Trailspace always has great coverage of the show,  and bring the best of new gear to their pages.

4alloutdoors has expanded their coverage, and have several representatives at the show.

Outdoor Retailer has their own blog bringing you an insider take on the show.

The Gear Junkie always has interesting things to say about the show.

Feed The Habit brings their own take on the show.

Snews has daily reports coming via Youtube

Are covering the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market?  Comment on this post to let us know where we can hear your take on the happenings.

I was a little hesitant at first to initially write about the Teva Illum sandals the intrigue at the Teva seemed to demand secrecy.  When I arrived at the booth, they quietly ushered me into to a small dark room in the bowels of the structure, commenting how hush-hush their newest offering was.  There was a person cloaked in shadows (think  Watergate’s Deepthroat) explaining to me the how the Illums were conceived by two adventure surfers after one to many dawn patrols in which they experienced foot catastrophes walking through dark paths to the beach in flip flops.  As the moving story climaxed, a light began to glow under a glass case, and the Illum sandals were unveiled:  A flip flop with flash lights on the strap!

Possibly a little dramatic for the concept? That is for you to decide, but they are a pretty cool pair well made sandals with a small, waterproof, detachable LED lamp.  Will they work for those dark dawn patrols?  I am looking forward to finding out if the concept lives up to the hype.

Polarmax TransDry

I miss cotton when I am out in the backcountry.  There is nothing like a soft comfy cotton T-Shirt that makes me feel at home. It is cotton’s potential to make my  chilly season backpacking trips uncomfortable and potentially hazardous  that keeps the cotton in my dresser drawers.  Synthetic fabrics don’t make the cut ,  although fine merino wool comes close, to the feel of cotton.  Now I can have my cake and eat it too with the Polarmax Transdry wicking cotton shirts.  These treated cotton shirts have the ability to transfer moisture away from the skin, and dry significantly faster than their untreated counterparts.

I had opportunity to try out a TransDry shirt on a soggy desert campout this weekend,  and I am impressed.  The shirt had the comfort of cotton,  and dried a well as some of the other non- cotton clothing I was also wearing.  Stay tuned for more as it comes with me on more backcountry adventures.

Prana Coolmax Jeans

Continuing on the theme of impractical clothing clothing re-engineered to make it suitable for the backcountry, Prana has a new pair of Coolmax fabric jeans.  These jeans have the look and feel of a pair of lightweight denim jeans that we all know and love, but do not have any water loving denim cotton in them.  How nice is it to have a pair of jeans that will not become a huge heavy heat robbing sponge every time mother nature spits at you.

Point 6 Wool Socks

I have had the opportunity to run in a pair of Point 6 wool sox for the last 4 months, and I am impressed as to their comfort an durability.  I have pounded on the socks on both the road and in the washing machine, and they are holding up like new.   Point 6 is the result of Peter and  Patty’s (the original founders of Smartwool) vision of creating the best wool sock imaginable by incorporating a compact spun wool that is supposed to be more durable and more comfortable that other methods.  They are on the right track to be sure.

Seal Line Waterproof eCases

SeaLine’s new waterproof electronic dry cases are the sveltest most elegant solution to keeping your electronic gear dry that I have yet to come across.  There are no bulky sliders or clips, just a heavy duty zip-lock type opening, and a clear viewing window that allows one to manipulate touch screens while protected.  While not the sexiest piece of gear, they can save one a lot of grief,  and I really appreciate one that works while fading in to the background.

Click for more 2010 Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Posts:

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

Patagonia

Patagonia is continuing is dedication its brand one of the most environmentally conscientious companies in the outdoor market.  77% of their materials it uses throughout its line of gear has been recycled.  Through their Common Threads program, they have collected 12 tons of used and worn out gear, and recycled it into new gear.  It doesn’t hurt that they also make some of the coolest stuff out there.  Here are a couple of things to look forward too from Patagonia in the fall.

The R3  Highloft Jacket is a new offering in the redesigned Regulator series (R1-R4) that caught my eye as it looks really comfortable.  The fuzzy texture, and nice design make it look and feel like on of those mid-layer pieces that you just keep coming back to year after year.

The Capalene series of clothing has been re engineered to improve on its already impressive performance.  The changes in materials and design have done great things for the line, such as making the Capalene 4 baselayer 70% warmer while only adding 10% to the weight.

Sole

Sole Footwear, a company that is new to me, is producing a line of ergonomically designed sandals in which the footbeds are manufactured using recycled wine corks.  The technology behind the sandals are based on the ergonomic footbeds that have been produced by Sole for a number of years, and look to provide the sandals with a comfortable supportive design.

Merrell

Merrell has upped their stake in the outdoor apparel market this coming fall by bringing in a new line of outerwear that looks to be a higher quality than any of their previous offerings. One of the more exciting pieces of gear is their new 3 in one Jacket called the Tritherm which features a waterproof breathable shell, and a zip in down liner that is stuffed with 800 fill power down, and can be worn as a standalone jacket.  In addition they are also offering the Guise and Charade jackets which are insulated with a synthetic fill, and stuff into their own travel pillow.

Osprey

Osprey has expanded their line by designing a line of less technical daypacks that will be as comfortable in the classroom or office as the backcountry.  The packs, dubbed 24/7 come in a range of styles, and all of them feature internal laptop sleeves.  The packs will retail between $59 and $99 depending on the size and level of features.

Brunton

While Brunton’s new “Flip and Drip” coffee system is a little bulky to be stashed in a backcountry pack, it does offer an ingenious all in one solution for brewing a fresh cup of coffee or tea before heading out from a basecamp or your car for a day of adventure.  The three piece system allows one to boil water in a pot, add coffee to a filter, and attach to a coffee mug.  Brewing coffee is as simple as flipping the unit over to allow the hot water to strain through the filter into the mug.

GoLite

GoLite is one of those companies that incorporate a sustainability and responsibility into products that perform.  Reducing the footprint while producing the highest quality and best performing products has something that GoLite has excelled.  Their Commitment to using Tier 1 recycled fabrics throughout their lines of equipment and apparel have earned them recognition from Backpacker Magazine as green company of the year.

Thorlo

My meeting with Thorlo socks today revealed one of the most genuine, downhome companies I have come across.  Their commitment to making high quality socks that will allow people an enhanced experience in whatever sport they are participating in is inspiring.  Their goal is to help educate people to create a correctly fitting sock and boot system that will work for hikers, and have an expanded line of socks to helpcreate this functional system.

Here is a fun video from their site that explains their philosophy:

Thorlos Heart And Soul : An American Brand from Thorlos Videos on Vimeo.

In addition Thorlo is donating 6,000 pairs of socks to go along with the Soles 4 Souls relief effort to Haiti.

Outdoor Parents Outdoor Kids

I had the opportunity to stop by and have Eugene Buchanan, who wrote a new book titled Outdoor Parents Outdoor Kids; A Guide to Getting Your Kids Active in the Great Outdoors.  As anyone who has been on Outside San Diego before will know,  I am passionate about getting my children and others to experience the outdoors.  This book looks like a great guide for those looking for help in getting their kids enjoying outdoor activities.  A quick peruse of the book led me to chapters on bicycling, snowsports, camping and others.  Eugene Buchanan the creator of paddlinglife.net,  and a former Editor-in-Chief of Paddler magazine has the writing chops to put out an entertaining book, and has experience bringing his kids out for the last 10.  If you are looking for a guide to get outside with your little one,  this may be the book for you.  A portion of the sales of this book benefit the Outdoor Foundation.

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.

To start it off,  Snowbasin is an incredible resort, with a huge number of runs, and top notch facilities that are comfortable and upscale.  The service was good, and the folks at Outdoor Retailer along with the several dozen gear companies put on a fun show with lots to see and do.  The weather was accommodating as well, with the snow holding off until I was safely at the resort, and tapering off as I was preparing to leave.

I was feeling a little guilty about not getting in my morning in Salt Lake City, but the All Mountain Demo and Tubbs Snowshoes helped me rectify that problem by lending me a set of their new Tubbs Flex NRG Snowshoes and sending me out into the groomed cross-country runs around the resort.  I am used to an older and heavier pair of snowshoes, and the Tubbs Flex NRG were in a league of their own in performance.  These snowshoes were easy to put on and set up,  and were quiet when walking over crunchy groomed snow.  The light weight made the 3 or so miles a pleasurable workout,  letting me concentrate on my aerobic conditioning, rather than burning out my untrained snowshoe muscles.  During my snowshoe travels, I did seek out a little soft powder to see how they float, and it became apparent that they were suited for a little harder snow than the fluffy powder that seems to be Utah’s trademark.  On the other hand Tubbs Flex NRG’s were rock solid climbing hills, and I was able to ascend and descend several pretty steep slopes with ease.  I cannot comment on how they would handle carrying a load, but I would assume that since they are day-hiking snowshoes, the Tubbs ALP series would be a better choice.

There were a variety of other vendors at the demo as well including  Jetboil, who were serving up hot clam chowder in the snow directly from their Helios stoves.  Gibbons had a number of  their slacklines set up in the cold, along with a couple of their representatives showing off their balancing skills in shorts.  Today was a memorable start to a busy Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.

The last Winter Outdoor Retailer Trade Show was, what I hope, the darkest period as we collectively move towards the light of economically better times.  I recognize that we are far from out of the woods yet, but I am confident that we are headed towards a brighter future.  This positive outlook has some support from the stark contrast of the energy that was 2009’s Winter Market, and 2009’s Summer Market.  While during the winter, I passed endless conversations marking the end of this company or that, and wondering what toll the recession would ultimately take on the outdoor sporting goods market.  People were pointing at the somewhat sparse floors of the trade show as the death knell of many manufacturers and retailers alike.

If you fast forward to the summer, and the show floor of the Summer Market, many of the manufacturers that were being written off as done came back with new products that addressed the needs of the recession era outdoor consumers and were happily taking orders for value oriented gear, that will not break the pocket book of the more dollar weary consumer, from retailers who were surviving by adjusting the way they do business.  There was a greater selection than ever of mid-range quality gear that would see the average outdoorsman through many seasons of camping and backpacking.  They were not the Thoroughbred super-light, supercompact gear we all salivate over; but good solid gear that won’t break your back or your wallet.  The mood of the Summer Market was much lighter, with people recognizing the resiliency of our industry, and knowing that things are going to change, we are here to stay, and there is a place for outdoor recreation, and the businesses that come with it.

This Winter Market seems to be poised for transition.  The fear has evaporated, and people are looking ahead as to how to grow and market their business in the new media landscape that we are all somewhat blindly navigating.  There is a panel discussion happening during the show titled “The Media is Dead.  Long Live Media”  Here is what the description reads:

“A panel discussion on the blurring lines between traditional media and social media, journalism and advertising, and selling products and telling stories.   What lies ahead for storytelling in the outdoor community?    What’s the future of advertising in outdoor magazines and websites?   Who will be telling the outdoors’ most important stories …and who will be reading them?  Topics to be discussed include the sobering decline of “old” media in 2009, the Facebook-fueled boom of social media, and prognostications of what new opportunities might lie ahead in 2010 and beyond.”

What I find interesting about this panel discussion is the only representative from the blogging is Steve Casimiro, who runs an amazing blog called The Adventure Life, and has some long standing connections to old media, including a stint as West Coast Editor of  the defunct National Geographic Adventure Magazine. This site, as well as hundreds of others represent a another perspective in the new media landscape that has saddled with the name of “mommy bloggers” after the mothers who began communicating their experiences via blogging, and rapidly became a force that caught the attention of the industry in a big way, and are now a force to be reckoned with.  This same force has been developing for a number of years in the outdoor industry and is well represented by wonderful blogs such as the progenitor Two Heel Drive run by Tom Mangan, or Gear Talk with Jackson Klass.  I sincerely hope that the moderators of this panel track down someone such as Tom Mangan (who mentioned that he will be attending the show as a representative of Trailspace.com).  These and so many other represent enthusiasts of the Outdoors who do what they do because they love it, and want to communicate this love to the world.  They do it because the outdoors are a huge part of their lives and they want others to understand the appeal.  They are the people who will be telling the stories for the little piece earth that make up their world.  This is the media that people will read and relate to; trusting their experience and perspective, because there is no motivation behind their stories other than the passion they bring to the table.  The majority of these bloggers do not make any significant money for their labor,  if they are lucky they make a few dollars to compensate the web hosting costs, and some access to cool gear to test.  These blogs exist not as polished pieces of perfection, but gritty testaments of what a person will and can do when passionate about something.  They are often times ugly, many times unpolished and perhaps poorly written, but they represent the average person who spends time in the outdoors because they love it. Perhaps this perspective should be represented and heard.

I am excited to attend the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.  This show is the opportunity to see, touch and try out all of the newest gear and toys that we will be using in the years to come.  I am privileged enough to have access to this show that helps satisfy, yet fuel my passion to get out and enjoy the wonder that is outside San Diego.

We will begin the year by heading to Salt Lake City and the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market to check out the latest and greatest in outdoor gear from all of your favorite manufacturers.  I have a ton of great appointments booked, including some time with Mountain Hardwear, Golite, MSR, Thermarest, Columbia Sportswear, Osprey, Gore-Tex and many more.  I will be attending the All Mountain Demo, and twittering live from the All Mountain Demo and the show.  Follow me @outsidesd for live reports from the show floor.

January also marks the beginning of the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club’s Wilderness Basics Course. We have a lot of great trips planned,  including the always adventurous snow camp in the Sierras.  This 10-week backpacking course is a fantastic way to get the essentials of backpacking, as well as a means of connecting with a group of like minded individuals. The class is starting at the end of January, so if you have not signed up yet, there is still time.  In addition to the snow camp,  you can join me on a car-camp to the Anza Borrego Desert where we will be exploring Ghost Mountain, and the Pictograph trail,  as well as a land navigation backpack where will will get the basics of map and compass navigation down.

Spring time marks high season for all outdoor activities in San Diego. As the winter cold mellows, and the summer heat is just a glimmer in the sun’s eye; the possibilities are endless.  We at Outside San Diego will be spending time in the desert, in the water as well running, biking and swimming in preparation for a series of Triathlon events in which I will be competing with the Triathlon Club of San Diego.  I am looking forward to challenging myself in this new direction.

Summertime is very busy.  Eleanor, my daughter, and I have plans to conquer Mount Whitney.  We have a usual extended Fourth of July basecamping trip to Eastern Sierra Nevadas to look forward to.  George, a regular Outside San Diego contributor, has the month of August blocked out for a backpack along the length of the John Muir Trail.  He will be backpacking from Yosemite to the summit of Mount Whitney, covering about 211 miles in the process.

2010 marks the third year that Outside San Diego has been in operation, and it had grown exponentially from my original goals.  For that I thank everyone who comes and reads the material presented here.  Outside San Diego is a labor of love,  and the response I have had has been heartening.  Each year I have set goals for the site, and this year is no different.  The number one goal I have for Outside San Diego in the next 365 days is to morph it into a more community based website.  I would like to make it a place that everyone can be a contributor, and a place that belongs to everyone.  Now is the time to start.   I need to hear form everyone.  reply to this post and tell me what you want Outside San Diego to be.  Describe your perfect site, and lets make Outside San Diego come close to the utopia you have imagined.

Our final day on the show floor was a hit.  We participated in the Leave No Trace Bigfoot Challenge, and won a big old box of really cool outdoor gear.  We also finished the show logging in 28 miles on out our Montrail pedometer.  I think I am on outdoor information overload, but have seen some new gear that I am very excited about. My daughter has a great time checking out all the cool booths, and was excited to try out the bicycle powered smoothy machine at the Timberland Booth .

Here are some highlights from day 3:

Patagonia Footwear

Patagonia is expanding it’s line of trail runners and hikers for the Spring of 2010.  These all vegan shoes come in in a range of styles that are progressively more technical to meet the demands of the casual day-hiker to the hard core trail runner.  All of the shoes have webbing that attach to the shoelaces, and wrap around the bottom of the foot to cradle and support the foot.

Terra-Nova

Terra-Nova made a splash last year with it’s series of Ultra-Light Tents.  These roomy, sturdy hoop style tents took the ultra light market to a new level.  Talking with the folks at Terra-Nova, I did learn that due to fireproofing issues, these tents are not available in California.  This next year, Terra-Nova is introducing a line of ultra-light backpacks as light as 8 ounces.  These packs are very feature rich for their heft.  They have features such as hipbelt pockets that are virtually unknown on comparable packs.

Jansport Packs

Jansport takes the prize for the coolest old pack on the show floor.  The front of their booth proudly displays this flowery external frame pack that was made in the early 70’s.  The pack is not new, and proudly displays the nicks and dings of a well loved backpacking companion.

In the Spring of 2010, Jansport is releasing their “Cloudripper” series of packs.  These light weight feature rich packs range in size from a small daypack to a weekend backpack volume.  Also included in the series is a nice ski pack that is set up to carry skis and snowboards in style.

All of the packs feature an externally accessible hydration sleeves, and progressively more supportive suspension systems, depending on their volume.

Nemo Tents

Capitalizing on the success of their flagship tent, the Morpho AR which I reviewed this last spring, Nemo is introducing a 1-person version of their tent that is a palace for 1 and big enough to squeeze in two in a pinch.  This diminutive version of the Morph AR shaves weight by utilizing  thinner “airbeams” and adding silnylon on the sides of the tent, and only adds their breathable Osmo fabric on the top of the tent.  They make of for the lack of breathability by adding a large window at the foot of the tent.

The new stuffsacks for their tents feature a slot which one can add an optional superlight flat thermometer (similar to those you see attached to an aquarium).  The inside of the stuffsacks have a permanently attached constellation card on the inside.

Gibbons Slacklines

I first became aware of slacklining during the winter Outdoor Retailer, and this summer it seems to be making a big slash with multiple slackline companies among the ranks of exhibitors.  Gibbons Slacklines had an extensive exhibit inside and outside.  Gibbons had a bunch of really impressive staff who were making a very challenging sport look fun.

This is the last day for me at the show.  Day 4 consists of a half-day, and I thought I would get out while the getting is good.  Salt Lake City Airport becomes a zoo on the afternoon of the last day.  My coverage is not over.  Stay tuned for a summary of my most favorite things, as well as my impressions of the show in general.

]]> http://www.outsidesd.com/blog1/2009/07/24/outdoor-retailer-summer-market-2009-day-3/feed/ 0