Last week the outdoor world converged at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah for Winter Outdoor Retailer. I walked the tradeshow floor searching for new products and brands and here is what I came to find.
MiiR introduced a double wall vacuum insulated update to their line of tumblers as well as new assortment of “wide mouth” bottles. Each product gives back to a trackable giving project helping those in need of clean water, education, and even bicycles. As a certified B-Corp you can rest assured that your purchase will really help those in need.
Rumpl is the performance blanket made for both indoor and outdoor use. Made from the same materials as sleeping bags and puffy jackets providing warmth in a lightweight design. Easier to use than a sleeping bag and quicker to pack. They introduced some new designs and sizes including a double size for two people.
I was finally able to check out the Chris Burkard x Mountainsmith collection of outdoor photography packs. The packs are built tough to withstand the elements as well as versatile enough to work with each other as needed.
Tenkara Rod Co. provides portable and pocket sized fly fishing rods. The Mini Teton and Mini Sawtooth are their new mini rod designs and can be stashed in a pack, glovebox and pocket for quick and easy convenience. They feature a matte finish, updated zippered rod sleeve, and matte-finished aluminum rod tube.
Primus provides the perfect camping cookware. They introduced a new open fire pit for cooking and keeping warm in the great outdoors.
Fits socks are some of the most comfy and functional socks you may ever wear. They come in various sizes, materials including Merino Wool, and designs. Their no show socks are some of my favorites as they fit well and never slide off.
The Swedish brand, Fjällräven introduced an all-new mountaineering collection that includes base layers, shells and pants.
Doughnut is a bag company based out of New York. The brand has an assortment of packs and accessories for various uses and come in an array of colors. The packs are durable and functional while providing the just the right amount of style.
The footwear brand Teva showcased new colorways and a few new styles. Their new Ember Moc looked like an amazingly cozy option. Inspired by outdoor heritage, the shoe is puffy much like a sleeping bag and can be worn like an outdoor slipper.
The new Arrowood Utility boot features a waterproof leather upper for protection from the elements and a sneaker-like outsole for comfort even in urban environments.
Glerups are shoes that use natural raw materials such as wool and felt. The unique and simple styling caught my eye as they look super comfy. Their baby boots were also pretty awesome.
My favorite heritage boot brand showcased a couple new styles that are sure to be a hit once they release. The Vibram outsole ensures lightweight comfort, while the leather upper Gore Tex upper ensures durabilty and toughness for all conditions.
Osprey has technical and active everyday packs. For years they have provided innovations to help change the bag game. Osprey showcased new styles such as the Farpoint (Men’s) and Fairview (Women’s), which are lightweight, durable and includes a stowaway harness and hipbelt along with a zip-off daypack. The Porter, Transporter, and Gearkit are one bag travel solutions. The Trillium features configurable carry options from over the shoulder to in hand carry.
PacSafe focuses on protection for all your travel carry needs. The Instasafe Backpack has a sleek and urban style, but has all the same features and security with locks, slash proof exoskeleton, and RFID protection.
They also introduced an ultra slim RFID card wallet.
The Portland based pocket knife and multi-tool brand, Leatherman, showcased their new Skeletool KBx, “naked knife”, multi-tool which is extremely small and lightweight. They also introduced the Juice CS4 multi-tool, which opens cans, bottles, wine, etc. Very small and compact. Good for everyday carry or to store in your car or travel kit.
Lifestraw can save your life. Their filter system makes contaminated water safe to drink. The new Lifestraw Go removes bacteria and protozoa and incorporates a carbon capsule to reduce chlorine, bad taste and odor.
The demo test was intense as a rep drank water found in the parking lot of the convention center simply through the Lifestraw.
LED Lenser is a German born brand that produces some of the world’s best LED flashlights, headlamps, and accessories. There are several options with varying degrees of LED power, various sizes, and mounts to attach to items such as tripods.
Otterbox showcased their new iPhone 6/7 and 6/7 Plus case system. What makes it unique is rather than trying to be the case company that does it all they relied on partners to provide the extra accessory depending on what is needed. Each case is the same, but you can attach accessories to it from companies such as SanDisk for easy file transfer (works like a thumbdrive), Wagnar of Switzerland card holder / wallet, and Polar Pro for additional battery juice.
Their popular Drybox returns with the 3250 Series. Waterproof up to 90 feet for 30 mins, interior foam layer for added protection, 55 cubic inches of storage space to fit a smartphone, wallet, keys, and other everyday carry.
Japanese outdoor brand, Snow Peak, is absolutely one of my favorites. They featured a new pack collection, which were clean and included a few various options for travel accessories. I was excited for the packable bags that included a tote, pack, and duffel. The toiletry bag was also nice. But you can never go wrong with your own travel chopsticks.
Canadien underwear brand, SAXX returned to OR to showcase their new designs of under garments. Along with their ultra comfy underwear, they had new athletic shorts, t-shirts, and more.
The Hawaiian inspired footwear brand, Olukai, featured their latest collection of shoes, boots, and sandals. Highlights included the Hualalai, a work boot, built for rugged conditions with an upper that is waterproof full-grain leather and a rich cotton canvas for breathability.
The Ni’O is made from premium, small batch USA tanned leather from the Auburn Leather in Kentucky. Auburn Leather has over 150 years of experience making the highest quality leather. Each pair is hand crafted.
Hydroflask introduced a 25oz Wine Bottle and 10 oz Wine Tumbler. The pro-grade stainless steel construction provides protection from heat and light and keeps the wine at an ideal temperature for hours. The wine bottle also features a non-slip silicone base for traction. This becomes the perfect option for sipping wine pool side, on trips, and you didn’t hear it from me, but also Disneyland.
If you’re interested in creating your own custom colorway, The My Hydro program allows you to do just that. Visit it with this link.
They also introduced 22 oz and 32 oz Tumblers that are crafted to fit in any cup holder and featuring Hydro Flask’s proprietary TempShieldTM insulation.
SPY introduced a couple new styles to their line-up of sunglasses with the Hunt and Tackle. The Hunt is a versatile frame with a range of lens and frame colors.
The Tackle is made for life on the water and other situations that require protection and visibility, while select models come with Z787.1 ANSI certification.
For those with prescription eyewear, the SPY Rx Goggle Rx Insert, is the solution that skiers and snowboarders who wear prescription glasses have been looking for. SPY’s new Rx goggle inserts offer the perfect blend of clarity and visibility. They also work with their motocross goggles.
Skip the trip to the optometrist and order online directly at www.spyhappyrx.com.
He is also a co-founder of the OG Moto Show and contributes to various media outlets such as Fatlace, Acquire, Tread, EDC, and Carryology.
www.jpangilinan.com
Twitter and Instagram @john_pangilinan