This week the attention of the outdoor industry will turn to Salt Lake City, Utah where the semi-annual Outdoor Retailer convention will get underway. Over the course of the next few days, hundreds – if not thousands – of new products will be introduced, many of which could have a direct impact on the activities that we enjoy so much. Here’s a sampling of some of the more interesting new products that will make their way to store shelves in the months to come.
The North Face Summit Alpine Pack
Using The North Face’s proprietary FuseForm technology, the new Summit Alpine Pack uses a seamless construction process to improve durability while shedding weight at the same time. In this case, this full-featured mountaineering pack weighs less than 3 lbs., has a 50L capacity, and can comfortably carry a load of up to 50 lbs.
Columbia Caldorado II Trail Running Shoe
In the spring of 2017 Columbia will unveil it’s all new head-to-toe trail running line, which will include the new Caldorado II running shoes. OutDRY fabrics will make these shoes extremely waterproof, while still remaining highly breathable, but without absorbing any moisture. This should make the Caldorado II a great shoe for wet trails, where its aggressive sole will provide plenty of traction in a wide variety of conditions.
CamelBak Crux Reservoir
The company that invented the hydration pack continues to look for new ways to improve the category. With the Crux Reservoir Camelbak promises to deliver up to 20% more water with each sip, allowing us to stay hydrated in a more efficient manner. Other improvements include a better designed cap to seal water in, an redesigned bite valve system, and a new switch that allows you to quickly and easily shut off the flow of water with just one hand.
MSR Advance Pro 2 Tent
For those who need a lightweight, yet very tough, mountaineering tent MSR offers the Advance Pro 2. The tent, which is designed for first ascents and multiday summit pushes, provides 38 cubic feet of livable space, an interior height of 44 inches, and a spacious floor and vestibule for storing gear. It is reportedly easy to set up, has a small footprint for use in tight quarters, and has been built to withstand extreme conditions.
Primus PrimeTech Stove Sets
For the long distance hiker in need of an all-in-one cooking solution, Primus introduces the new PrimeTech Stove set. The set comes bundled with a lightweight and efficient backpacking stove, two pots (one aluminum, one anodized with ceramic not-stick coating), a windscreen, and burner igniter. The sets will be available in both 1.3L and 2.3L sizes.
Mountain Hardwear OutDRY Duffel
When you’re traveling in remote places, keeping your gear safe and dry is of the utmost importance. That’s the idea behind the 75L OutDRY Duffel from Mountain Hardwear. This bag welds OutDRY fabrics to the inner surface of this duffel to create a bag that is both waterproof and bombproof. In fact, it’s so efficient at what it does that Mountain Hardwear even brags that you can fill it up with ice and cold beverages, and it will even serve a makeshift cooler anytime and anywhere. ($180)
BioLite BaseLantern Camp Lighting System
With a rechargeable battery pack, 500 lumens of output, and the ability to recharge your mobile devices, the BaseLantern camp lighting system from BioLite promises to change the way we see the campsite. Connect with the lantern with your smartphone via Bluetooth and a special app and you’ll have full control of the lighting. Available in a standard model (7800 mAh battery) and an XL edition (12000 mAh), the BaseLantern will sell for $99.95 and $129.95 respectively.
Oboz Crest Mid BDry Hiking Boot
When building their new Crest Mid Bdry hiking boot, Montana based Oboz looked to the trail running industry for inspiration. The result is a lightweight hiker that is still extremely durable and agile. Built to go far and fast, the boot features speed lacing and an unstructured upper, without an exposed midsole. Inside is an protected insole that provides support for the arches of your feet over a long day on the trail.
Osprey Duro and Dyna 6 Hydration Vest
For spring 2017 Osprey will a launch a line of running specific hydration vests, flasks, and bottles designed for just about any duration out on the trail. The Duro (for men) and Dyna (for women) 6 vests feature an Airmesh backpanel, integrated Hydraulics LT reservoir, adjustable and removable dual chest straps, quick access to fuels and soft-flasks, and storage capacity for trekking poles as well as an extra layer.
Buff Pack Running Cap
Buff has been making versatile headwear for a host of outdoor activities for years, but now the company is branching off into a new market by releasing its first cap. Designed specifically with runners in mind, the new Pack Cap weighs just once ounce, provides UPF 50 protection from the sun, and is made of quick-drying, wicking materials. A low-profile sweatband helps keep perspiration out of your eyes, while an adjustable elastic cord helps the wearer dial in just the right fit. It’s even highly packable, making it easy to bring on all your adventures.
