Since its founding, POC’s mission was clear: to develop protective gear that can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries. And with its objective determined, POC set out to revolutionize the world of protection, starting with gravity sports like alpine skiing and mountain biking. First, POC had to reimagine the steps of the traditional design process. Cross-functional teams of doctors, engineers, materials experts, and specialists are consulted well before a product comes to the prototype phase. These teams examine the shortcomings of the market's contemporary products and address which areas of the body are the most ´susceptible to injury during a crash. And given that POC's native Stockholm is at the epicenter of health, medicine, and advanced product development, the brand finds itself at a natural advantage in the design process, with the results being superior helmets, goggles, and body armor. A helmet like the Trabec embodies the fruits of this design principle. This helmet puts safety first by protecting the occipital and temple regions of the skull, which are common, serious points of trauma in a mountain bike crash. And after working with industrial engineers, POC created its own in-molding process that combines the strengths of the two most commonplace helmet technologies — hard shell and in-mold. POC helmets, like the Trabec, feature a PC shell that's mated with Aramid fibers and an EPS foam. Accordingly, the helmet is able to provide more protective coverage without sacrificing a low overall weight or ventilation. These helmets have come to represent the utmost in safety, comfort, and performance. After achieving a swift dominance of the mountain market, it was only a matter of time until POC found itself entrenched in the world of road biking helmets. At first, it entered the market with a focus on aerodynamics, something that POC perfected with alpine ski helmets. It released the uncanny Tempor helmet to rave reviews and wind tunnel data that was almost unbelievable. And more recently, it's made waves in the pro peloton with the Octal and Octal Aero helmets, as well as with the retro-forward DO Blade sunglasses. With its road line, POC placed an extraordinary amount of importance on perfecting the trifecta of weight, aerodynamics, and comfort. So, it came as no surprise when Andrew Talansky won the 2014 Criterium du Dauphine wearing POC. Today, POC is proving itself to never be one to rest on its laurels. Its design philosophy has expanded to include mountain bike and road bike clothing, producing triumphant innovations in fabric technology and design. It leaves us feeling resolute that, despite not knowing what the future holds, we’re certain that POC will be there pushing the envelope in order to keep us all safe.

POC utilizes Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough, a revolutionary compound that stiffens upon impact. Shop POC helmets, clothing, & body armor at Backcountry.com.

POC - Ski & Snowboard Apparel, Sunglasses, & More

When POC opened up shop in 2005, the goal was simple—save lives and reduce the consequences of falling. The Swedish brand was originally focused on the skiing market, where it found nearly immediate acceptance through its sponsorship of top-level racers and freeskiiers. And with the inherent similarities between skiing and cycling, not to mention the overlap in participants, it wasn't much of a leap to dive headlong into building protection for those on two wheels. The launch of the Trabec helmet series was met with immediate praise, and the combination of its distinctive appearance and impressive protection won it legions of fans. The same can be said of POC's padding, which employs a proprietary material known as VPD. This lightweight, pliable material conforms naturally to the body, but stiffens under impact, which makes it a perfect choice for building lightweight, protective body armor. The combination of VPD and low profile cuts have made POC's body armor among the most sought after in the cycling world. POC's venture into cycling became even more exciting when it launched the road line. The most noticeable piece was undoubtedly the Octal helmet, which provided ample coverage and plenty of protection, with a shape that was at once simple and modern, and unmistakably POC. But while the Octal got fans and racers talking, it might have been easy to overlook the excellent AVIP clothing lineup, and that would be a serious mistake. This high-visibility clothing was once again designed with rider safety as the primary concern, but wearing the well-cut and beautifully made pieces makes it immediately clear that safety doesn't come at the expense of comfort or quality. And with the addition of the Raceday line, which pairs race ready fits with a refreshingly clean aesthetic, it's clear that POC is dedicated to making the clothing that performs at the sport's highest levels as well. It's a story we expect to repeat itself—clothing and equipment that's driven in equal parts by a need for safety and a demand for products which riders simply love.

Since its founding, POC’s mission was clear: to develop protective gear that can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries. And with its objective determined, POC set out to revolutionize the world of protection, starting with gravity sports like alpine skiing and mountain biking.
 
First, POC had to reimagine the steps of the traditional design process. Cross-functional teams of doctors, engineers, materials experts, and specialists are consulted well before a product comes to the prototype phase. These teams examine the shortcomings of the market's contemporary products and address which areas of the body are the most ´susceptible to injury during a crash. And given that POC's native Stockholm is at the epicenter of health, medicine, and advanced product development, the brand finds itself at a natural advantage in the design process, with the results being superior helmets, goggles, and body armor.
 
A helmet like the Trabec embodies the fruits of this design principle. This helmet puts safety first by protecting the occipital and temple regions of the skull, which are common, serious points of trauma in a mountain bike crash. And after working with industrial engineers, POC created its own in-molding process that combines the strengths of the two most commonplace helmet technologies — hard shell and in-mold. POC helmets, like the Trabec, feature a PC shell that's mated with Aramid fibers and an EPS foam. Accordingly, the helmet is able to provide more protective coverage without sacrificing a low overall weight or ventilation. These helmets have come to represent the utmost in safety, comfort, and performance.
 
After achieving a swift dominance of the mountain market, it was only a matter of time until POC found itself entrenched in the world of road biking helmets. At first, it entered the market with a focus on aerodynamics, something that POC perfected with alpine ski helmets. It released the uncanny Tempor helmet to rave reviews and wind tunnel data that was almost unbelievable. And more recently, it's made waves in the pro peloton with the Octal and Octal Aero helmets, as well as with the retro-forward DO Blade sunglasses. With its road line, POC placed an extraordinary amount of importance on perfecting the trifecta of weight, aerodynamics, and comfort. So, it came as no surprise when Andrew Talansky won the 2014 Criterium du Dauphine wearing POC.
 
Today, POC is proving itself to never be one to rest on its laurels. Its design philosophy has expanded to include mountain bike and road bike clothing, producing triumphant innovations in fabric technology and design. It leaves us feeling resolute that, despite not knowing what the future holds, we’re certain that POC will be there pushing the envelope in order to keep us all safe.

Troy Lee Designs

Thanks to a background in motocross racing, Troy Lee Designs has a tendency to make their protection gear incredibly durable. World class riders like Sam Hill and Steve Peat trust in Troy Lee Designs to provide the helmets and armor that let them walk away from race-speed crashes on burly World Cup downhill tracks. Troy Lee Designs has also been customizing helmets for years and helped develop cutting edge style in the DH world. 

Kuat

Shop Kuat on Backcountry. Expertly curated outdoor gear and clothing for the adventurer in you, from big brands to the small and undiscovered. 

Wahoo Fitness

Shop Wahoo Fitness on Backcountry. Expertly curated outdoor gear and clothing for the adventurer in you, from big brands to the small and undiscovered. 

Oakley

To call Oakley an industry leader is an understatement; Oakley has been reinventing the outdoor products we use for nearly 40 years. Oakley blends science and art to make eyewear, clothing, and accessories that routinely exceed the current standards for performance. It all started in 1975, when Jim Jannard had an idea to develop a motorcycle handgrip using an ergonomic design and a new, hydrophilic material that made the grips stickier with sweat. Immediately, pro riders noticed. Jim’s next design was the O-Frame MX goggle. Pros like Mark Barnett, Marty Smith, Johnny O‘Mara, and Jeff Ward championed its clarity and wide peripheral view. O-Frames put Oakley on the map, and it wasn’t long before Oakey’s sunglasses designed specifically for sport and goggles for ski, snowboard, mountain bike and BMX pursuits were showing up on the faces of professional athletes and fans alike. Oakley has revolutionized these industries with ground-breaking innovations in polarization, optical clarity, molding, materials, impact resistance, and fit. Radically new designs like the Blade, Razor Blade, and M Frame altered our expectations of how sport sunglasses should look and perform. In addition to advanced optics and industrial-strength protection, the cutting-edge design of Oakey eyewear is now enhanced with crystal-clear sound. Sunglasses and goggles with built-in MP3 and Bluetooth capabilities enable users to rock out and stay connected no matter where they are. Oakley has made innovative leaps in other categories as well. Its outerwear incorporates technology like Reversible Heat Storage, which was developed for the space program. Oakley’s Pro Rider series of jackets, pants, and baselayers was designed to meet the specifications of leading professional skiers and riders. Unlike traditional flat cutouts, Oakley sport clothing is designed with CAD/CAM digital sculpturing for perfect fit and comfort. This technology is also used in the design of its footwear to integrate all of the components of the shoe for a better fit. Oakely watches combine Old World craftsmanship with New World technology to deliver unexpected results. Even Oakley backpacks are famous for their design—at once sleek, stylish, and extremely functional. Since it was founded, Oakley’s approach has been both innovative and artistic; decades later, Oakley has been awarded nearly 600 patents, and its products are sold in over 100 countries worldwide. These innovations have earned Oakley a reputation for reinventing the products that we use every day; this reputation makes the iconic “O” logo as in-demand as any in the world.

Shop the best selection and greatest prices on Oakley goggles, sunglasses, snowboard jackets, & outerwear on Backcountry.com.

Oakley - Sunglasses, Apparel, & Accessories 

Oakley understands what it means go get out there and ride like it's your last day on Earth. that's why riders like Brian Lopes wear Oakley whenever they hit the trail. This isn't gear for roadies who happen to ride mountain bikes, this is gear for die-hard freeriders and downhillers who let it hang out on every ride and need gear that can keep up. 

To call Oakley an industry leader is an understatement; Oakley has been reinventing the outdoor products we use for nearly 40 years. Oakley blends science and art to make eyewear, clothing, and accessories that routinely exceed the current standards for performance.
 
It all started in 1975, when Jim Jannard had an idea to develop a motorcycle handgrip using an ergonomic design and a new, hydrophilic material that made the grips stickier with sweat. Immediately, pro riders noticed. Jim’s next design was the O-Frame MX goggle. Pros like Mark Barnett, Marty Smith, Johnny O‘Mara, and Jeff Ward championed its clarity and wide peripheral view.
 
O-Frames put Oakley on the map, and it wasn’t long before Oakey’s sunglasses designed specifically for sport and goggles for ski, snowboard, mountain bike and BMX pursuits were showing up on the faces of professional athletes and fans alike. Oakley has revolutionized these industries with ground-breaking innovations in polarization, optical clarity, molding, materials, impact resistance, and fit. Radically new designs like the Blade, Razor Blade, and M Frame altered our expectations of how sport sunglasses should look and perform.
 
In addition to advanced optics and industrial-strength protection, the cutting-edge design of Oakey eyewear is now enhanced with crystal-clear sound. Sunglasses and goggles with built-in MP3 and Bluetooth capabilities enable users to rock out and stay connected no matter where they are.
 
Oakley has made innovative leaps in other categories as well. Its outerwear incorporates technology like Reversible Heat Storage, which was developed for the space program. Oakley’s Pro Rider series of jackets, pants, and baselayers was designed to meet the specifications of leading professional skiers and riders. Unlike traditional flat cutouts, Oakley sport clothing is designed with CAD/CAM digital sculpturing for perfect fit and comfort. This technology is also used in the design of its footwear to integrate all of the components of the shoe for a better fit. Oakely watches combine Old World craftsmanship with New World technology to deliver unexpected results. Even Oakley backpacks are famous for their design—at once sleek, stylish, and extremely functional.
 
Since it was founded, Oakley’s approach has been both innovative and artistic; decades later, Oakley has been awarded nearly 600 patents, and its products are sold in over 100 countries worldwide. These innovations have earned Oakley a reputation for reinventing the products that we use every day; this reputation makes the iconic “O” logo as in-demand as any in the world.

Patagonia

Patagonia's founder Yvon Chouinard started climbing in 1953 at the age of 14. By age 18 he was manufacturing climbing gear, and by 1970 Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing gear in the U.S. Before long, Chouinard realized that the standard climbing gear of the time was damaging popular climbing routes, so he developed an entirely new type of climbing gear—nuts instead of pitons—and started all over again. Patagonia, originally a clothing division under the Chouinard Equipment brand name, was created in the mid-'70s and stayed true to the brand's spirit of environmental awareness. Through organizations such as the Conservation Alliance and 1% For The Planet, Patagonia has since led an environmental charge in the world of outdoor clothing. Patagonia jackets, pants, shirts, board shorts, T-shirts, and other men's and women's apparel feature goods designed and manufactured using recycled materials, organic cotton, and low-impact construction methods. Patagonia is more than an environmentally friendly clothing manufacturer, however. It has led the way in technical apparel with moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics and other industry-changing innovations. Its timeless designs and legendary durability have made Patagonia one of the most widely respected names in ski and outdoor clothing. Patagonia has also expanded its manufacturing to include everything from backpacks to belts, hats, shoes, and even beanies. Patagonia has also had a huge influence on the outdoor industry from the fashion perspective. Chouinard believed that perfection in design was achieved 'not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away'. Minimalism has been a guiding principle in Patagonia design from the very beginning, allowing form to follow function. This wisdom is recognized and appreciated throughout the outdoor industry. In the early '80s, Patagonia made a bold move that would change the industry forever. It drenched its outerwear in vibrant colors at a time when all men's outerwear was strictly tan or forest green. Soon cobalt, teal, French red, aloe, sea foam, and iced mocha became standard colors for outerwear, and the look of the outdoors changed forever. These days, Patagonia is everywhere. Although it never strove to influence fashion, you can't go to the grocery store, the movies, or the local pub without seeing Patagonia's influence on what we wear every day. Unlike many manufacturers, however, Patagonia put its stamp on the outdoor clothing industry forever while to staying true to its roots and its promise to environmentally conscious ideals.

Shop Patagonia clothing, shoes, & outerwear on Backcountry.com including gear for climbing, skiing, fly fishing, and running.

Patagonia - Jackets, Down Coats, Shoes, & More

Patagonia's founder Yvon Choiunard started climbing in 1953 at the age of 14. By age 18 he was manufacturing climbing gear, and by 1970 Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing gear in the U.S. Before long, Chouinard realized that the standard climbing gear of the time was damaging popular climbing routes, so he developed an entirely new type of climbing gear—nuts instead of pitons—and started all over again.
 
Patagonia, originally a clothing division under the Chouinard Equipment brand name, was created in the mid-'70s and stayed true to the brand's spirit of environmental awareness. Through organizations such as the Conservation Alliance and 1% For The Planet, Patagonia has since led an environmental charge in the world of outdoor clothing. Patagonia jackets, pants, shirts, board shorts, T-shirts, and other men's and women's apparel feature goods designed and manufactured using recycled materials, organic cotton, and low-impact construction methods.
 
Patagonia is more than an environmentally friendly clothing manufacturer, however. It has led the way in technical apparel with moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics and other industry-changing innovations. Its timeless designs and legendary durability have made Patagonia one of the most widely respected names in ski and outdoor clothing. Patagonia has also expanded its manufacturing to include everything from backpacks to belts, hats, shoes, and even beanies.
 
Patagonia has also had a huge influence on the outdoor industry from the fashion perspective. Chouinard believed that perfection in design was achieved 'not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away'. Minimalism has been a guiding principle in Patagonia design from the very beginning, allowing form to follow function. This wisdom is recognized and appreciated throughout the outdoor industry. In the early '80s, Patagonia made a bold move that would change the industry forever. It drenched its outerwear in vibrant colors at a time when all men's outerwear was strictly tan or forest green. Soon cobalt, teal, French red, aloe, sea foam, and iced mocha became standard colors for outerwear, and the look of the outdoors changed forever.
 
These days, Patagonia is everywhere. Although it never strove to influence fashion, you can't go to the grocery store, the movies, or the local pub without seeing Patagonia's influence on what we wear every day. Unlike many manufacturers, however, Patagonia put its stamp on the outdoor clothing industry forever while to staying true to its roots and its promise to environmentally conscious ideals.

Smith

Smith Optics was founded in the early 1960s by Bob Smith, a hard-charging skier with a problem—his goggles kept fogging up. An orthodontist by trade, he put his skills to work and created the first goggle with sealed double lens and breathable, ventilating foam lining. Since this beginning, Smith has continued to lead the industry with not only innovative technology, but with cutting-edge style; its mission, in its own words, is to “make great days better.” Smith’s factory in Clearfield, Utah, focuses on three product lines: sunglasses, goggles, and helmets. Smith sunglasses combine leading technology with the latest fashion to create the ultimate eyewear. Lens materials range from Techlite polarized glass, the lightest-weight glass on the market, to Carbonic TLT, the most impact-resistant, optically correct polycarbonate. All Smith lenses feature a multi-layer lens construction, and many also include built-in polarization that filters out 99% of glare off reflective surfaces. Polarchromic sunglasses combine this polarization with UV sensitivity that enables them to automatically adjust its tint in response to changing light conditions. Smith’s ChromaPop technology offers the ultimate color definition—after you Pop, you’ll never go back. Smith’s innovations extend to its frames, too, in both materials and design. Smith’s groundbreaking Pivlock and Interlock interchangeable technology allow for easy lens swaps for different settings and conditions. Its Evolve frames are 53% bio-based, made in part from easily renewable castor plants. Other frame materials include light and flexible Grilamid nylon, rich handcrafted acetate, and lightweight, durable metals. Smith’s goggles for snow and moto sports offer different levels of performance to meet all needs and budgets. Leading the way is Smith’s growing I/O line of goggles with interchangeable lenses that offer the ultimate in flexibility. Polarchromic technology accommodates changing conditions over the course of a day or a week, from stormy mornings to sunny bluebird afternoons. As in its sunglasses, Smith’s goggles offer exceptional distortion-free optics and reliable impact resistance. True to its roots, Smith’s goggles continue to emphasize fog-free vision. Whether utilizing impeccably designed ventilation or battery-powered Turbo fans to clear moisture, Smith goggles enable you to see clearly no matter how hard you’re working. The ventilation systems are enhanced by innovative tech like the Fog-x lens treatment that's etched into the lens, so it won't wear off like other anti-fog coatings. First and foremost, Smith ski and snowboard helmets are designed with safely in mind. But as might be expected, the helmet-goggle interface is also a significant focus. Helmets are designed to match curve of a goggle frame, which allows precise alignment with ventilation channels in goggle and helmet. And for those who like to rock out when they’re making turns, Smith offers the latest in audio options from Skullcandy. These days you’ll see Smith helmets on bikers, too. Its cutting-edge, award-winning Forefront mountain bike helmet uses Aerocore construction and Koroyd to create one of the lightest, most protective helmets on the market.

Find good deals on a great selection of Smith optics eyewear and helmets at Backcountry.com. Including Smith goggles and sunglasses for ski and snowboarding.

Smith Optics - Sunglasses & Goggles

Smith produces high-end eyewear for demanding and stylish athletes. Smith is as well known for its diverse line of fashion and performance sunglasses as it is for its goggles. Their innovative Slider Series was the first interchangeable lens to show up en masse at bike race start lines and Spring skiing lift lines. Smith snow goggles are technically advanced to meet the needs of different lighting conditions.  Smith's continuous innovation and style has made their eyewear the choice of action-sport athletes worldwide.

Smith Optics was founded in the early 1960s by Bob Smith, a hard-charging skier with a problem—his goggles kept fogging up. An orthodontist by trade, he put his skills to work and created the first goggle with sealed double lens and breathable, ventilating foam lining. Since this beginning, Smith has continued to lead the industry with not only innovative technology, but with cutting-edge style; its mission, in its own words, is to “make great days better.”
 
Smith’s factory in Clearfield, Utah, focuses on three product lines: sunglasses, goggles, and helmets. Smith sunglasses combine leading technology with the latest fashion to create the ultimate eyewear. Lens materials range from Techlite polarized glass, the lightest-weight glass on the market, to Carbonic TLT, the most impact-resistant, optically correct polycarbonate.
 
All Smith lenses feature a multi-layer lens construction, and many also include built-in polarization that filters out 99% of glare off reflective surfaces. Polarchromic sunglasses combine this polarization with UV sensitivity that enables them to automatically adjust its tint in response to changing light conditions. Smith’s ChromaPop technology offers the ultimate color definition—after you Pop, you’ll never go back.
 
Smith’s innovations extend to its frames, too, in both materials and design. Smith’s groundbreaking Pivlock and Interlock interchangeable technology allow for easy lens swaps for different settings and conditions. Its Evolve frames are 53% bio-based, made in part from easily renewable castor plants. Other frame materials include light and flexible Grilamid nylon, rich handcrafted acetate, and lightweight, durable metals.
 
Smith’s goggles for snow and moto sports offer different levels of performance to meet all needs and budgets. Leading the way is Smith’s growing I/O line of goggles with interchangeable lenses that offer the ultimate in flexibility. Polarchromic technology accommodates changing conditions over the course of a day or a week, from stormy mornings to sunny bluebird afternoons. As in its sunglasses, Smith’s goggles offer exceptional distortion-free optics and reliable impact resistance.
 
True to its roots, Smith’s goggles continue to emphasize fog-free vision. Whether utilizing impeccably designed ventilation or battery-powered Turbo fans to clear moisture, Smith goggles enable you to see clearly no matter how hard you’re working. The ventilation systems are enhanced by innovative tech like the Fog-x lens treatment that's etched into the lens, so it won't wear off like other anti-fog coatings.
 
First and foremost, Smith ski and snowboard helmets are designed with safely in mind. But as might be expected, the helmet-goggle interface is also a significant focus. Helmets are designed to match curve of a goggle frame, which allows precise alignment with ventilation channels in goggle and helmet. And for those who like to rock out when they’re making turns, Smith offers the latest in audio options from Skullcandy. These days you’ll see Smith helmets on bikers, too. Its cutting-edge, award-winning Forefront mountain bike helmet uses Aerocore construction and Koroyd to create one of the lightest, most protective helmets on the market.

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