Perfect for all occasions, whether you’re out on the bike or just out in the sun.
]]>Here's a little insight into the Smith Ruckus glasses...
Perfect for all occasions, whether you’re out on the bike or just out in the sun.
One of the highly useful features of this product is that they come with two lenses and the system to change them couldn’t be quicker or simpler using Smith’s PivLock system.
This handy quick-change feature is great, as long as you don’t mind carrying a spare lens around with you. However, unless you’re anticipating being out in changing conditions, you are unlikely to need to carry a spare.
Included is also a hard case to store the glasses, a spare lens and a microfiber bag.
Both of the ChromaPop lenses have outstanding clarity and definition, leading to a confidence-inspiring ride or just a nice clean visual experience.
By Max
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"For the past few months, I've been working at Montagne Sports and as a sales assistant, I spend most of my days talking to customers about our products. So, I was delighted to be able to go out to Les 3 Vallées in the French Alps to try some of it out myself. For me, Picture and Smith are the main two brands I chose to try out and represent.
Smith pride themselves as being the top of the market for protection and eyewear and from my experience it wasn't hard to see why; their products use the best technology in the market to create products where the quality and performance truly shines through. The ChromaPop goggle lenses enhance colours and make the changes in the ground much easier to see, which not only creates a more enjoyable experience of the view on the slopes, but also gives you more confidence as you know what lies ahead of you. The MIPS protection in their helmets inspires you to try things you may have been scared of; the liner provides protection from rotational forces in the event of a crash by moving the helmet around your head to negate and absorb impacts that could cause damage to the brain.
Picture clothing supplied my jacket and salopettes. Their products use a variety of sustainable materials and technologies to make a day on the mountain dry and comfortable. Their waterproofing Dryplay membrane is instrumental in providing the best experience when out in the elements.
As I was out from the first lift at 9 am until last at 5 pm, I was grateful for the quality that these brands have put into their products making them incredibly comfortable and reliable all day in the snowy conditions. I used the Smith Scout helmet paired with the Squad XL goggles. It cannot be understated how well their AirEvac system works when using both Smith helmet and goggles; the two effortlessly slot into one another and create a truly fog free experience throughout the day. Furthermore, the system also keeps your head nice and cool through the various air channels.
I took myself down some fairly technical terrain from the Couloir Tournier to the various skill parks across the resort and throughout all of these, the Smith products inspired confidence and made me feel fully protected as they felt so natural on my head and my face. The XL goggle frame made my field of view just as wide as it would be had I not been wearing any goggles, which I found to be truly game-changing from other goggles I've had (I could see the foam and the edges of the lens). Feeling fully enclosed made me focus solely on the slope ahead and not worrying about missing any obstacles in my peripheral vision. The ChromaPop lens also cuts out any ambiguity to what lies ahead, furthering my confidence in what I'm doing.
Both the Alpin Jacket and Alpin Pants provided excellent warmth and breathability when it was needed. The stand out waterproofing from Picture's Dryplay technology kept me dry even in the biggest falls and sitting in the snow while taking a break. A feature that I wasn't initially aware of, is the ability to attach the pants to the jacket to form an extra layer of protection from snow going up your back/down your legs. This would be especially good for beginners who spend a lot more time on the floor. I was thankful for the zip up vents on both jacket and trousers when the midday sun rose; a must-have on ski clothing, allowing the wind to cool me down like my very own air conditioning and really came in useful when going downhill.
Both the Smith and Picture products excelled in their fields and were able to provide all day comfort, making me feel confident to go down whatever was in front of me. I would highly recommend any Smith or Picture products, especially matching Smith helmets and goggles to fully appreciate the AirEvac system for overall comfort, as this was a revelation for me.
After coming back it's given me a new perspective on products at Montagne Sports. I'm looking forward to continue working and getting excited for the next Ski season. "
- Max at Montagne Sports
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8% of the overall worldwide carbon emissions is produced from the textile industry, the second biggest pollution giant behind the oil industry. Picture have decided to take this head on by 'Venturing off the beaten path by using materials and processes to reduce our impact is the starting point for our commitment to the environment'.
''''' trying hard, and being 100% transparent with what they do/use, makes a nice change ''''''
They started with materials they use to create 100% of their products. These include;
- Organic materials.
- Recycled materials
- Bio-sourced materials
- Reused materials
- Animal based materials
-PFC Free water repellent treatment.
Environmentally friendly
Recycled
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So last October I (very last minute) booked myself a trip to South America for 5 months. I only had a couple of weeks to gather all my things and get on a plane, and very unlike me... I tried to pack light. So choosing the right kit to take was important.
]]>So last October I (very last minute) booked myself a trip to South America for 5 months. I only had a couple of weeks to gather all my things and get on a plane, and very unlike me... I tried to pack light. So choosing the right kit to take was important.
Having already used the Darn Tough ski socks and loved them, as the unofficial official product tester for Montagne sports, I thought it was only right I would put their walking socks to the test on my recent trip around South America.
The first trial...The Lost City Trek, Colombia. This was a brutal, steep and very humid 4-day trek, the perfect chance to test out if Darn Tough really meant Darn Tough. With 100% humidity and a pain threshold that is perhaps slightly lower than i'd care to admit, blisters are always the first worry when walking through the jungle. Although I did still get a few... in comparison to my fellow trekkers (using bog standard non-Darn Tough socks), I seemed to have escaped the worst of it by quite some margin. The undetectable seam design of the walking socks was perfect for reducing blister sites and the fast action wicking further helped prevent the blister-blight of many a weary traveller, not to mention soggy foot syndrome. The fast action wicking also proved its worth when walking through rivers, as my socks dried out quickly... Yet another perk of these all-singing all-dancing socks was the smell - or lack-thereof. They definitely didn't smell as bad as some socks owned, worn and aired by my peers. I think it's safe to assume the antimicrobial features of merino wool were at play here, preventing me from developing a nasty case of sock-based smelly-feet reputation tainting.
After this intense but successful initial sock test phase, I knew I could rely on my Darn Tough's and wore them regularly. The next big test was in Bariloche, hiking the Cerro Campanario trail. This hike offered phenomenal views of the city of Bariloche and the surrounding lakes... which I was able to enjoy, comfortably, smelling distinctly less, and remaining blister-free!
I will happily admit that these socks definitely ended up being my go-to, and i'm fairly certain my feet are still thanking me. I really liked the support, comfort and design of them. They come in a variety of different colours which I love! I came back with my feet intact, and ready to shove them in a pair of crippling stilettos if I so wished - now I don't think there are many travelling hikers that can claim that!
A little more about what Darn Tough are about...
Darn Tough is family run business. For the past 40 years, they have dedicated their time to perfecting the simple sock. Even better, they stand behind their product so much that they are guaranteed for life?! Their socks are made from ethically sourced merino wool, from America and around the world. They work closely with their suppliers to ensure they are held to the highest standard of ethics. They have always been a favourite of Montagne Sports creator Alan Barrie as well as our customers.
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Molly has been in the glacier resort of Kaprun, Austria since the beginning of November training to be a ski instructor and has been wearing the Bergans Women's Nordkapp Snowsport Jacket. She actually took three snow coats with her for her two month training but has only worn the Bergans throughout the intensive course.
When asked what she thought of the jacket she said "it's perfect for changeable conditions as it is light enough for me to just add extra layers underneath when really cold, it did dip to -30 wind chill for a few days, and on warmer days I can just wear a baser layer and the coat on top. We've been skiing 5 hours a day, 5 days a week for the last 6 weeks, taking 326 chairlifts, with no problems with zips, leaks, rips or anything in all conditions. I've got through quite a few coats over the years but I think this one will be sticking around for a while yet!"
We're delighted to say that today Molly passed her Snowsport Austria Anwarter Ski instructor qualification and is heading off to the St Anton Ski School to teach for the season.
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