Katie Adams

Outdoor Tech® Extends Helmet Audio Stronghold with Wired CHIPS®

Los Angeles, CA (November 4, 2014) – Outdoor Tech® forever changed the course of on-snow audio with its highly acclaimed Bluetooth wireless CHIPS® that add a new dimension of sound, simplicity and convenience to helmets. New this season, Outdoor Tech® spreads the love to Bluetooth-averse or budget conscious skiers and snowboarders with universal Wired CHIPS® ($39.95) that offer the same premium sound quality and glove-friendly functionality, but in a wired version that directly connects to smart phones and audio devices.

Similar to the wireless CHIPS®, drop the Wired CHIPS® into nearly any helmet with an audio-ready liner and give your runs down the mountain the soundtrack they deserve. There’s no battery, so the Wired CHIPS® will keep piping out sound for as long as you (or your device) can last. The patented control interface changes tracks, plays/pauses music, takes calls and activates voice command with just one glove-friendly button, meaning no fishing the phone from your jacket or fumbling for tiny buttons – super simple. Complete with a built-in microphone and IPX4 sweat and water-resistant rating, these are tested to work perfectly down to -20°C/-4°F (no more frozen button syndrome).

Founded in 2010, Outdoor Tech® is an outdoor designer brand creating accessories for an action-filled lifestyle. Packing the world’s most complete line of Bluetooth audio built for reveling in the open air and on the road, Outdoor Tech® proves there is a way to stay connected but not tethered.

The new Wired CHIPS® are now available at REI, Sports Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sport Chalet, Christy Sports, Burton Flagships, and a whole bunch of local ski and board shops. For more on Outdoor Tech® and the rest of its line including rugged portable power and the potentially iconic Yowie® Logo apparel collection go to OutdoorTechnology.com.

Hanging Out with Ernest Gagnon At Interbike 2014

Hands down the best part of this year’s Interbike was getting to know one of our newest athletes, Ernest Gagnon. Although it was hard getting from point A to B without a handful of photo op requests from fans, we made our way around the show, cycling events & the strip, of course.

Ernest Gagnon Interbike 2014

Upon landing in Vegas, after a long 12 hours of travel from Boston (with a 70 pound bike box in hand) we got a little rest in before sushi dinner. Outdoor Tech sushi dinners typically start with instructing the waiter to bring us 4 of everything on the menu and sake bombs until someone says stop, but Ernest inspired us to cut back just this one time.

Day 1 of the show consisted of more photos, a little helmet shopping and of course, the big cyclocross event, CrossVegas. CrossVegas is one of the largest cyclocross races in America, so Ernest and I got there early to check out the scene and prelap. The event brings out the top cyclocross athletes from all over the world, and the course was tough – lots of hills, turns, ramps and obstacles. It was 102 degrees and rising, so we took to some shade whenever we could, thanks to the many Sierra Nevada tents set up around the course. Cyclocross athletes are super impressive, beyond talented, and very supportive people. It is a special community to say the least, and I am so thrilled to have learned more about the sport and witness the support received by Ernest.

Ernest during cycle cross at interbike

We Spent day 2 at the show rocking the kit, taking more pictures, promoting our stuff and learning more about the bike industry.  After the show, Ernest and I participated in the Pedal Palooza ride from Mandalay Bay down the strip. With the Buckshot bike speaker blasting, riding down the strip at night was pretty awesome, especially with such a rowdy group of people. The ride ended in a big party in Fremont, but we dipped early to enjoy a fabulous dinner at Otto inside the Venetian and party to Diplo and Morgan Page with the rest of the ODT crew!

Outdoor Tech Interbike Dinner

Ernest had so much fun in Vegas, we forgot about his departure. Literally. Just before heading to the show on the last day, we realized he should have been landing in Boston instead. Oops! Since trade shows never get old, we were happy to hit the show for a couple more hours before saying goodbye for an afternoon flight back to Boston.

Ernest is an impressive guy, and we are thrilled to support him on his journey to inspire himself and others to lose weight through cyclocross. You also probably want to follow him on Facebook and Instagram https://www.facebook.com/ernestgagnoncyclist, @erniegagnon2013.