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The Big Idea The Gear Years 1875-2002 A History of Modern Gear, From 1875-2002
1941 German-born Kurt Hahn establishes the first OUTWARD BOUND school in Aberdovy, Wales, to help young military recruits survive harsh physical challenges. >> The U.S. enters World War II. During the conflict, the military develops new uses for NYLON and ALUMINUM, arguably the two most important materials in the outdoor industry. 1947 Steve Bradley and Dave Stacey build the first FIBERGLASS KAYAK. 1950 Connecticut's Mohawk Mountain introduces SNOWMAKING. 1951 Commercial rafting picks up steam when military-surplus RUBBER BOATS replace wooden dories. 1952 Maria Bogner invents STRETCH PANTS for skiers. 1955 The first compact WHITE-GAS STOVE, the Svea 123, debuts. 1958 Hobie Alter creats SPEEDO SPONGES—the first foam and fiberglass surfboards.
Du Pont unveils a sheer stretch fabric called SPANDEX. 1960 The Mountaineers Books publishes MOUNTAINEERING: FREEDOM OF THE HILLS. The climbing bible will sell nearly half a million copies. 1963 EUREKA! supplies tents for the first successful American climbing expedition on Mount Everest. >> Bob Lange introduces the PLASTIC SKI BOOT. 1965 Sherman Poppen screws two kiddie skis together to make SNURFER, an eight-inch-wide plank that inspires the snowboard. >> Teton climbing legend Paul Petzoldt founds the NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP SCHOOL in Lander, Wyoming. >> University of Florida researcher Robert Cade brews up his first batch of GATORADE for the school's football team. 1968 Colin Fletcher publishes THE COMPLETE WALKER, fueling a national backpacking craze.
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