Big Stick from Kahuna Creations

The Big Stick comes from an effort to match a trend by Hawaiian surfers to revert to the origins of the sport, when the boards were long and paddles were used for balance and control. Longboarders find Big Sticks make flat-land travel much easier, and they enjoy the upper-body workout provided by paddling the concrete jungles. Big Sticks are the brainchild of Steve McBride, founder of Ogden-based Kahuna Creations. The company also makes longboards (for the surf and concrete), surfboards, performance skateboards and snowboards.

The sticks come in 6-foot ($139), 5-foot-6 ($79) and 5-foot ($79) models.

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Watch Big Sticks in action at www.kahuna creations.com.

Gatherer from Merrell

Most companies spend a lot of effort telling coat consumers what special technology and materials will keep them warm. Merrell avoids the hassle by leaving the insulation part to you. The Gatherer, with versions for men and women, is a translucent nylon jacket with access to insulation pockets in the body and sleeves. Be creative and stuff the jacket with leaves, grass, shredded paper or those big mats of dog hair lying around the house.

Available in limited quantity this fall at www. merrell.com and select Merrell retail stores for $99.

3-in-1 sandal by Bite

In an effort to save space in your closet and your luggage, Bite, which was acquired by Crocs last year, introduces the 3-in-1 sandal. The women's model called the Kosumi ($89.99) comes in black or sand/powder blue; the men's version, Takoda ($79.99), is available in black/charcoal or olive/khaki. They will be in stores in April.; www.biteshoes.com

SpokeLit by Nite Ize

Safe riding is always serious business, but Nite Ize has found a way to do more for riders at night to be seen and have a little fun. SpokeLit comes in red or green and is placed in the spokes, kind of like playing cards when you were a kid. Give the device a squeeze and it turns on, making riders more visible. Can be turned to flash or glow modes and includes a replaceable battery. SpokeLits have a suggested retail price of $7.49; www.niteize.com.

Sternum lamp by GoMotion

Head lamps changed the night world of outdoors enthusiasts, but the devices can often provide more angst than help to runners or hikers on the trails in the dark. The center of the chest is more stable than a bobbing head while running. GoMotion's sternum light ($79, available March 30) provides a powerful and stable light path. It attaches to the straps on your favorite pack. LiteVests and SportBelts are also available. www.gomotioninc.com

3-Tech stroller by Kelty

The company doesn't advertise the 3-Tech as an off-road stroller, but it could certainly handle some of Utah's trails. The design is made to increase maneuverability, and a suspension system provides for a smooth ride. The reclining seat also includes a five-point harness system to keep Junior in place if the going gets rough. Now available at www.KeltyKIDS.com for $375.

Skins

Many companies say their clothing increases athletic performance, but this Australian company says it is the only one with scientific proof to back such a claim. The company says its sportswear reduces muscle soreness and increases strength and endurance. The compression clothing is also suggested as a way to deal with a variety of circulatory and muscle maladies. The skin-tight material leaves little to the imagination, but is easily worn under workout training and everyday clothing. Several styles are available. Start with the long tights, $99, and long shirt, $99. www.skins.net

K9 Cube from Mountainsmith

Soft-fabric portable containers have been around for several years, but Mountainsmith is bringing Fido to the game. The K9 Cube doggie overnight or camping bag comes with a drop-down food tray, removable food container, collapsible water bowl, top pocket for poop baggies, two mesh pockets to hold tennis balls, and a soft-sided Frisbee with pocket.

The bag is $50 and will be available in July; www.mountainsmith.com.

One-piece ski suits from Columbia

Are you brave enough to wear it? Count on getting gawked at if you pick up the Red Hot Jumpsuit or the Timber Suit (both $290), available in September. Both are made of a waterproof, breathable and comfort stretch material. Style on the slopes is never a bad idea.; www.columbia.com

Leki Pathfinder

Leki, a company that makes Nordic walking poles designed to improve fitness and burn more calories for those who enjoy walking, offers a kids line called the Pathfinder Jr. The poles have a compact grip designed for a child's hand, a buckle strap, a super lock system that makes them adjustable and an interchangeable basket system. Animal tracks printed on the pole shafts help kids and their parents identify tracks when taking a hike.

The Pathfinder retails for $49.95; www.leki.com.

Trackpack coolers

These coolers have a patented beverage dispenser that lets you grab a cold drink without getting your hand wet and cold. The dispenser includes three reusable, freezable gel packs to keep drinks cold. Two flaps on each side of the cooler pop open to make drinks accessible. The cooler carries 20 cans and can be worn as a pack, making it ideal for tailgating or carrying to picnic tables. If you don't like the gel packs or can't freeze them, there is a place to add ice. The plastic drink dispenser also is removable to create a more traditional cooler. Suggested retail price is $39.99.

www.TrackPackCoolers.com

Sunglasses by Numa

Sit on a pair of these sunglasses and you won't have to endure the sickening crunch of them breaking. Numa glasses, which start at $80, use technology called FlexFrame that is guaranteed to prevent breakage. In addition, the glasses provide 11 percent UV400 protection and feature impact-resistant and shatterproof lenses, and reinforced hinges and nosebridge for enhanced durability.

www.numa-optics.com

Synergy boots by Kamik

These boots, which will retail for $119.99 when introduced this fall, serve two purposes. Their heavy-duty rubber treads and soles are designed for use outdoors. The foot fits in a water-resistent felt slipper booty that can be removed from the bottom part of the boot so they turn into a warm indoor slipper. Whether in snow or at home, users get two pairs of boots for the price of one.

www.kamik.com

Petzl Light

Petzl president Mark "Roody" Rasmussen's crystal ball foresees a boom in mountain biking and backcountry skiing at night - made possible with his company's new Ultra headlamp. Designed to fit snugly to the forehead, the headlamp has a maximum brightness of 350 lumens, generated by six LED lights that provide the forward and peripheral vision needed to do sports at high speed. Rechargeable battery packs are available for two- and four-battery editions. An extension cord allows batteries to be carried in pockets or in back of a harness, reducing weight on the head. Available in June.

Suggested retail price is $425 for two-battery version, $500 for four-battery with harness; www.petzl.com

Caframo Boot and Glove Dryer

There isn't a problem with leaving a puddle of water behind on the floor after drying wet boots and gloves with Caframo's Work'n Play Drying Station. It has a tray that catches any runoff from boots, ice skates, etc., while interiors are being dried or warmed with air through tubes. You choose whether to add heat. Easily portable, takes up little space, dries two pairs simultaneously.

Suggested retail price: $70.

www.caframo.com

Mountain Boy Sledworks' wood sleds

They're not just beautiful, they're fast. And in the case of a toboggan, they have a smooth steering system. Made with -inch-thick marine-grade waterproof molded plywood with a beechwood surface, it seats two adults or three children. The Silverton, Colo., company makes a dozen sleds out of handsome wood, often white ash. Most sleds make contact with the snow through plastic bottoms rather than runners, although one of the company's prime products is a kicksled with long runners.

Toboggan's suggested retail price: $99; www.mountainboysleds.com

Artica snowshoes by Easton

A walk in the woods is sure to turn up varying snow conditions - hard in places, soft in others, sometimes within inches. Easton's new two-frame snowshoes are designed to flex with the snow underhand rather than transferring the stress into ankles, knees and hips. Easy to get in and out of, with "quick-cinch" binding adjustable with one hand without having to take off the glove. Company will buy pollution-emission offset credits for buyers.

Suggested retail is expected to start at $160; www.eastonsnowshoes.com.