Big mountain skier and Alaska heliskiing pioneer Dean Cummings will introduce a new line of products for H2O Outdoor Gear built for the outdoor enthusiast who appreciates the quality, durability and smart function it takes to withstand the demanding environment of life in a state nicknamed The Last Frontier.
Two standouts in H2oG’s new Alaska-tested product lineup are the Tusk Guide Pack and Kodiak kid’s day pack. The Tusk was designed by Cummings to finally bring into one pack, all the features and benefits he considers necessary to safely guide heliski clients on even the most remote and technically challenging slopes of the Chugach Range. The Tusk can carry a lot of weight while allowing the skier, climber, canyoneer or guide to feel as secure and nimble as a mountain goat.
Best known for his skiing achievements, Cummings is also an accomplished mountaineer and the needs of both sports are satisfied with the Tusk, which offers an impressive array of intelligent bells and whistles. Cummings said The Tusk fulfills his main design vision: creating a pack that contributes to a low center of gravity especially in crucial situations where you can’t afford to have an “angry midget on your back, threatening to throw you off the hill.”
The Tusk’s diagonal ski or snowboard carry system features a retractable cable that’s wear-resistant and snaps back into its sleeve when not in use. Easy-access carabiner loops are sewn into the removable, padded waist belt. A front compartment offers quick access to probe and shovel.
Cummings said the Tusk is an all-season pack also good for climbing and canyoneering and any other adventure that demands a pack that helps the wearer stay well-balanced in even the most precarious situations. Suggested MSRP for the 28-liter pack is $165.
The Kodiak kid’s pack may well be among the first technical packs specifically designed with the youngest of backcountry snow sports adventurers in mind. The pack is incredibly versatile to keep pace with the action-packed dayto-day life of active kids. Named for Cumming’s son Wyatt Kodiak, 8-year-old Cummings says he uses the Kodiak for school since it has pockets for pens and other school supplies, going to the pool since it's waterproof inside and out, traveling through airports since it has a handle that allows it to be carried like a briefcase or heading out for a tour or ice climb with dad since it has loops for climbing gear, ice tools, and sleeping pad not to mention side pockets for on-the-go access to water bottles.
The full line of H2oG skis, packs and soft good stop by booths can be seen at upcoming winter outdoor and snow sports shows, where Cummings will also be offering avalanche safety clinics and screening his new film, “The Steep Life.”
H2O Outdoor Gear will be stationed at Booth #54 at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City Jan. 19-22, and at Booth #4313 at the SIA Snow Sports Show in Denver Jan. 26-29.
