Continuing with the coverage from Summer 2016 Outdoor Retailer here are more of the highlights from the massive tradeshow.
Deus CycleWorks and Woolrich partnered to showcase their collaborative project the Woolrich JRB E-Bike. The hand built bike was built for use both in outdoor and urban environments and features an electric pedal-assist system and fat tires.
Fjallraven had their booth packed with goodness. Their latest apparel collection is made for travel with thoughtful design including integrated easy access pockets that keep you valuables closest to you all the while maintaining their classic style. The iconic Kanken backpack has received an update that utilizes recycled material for their new Re-Kanken, which is available in several colorways, but the pack that stood out for me was their new travel bag with multiple compartments and modular storage. And finally for hikers and trail runners alike they will appreciate the new compression hiking pants that feature durable material in the places you need the most protection such as on the knees and butt area, while keeping the flexibility and comfort of wearing compression pants, but with pockets for storage of course.
Alchemy Equipment is one of my favorite brands that I discovered a few years back at OR. The New Zealand based performance driven apparel and luggage brand features a sleek and modern style. I actually wasn’t able to take a good look at the new collections as I was in between appointments, but stopped really quick to grab a few shots and from what I captured I can tell that I really need to add something from them to the rotation.
MIIR has been on my radar for awhile now, but I never really took the chance to see what the brand was all about. Based on a Product to Project fundamental, each product funds a trackable giving project. The company makes three things – bottles, bags, and bikes and each supports an initiative such as clean water, education, and transportation. The new bag collection is constructed with 630D nylon with a DWR finish and a polyurethane inner coating along with water resistant zippers for those rainy days. They are also extremely lightweight and feature compartments for items such as a laptop and water bottle along with reflective logos that cyclists will appreciate. The collection of bottles also stood out with many options from Growlers to bottles to camp cups (the insulation also provides protection from the heat of a hot beverage).
Igloo has been a staple in the outdoor world for a long time. I particularly liked the design of their new welded backpack that makes carrying ice and cold beverages through rough terrain and parking lots alike super easy and efficient. The construction of the pack was solid and the details and reasonable price point separate this one from the rest. For those looking to do a picnic at the park the Daytripper Tote comes equipped with a storage compartment that can hold items you want to remain cool and separated from other foods such as cheese as well as a cutting board and cutlery. I definitely need to get one of these new items for camping, the beach, and of course tailgating!
Oru Kayak is the portable and easy to store and construct kayak company, which you may have seen on Shark Tank a few seasons back. Since then the company has grown and the product line has expanded to include various styles and sizes.
Pac Safe provides the ultimate security while on the go. Each of their products is designed around keeping your valuables safe from thieves with RFID technology, locks, hideaway pockets, their patented eXomesh that is slash proof. The new designs are more modern and fashionable than their previous collections and would be something that you could now use daily rather than just for travel. I was impressed with the recent updates to the style and direction the brand is headed.
Pelican provides the strongest protection for your gear. Their highly durable and waterproof cases are now joined by other products such as coolers and beverage bottles. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the new TrekPak divider system on display, but I’m familiar with the product as I have it in my Truck Vault and its a super easy to use customizable system to help properly secure your goods such as camera gear inside the Pelican Cases. For those that like the velcro equipped padded dividers they are available in bright yellow to ensure your don’t lose anything.
Snow Peak unveiled a new futon that not only looked cool, but was comfortable to sit in as well and can give your campsite a home / lounge feel. The new cookware included a portable oven that pizza lovers will appreciate.
Alite is a San Francisco based brand that offers several products for the outdoors from camp chairs to packs to tents to even lifestyle accessories. I own a couple of the chairs and a waterproof blanket and must admit they are super light weight as their name suggests and the waterproof blanket comes in handy for the beach and anytime you need to hang out on grass (I suggest keeping one in your car). The new range of packs come in a host of sizes and colors for your everyday adventure.
Boreas is another SF based brand that offers technical gear for the outdoors. Their packs are design driven for better functionality for various outdoor activities from camping, hiking, or even biking there are unique features. I particularly like their minimal and sleek pack collection that is wrapped in black and can be used daily.
Dakine showcased a great solution for storing and transporting beers while out and about.
Helinox debuted the Chair Two Rocker that weighs in at a mere 3.2 pounds for ultimate in outdoor lounging.
Mountainsmith showcased their collection of outdoor packs and gear, but a new addition is their pack made specifically to hold a beer growler and a cooler tube that holds a 6-pack of beer.
Takeya showcased a collection of Thermoflask insulated bottles in various colors and sizes.
Peak Design had their new collection of Everyday Bags on display. The bags which are still available for pre-order on Kickstarter feature well thought out design in a range of sizes and shapes from a tote to backpack to sling. They also had their camera straps, but what really caught my attention was the Shell, a camera cover that protects the camera and lens from the elements including rain and dust.
NAU offers style and performance in sustainable apparel. The new collection looks great with casual styles that are great for both traveling and to wear daily. Travel was a focus with the design as they made sure the apparel was lightweight as well as ample pockets.
Mountain Hardware is a performance based brand that provides everything you could need for the outdoors from sleeping bags, tents, apparel, and more. Their new featherweight windbreakers looked amazing as they really were ultra lightweight. The new waterproof packs also stood out for their design details such as interior waterproof pockets, back cushioning, and lining features that ensure your gear is safe from the elements. I particularly liked the waterproof duffel as it folds flat and is easy to store.
Stance socks showcased their new line of outdoor socks that offer extra cushioning, breathable materials, and of course their signature fashion-forward designs. I really want to add a couple pairs of these to the rotation.
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