The 2011 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market was packed full of new retailers and exhibitors, many more attendees, an ORart Show, and some gorgeous photography by some of the best outdoor photographers. The Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah was literally overflowing and the New Exhibitor Pavilion was an addition to this year’s OR show to accommodate the newbies for this year. With so much new gear to see, it was difficult choosing some highlights from the show, but here are a few that stood out.
ADIDAS Terrex Fast-R shoe was an impressive hiking shoe. The attention to detail on this shoe was amazing. It’s a fast, lightweight hiking shoe that takes 15% of stress away from joints. The shoe adapts to uneven surfaces and has vertical/horizontal cushioning in the heel that conforms to whatever motion the consumer is performing. The asymmetrical loops have one open clip on the outside of the shoe and one closed clip for laces on the inside as to avoid any tripping or catching oneself on the other shoe which can lead to serious accidents. It’s simple things like this that many of us may not think about while out hiking close to a ledge, but ADIDAS, with the help of their athletes, made any immediate changes to the shoe that they knew would be beneficial to the consumer.
Goal Zero had several new, innovative solar panels that will be coming out in the near future. For a company that just launched a year ago, business has been booming for them. Their Nomad and Sherpa Adventure kits are sure to be a hit with the outdoor enthusiasts. Their Rockout speakers were attached to the massive SUPzilla board that held 31 paddlers at the Open Air Demo where they were blasting out music while making a world record.
JanSport showcased the upcoming Skip Yowell Collection. This collection that includes backpacks, messenger bags, and leather packs were absolutely slick and gorgeous. The packs are made out of waxed twill canvas and leather. They are very functional with plenty of pockets to keep all that you need secure and safe. This collection definitely had the “wow” factor.
The performance line by CW-X was made to target support. The integrated Kinesio material provides support in the areas that need it most. CW-X was determined to figure out where the muscles misalign when one is running, doing a triathlon, or biking. There are circulatory benefits to their performance line, comprehensive muscle support, and many other aspects that will help the athlete in many ways.
Yakima’s Whispbar reduces noise and is better for gas mileage when it comes to your car’s roof rack. Yakima had a massive wind tunnel that provided a sound demonstration. There were different name brand racks that were being compared to the Whispbar in this wind tunnel at different speeds. The difference in noise was incredible. It was also one of the top 10 Outside Magazine editor’s picks for Gear of the Show.
Salewa’s Pro Gaiter is an absolutely unbelievable mountaineering and ice climbing boot. Salewa listened to the call of mountaineers asking for a boot you could use for both the approach and the climb. The Flex System embedded in the insole allows the mountaineer to walk with full flex. When it comes time to climb, there’s a little dial on the side of the boot you twist with the included tool or a coin, and this engages the tri-cam to turn the boot into a fully rigid platform. The Pro Gaiter was another editor’s pick for the Outside Magazine for obvious reasons. This is one mean boot that’ll be one hot topic come January 2012.
Mountain Hardwear presented the line they created for speed alpinist, Ueli Steck. Steck took his ideas to Mountain Hardwear for Project Himalaya and provided a whole new challenge for them that they attacked and presented what is now the Ueli Steck Project Line. Steck needed a line that wouldn’t be an extra burden for him to bear on his venture in the Himalayas. The Ueli Steck Project Line is lighter than anything that is available today. The apparel, gear, and accessories created with simplicity and efficiency weighed in at less than 10 pounds.
Outdoor enthusiasts need not worry about any shortage of outdoor gear. The latest in gear, apparel, equipment, and accessories will most likely exceed your expectations.
Most of the mentioned items will be available at your local REI, Sports Authority, and Kirkham’s in spring of 2012.
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