The 2010 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market showcased the latest in new outdoor gear that will be available in retail stores in the spring of 2011, although some of the new products may already be sitting on store shelves today. Below is another small sampling of outdoor stuff from Timex, OutDry, lilypond and Simple Shoes that was on display on the Salt Palace Convention Center floor in downtown Salt Lake City.
Timex
Timex, the famous brand of watches, exhibited the latest in their Expedition Series of watches and “E-Instruments.” The Timex Expedition E-Altimeter is a watch that also includes an altimeter function with an operating range of -400 to 25,000 feet, displaying accurate altitude data in both feet and meters, and recalling high and low altitudes within a specific time period.
Next up is the Timex Expedition E-Compass 2, another watch with an added function, namely a built-in compass. The company says the compass function, “delivers precise directional readings with an adjustable declination scale, to ensure accuracy from any location.”
The coolest thing is that all these added functions are used with an analog display. It’s nice to see the classic look of an analog face being used for high-tech purposes since I prefer to own a watch that doesn’t require a 100-page instruction booklet. Now I wonder if they’ll come up with an analog display for GPS.
For more from Timex, visit their website at www.timex.com
OutDry
Big news was announced at Outdoor Retailer this year when Columbia revealed that they are acquiring OutDry Technologies. This is huge as it means OutDry’s waterproof, breathable membrane will soon be found in many more brands, including Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, Sorel and Montrail footwear and gloves.
In addition, OutDry has also partnered with SCARPA. The new line of SCARPA’s Phantom technical mountaineering boots, which will be available in Spring 2011, includes the Phantom 6000, Phantom Guide, and Phantom Ultra.
See how OutDry works at www.outdry.com
lilypond
Over at the lilypond/fishpond booth, canvas is making a comeback for outdoor bags. But unlike grandpa’s old sack from the 1940’s, lilypond’s canvas bags are made for the modern age with laptop cases, totes, and satchels. A whole new line is coming out in 2011 for women looking for a unique travel bag.
lilypond also has the female hiker in mind with their Evening Star backpack. The pack is designed to fit the shape of a woman’s back and has a ton of features like organizer pockets, contoured shoulder straps, a compartment for a 100-ounce hydration reservoir, and even a zip-out rain cover.
The other side of lilypond is the men’s line of bags called fishpond. Like lilypond, fishpond uses waxed cotton canvas to make durable travel bags, like the Sporting Club Collection of carry-on duffels, briefcases and messenger bags.
For available styles, check out www.lilypondusa.com
Simple Shoes
With all the hype surrounding sustainable and green outdoor products these days, it’s cool to see a shoe company that actually takes it to heart. Simple Shoes tries to make all of their shoes from materials and processes that make their products sustainable. That means things like using recycled car tires, carpet padding and wool to make their shoes, such as the new Gummy shoe. It’s made of washed, certified organic cotton denim that collapses flat for packability. It looks like a good shoes for post-outdoor activity relaxation.
Of course, flip flops are the ultimate in after-biking/hiking/climbing footwear, and Simple Shoes has the Flipee, made with a “BIO.D” sole, meaning that the sole will biodegrade in 20 years as opposed to 1,000 years for typical flip flops.
You can find out more from Simple Shoes at www.simpleshoes.com