At the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake, there’s an awful lot of focus on sexy new gear, but not so much attention is paid to the very unsexy components that gear is made of. Things like foam. But you’d be hard pressed to find anyone more excited about cushioning than the self-proclaimed...
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Chaco is one of the top manufacturers of outdoor sandals, and they’re banking on that success with the release of new boots and shoes. No longer is Chaco’s domain limited by the naked-toed masses. Those who love the feel of Chaco’s classic Vibram soles can now wear them whether it’s summer or winter. The...
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Of all the skis I checked out at the Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market, Volkl wins, hands down, for topsheet design. Their killer new skis are part of the backcountry touring line, which features a bunch of lightweight skis with hollowed-out wood cores. Of course Volkl is known for their racing, carving machines, and...
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Klymit, Utah’s own Ogden-based wonder company, has expanded their product line after listening to suggestions on how to improve their noble gas insulating gear. New this year are improved vests, never-before-seen jackets, and another ultra light camping pad. Klymit started it all with their Kinetic Vests that can be filled with insulating argon gas...
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The highlight of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Show was the Terra Plana booth where I met running coach, Lee Saxby. Saxby is considered to be one of the best in his field, and a leader of applied science in barefoot running. Chris McDouggall, bestelling author of, “Born to Run”, calls Saxby “the worlds best...
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The big news from Merrell at Outdoor Retailer is the release of their own line of barefoot shoes. It seems barefoot running is continuing to gain traction, with just about every shoe company jumping on the bandwagon. The difference with Merrell is that their barefoot shoes still look like shoes, as opposed to frog feet. Merrell’s Barefoot Collection is...
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How could anyone not love the Ninja Suit from AirBlaster? I mean, it’s long underwear that makes you look like a ninja for pete’s sake! Svelte young men and women were walking and rock climbing on the Salt Palace floor during the Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market in their Ninja Suits. As the buzz...
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I’ve been a fan of Sherpa Adventure Gear ever since I bought a black softshell jacket from them way back in 2003. I still wear that jacket, even though it’s been through the skiing/rock climbing/hiking/every-day living wringer. Sherpa is still going strong these days, and are putting out sweet gear that stands up to...
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It’s a collar, it’s a leash, it’s a Supercollar. New this year at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market was the Supercollar team with their one of a kind dog collar. To show off the collar, the team borrowed a dog from No More Homeless Pets, and had a volunteer walk him around the show (hopefully...
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The furry faces of Ellie May and Peggy Sue, baby alpacas from Montana, made their debut at the Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market. Their owners, James and Sarah Budd, were also at the show for the first time with their company, Alpacas of Montana. The Budds have over 150 alpacas at their ranch in...
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