Skip to main content

Abominable Labs: Fog Free Riding

We’ve all had that moment on the ski slopes at least once: it’s a once in a lifetime storm day, and you’re measuring powder tracks in feet instead of inches. Then, your goggles decide to fog over and visibility goes to zero. Good bye first tracks; it’s time to hit the lodge and dry out a little bit. Fortunately for you, our friends in Tigard, Oregon, Abominable Labs, have finally solved the biggest buzz killer on the mountain (no, we’re not talking about a new way to sneak your hipster microbrew on the lifts). Meet the F-BOM ski goggle.

Recommended Videos

Born in late 2014 from a small group of dedicated skiers, inventors, and design engineers, the Abominable Labs team has once and for all answered the problem every skier has with their goggles at least a few times a season. Rather than approaching the problem with the tired out industry standards – anti fog treatments and coatings that wear out – the all new F-BOM’s heated lenses provide crystal clear vision.

Using Abominable’s patented KLAIR™ technology, every pair of F-BOMs utilizes a thin, electricity conducting film sandwiched between an inner and outer lens. When hit with a small electric current from batteries mounted in the goggle’s frame, this film heats up just enough to keep you fog free whether you’re spinning hot laps in the massive terrain parks at Mammoth Mountain or heading out into the Cody Peak backcountry of Jackson Hole. On a high setting, the F-BOM provides continuous heat for up to seven hours; the burst setting turns on the warmth for a quick ten minute blast and saves battery life for a week.

Worried that this is all just a gimmick? Abominable Labs partnered with noted optics powerhouse Carl Zeiss to build a laser cut, scratach proof polycarbonate lens. Their batteries and microcontrollers are housed in a weather proof compartment built into the goggle frame that ensures it stays well balanced weight-wise and will fit your face perfectly. Finally, swapping out the outer lenses can be done on the fly with a couple of quick snaps, making you ready for any light conditions. The future of skiing is looking pretty clear to us. The only downside? They’re not hitting retailers until later this year.

Austin Parker
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…
The Epic Day Pass is the ultimate insurance policy for backcountry skiers
The Epic Day Pass is flexible and affordable
Stowe Mountain Resort

Eastern backcountry skiing and riding brings snow-globe-like experiences among the Greens, Adirondacks, and more. After a storm, a frosting covers the trees as the sun breaks over the mountains, and on the skin up, you can dream up lines on the untouched surface. When I get to the top, it’s a sweet relief to transition, point it, and savor those turns.

But backcountry adventures are weather-dependent, and getting out there isn’t always the best option. Mid-winter ice storms, tired legs, and even avalanche danger can put a dent in even the best plans. What do you do when you still want to get in those turns?

Read more
Honda inspires hardcore campers to DIY their very own CR-V Dream Pod concept
Like Japan's capsule hotels, this concept SUV packs most of the comforts of home into its pint-sized cabin
Honda CR-V Dream Pod concept SUV with star trails in the background.

Stock minivans and campervans make easy donor vehicles for DIY vanlifers. But SUVs, especially small to mid-sized models, aren't often a starting point for most custom van builds. Now, Honda wants camping enthusiasts to rethink what's possible with more ordinary "grocery-getter" SUVs. Introducing the Honda CR-V Dream Pod camper concept.

The Japanese automaker released the one-off concept to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Honda's popular CR-V SUV. While the exterior remains unchanged, the interior pulls heavy inspiration from Japan's well-known capsule hotels. Despite a significantly smaller floor plan than, say, a typical campervan, Honda managed to pack a surprising amount of creature comforts into the CR-V's pint-sized cabin.

Read more
What to bring camping in a cabin
How to make cabin camping enjoyable and luxurious
Cabin for camping surrounded by forest

What I love most about camping is that there are so many ways to go about it. If tents aren't your thing, you can always try glamping or even camping in a cabin! Believe it or not, tent camping now accounts for less than half of all experiences according to Camper Champ statistics as more people choose to camp in cabins. These days, the outdoors has never been more enjoyable or accessible, so why not try camping in a cabin?

Camping cabins can vary in amenities just like any other kind of accommodation, but the key feature here is that there's no tent setup involved, and you won't have to sleep on the ground. This is a great way to eliminate some of the heavier gear, but there's still plenty of things to consider bringing with you to make the experience feel luxurious. Here is my ultimate list on what to bring camping in a cabin.
Cabin camping essentials

Read more