Outdoor Retailer is the year’s biggest gathering of gearheads, outdoor companies, media, and retail buyers. But thanks to Covid-19, this summer’s event in Denver was, of course, cancelled. But like all human interaction during quarantine, Outdoor Retailer went virtual. Hence, “Virtual Outdoor Retailer.” And there is plenty of new gear to be excited about coming for spring 2021. Here’s are some highlights.
Mystery Ranch Unveils New Line of Packs
The good people over at Mystery Ranch will have new backpacks for spring 2021. The new In & Out 22L (and updated 19L), is an ultralight, technical and precisely engineered summit pack that packs up into its own 10”x6.5”x3” pouch. Mystery Ranch is known for packs that are a bit, say, tactical. But the new line will have bright colors.
This pack looks ideal to take along on backpacking trips with peak-begging missions in mind. Stuff this away until you need it on summit day. The packs are designed to stuff into its front, mesh pocket, stuffing down to the size of a small water bottle. The pack also features contoured shoulder straps, sternum strap, hydration reservoir compatibility and is built
from 100D CORDURA mini-rip for high abrasion and tear resistance.
Osprey’s New Airframe
The big news from Osprey is that they’ve redesigned some of their classic packs. First, they debuted a new Airscape back panel.
From Osprey: The new Airscape features an injection-molded frame sheet with die cut foam that maintains a comfortable and breathable contact surface, flexibility for dynamic movement and improved carry performance. The position of the Airscape channels are dependent upon the intended usage of the individual packs. In the case of the Spring 2021 Aether/Ariel series, designed to carry heavy loads, the horizontal plane channels prevent barreling under a full load to ensure consistent fit and optimal stability while vertical planes follow the contours of the back preventing collapse under heavy loads. By contrast, the Spring 2021 Talon/Tempest series, designed for fast and light pursuits, features horizontal channels to allow flex in the vertical plane while staying flat horizontally.
You will find the new Airscape frame in the redesigned Aether/Ariel series available in October 2020 and the Talon/Tempest series available February 2021.
Vasque Goes Urban Trail
Coronavirus has forced many people to look to their own backyards for outdoor recreation. So for spring 2021, Vasque will release their new Satoru Trail LT. According to Vasque, the Satoru Trail Lite strips away everything unnecessary, showing off a svelte, supremely comfortable and versatile shoe for life outside.
The Satoru looks to be a minimalist trail runner that would look appropriate in any urban setting. Yet it still retails technical features like a new Biotic last for natural fit and movement with zero drop, Vasque exclusive Vibram Ethereal® outsole with Litebase Technology, and Megagrip compound, and a Enduralast EVA midsole.
Snow Peak Bundles Camp Gear
The folks over at Snow Peak are trying something new next spring: bundling camping gear so you don’t have to. For example, the new Signature Amenity Tent Set.
According to Snow Peak, the set will be exclusively available in the U.S. They describe it as a curated bundle of goods that offers the building blocks for creating a Snow Peak campsite. It features the best-selling Amenity Dome M with a vestibule, plus the HD Hexa Tarp M and required poles for extended coverage. Designed to shelter up to four adults, the set is compatible for most weather conditions and includes color-coordinated pieces for simple set-up.
Patagonia Reveals New Mountain Pants
In Spring 20201, Patagonia will release a new collection of pants made for the mountains—from trail to peak. According to Patagonia, these hike and alpine rock pants are built for meandering trails, scrambling ridgelines and the tops of peaks. They will be made with recycled materials and built to withstand wear and use for years to come.
There will be a huge selection of new Mountain Pants for both men and women, making this one of the strongest lines Patagonia has ever released.