The Outdoor Retailer – Snow Show is the outdoor industry’s trade show where new products and innovations are revealed to retailers, the media and consumers. The show floor, in Denver Colorado’s Convention Center, features thousands of products from all corners of the outdoors. Here are a few new and innovative items that caught our eye.
Mountain Flow Eco Wax
Waxing skis is necessary for your skis to glide properly over the snow. Unfortunately, in the past, ski wax was a petroleum-based, fluorocarbon containing environmental problem. Not only was wax unsustainable, but it would transfer directly into the snowpack from your skis and into the watershed. Mountain Flow has introduced, through a well funded Kickstarter campaign, a fully plant-based ski wax. In their testing, this wax performs as well and lasts as long as conventional petroleum based products. We’re excited to give it a try this winter!
Avametrix Avyscanner
This new product, developed by a team of Idaho entrepreneurs, introduces the ability to scan the snowpack using radar to identify weak layers. It employs an AI neural network to help identify when conditions exist that may be prone to human triggered avalanches. It’s an innovation on the side of avoiding avalanches, which is preferable to searching for buried victims after a slide has occurred. We’re keen to check this out once they are in full production.
Adidas/Five Ten Hiangle Pro
Five Ten’s new Hiangle Pro is one of the biggest innovations in climbing shoes since the down-turned last. Designed for the new style of climbing introduced in World Cup comps and the Summer Olympic Games, the Hiangle Pro is an entirely new category of climbing shoes.
While traditional climbing shoes incorporate a 90-degree angle on inside edge, the Hiangle Pro has a unique sole and heel design. The soft inside curve allows climbers to roll their feet from a smear to toe hook with the maximum rubber on the rock. The heel design is a continuous curve that allows heel hook to a dynamic throw without repositioning.
The shoe will launch in Europe and Japan for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, then roll out in North America for FW 2020. “This shoe demonstrates the strength of the Five Ten-adidas relationship,” says designer Dave Kassel.
SCOTT Superguide Collection
The new Superguide skis from SCOTT are lightweight, touring capable, skis that deliver a high performance ride in many different conditions. I was recently able to try these versatile skis in variable powder, hard pack, and wind effected snow conditions. They are stable, hard charging skis and provided confidence while ripping down the mountain both in the backcountry and inside the resort.
Archer Components D1x Trail
More affordable than a full electronic groupset, this after market system transforms almost any mechanical shifting mountain bike into an electronic shifting machine. Via a combination of programmable shifter, Bluetooth remote, and phone app, the D1x Trail system enables you to make micro rear derailleur adjustments on the fly, shift multiple gears at once, and ensure you remain in a hill-friendly gear if the battery should all of a sudden run out. Easy to install, the system runs off of standard AA lithium ion batteries that will last anywhere from 80 to 150 hours before needing a recharge. – Amy Jurries
Atomic Hawx Prime XTD
When it comes to ski boots, it’s the ones that fit the best that you’re going to keep going back for. Atomic has taken their proven Hawx boot line and shaved weight while also providing the ability for your local retailer to full mold not only the liner, but also the shell, in order to provide a fully customizable fit. Additionally, the 54 degrees of rotation in walk mode and the pin tech / alpine compatible sole means that you can tour in these as well as charge the resort.
Amundsen Skauen Anorak Jacket
This three layer pullover shell is made from an organic cotton, Lycra blend with an electrospun nano membrane. The Skauen Anorak is lightweight, waterproof and highly breathable — the company claims 20K M.V.T. Its stretch cotton construction provides a superior level of comfort and won’t limit your range of motion. It’s a crave worthy piece of stylish outerwear made from natural, renewable fibers.
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