the GearCaster

Biomimicry Innovation From Finisterre

UK Outdoor company Finisterre's mission is to make the best technical apparel with minimal environmental impact. The Company was founded by Tom Kay in 2002, after he sensed a total lack of innovation and regard for the environment in product development at the time. Headquartered in St. Agnes, Cornwall, home to some of the finest surfing beaches in the UK, Finisterre actually started by designing technical clothing for surfers. Their products have quickly since gained mass appeal to a wider outdoor audience. 

Reuse Bike Inner Tube With IT-Clips

Boulder, Colorado company IT-Clips offers an environmentally friendly means of re-purposing your old bike inner tube as a tie down or bungee cord. Adding a set of IT-Clips to a bike inner tube is simple. Simply cut the tube, thread it through the clips as you would a strap through a buckle, and latch the clips together. 

Vaude Sleeping Bags With Wood Pulp Fiber

Winner of the 2009 OutDoor Industry Award, the Vaude Blue Beech Eco sleeping bag line is made completely from sustainable materials including wood pulp fiber. In 2010, Vaude will release three new sleeping bag models, for both adults and children, that will be bluesign certified, meeting the highest eco-friendly and skin-friendly standards. The fill used in the bags will include a combination of a natural wood pulp fiber called Tencel and recycled polyester microfiber. 

Mountain Hardwear New HQ Tour

Last night I was lucky enough to get a peek at life inside the new Mountain Hardwear Headquarters in Richmond, CA during our Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition evening. Mountain Hardwear moved into part of the 517,000 square foot Ford Point complex less than two years ago. Built by Albert Kahn in 1930, this former Ford Motor assembly plant is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This solar powered office is full of natural light, with floor to ceiling windows and numerous skylights, one of Kahn's architectural trademarks. 

Proton Magnetic Clipless Pedals

Silicon Valley company Proton Locks started after founder Don Iller witnessed a young BMX rider break his leg after failing to release his foot from the pedal during a fall. By replacing the normal shoe cleat and pedal locking system in clipless pedals with a heavy duty magnet, the Proton magnetic clipless pedals claim to reduce the risk of injuries for cyclists by making it much easier to lock in and unlock.