Noteworthy Aisle Candy from Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2013

After another successful Outdoor Retailer Summer Market last month (the outdoor industry’s bi-annual mega trade show taking place in Salt Lake City each year), it’s nice to reflect back to everything that was seen and try to make sense of it all, analyze trends in the industry, separate true innovations from hype, and recognize some of the companies out there doing great things for those of us on the ground.

Of course these gear round-ups are always tough, because there’s never enough ink (or pixels) to cover all the great products out there. That said, here’s a stab at a few recommendations not to be missed in a retail shop near you next Spring.

Sea to Summit

Boulder-based Sea to Summit travel product specialist never ceases to amaze and for S14 introduced the new Escapist Tarp System, Aeros Pillows Collection and the Spark Series. The Escapist Tarps (MSRP $199) offer an array of super-light shelter options for minimalists’ adventurers. Made from seam-sealed waterproof 15D Ultra-Sil Nano fabric, they’re designed to be used with or without the Escapist mesh inner. Spark sleeping bags (MSRP $299 – $469) features Ultra-Dry Down protection making them an impressive fast-packing or adventure racing sleeping bag. The combination of premium 850+ loft down and high performance micro-weight 10D Pertex shell and 15D lining, makes this one of the best warmth for weight minimalist sleeping bags available. Whether in transit or the backcountry the Aeros (MSRP $35 – $45) range of three lightweight and compact inflatable pillows provide comfortable sleep for the least amount of space with clever multi-functional valve.
seatosummit.com

Thule Chasm

Thule makes a lot more than just racks, which hopefully you already know. Coming off the success of the Thule Crossover and EnRoute bag lines, the company is expanding into the duffle category with the new Thule Chasm line focusing on strap management and ease of access. Available in five sizes and five colors, the new bomber duffels feature an oversized wide mouth opening, padded bottom, internal mesh pockets and removable legit backpack straps.
thule.com

Orvis Pivot Wader with Boa

On the heels of last year’s successful launches of Helios 2 fly rods and Silver Sonic waders, Orvis’ Pivot wading boots represent true innovation with the application of a Boa lacing system – eliminating soggy, brambled and frozen laces and further reducing the spread of invasive species. The upper is fabricated of synthetic microfiber while additional rubber provides enhanced sidewall, heel and toe-cap protection. They are easy-on, easy-off with superb grip and Orvis quality ($179).
orvis.com

Salewa Escape GTX

The new Salewa lifestyle collection highlighted by the Escape and Ramble are the first shoes in the outdoor market to use Gore-Tex ‘Surround’ technology. In conjunction with the wire mesh sole and lugs, the Gore-Tex membrane gives a completely waterproof and generally breathable boot. Precision details and fine Italian leather make it a real eye-catcher.
salewa.us

Smith ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses

Smith says its new ChromaPop is the world’s most scientifically advanced polarized lens, with new film-free polarization technology en­gineered to optimize color and increase visual clarity. ChromaPop eliminates color confusion as “color intersections” are blocked so the brain immediately recognizes true vibrant color with increased depth and detail, while reducing eye fatigue. ChromaPop lenses will be available in four proprietary tints: Polarchromic Ignitor, Polar Brown, Polar Gray Green and Polar Platinum. ChromaPop lens technology also offers a proprietary Smith Prescription Sun solution. This Rx solution offers identical tints to Smith plano lenses in addition to the same technical efficacy for light management and visual acuity. ChromaPop will be available in six new styles and 15 best-selling frame styles (MSRP $209- $269).
smithoptics.com

The North Face Ultra Kilowatt

Part of the new and noteworthy Mountain Athletics collection, the Ultra Kilowatt ($120) is a premier minimal shoe engineered for maximum performance. A Pebax plate for high-energy return and exclusive Vibram outsole provide lightweight support and protection with natural foot movement. A low-profile upper is reinforced in high-wear zones (9.6 oz). The North Face is bringing innovation and cohesion back to every category they touch.
thenorthface.com

Snow Peak Mola Headlamp

Snow Peak’s Mola Headlamp changes the very concept of line-of-sight with patented Optic Motility technology, a system based on gravity and counterweight to adjust beam angle to compensate between the movement of the head and eyes. The light moves at the same degree in a fluid motion as your eyes as you look up and down in the dark. Snow Peak recently opened their first retail store in Portland to help people take advantage of all their amazing, Japanese-designed camping innovations.
snowpeak.com

NEMO Sleeping Pads

The new Lite series takes two of Nemo’s best-selling and award-winning sleeping pads and drastically cuts the weight. Horizontal baffles provide a flatter, more comfortable sleeping surface. Using Nemo’s AirLock Elite 20D fabric from its Zor series, the Lite series offers a soft, ultralight, durable and quiet sleeping surface. Each are also available with PrimaLoft insulation. The NEMO camping pillow is also a good one to put on your wish list.
nemoequipment.com

CamelBak Forge

Forge is the first travel mug from CamelBak — a premium insulated mug with a self-sealing leak-proof cap and lock-open button combination. This creates a one-handed, leak-proof drinking experience with the option to vent and cool hot beverages. When removed from the vessel, the arms of the cap flip up making the parts easy to wash by hand or dishwasher. It can attach with a carabineer and has an impact cap that prevents damage to the double-wall vacuum insulation if dropped. Help them on their quest to eliminate single-use containers!
camelbak.com

Helly Hansen Loke Jacket

From industry stalwart HH, The Loke Jacket ($100) is practical for a variety of weather conditions with fully water and windproof yet breathable construction. A storm flap keeps out wind and rain, and vents prevent overheating. Fully adjustable cuffs, hood and waist let you adjust the fit for year-round use. The Loke Pants ($80) are also fully seam sealed and the pair weighs less than a pound. (Available for both men and women).
hellyhansengear.com

Yakima/Whispbar Boat and Bike Carriers

Yakima introduced two new boat carriers, the SweetRoll ($219) and JayLow ($159), featuring easy install, versatility and value. The SweetRoll load-assist kayak mount offers a one-box solution for boat carrying, including two spring-loaded front saddles and two rear saddles with integrated rollers. The JayLow can carry one or two boats and installs without tools, compatible with all crossbars. For bikes, the company is pushing the hitch mast category with the FullSwing, FullTilt, RidgeBack and SwingDaddy. ($239-$499) The premium Whispbar has new offerings in the box, bike and boat market. Its two new Aero Cargo Carriers “will change the way people look at cargo boxes,” said the company’s global brand director Garrett Barnum. Whispbar’s new Frame Mount Bicycle Carrier ($299) is a top-of-the-line upright bike mount that is sleek, easy and secure. Two new kayak mounts round out the introductions: the J-Cradle ($299) and Saddle Roller ($299). SmartLoad rollers are integrated into the Saddle Roller to make rear boat loading quick and easy, while adjustable padded saddles conform to any hull.
yakima.com

adidas Outdoors Terrex Skyclimb

Following in the contemporary trend of body-mapped layering pieces, but with that special adidas Outdoors style, the new Terrex Skyclimb will be an ideal cold-weather layering piece for any fast-paced environment. The Skyclimb features hybrid construction with a 60-gram PrimaLoft insulated front (core) and four-way stretch lightweight softshell all around for freedom of movement. Its high, insulated collar keeps cold out when worn under a shell. The proprietary Formotion cut, adjustable waist and elasticized sleeves create a perfect fit; available in several trending colors with matching stripes. (MSRP $130)
adidas.com