SPORTS AND RECREATION
BUYER’S PICKS
Hands-free hydration
When you think about it, the idea of says Shane, who researched the competitio n
a hydration pack is absurdly sim- and spoke with dozens of skiers, hikers and
ple. Fill a reservoir with water, cyclists to determine the best features to
slip it into a backpack and access the water include. “And, unlike many other packs, the
via a tube—just bite and sip. At the same main compartment is insulated with thermo-time, the advantages of this simple system silver to keep your water colder longer.”
are tremendous. A bicycle-pump sleeve, front accessory
“For any outdoor activity, it’s essential to pocket with bicycle-tool organizer and hid-stay hydrated,” says Shane Williams, sport- den mesh sport flap let you keep your items
ing goods buyer for Costco. “A hydration in order, while a padded mesh back, an
pack encourages hydration by keeping water adjustable mesh waist belt that tucks away
at mouth’s reach and lets you get your water into its own pocket when not in use and an eliminated the ones that were least benefi-while keeping both hands free. Plus, you can easily adjustable sternum strap help keep the cial,” says Shane. “At $19.99, our hydration
carry more water.” pack stable and comfortable all day long. pack has all the features of a pack three times
Developed exclusively for Costco, the “We included all the best features and the price.”—T. Foster Jones
High Sierra expandable hydration pack has
the basic features you’d expect—a tough,
ripstop nylon exterior that holds a large, 2-
liter, antimicrobial reservoir, plus a hands-free bite valve and adjustable shoulder straps.
“At 635 cubic inches, the expandable
pack is roomy enough to carry everything
you’d need for a day hike or a long bike ride,”
Go with
the flow
You, or perhaps one of your children,
want to snowboard, but there’s no
snow, or you want to surf, but you live
in Montana. What’s the answer? The
Flowboard.
A cross between a snowboard and a
skateboard in size, the Flowboard uses 14
thin, flat-profile wheels lined up along two
curved axles. The board pivots on the two
center wheels like an ice skate. As you shift
from side to side, the board’s weight goes
smoothly from one wheel to the next. Simple
adjustments allow you to create the ride that
fits your flow—ride in one direction and it
behaves like a snowboard, ride in the other
direction and it behaves like a surfboard.
“Flowlab set out to create an experience
that replicates snowboarding or surfing on
the street,” says Shane Williams, buyer for
Costco sporting goods.
The Flowlab Original Flowboard, available at Costco, is a 32-inch, seven-ply maple
board with wheels that have been upgraded
for Costco. “These high-performance wheels
have considerably better wear, rebound and
speed properties than the stock wheels,” says
Shane.—TFJ
