New at Outdoor Retailer this year is the Media Preview – a first look at some new outdoor products before the show floor at the Salt Palace Convention Center officially opens. We showed up to take a gander, and here are the things that jumped out and caught our eye.
New Boots from OBOZ
Oboz has shiny new kicks to show off. Among the plethora of shoes on display, I liked the looks of the Sundog and Sphinx. The Sundog are lighter-weight hikers designed for warm weather adventures. The upper is only a single mesh material, with minimal seams. Midsole is Dual Density EVA with a nylon shank. They look super breathable and comfortable for summer hikes. MSRP: $100
The Sphinx is a new boot designed for hard-core scrambling, long hikes, and nasty weather. This mid-height hiker features Nubuck leather with Oboz BDry waterproof/breathable membrane. MSRP: $150
Sherpa Adventure Gear
Sherpa Adventure Gear is giving back, not by giving money, but by providing jobs in Nepal. These rad-looking sweaters are hand knit by teams of women in a traditional way. Plus, it’s filled with Primaloft for added warmth. Just makes you want to cozy up by the fire, doesn’t it?
My Pakage
Here’s a head-turner! A new underwear company for men, called “My Pakage,” had their victuals strewn about. They only use high-quality, technical fabrics that are breathable, high-wicking, and very soft. But the real kicker is what they call the “Keyhole.” Basically, it’s a pouch for your man parts. Instead of your junk being all squished like with normal underwear, the Keyhole lets your sensitive bits be cradled in a cocoon of silky softness.
They say it increases comfort, and I can attest to that as I am wearing a pair right now. They have several options from boxers, briefs and active sport long-underwear. If you’re a guy, you’ll want a pair for every day of the week.
Sierra Sage
For those days when you are sore, have dry skin, or plan on being out in the sun all afternoon, check out Sierra Sage. They have created a variety of herbal products like sunscreen, Arnica for sore muscles, and dry skin treatments. But their flagship stuff is Green Goo – a formula that helps with bug bites, cuts scrapes, sunburns, chaffing, poison ivy and dry/cracked skin. I can see this as a very popular product for rock climbers and their overworked hands.
INCASE
INCASE offers a full line of bags, utility pouches and sleeves, portable power, and more. But I stopped at their booth for the Mono Kit and Dual Kit for GoPro storage. I use GoPro cameras constantly for my job as an outdoor T.V. videographer, and I keep my GoPro in a goggle pouch for protection in my pack. Well, these kits seem to be a dream for guys like me. They also make a version for Sony Action Cams as well.
Minus 33
Merino wool is by far my favorite material for socks and base layers. So why haven’t I heard of Minus 33 yet? They’s been around for 10 years, apparently, and create organic merino products from Ashland, NH. If you’re looking for affordable merino wool, they can be found locally at Recreation Outlet and Kirkhams in Salt Lake.