Industry News

Introduction:

Venturing into the backcountry for ski touring or splitboarding is a pursuit of untracked powder and solitude, but it demands significant physical exertion and carries inherent risks. Long ascents generate substantial sweat, while variable snow conditions and complex terrain increase the likelihood of falls during the descent. Wet base layers lead to discomfort, rapid heat loss during transitions, and potential chafing. Simultaneously, impacts on hidden obstacles or hard wind crust can cause serious injury far from help. Effective backcountry gear must therefore address both moisture management and reliable fall protection. The Frosted Protective Pads Shorts excel in this dual role, providing essential safeguards without compromising the effort needed for the climb.

The Problem of Sweat and Impact Vulnerability Off-Piste:
Backcountry travel involves sustained aerobic activity during the ascent, often in cold conditions. Poor moisture management traps sweat against the skin, creating a damp environment that rapidly cools when activity stops (e.g., during transitions or breaks), leading to discomfort and even hypothermia risk. Chafing from wet fabric is also a common issue on long tours. Conversely, the descent, while the reward, presents hazards: variable snow (crust, ice, breakable crust), hidden rocks or stumps, and the potential for high-consequence falls in remote locations. Basic layers offer no impact protection, and bulky padding is impractical for touring due to weight and heat retention. Riders often sacrifice protection for weight savings and breathability.

Solution: Frosted Protective Pads Shorts – Dry Comfort Meets Impact Resilience:
The Frosted Protective Pads Shorts are uniquely positioned to solve both core challenges of backcountry travel. Their Moisture wicking capability is a primary feature. The 80% Polyester + 20% Spandex fabric actively pulls perspiration away from the skin during strenuous ascents, transferring it to the outer surface where it can evaporate. This keeps the skin significantly drier, maintaining thermal comfort, reducing the risk of chilling during stops, and minimizing chafing throughout the long day.

For the descent, the shorts provide crucial fall protection. The integrated Upgrade SPO Protection Foam and EVA pad offer All-round Protection for hips, tailbone, and upper thighs – areas highly susceptible to injury during unexpected impacts with hard snow or obstacles. The protection is substantial yet streamlined, avoiding excessive bulk or weight that would hinder touring efficiency. The Keep In Place design, ensured by the form-fitting stretch fabric, is vital; pads remain securely positioned over impact zones during the dynamic movements of skiing or riding powder and navigating complex terrain, ensuring the protection is active when a fall occurs. This combination makes them ideal for backcountry touring.

Key Benefits for Backcountry Tourers and Splitboarders:

• Superior Moisture Control: Actively wicks sweat during ascents, keeping skin dry, enhancing comfort, preventing chills, and reducing chafing on long tours.

• Essential Impact Safety: Provides critical protection for hips and tailbone during falls in variable or hazardous backcountry snow conditions, mitigating injury risk far from assistance.

• Optimized Weight & Bulk: Streamlined design and materials offer significant protection without the impractical weight or bulk of traditional padded shorts, preserving touring efficiency.

• Secure Fit for Dynamic Descents: Stretch fabric ensures pads stay locked in place during aggressive powder turns and technical descents, guaranteeing reliable protection.

• Versatile Layering: Functions effectively as a protective and moisture-wicking base or mid-layer within a comprehensive backcountry layering system.

Conclusion:
Backcountry skiing and splitboarding demand gear that performs under dual pressures: managing intense exertion and mitigating remote risks. The Frosted Protective Pads Shorts deliver precisely this duality. Their exceptional moisture management properties, driven by the Polyester/Spandex blend, keep riders dry and comfortable during arduous climbs. Simultaneously, the integrated Upgrade SPO Protection Foam provides indispensable fall protection for the descent. Combined with the lightweight, low-bulk design and Keep In Place security, these shorts are a vital component of the safety-conscious backcountry adventurer's kit, enhancing both comfort during the ascent and resilience during the exhilarating, yet unpredictable, descent into the untracked.