Winter Outdoor Retailer 2017
A few weeks back, the top outdoor gear manufacturers gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah at the semi-annual Outdoor Retailer convention. There, they unveiled a slew of new products, most of which won’t arrive in our favorite gear shops until later this year. Amongst the endless rows of down jackets, sleeping bags, tents, and boots, there were a number of impressive new items that made their debut at the show. These are our picks for the very best new gear from Winter OR.
Crescent Moons Foam Snowshoes
Looking to make snowshoeing more fun and accessible, Crescent Moons has created a new product that is essentially a trail running shoe made for snow. Made from EVA foam, these new snowshoes are lightweight, easy to put on, and surprisingly nimble. They’ll sell for $149 when they hit store shelves later this fall. (http://www.crescentmoonsnowshoes.com)
Goal Zero Yeti Fuel Generator
In Salt Lake City, Goal Zero took the wraps off it fist ever gas powered generator, the Yeti Fuel. Designed to work in conjunction with the new line of Yeti Lithium battery packs, the Yeti Fuel can automatically detect when those batteries need a recharge and turn itself on to power them up. Once the battery is full, the generator will automatically power itself down, conserving gas and limiting the amount of noise and fumes created. (http://www.goalzero.com)
Mountain Hardwear StretchDown DS
Mountain Hardwear continues to upgrade its StretchDown line, which uses heat-sealed seams and a unique baffling system to make it one of the warmest down jackets available today. In the new DS edition of the jacket, those baffles get upgraded to yet a completely new design, and is insulated with responsibly sourced, hydrophobic down to create an even better model than the original.
(http://www.mountainhardwear.com)
GoTenna Mesh
Need to stay in touch with others while traveling off the grid? The new goTenna Mesh will make that easier than ever. The upgraded version of the original goTenna allows multiple devices to create a personal cell phone network for sending text messages and sharing GPS location via between smartphones where a cell phone network doesn’t exist. Meshing technology allows messages to skip across multiple antennas to reach its intended recipient, potentially extending the range for many miles.
Superfeet 3D Printed Insoles
One of the more interesting uses of 3D printing technology that we’ve seen so far was introduced at the show by Superfeet, which produces insoles for use in our boots and shoes. Later this year, the company will introduce a system that scans our feet, and creates custom made insoles that are printed to our exact needs and specifications. The process could one day change how we are fitted for shoes as well.
Fjallraven Introduces Mountaineering Line
Swedish gear manufacturer Fjallraven introduced an entire line of new mountaineering gear with individual layers designed to work in conjunction with one another. Those products included shell jackets, insulating pieces, and the company’s first ever baselayers. The entire system, which will go on sale in the fall, is built to keep us warmer in the mountains, allowing us to go higher and stay out longer.
Scarpa Maestrale RS Ski Boots
For fall 2017, Scarpa is updating its best-selling Maestrale RS ski boot by shaving 5 ounces of weight from its design, and extending its flex range in walk/touring mode from 37 degrees to 60 degrees. For skiers, those are substantial improvements from a boot that is already considered to be one of the best alpine touring models available.
FA Designs Subsonic Hardshell Jacket
Some of the most interesting and innovative gear at Outdoor Retailer comes from smaller, more nimble companies rather than the giants of the industry. Take for example the Subsonic jacket from FA Designs, which features intelligent design and amazing concepts throughout. That includes waterproof – yet highly breathable – fabrics, fully taped seams, integrated wrist gaiters, a 3-way adjustable hood, an updated Recco detection system, and other advanced options. Of all the jackets we saw at the show, this was the one that left us the most impressed.
* OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible 4×4 adventure travel and outdoor recreation
