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.
Patagonia Black Hole Cinch Daypack 20L
Patagonia expands its line of Black Hole packs with the edition of this lightweight, highly packable, and very durable 20L travel bag. This daypack offers easy access to its interior, can carry plenty of gear to get you through a busy day, and will keep you comfortable whether you’re hiking a trail or running errands around town. ($79)
Voormi Dual Surface UL Technology
Sometimes innovations don’t come in the form of a specific product, but in the materials that are used to create it. Such is the case with VOORMI’s new Dual Surface UL Technology, which is used to create the lightest weight merino wool blend on the market today. A combination of thin polyester against the skin (for faster wicking and strength) and merino, the material weighs just under 100 grams per square meter, making it 30-50 grams (or about 40%) lighter than anything else currently available, while apparently still managing to retain all of the soft, anti-stink properties that we’ve come to love in merino.
Sea to Summit Ultralight Hammock
Ultralight hikers will be thrilled to learn that Sea to Summit is entering the hammock market and its doing so in a very big way. The company’s new Ultralight model weighs in at just 5 ounces, making it one of the lightest currently available. Sea to Summit promises fast and easy set-up, as well as a host of quality accessories.
Brooks-Range Mountaineering Alpha Vest
The team at Brooks-Range Mountaineering knows that the key to staying comfortable in the backcountry is to keep your core warm. The new Alpha Vest has been designed to accomplish that task, incorporating the latest insulations from Polartec in the process. Capable of being worn as an outer or mid-layer, the Alpha is designed to facilitate moisture movement when wearing a pack. The vest will be available for both men and women.
Innova Alfonso Inflatable Fishing Canoe
Many of us would love to own a fishing boat but we simply don’t have a good place to store it. Innova has overcome this problem with the new Alfonso inflatable fishing canoe designed for paddling trips on lakes and rivers. The canoe can hold up to three people, can accommodate a small motor, and has two fishing pole holders. Best of all, when you’re done using it, you can store it in a closet or under the bed.
OtterBox uniVERSE Case and Goal Zero Slide Battery Combo
OtterBox and Goal Zero have combined their considerable talents to create a new case that will not only keep your iPhone safe from harm, but provide extra battery life at the same time. The battery slides (get it?!?) into place on the back of the uniVERSE case, effectively doubling the iPhone’s battery life. The case also features a built-in kickstand that is handy for watching videos and an integrated flashlight as well. The battery runs $54.99 while the case is an additional $49.95.
Salomon XA Enduro
Salomon continues the evolution of its XA trail running shoes with the introduction of the XA Enduro. The shoe comes equiipped with a built-in gaiter to keep rock, mud, and snow away from your feet, and its specilized Sensifit system keeps your foot firmly in place no matter how intense the workout becomes. A new sole provided promises to provide unprecedented traction, even on wet surfaces, while still offering excellent protection without sacrificing sensitivity in any way.
Thermacell Repellents Backpacker
Love to go camping but hate the bugs? Thermacell is brining its expertise at repelling insects to the campsite with its new Backpacker model. The device is paired with a standard camp fuel canister and can reportedly create a 225 square foot area that is free from mosquitoes, black flies, and no-see-ums, all without the use of lotions, sprays, odor, or an open flame.
Timbuk2 Void Travel Pack
This limited edition travel pack from Timbuk2 includes a rolltop closure and special fabrics that make it completely waterproof and even submersible. It features a laptop sleeve designed to hold a 15″ computer, an adjustable magnetic sternum strap, and a ventilated backpanel.
SAXX Kinetic Run Short
SAXX is hoping to make chafing a thing of the past for runners with the introduction of the new Kinetic Run Short. The company has taken its very own Kinetic Boxer Brief underwear and integrated design elements from those garments into these athletic shorts, which are said to be practically chafe free. Does it deliver on the promise? We can’t wait to find out.
re-fuel 2-in-1 Bluetooth Speaker and Water Bottle
Stay hydrated while listening to your favorite tunes with this 2-in-1 Bluetooth speaker and water bottle combination from re-fuel. The container is completely BPA free of course, while the mini wireless speaker is capable of cranking out a surprisingly high level of volume. Perfect for travel, camping trips, or those days at the beach, this seems like a natural combination of two very useful products.
