As I have had a few days to digest the piles of information that was thrown my way by the generous folks attending The 2010 edition of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, I have been able to pick out a few of what I feel were the coolest things I experienced during the show.  Good things are afoot for the Fall of 2010, and there will be something exciting for all types of gear geeks, but here a re a few things that really caught my fancy.

Princeton Tec-

Princeton Tec is introducing a $20.00 2.25 ounce headlamp they have  dubbed the Byte.  The Byte is 15% smaller, and 18% smaller than other Princeton Tec headlamps, and provides many of the same features as the more expensive cousins.  The Byte features 1 maxbright and 1 ultrabright red LED, and has a high and low mode.  The Byte runs on 2 AAA batteries.

In addition to the Byte, Princeton Tec is introducing a self contained LCD bicycle light called the Push.  This little headlamp that clamps onto a handlebar, has a 100 Lumen LCD in the front that lights the way, and a small strip of LCDs on each side to make one more visible.  I have just finished testing the superb Princeton Tec Remix, and am looking forward to getting my hands on this piece to see how they do with a smaller less expensive headlamp.

Princeton Tec at REI

ExOfficio-

Exofficio is introducing a line of layerable outerwear that is true to the Exofficio tradition to quality and detail.  The line goes from a Primaloft insulated Jacket and vest dubbed the StormLogic, through a wind proof midlayer  fleece called the WindLogic to a waterproof breathable stretchy shell dubbed the RainLogic.  All these pieces feature a variety of specialized internal pockets that will hold passports, electronics and more.  The StormLogic jacket transforms itself into a travel pillow by stuffing itself into a long narrow pillow in the bottom half of the jacket.

I have long been impressed with the quality of Exofficio clothing, and checking these pieces out closely, it is apparent that Exofficio has brought the same quality into this new line of outerwear.

Tilley-

Tilley has been actively expanding its line of quality headwear to include pieces for everyone.  Next fall, they are including a really nice cadet cap crafted form wool. This cap which combines the feature that are so much a part of a Tilly (wide range of sizing, internal stash pocket etc.) into a stylish warm wool cap that does not scream out “hiking geek” (not that there is anything wrong with that).

Tilley at REI

MSR-

While the weather never gets cold enough to use snowshoes in San Diego, I am always ready to put a few miles on my vehicle for the opportunity to do some snowshoeing.  MSR has upped the Ante with the introduction of the Lightning Axis snowshoes to their already superb lineup.   These all around performers feature MSR’s Speedlock bindings which have single strap system over the foot that only needs only an initial adjustment to be secure. In addition, the Lightning Axis also features an optional removable tail to help keep the snowshoe afloat in softer powder, or when carrying heavier loads.

The Lightning Axis will be available in three mens sizes, and two different womens sizes starting at $239.00.  The removable tails will retail for about $50.00

MSR Snowshoes at Backcountry.com

Smartwool-

Smartwool’s new PhD Graduated Compression Socks marry the supportive benefits of a compression sock with the luxury of Smartwool.  Compression socks are not new, and the ability of compression on the feet to enhance performance and aid in recovery is well documented.  Having a set of compression socks that are not made of plasticy smell trapping nylon material are what makes these socks interesting.

The socks will be available in two different over the calf thicknesses (light and Ultra-light) and will provide 20-30 mmHg of compression.

Smartwool at REI