At Outdoor Retailer, it’s impossible to see everything new in just three days. But from the few booths we had time for, some key gear jumped out at us. Here is a selection of new stuff coming out this year that gave us pause and wish it all were on store shelves now.
OSPREY GEAR KIT DUFFEL SERIES
A new series of duffel bags is coming out from Osprey, with individual bags geared toward traveling for specific activities. There’s the Big Kit (carries everything plus the kitchen sink), the Trail Series (specific features for hiking/backpacking), and the Snow Series (geared toward skiing and snowboarders). I was really intrigued by the Snow Series. It features huge pockets to hold ski boots and keep them away from the rest of your gear when wet. It also has a helmet carry system, and individual compartments so you can organize your gloves, socks, hats, goggles, and jackets/ski pants.
JULBO VERMONT SUNGLASSES
These classic shades have been gracing the faces of mountaineers and glacier travelers since the 1950’s. But Julbo has brought them out of the vault for a 2017 reintroduction. With updated colors (instead of just plain-old black leather) and new lens options, you can wear these “round glasses” for more casual pursuits like skiing or even driving on sunny days. I’ll be taking a pair out into the Wasatch this season so if you think I look badass in the mountains, it’s not me… it’s the sunglasses.
PRIMALOFT THERMOPLUME
Synthetic insulation is going to feel a lot like down feathers in the coming months when PrimaLoft unleashes ThermoPlume onto the outdoor world. It’s the industry’s first blowable synthetic insulation that looks and feels like natural down.
PrimaLoft says that ThermoPlume replicates the feel and filled-out look of natural down, while maintaining warmth, breathability, and packability, especially in wet conditions. They had it inside a Montane jacket at their booth and it really does look and feel like down. We are stoked to try it in the mountains.
LEATHERMAN SKELETOOL KB & KBx AND JUICE B2 & CS3 MULTITOOLS
Leatherman is offering new multitools that are a far cry from the thousands-of-tools-in-a-small-package-in-your-pocket type deal. The Skeletool line will have two new versions: the KB and KBx. These are tiny and light weight knives featuring 420HC stainless steel and contoured grip. The KB is a straight edge while the KBx has a serrated blade.
The Juice series also has two new versions: the B2 and CS3. The B2is a tiny thing that can fit on your Keychain. Inside is one serrated blade and one straight edge knife. Need to cut the climbing rope your unconscious buddy is hanging from? This is the knife you’ll want in your pocket.
The Juice CS3 packs a bit more in its tiny handle, including a can opener, scissors, vbottle opener, and corkscrew. Like drinking wine while camping but hate slurping from boxes? This tool has got you covered in more ways than one.
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR CYCLONE JACKET
From alpine climbing to backcountry skiing, the new Cyclone Jacket looks awesome. This is a 3-layer Polartec NeoShell shell with stretch and advanced wicking capability. Extra-long pit zips expel heat and easily allow access to mid-layer hand warmer pockets. It also has two harness and pack compatible exterior chest pockets. A RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector rounds out the features.