It’s not often one gets the opportunity to experience new gear, technology and trends before their public release. But for those who attended the Outdoor Retailer Summer show, it’s that opportunity which was on tap. The event, which attracts 1,200 vendors, tens of thousands of attendees and generates almost $25 million for the local economy — is the largest of its kind in the world, and features the newest and most innovative products in the outdoor recreation industry.
This year the annual trade show enjoyed its largest participation ever with nearly 27,000 people registering to preview and purchase the most innovative outdoor products and gear for 2013. Over the course of three days, the Gumption Gear team met with a vast array of brands, representatives and retailers seeking out the “Best in Show” products. Following is our list of winners.
Ultimate Direction’s New Signature Series Hydration Vests
The originator of on-the-go hydration solutions for runners, hikers, and adventurers, Ultimate Direction used the Outdoor Retailer show to introduce their athlete-designed Signature Series Vests, the next generation in mobile hydration. Designed by top runners Scott Jurek, Anton Krupicka, and Peter Bakwin, the SJ Ultra Vest, AK Race Vest, and PB Adventure Vest all include advanced feature sets, contemporary design elements, and cutting-edge fabrics.
We had the unique opportunity to sit down with Scott Jurek and have him walk us through his personally designed SJ Ultra Vest slated for release Spring 2013. Bottom line, if its good enough for Scott Jurek, it will handle whatever you can toss its way.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Hooded Imja Jacket
Looking for a compressible, take-everywhere piece for trail running, tuning up at the crag, or any other activity that keeps you in shape for your next big adventure? Look no further than the new Himal Training Collection from Sherpa Adventure Gear. The centerpiece of this new line is the Imja Jacket. The almost weightless, stretchable fabric hovers above your skin, averting drizzle but letting you keep up the pace without overheating and is stacked with technical details that made this jacket a true standout: articulated elbows for ease of movement, thumb holes for added protection, long back to keep your covered and most impressively, IceFil® stretch-mesh panels under the arms that ventilate and cool as you build up steam.
GEIGERRIG Hydration
There’s been a paradigm shift in the world of hydration systems. After a virtual 15 year standstill in design advancements, Geigerrig has emerged from the wilderness with pressurized hydration packs featuring a unique integrated in-line water filter system. A relatively simple design change that is nothing less than a game-changer in the hydration market space. In addition to their lineup of award winning pressurized hydration packs, Geigerrig is slated to release a slew of new products ranging from pressurized vests for stand-up paddle boarding to pressurized hydration systems for cyclists.
Simply put, Geigerrig is working so you never suck again… literally.
BioLite CampStove™
If there was a singular product turning heads at OR, it was the BioLite CampStove. Designed for outdoor adventure and emergency preparedness, the BioLite is a unique biomass-burning stove that converts heat generated from your fire into usable electricity so you can boil water and recharge phones, lights, and other gadgets that have a USB port. That’s right, burn twigs, pinecones and other solid biomas to power your iPhone or cook a meal. Now that’s innovation.
ZEAL Optics iON
While it made its original debut at Winter Outdoor Retailer, the ZEAL team had the forthcoming iON Goggles on display at this past week’s Summer Show as well. Made for documenting your adventures on the slopes, and hitting the shelves this September, the ZEAL iON goggle captures 1080p HD quality video while on the move or standing still. iON can shoot up to 8 megapixel photos for quick, easy HD imagery without having to take your gloves off. So now you’ll be able to record those gnarly shreds and black diamond wipe outs for posterity’s sake.
Osprey Expands Their Women Specific Line-up….
In an industry often dominated by and from the male perspective, it’s always refreshing when a company takes time to focus on crafting a product designed specifically for the mountainista. Fresh for Spring 2013, Osprey is introducing five new women-specific packs for Spring 2013. The new styles include: Xena, Viva and Kyte backpacks, and the Raven and Mira hydration packs. The expanded line of women’s specific designs blend function, comfort and style to deliver an exceptional level of fit and function in the field for women. 