Outdoor Retailer - Explore It report #3

My third (and final) day is done, and, after three hours of sleep last night, I’m glad. But despite being a walking zombie most of the day, most of the companies I met with today had some great things to show.

Columbia Omni-Heat

Inspired by space blankets, Columbia’s Omni-Heat technology is comprised of small aluminum dots said to regulate heat and wick moisture.

Columbia claims the heat-reflecting dots, which look like small metallic fish scales, are 30 percent warmer than a comparable synthetic-fill jacket. The technology will be on everything from jackets and pants to hats and gloves starting in fall.

MSR SpeedLock binding

MSR eliminated it’s three straps on some new snowshoes for the 2010 line and implemented a SpeedLock binding. The new system uses one wider strap up front that’s cocked.

Slide in your foot at an angle, turn it straight and the strap should hold fast. Once you set the strap the first time wearing your regular snowshoeing footwear, you shouldn’t need to touch it again. The new binding will be on the company’s Explore series.

Baladeo Outdoor Cutlery Set

The funky factor for the day goes to the Baladeo Outdoor Cutlery Set multi-tool. Part silverware, the set is the backcountry gourmet’s ultimate tool. It has a small fork and spoon integrated into the tool as well as a few other standard features.

While a weight wasn’t immediately accessible, the tool doesn’t care if it’s a little hefty – which it feels is the case. In addition to the fork and spoon, it has a blade, corkscrew, screw driver, can opener and a carrying pouch. All this for $48.

—Ryan Dionne