If you haven’t heard of Powertraveller portable chargers, you’re not alone. I didn’t know much about the company before visiting their booth at the 2013 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Turns out, I’ve been missing the boat. “Green” is the new black, and Powertraveller is one of the brands leading the charge in the solar power…
Author: Ryan Malavolta
Granite Gear Packs for Adventure at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2013
Since 1986, Granite Gear has been offering hikers and packers a wide array of storage and travel bag solutions. Creativity and innovation are the cornerstones of the company’s products, and at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer trade show, they continued to push the industry with some inventive new offerings. Many new packs and daysacks will be…
Vasque Ready to Hit the Trail at 2013 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market
The Vasque booth at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market was a shoe fiend’s dream come true. Walls of snappy leather boots, fancy trail shoes and freaky looking running gear hung in neatly prepared rows. With so much to ogle, I was a bit overwhelmed. Luckily for me, the Vasque rep was happy to showcase four of…
Sierra Designs at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2013
When I sauntered up to the Sierra Designs booth at this summer’s Outdoor Retailer, I noticed a few changes. Okay, I noticed a lot of changes. Instead of asking “what’s new?” for SD in 2013-14, it might be easier to ask “what isn’t new?” The iconic brand has undergone a major redesign, ranging from the…
Swiftwick Socks review
Ah, summer. The time for backyard BBQs, getting outdoors, and sweaty feet. Sweaty feet? Yup, that’s part of the package out here in the high desert. When temperatures soar into the triple digits you need to take care of your feet while playing. The folks at Swiftwick just happened to send out a few pairs…
Hiking Burro Wash Slot Canyon in Capitol Reef National Park
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Capitol Reef National Park is awesome! Everything from scenic drives to short walks and long backcountry hikes make this the perfect destination for hardcore desert rats and families alike. If it’s slot canyons you seek, well, the Reef has those, too. Along the park’s eastern boundary…
SealLine Storm Sack review
No matter what your adventure, chances are you have a few precious pieces of gear or food that need to be protected from the elements. Backpackers especially know the value of a good storage bag, as wet snacks and dinner equal a rough time in the backcountry. SealLine is a company that specializes in crafting…
Backpacking Coyote Gulch
If you want life list hikes, Utah has them in spades. High on the list for me and a few friends had been Coyote Gulch in Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This riparian canyon boasts a natural bridge, huge alcoves, numerous arches and a stream that flows year round. Well, after many years of dreaming…
Easton showcases 2013/14 snowshoes
Easton Mountain Products showcased their 2013/14 snowshoes and trekking poles at a media event this past weekend, and I was lucky enough to be there. The day started with a meet-up in the parking area near Grizzly Gulch at Alta, where the EMS reps greeted us with fresh bagels slathered in cream cheese; a pretty…
Take a snowcat ride at Powder Mountain
Powder Mountain is one of the hidden gems of Utah. While the Cottonwoods get all the hype and Park City shines with star power, PowMow quietly dazzles skiers and boarders with over 7,000 acres of varied and impressive terrain. It also happens to be a hiker’s playground: some of the best terrain is only accessible…