ColdAvenger being tested at The Peak, Inc.
Our customers put ColdAvenger masks to the test in all sorts of harsh environments – from the top of the world on K-2 to the deep freeze that settles across America’s heartland during the winter months. But when we sent masks to Rod Alne at The Peak Inc., we knew they were going to really be put through the ringer. Rod started The Peak Inc. back in 2006 to test and recommend cold-weather products and technology to the U.S. Military. After spending 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, he has plenty of inside knowledge on what works, and what doesn’t. While on tour in Afghanistan, the shortcomings of cold weather and high-altitude protection and the need for quality gear became apparent.
“The weather in Afghanistan is as dangerous a foe as the enemy,” said Rod Alne, president of The Peak Inc. “The Himalayas are some of the tallest mountains in the world, and the environment is unforgiving. Many troops rely on civilian gear that they haven’t had a chance to field test. I formed The Peak Inc. to give military groups a dependable rating system for “off the shelf” products that they have to rely on in life and death situations, and to save money wasted on gear that doesn’t perform as advertised.”
Rod set up shop in Montana – putting cold-weather and high-altitude gear to the test in the Highlands. In the past three and a half years, he’s done work for every branch of the military, and is always looking for new products and technology to try out. Back in March, we sent a box of ColdAvenger masks for a punishing nine days of testing on snow mobiles and downhill skiing, plus mountaineering at about 11,000 feet. The conditions were brutal; -18 degrees with winds up to 70 mph. About half the testers wore ColdAvenger masks, and they definitely noticed the difference.
“Some of the guys were a little skeptical at first, but the ColdAvenger performed as advertised,” said Alne. “We had no cold air coming in through the mask. It also helped keep goggles from fogging up better than other masks. I’ll definitely use it, and I’m really looking forward to trying out the ColdAvenger Expedition Balaclava, especially for snowmobiling with a full-face helmet.”
The Peak training on MT peaks with ColdAvenger Pro
Thanks for all the great feedback, Rod … and for your service to our country and to the men and women who are currently on duty in Afghanistan and other extreme environments all over the world. We’re glad to know that you and the ColdAvenger are helping our nation’s military “stay out longer”!
John B. Sullivan III aka
