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Leader of the Packs
After perfecting the internal-frame
backpack with Dana Designs in the 1980s
Dana Gleason launched Mystery Ranch
a company that collaborates with the
Navy SEALS on specialized utility bags.
All that knowledge lives in theGlacier
a combo of backpacker-friendly features
and military-grade toughness with
suspension and padding to even out the
load and pockets in just the right places.
$350; mysteryranch.comUltimate Base Layer
Go ahead and snicker. Youâve clearly never
worn a union suit â and certainly not one
like this. Made of 96 percent merino wool
theIcebreaker Zone One Sheep Suitis the
ultimate base layer built for powder days
and advanced lounging afterward. If it gets
too hot the mesh sweat zones will help
regulate body heat. And in case youâre
wondering thereâs a well-placed zipper.
$200; icebreaker.comThe Original GPS
What do you call a GPS that never loses
a signal? A compass. And while the original
design is hard to beat theSuunto
Arrow-30 NH does it with a high-speed
innovation: no lag time when navigating.
The needle settles instantly in the
liquid-filled capsule instead of bouncing
around like most modelsâ do. Thereâs also a
large magnifying window to help you read
maps or pull a splinter.$50; suunto.comMountain Classic Modernized
Tougher lighter fabrics mean those clunky ass-kickers that once
dominated the trail are being replaced by what seem like glorified
high-tops. TheZamberlan 1025 Tofane NW GTX RR magnificently
bucks the trend with traditional looks bombproof construction and
forward-looking tech. (Founder Giuseppe Zamberlan was the first
to use Vibram soles.) The boots arenât cheap but are built to last with
full-grain leather and a Norwegian welt construction that sews â not
glues â the midsole to the upper. Perfect for backpacking but if you
STYLE just want to wear them to dinner we get it.$470; zamberlanusa.com
DESIGN
SEPTEMBER 2016