December 31st to January 8th found a stable of Tribute shop riders and friends ascending and descending on Mount Carlyle Lodge- Wiggles, Logan2, Uncle Bacon and friends left their indelible, lanolin-scented mark all over the surrounding backcountry and the lodge will never be the same. (Read More...)
We get a lot of questions about camber in the shop. So for those of you who want to learn more about what camber is and how it effects the way that you ride, read on good people! Camber is essentially the natural shape (or flex) of the board at rest. Imagine looking at your snowboard perfectly from the side and seeing the way the edge of the board curves slightly from tip to tail. It’s from that view that you can tell the camber of a board. (Read More...)
Well, that was fast. We sold out of these on day 11, good thing we have 11 more ideas to go! To kick us off right, we're starting with the sharpest looking gift in the shop: The Roark Revival Cassius Knife It's the raddest looking pocket knife with a serrated blade that you ever did saw. (Read More...)
With boots I default to dumb stuff, clichéd stuff like “These boots are made for walking,” even though I’m almost certain the young folk have never heard of Nancy Sinatra, much less her chart-topping track circa 1966… Maybe they’ve heard the Operation Ivy cover, “One of These Days,” circa 1989..? (Read More...)
The splitboard has changed the way that we roam - off the beaten track. This revolutionary shift in snowboarding has widened the range of accessible backcountry terrain, meaning that we spend more time riding knee-deep Kootenay powder and less time trudging through it.
As splitboarding technology progresses, so does the efficiency and comfort of the gear. We could geek out hard on some of the awesome new materials and designs from companies like Union, Karakoram, Jones and Burton, but we’ll save that for another day - because today we are here to pay tribute to The Tourist.
The Tourist is a touring specific boot that keeps your feet insulated and snow free, while offering comfortable touring support for your feet and ankles. The sheer comfort of this boot has changed the game for a lot of us here in the shop, and allowed us to go on longer treks in colder climates. We really can’t stress enough how important comfort and functionality is when you are touring the backcountry. The last thing you want when you are miles away from civilization is an injury or gear malfunction - cutting corners on the quality of your backcountry gear is a seriously bad idea. Which is why Tribute only brings in the gear that we have personally grown to know, love, and trust for its quality and design. Case in point: The Tourist.
Why We Love It:
We already loved the Ion when Burton came out with this variation on its design. The tourist is a unisex boot with a clean design and rearward flex - which means that it relieves key pressure points for an easy stride on the way up, but rides like a forward flexed boot when you strap them into your bindings and start shredding. These boots are medium flex, which gives you more movement when you are navigating the trees and a bit of play when you need it. Plus the wide Vibram sole has a flat heel, providing a ton of control and durability. Whether you are going for a day hike or a multi-day cabin trip, this is an all around fantastic boot for the backcountry.
The Deets:
The worst thing about the Ninja Suit, is that we didn’t figure out what an awesome team halloween costume it would have been until after Halloween. Rookie move, we know, but there’s always next year.
Other than that, we have no complaints on the Ninja front. When the snow flies we pretty much live in these suits. They keep you warm and dry from head-to-toe when you’re slashing pow and playing in the backcountry. Not to mention that they make for pretty stealthy lounge wear when you want to kick back at the end of the day.
Airblaster is known for coming up with some pretty rad patterns, so if your not into black - and space pants are more your thing - we’ve got you covered. These suits sell fast, but our friendly friends at Airblaster can almost always hook us up with special orders. So if you don’t see your pattern or size in the shop, be sure to ask us!
Why We Love It: The Ninja Suit completely covers you from head to toe, leaving only the essentials uncovered (face, hands and feet). This means that when you move - your thermal wear stays where it's supposed to. Freezing air won't creep up your back when you're doing up your bindings, and the back of your neck and head will stay warm inside your helmet.
Remember "long johns" - those horrifying, bright red onesies with the bum flap? Well fear not, ladies, because Airblaster has revolutionized the one piece. These suits are designed with a comfortable waist zipper to make bathroom breaks stress-free (and warm).
Plus, they have thumb holes. Who doesn't love thumb holes?
The Deets:
Ninja Design: This is a mid-weight base layer, designed with front chest zip, waist zipper, thumb holes and a 7-panel hood. The ladies' suits have an added pony tail hole, while the guys' suits have a hole for.... other stuff.
Sizes: Airblaster designs Ninja Suits specifically for men, women and children. They have excellent sizing options and rad fabric patterns in each category.
Poly/Lycra Air Tech Fabric: Air Tech fabric is designed with 4-way stretch and air-wicking technology.
Woolverino Merino Alloy Fabric: Extra strength Tencel added to the Merino wool fabric increases life and improves rebound of fabric, prevents pilling, and dries faster. Plus, it has superior odor resistance.
Continue reading
Winter comes early in Nelson, at least in spirit. As the leaves begin to drop our excitement for snowboard season rises - and our little mountain town starts getting ready to shred.
If you grew up in the Kootenays then you probably remember that this was the time of year when mom & dad pulled your one-piece snowsuit out of it’s mothball hibernation… along with your big-ass rubber Sorel boots. If you remember this, then you’ll also remember the fight you had with your parents when you hit puberty and rebelled against winter footwear in the name of style - opting instead to freeze your feet in soggy skate shoes.
Thankfully, it’s 2016, and you no longer have to choose between style & function when it comes to winter footwear. We've stocked our shop with warm, weather resistant winter footwear that (actually) looks rad.
Why We Love It: These boots are warm, waterproof, slushproof, durable and are styled to wear on a daily basis.
The Deets: Higher foxing and rugged outsole give the boot tough grip and durability. The classic Converse eyelet vents are sealed to keep your feet dry. The inner booty is designed to keep your feet warm, and your toes toasty.
Why We Love It: These boots are fur lined for warmth, slushproof and easy to slip on with their custom heal zipper. Plus, they look ridiculously rad.
The Deets: Extra high profile, rugged sole and faux fur lining makes these boots warm and wearable.
Why We Love It: These boots are basically a winter hiking boot that you can also rock everyday. You can trek kootenay mountains, hike from Baker to Uphill on ice, and plow off your truck to get to the hill in these super-soled & waterproof boots.
The Deets: Designed in collaboration with pro boarder Jake Blauvelt, these boots are built for tough mountain terrain. D-ring eyelets and speed hooks with cord laces and a highly durable leather upper and rubber outsole - you'll be warm and surefooted all winter long.
Continue reading