Could Ion Mask Be The Future of Waterproof Everything?

Ion Mask is Waterproof

Ion Mask is a liquid repelling shield. It changes the surface on the product at a molecular level and liquid just “beads” on the surface and runs off.  Ion Mask can be applied to just about anything and does not affect there function or feel.  P2i is the company behind Ion Mask and they have partnered up with the footwear maker High-Tec. High-Tec is already offering the V-Lite Altitude Ultra WPI boots with the Ion Mask process applied.  In the Ion Mask tech papers they clam that Ion Mask was put through some rigorous tests like flex and abrasion tests and it looks like it performed well.

Ion Mask can also be used on consumer electronics. Just think things like MP3 players,

Ion Mask can be applied to electronics

cell phones, digital cameras, and laptops could all be waterproof.  The coating affects the surface to a depth of nanometers, it reduces the surface energy so that liquids can not cling or be absorbed by it.  They claim that the process does not effect the operation of power and usb ports.  I hope more companies jump on board and give it a shot so we can see if this really works… I hope it does…

Snowshow buying 101 – Snow will be here soon…

photo by M.Prinke

Now that the cold is here it has got me thinking about snowshoeing.  When you go to the store looking for snowshoes they come in every size, color, and style you can imagine.  I hope I can help you leave the store with a pair that will work for you…

How snowshoes work

Snowshoes allow you to walk on top of snow by spreading your weight over a bigger surface area.  This will allow you to hike, run and climb even in the deepest powder you can find.  The general rule of thumb is the heaver the person or the drier the snow requires a larger snowshoe.
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Boot Shopping = no fun

Today being my birthday I decided to treat my self to some new boots.   I have always hiked in trail runners and cheap “light hikers”.  About a year ago I bought a pair of asolo fugitive boots. I love the gor-tex and the support but they always pinched my pinky toes, I figured they need to be broke in.  Not the case I think they were a half size to small.  The first 2-3 miles are fine after that they kill me.  So needless to say time for new boots.

Every boot I try on just doesn’t feel right.  I tried on Scarpas but they were big and they only had two sizes smaller and who knows when they are going to place an order to restock them.  So I think I am going to head back out tomorrow and see what I can find.  I might just look into some waterproof mid/high light hikers.  Well I guess I will go read some reviews and expand what I have been looking at hopefuly I will find something.  I did pick up some trekking today at ems for 50% off.  I have always wanted to try them out to see if I like them but never wanted to drop 80+ bucks on a pair so the sale worker out good, I’ll let you know what you think.