Our bags are packed. Flights leave tomorrow. This week in Salt Lake City is the Outdoor Retailer trade show, a twice-annual pilgrimage for the Gear Junkie crew and a spread of outdoors gear unlike anything else seen on the planet. The spread below is our second gear preview (go here for our first look, OR Show Gear Preview, part I”) on the best equipment and apparel that will be displayed at the trade show (and subsequently in outdoors shops for 2012). See you in SLC! —Stephen Regenold
Canoe/Kayak Hybrid — The Mad River Serenade Hybrid “merges the comfort and efficiency of a kayak with the stability and ease of entry/exit of a canoe.” The company made the hybrid design with a single center seat (like a kayak) but with a hull and gunwales that mirror a recreational canoe. Available this fall starting at $1,499.
Uber-Cooler — Igloo Products Corp. is the nation’s largest cooler manufacturer, and this summer it will introduce a premium line for outdoors types. The Yukon series of Cold Locker coolers come in multiple sizes up to 250 quarts. They have thick foam and tight-closing lids with gaskets. The claim is “maximum cooling over multi-day trips” and the ability to hold temperature for 7 to 14 days! But with this “maximum cooling” comes maximum pricing, including up to $639.99 for the 250-quart version.
Soft-Side Water Tote — The Innate Aqueduct Water Transporter, $34, is a soft-side water case made with a stitch-less welded construction of fabric panels. It can hold about 15 liters (4 gallons) of liquid. When empty, it weighs just 7.8 ounces. There’s a clear window on the side so you can see how much water is left. A crush-proof water dispensing valve and a roll-top closure round out the neat design.
Piggyback Pack — Made for toddlers, this unique kid carrier offers a foot bar for a child to stand on. There are grab handles for a kid to hold as you hike. An optional safety harness secures the kid on tight. The Piggyback Rider from Full Sail International is available now for $80.
