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For those who travel a lot, and particularly people with a penchant for winter sports, proper gear can mean the difference between an awkward, back-breaking maneuver through airports, or transporting luggage and equipment with relative ease. As a snow sports enthusiast, I was grateful to discover the High Sierra Sport Company's extensive line of practical, sturdy, attractive products.

My first High Sierra item, a black and pear green ski boot cargo bag immediately reduced my baggage count from two pieces to one. Both my ski boots and après ski boots fitted neatly into its two large end compartments which could be removed and zipped together to form a boot bag or could be used singly as a backpack. I managed to cram all my ski-wear into the spacious main compartment and utilized the zippered front pocket for goggles and gloves. It provided three very useful items in one, very helpful to one who always tends to over-pack. A similar item manufactured by High Sierra, a 36-inch drop bottom duffel, added the option of a one-stage locking telescope handle and in-line rolling skate style wheels, though the end compartments were not large enough to accommodate two pairs of boots.

Carrying skis over my shoulder while managing other luggage has provided many a nightmare. To the rescue….a wheeled double ski bag. This item features smooth-rolling, in-line skate wheels, soft grip handle, padded interior divider panel which protects and separates two pairs of skis with an end panel that adjusts to accommodate longer skis or parabolic skis. Although I am not a boarder, the wheeled double snowboard bag provided the same convenience for snow surfers.

For cross country skiers or snow shoers who have got to have music and all the electronic conveniences to make their day, High Sierra offers a day pack with CD pocket, a cell phone pocket, credit card pockets with plenty of room for other necessities.

Accessories that kept my things safe and organized included a double eyeglass pouch which accommodated two pairs of glasses, one regular and one for sun, plus a main pocket large enough to hold my sports shield glasses or a cell phone. Making it easier to keep track of things, High Sierra offers a variety of neck wallets and a 14-pocket document organizer.

A handy little item which I discovered, manufactured by Crescent Moon Snowshoe Company, was their Permagrin Traction System shoe/boot covers, which I used with their state-of-the-art Permagrin snowshoes. The only problem I have with snowshoes is accidentally stepping on my opposite snowshoe and tripping myself. Because of their sleek design, it was almost impossible to do with these snowshoes. The Permagrin covers not only provided extra traction when used in conjunction with the snow shoes, but certainly had the possibility of being used for city walking where the sidewalks are icy and dangerous. The Permagrin was introduced as a crampon-like traction system, designed for runners, hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts to slip over their hiking shoes. It provides two aggressive claws to improve traction and grip on ice and hard-packed snow and in other conditions that don't require a full snowshoe. It's a neat, lightweight, packable item which kept me sure-footed during my winter excursions.

For information:

High Sierra Sport Company
880 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, IL 60061-3164
800/323-9590

Crescent Moon Snowshoe Company
1199 Crestmoor
Boulder, CO 80303
800/587-7655

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