2009 Winter OR Show -- The Petschel Report #4

Pat Petschel, the newest member of The Gear Junkie team, is at the Outdoor Retailer trade show this week in Salt Lake City. He will be making occasional reports from the show floor over the coming four days.

Day Four: 11:42p.m. — Day three at the show — and day four of the trip out here in Utah — started with a breakfast meeting, continued through several hours of product appointments at the Salt Palace convention center, a dinner (note: no time for lunch!), and then a bit more late night blogging (see here below). This is the fourth and final report of the weekend; heading home in the morning.

The Unfrozen CamelBak Reservoir
CamelBak was offering test drives of its new ShredBak integrated hydration vest at OR, a water-resistant vest designed as a mid-layer with an integrated 72 oz. CamelBak Reservoir. Made for winter sports, the ShredBak is a softshell vest that may be worn as a mid-layer on cold days, or as an outer layer when it’s warmer. The idea is that the ShredBak integrates the athlete’s core body temperature into the hydration system, helping prevent water from freezing. The vest’s inner compression layer holds the reservoir close to the body for a low-profile fit that’s comfortable, even on the chairlift, according to CamelBak. An insulated tube cover further prevents freezing between the reservoir and bite valve. (Available in fall 2009, $250, www.camelbak.com)

Ranger Grip Knife
Wenger’s RangerGrip knives have texturized rubber grips on their handles to help improve performance, efficiency and safety of a knife in use. The RangerGrip line is available in two colors with five different configurations of up to seven implements like a 3.9” locking blade, a can opener, a locking screwdriver, wire stripper, a 4.2” wood saw, and a needle-nose pliers. ($60.95 to $104.95, depending on model). (www.wengerna.com)

Something for the Ladies
Adventure Medical Kits debuted a Women’s Edition Travel kit that includes wound care implements, medications, and instructional materials, plus components that will help women when they’re hours or days away from the nearest healthcare provider or drug store. Key women’s specific items in the kit include: a tampon; meds for treating menstrual cramps, stomach upset and headaches; and skincare and female hygiene products such as Blistex lip treatment and Fresh Bath Travel Wipes. Designed for one to two travelers, the Women’s Edition Travel Kit also features a visual card tool to help travelers communicate their medical needs when a language barrier is present by simply pointing to pictures. (March, $60, www.adventuremedicalkits.com)

—Pat Petschel