FYi in Snowstyle

A recent interview in Snowstyle...(Japan).

I don't really remember what I said... and I don't really know what it says... but i'm sure I said something witty at least once.

TR

Burton x FYi x fragment = [ak]457

Introducing (officially) [ak]457.

What is it? A joint collaboration between Burton Japan, FYi, and fragment... [ak] 457 can be best described as technical equipment for mountain enthusiasts. It's Function with a capital F. It's pure backcountry gear. And like many of the best things in life, it's only available in Japan...

The purpose built [ak] Guide Jacket returns in 2010, with a special limited production run for Japan. We designed this jacket specifically for the working pro's that spend 100+ days a year guiding the rest of us to the goods. A very small number of the uber-technical guide jackets have hit Tokyo.. and will be very hard to get ahold of without some serious underground connections.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for the 457 program (you have to realize that we are working over 2 years ahead of what's hitting the marketplace). The 2011 line is already locked, and we're deep into 2012 currently. Many good things to come... stay tuned to frequency 457.

TR

FYi - Hanoi

This week we are in Hanoi, Viet Nam working with Patagonia on their 2011 Alpine Climbing outerwear program. The factory is encapsulated by its own botanical gardens. With beautiful modern buildings and floor to ceiling glass on all sides. They even have a massive bird sanctuary full of exotic bipedals... A sweat shop? I think not.

Jef Stokes is a man with a vision, and a real piece of work.

Best coffee in Hanoi: Cafe Mai

Traditional Vietnamese coffee is some of the best in the world. Very smooth, and a unique sweet flavor unlike any other bean I've had..

Scooter madness! Hanoi has a population around 8million. Every day, the rush hour commute includes -at least- 5,000,000 scooters weaving and dodging through traffic. It's common to see entire families of four or five people on one scooter. Cargo can include anything; trees, lumber, produce, an engine block... anything you can imagine that can be strapped to a scooter. Good to go.

This guy knows how to roll.

TR

FYi - Hong Kong

The second stop in [ak] development... [hk].

On tour with Andrew 'bugi' Burke.

TR

FYi - Shanghai

It's always a massive shock to bounce from Pemberton B.C. to one of the most populated places on the planet. This time it's Shanghai China. We are here this week working on 2012 Burton [ak].

TR