liked wearing a pack anyway but the amount of heat trapped on my back...the sweat, just awful!
With the hip bag no more hot back and access to tools/stuff is way easier..you just spin the bag around your waist rather than taking off a bag and fiddling about. Look past being a "fashionista" and worrying about what's supposedly cool...do what's comfortable.
I got a Jansport bag on Ebay for $20...no reason to spend $75.
www.tk560.com/endor2.jpg
I test rode the Forefront helmet and the Overtake on a very warm Outerbike Whislter weekend. Super comfortable, very light, kept their cool. Next time I replace a helmet, they're top of the list.
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