The North Face is joining the likes of American Eagle, REI and Sonic. In and around its 31 retail stores, North Face is testing geo-fencing technology.

The North Face is using Plancast's ShopAlerts for its geo-fencing services. ShopAlerts delivers tailored SMS messages to the mobile and smart phones in virtual zones inside and around The North Face retail stores.

images/Werner Paddles

Werner Paddles, a leading manufacturer of kayak, canoe and stand up paddles, announced the launch of the Bent Shaft Stand Up Paddle. Werner is offering the Bent Shaft SUP on their Nitro and Fuse paddles.

Werner touts the following benefits to the Bent Shaft:

• Stable leverage point to increase comfort and control
• Stable and smooth paddle with no flutter
• Increased catch for more power on each forward stroke

images/Confluence

Eddie Bauer is celebrating its 90^th Anniversary and are doing so with a special edition canoe from Mad River Canoe, a division of Confluence.

Each special edition Mad River Canoe Eddie Explorer 16 is numbered and has the Eddie Bauer 90^th Anniversary logo and signature pinstripes. The canoe features:

images/SOLE

SOLE, a leader in supportive footwear and footbeds, has redesigned their performance sock line.  The line will consist of Lightweight Sport and Dual-Layer socks. Each will be available in either white or black in no-show, ankle and crew lengths styles.

Sole promotes the Lightweight Sport socks’ blend of breathable fabrics, vented instep and hand-linked seamless toe.

images/Zeal Optics

Zeal Optics, a Boulder, Colorado based eyewear company, announced the release of the Transcend GPS goggle and Reliant Solar Powered backpack. Both will be available at retailers on October 10, 2010.

The Transcend GPS goggle is promoted by Zeal Optics as a first-of-its kind snow sports goggle. Partnering with Recon Instruments, it features a display integrated inside the goggle providing real-time statistics including speed, altitude, temperature and time. Zeal Optics states the interior display does not interfere with front and peripheral vision.

images/GoPro

GoPro announced the release of an entry level wearable HD camera, the HD HERO 960. The GoPro HD HERO 960 is designed to attach to your body, head, helmet and other gear.

According to GoPro, the HD HERO 960 is the entry level version of their 1080p HD HERO. The HD HERO 960 has 960p (1280 x 960) and 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second, and WVGA (848 x 480) at 60 frames per second. The camera also does not have an expansion port for a secondary battery or LCD display like the 1080p HD HERO.

images/Aquapac

Aquapac, a UK-based company that produces 100% waterproof cases for multi-uses, announced the coming release of two new products. Both products are designed for Flip Video shoot-and-share camcorders.

The Aquapac 106 and 346 are part of Aquapac’s new Designed for Flip Video accessory program. Both are advertised as submersible to 15 feet deep and allowing users to operate their Flip Video camera. Aquapac advertises the 106 and 346 as able to float if dropped in water.

Bill Clinton & Bigfish Folding Bike

Bigfish Bikes, manufacturer of standard-sized folding bike, announced two initiatives to complement mass transit to solve commuting problems. Bigfish’s solution was announced as part of the 2010 Clinton Global Initiative. The initiatives are being announced as part of Bigfish's "commitment to action".

One of the initiatives was to locate 15 ‘mobility hubs’ in the greater Los Angeles area. The hubs will be in areas that are convenient to multiple modes of alternative transportation. Starting in January 2011, Bigfish plans to install 1,000 folding bikes at hubs in both Los Angeles and Long Beach over the next one to two years.

images/Princeton Tec

The Byte headlamp is the newest product from Princeton Tec. The company announced the Byte’s release in a press release on September 16, 2010. The Byte joins the Fuel and Remix headlamps in the company’s “The Family” product line.

Princeton Tec states that the Byte offers 35 lumens of light with one Maxbright LED and one red Ultrabright LED. The result is a burntime of 96 and 146 hours respectively.

Vonn’s success includes a new line of sports cases manufactured and distributed by Sportube. The new Lindsey Vonn Special Edition Series line features three ski and snowboard travel cases.