The first day of The Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2010 was a day full of innovate new gear.  I saw a ton of exciting things,  here are a few highlights:

Columbia Sportswear

Columbia Sportswear has introduced an innovative insulation technology that they have dubbed “Omni-Heat” .  This technology uses a dot-matrix grid on the inside of the garment to reflect the user body heat back to keep warm.  The grid provide space to allow moisture to escape and help keep the temperature regulated so that one does not overheat.  Omni-Heat will be available in a whole range of gear including outerwear, footwear, hats, headbands, gloves and more.

Cushe Footwear

Cushe Footwear is a fairly new player to the shoe market in the United States.  They have some really cool designs in both the casual footwear category, as well as a couple of trail hikers that look pretty comfy.  The shoes have a unique lightweight rounded sole that appears to be grippy, and comfortable. Here is what they have to say about Cushe;

“Cushe challenges the boundaries of ordinary footwear design, creating shoes for the independent individual who is looking to do things their way and at their own pace. Utilizing the latest manufacturing techniques and the most innovative material, Cushe’s footwear conforms to the foot’s natural shape, ensuring comfort, protection and stability.”

Hi-Tec

Hi-Tec has introduced a new line of outerwear.  Hi Tec has been making boots forever, but this is their first foray in the clothing market.  According to the folks at Hi-Tec the future of this  line includes their innovative “Ion-Mask” coating that embeds a waterproof coating into the fabric, but decided to release a line that uses their new waterproof breathable Dri-Tec fabric.  The gear looks great with thoughtful details and quality construction that bode well for Hi-Tec

C Gear

Sometimes simple things rethought with innovative technology brings about revolutionary products.  C Gear has rethought the simple ground tarp to incorporate technology that allows dirt and sand to filter down through the tarp, but not allow it back up onto the surface.  The technology was initially developed to keep sand and debris from being kicked up into helicopter engines, and has now moved onto the outdoor market.  These will make fantastic ground cloths for the front of R.Vs or even under tents.

Therm-A-Rest

Therm-A-Rest has introduced the Ridge Rest Solar.  This update of the traditional closed cell foam Ridge Rest foam pad incorporates the same reflective coating provides the insulation of the light weight Neo Air inflatable pad.  This makes the Ridge Rest Solar 13% warmer than the previous generation for the same weight.