While I was in Senegal, my favourite T-shirt started growing something, something that smelled totally rank. This wasn’t like bad mildew smell, this was a horrid funk that wouldn’t quit, even after repeated washing. There was no doubt in my mind, or in the minds of travel companions, that the shirt had to go. It’s always hard to leave good gear behind, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet. When you’re on the road, your favourtie kit wears out. It’s best to admit it and replace it if necessary (like my Asics pictured above) or just leave it behind. No point in carrying stuff that’s just weighing you down.

Outdoorzy.com is taking votes for the 2008 Gearzy Awards. There’s not much of a statement about what winners receive other than bragging rights, and there’s little in it for the voter as well. As such, I wouldn’t promote the vote except that you get to see the results after you vote, and by beloved backpack maker is in a close second. I won’t tell you who that is since that goes against the democratic process, but if you go and vote now then you’ll likely find out.

I got an email today from Icelantic Boards (a small Colorado ski company that I really dig) today letting me know about their new 08-09 lineup. So after salivating over their new designs, I went to the site of my closet Icelantic dealer – Junki Gear – and found that not only did they have the sweet new skis, but they have left over 07-08 models marked down from £369.00 to £225.00. Hells yeah.

So if you are looking for winter gear for the coming season, it might well be worth checking now to see if any of the shops still have stock from last season. The equip is likely still just as good as it was last year, and if this is any indicator then the deals look pretty sweet.

Photo: Icelantic gallery.