Outdoor Retailer Coverage
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Coming to Market 2013. . . Peek at 'Future Gear'
July 27, 2012, 10:12 am / Categories: Outdoor Retailer
The twice-annual Outdoor Retailer trade show kicks off next week in Utah. In our second sneak peek on new gear from the show (see here for our first preview post) we cover a lockable camera bag, an ultra-light tent, and a knife design said to be influenced by the grandfather of Bear Grylls. —Stephen Regenold
Trekking Pole Tent — A floorless shelter for ultra-light trips, Mountainsmith’s Mountain Shelter LT sets up with a pair of trekking poles. Made for two people, the shelter offers three-season protection via its sil-nylon body. There’s a zipper main door and a single ventilation window. Packs small and weighs about 19 ounces. Available later this summer for $130.
Lapel Torch — A new alternative to a flashlight or a headlamp, the Snow Peak Lapel Torch, available in January 2013, gives a small L.E.D. mounted on a cable and securable with a magnetic clip. It’s made to attach to a jacket collar, shirt or pack shoulder strap and offer a bright beam for hiking or camp chores. $66.
High Stepper — Designed in partnership with speed-alpinist Ueli Steck, the Rebel Ultra GTX from Scarpa is light and low-profile, measuring about 25 ounces a boot. The company touts it as having an “almost rock shoe-like fit,” meaning the boots are not clunky but made for precise moves with crampons on or not. Carbon fiber midsole and insulated Gore-Tex lower boot. $539.
Bear Grylls “Grandfather Knife” — A retro design knife from Gerber for sale this fall is said to be based on a World War II knife handed down from Bear Grylls’ grandfather to his father to him. Notes the press material, “Gerber has taken the classic features of the family keepsake and made it distinctly modern.” It has a blade, cork screw, flat and Phillips driver, bottle opener, file and lanyard ring. $30.
Pocket Power — About the same size as a roll of quarters, this portable recharger unit lets you plug in GPS devices, cameras and phones for a charge in the outback. The kit, made by Goal Zero, also includes a 3.5-watt solar panel that folds to fit “in a pocket or purse.” Together, the portable power station weighs less than a pound but can keep your electronics juiced for days or weeks on extended trips outdoors. Available this fall for $200.
‘Lockable’ Camera Bag — The Camsafe V8 bag from Pacsafe has steel wire netting embedded in its body fabric. The zippers lock closed, too, providing a pilfer-proof case made for camera gear. Padding inside keeps your SLR safe from knocks while traveling or outdoors on the move. $130.
Ultimate Outdoor T-shirt — Breathable, odor-resistant, and tough. Those are characteristics of a new shirt from Rab, the Helium Tee, which employs two types of fabric. A treated polyester makes up the front side, while a panel of Cocona fabric is used on back and under the arms that’s touted to have better breathability and quicker drying. Rab positions the wear-for-a-week shirt as a fighter of the infamous “synthetic funk” syndrome common to many outdoor tops. $37.
Sporty Bifocals — Coolest old man glasses ever? Kidding. Smith Optics’ Chief Bifocal glasses have magnification on their lower half for anyone needing an extra vision boost. Up-close tasks like map reading and fly-tying are scenarios where the magnification could be a boon for people needing that added crispness on the details outdoors. Late summer release date for $139.
‘Cooling’ Cap — Made for sweaty outdoor pursuits and things like ultra races, the Quasar Running Cap from Mountain Hardwear offers an airy but sun-blocking shield. Mesh sides and a wide brim are standard touches. A more unusual bonus: Hardwear added its new-fangled Cool.Q ZERO fabric to the lid, which gives off a cooling sensation when soaked with sweat. $35.
Vacuum Bottle of Yore — This retro coffee container, called the Stanley Limited Edition 100th Anniversary bottle, borrows from a design your great-great grandpa might have used. Cap screws off and has a second purpose as a mug. Metal casing and a “vintage Hammertone green finish” included. Two sizes for sale next spring. $38.
iPhone Armor — This protective iPhone case, called the Freedom IP from Brunton, has a solar panel “kickstand” that folds out to provide power. A built-in battery backup, which can be powered up via a wall outlet at home or the solar panel, gives “two full charges to your phone” for extended use outside. Compatible with iPhone 4 and 4s. Will cost $60.
Luggage for a Gear Junkie — Built to haul mucho gear and live through the rigors of foreign airports and long trips across the globe, Eagle Creek offers its Gear Warrior Wheeled Duffel. (We love the name!) It comes in two sizes and has features any gear junkie will love, including durable wheels, rugged construction, a helmet strap on top, interior and exterior compression straps, and a zip-shut separate pocket for wet and stinky clothing at the end of a trip. Capacities of the cases are 5,450 or 6,200 cubic inches of space. For sale in November for $285 and $310.
Tactile Rope — For added safety, near each end of the BiCo Sense climbing rope from Mammut the sheath changes in its construction, providing a new texture that’s felt by the belayer as he or she pays out line. Visual cues on the sheath also let climbers know when they are near the end of the rope, adding extra safety. Comes in 60- and 70-meter lengths starting at $280.
Technical Blanket — Brooks-Range calls its new Cloak product a sleeping bag. But this is really a “technical blanket,” a down quilt with no bottom insulation that’s built for sleeping outdoors on a pad. The advantage is an extra light load — the 45-degree rated Cloak weighs only 13 ounces and packs up super small. Sold in models with 45-, 30-, and 15-degree temp ratings. Pricing ranges from $249 to $369.
Rope Collar — Made of a 7mm rope, Ruff Wear says its Knot-a-Collar settles more comfortably into fur than the traditional flat webbing alternative. Comes tied with sliding fisherman knots for adjusting the rope collar to precisely fit your dog. Safety touch: An integrated reflectivity in the rope weave offers low-light visibility when you and your canine are on a roadside run. $23.
Fisherman’s Delight — Stable and supporting of up to 500 pounds, the Mirage Pro Angler 12 from Hobie will be marketed as “the most versatile fishing boat to ever come out” from the company. Made in California, the hybrid kayak is 12 feet long and 36 inches wide. It has pedal-activated fins that allow you to propel the craft forward with your feet while keeping your hands free to cast and reel in the big bites. $2,549.
Neo Fanny Pack — OverLand Equipment’s go at the fanny pack includes an adjustable strap that lets you wear it on the hips or like a messenger bag slung over a shoulder. Made for biking and travel, the multi-pocketed pack holds passport, map, phone, credit cards, cash. . . whatever you need to stuff inside. $40.
Alpine Influenced — Backpacking brand Granite Gear hopes to dabble in more vertical landscapes with its Leopard AC, a 58-liter pack with ice axe loops and a place to attach crampons. A removable lid and roll-top closure make for a modular creation that can be skimmed down for a summit day. (Weighs 2 lbs, 12 oz. with lid removed.) Men’s and women’s fit versions coming to market next year for $250.
—See GearJunkie’s latest OR Show reportage on our new special section, “Outdoor Retailer Coverage,” and in the articles “Future Gear Extravaganza! 2012 Outdoor Retailer Preview” and “Coming to Market 2013. . . Peek at Future Gear.”
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I am nothing but extremely excited about all the new products! I truly will require several of your new products, seriously! That ultralight tent, the portable power resources you’ve got to offer, the clothes, the accessories ( fan ‘o fanny pack heh) , and that g-pa grylls inspired blade! My heart is on the water and i have to say hands down that fishing kayak/boat must be mine. Its terribly brilliant, i could propel the boat without my hands! Incredible!! Love the size, love everything about it! Sure would be sweet to have to put in the river today!! Cheers!
Bear Grylls “Grandfather Knife” for sure! Retro and functional for one, and designed after Bear Gryll’s “hand me down” knife, my pocket knife from my father was a 3 blade uncle Henry, but the “grandfather” is loaded with class, style and function! Huge fan of Bear Grylls so will be looking for this knife for sure! And who knows? Maybe pass this on to my son…
I would love to try the high stepper boots. As a female there are not many options out there for dependable boots. If they have good traction they are heavy, if they are breathable they are too wide. These boots look like they would be perfect for a female who enjoys exploring and adventuring!
Everything old is new again and the Bear Grylls “Grandfather Knife” proves it! When I read the article this knife reminded me of the Old Timer my dad carried. He used it for everything from slicing apples to opening letters. There’s something to be said for the craftsmanship and design, and the good feelings about being a son that this knife evokes. I’d love to have one!
A Gerber grandfather knife is just too good to BEAR. It was a GRYLLy good idea to bring back a classic design and put a modern spin on it. It looks like it’s a CUT above the competition. It certainly wasn’t GRANDFATHERed in, serious thought was put into this knife. You won’t get CORKSCREWed if you pick one up. LANYARD yourself one asap!
The fishermans delight is an ingenious design. The first of its kind and what looks to be a great design. This kayak looks like a hybrid between the old float tube and canoe. This would be great for someone like me that often fishes in a boat alone. I am often on the water with other canoes, but I am always having trouble fishing because I have to control my boat by myself. Awesome idea … would love to have one!
Awh man I’d love all of this stuff! What really does stand out though is the Gerber-Bear Grylls grandfather knife. I am a knife junkie and this thing is amazing. It’s style is purely practical with a classy vintage finish (looks the business). What more do you need from an outdoor tool ? Plus it’s Gerber made Bear Grylls. Whatever they make, is top class, whatever they make thats’s made with his inspiration and green light, is bound to be a truely amazing piece of tech!
Out of all three of these new release articles, I love the Oregon-Made Multitool by Gerber the most. Not only will I have an incredible well made mutlitool, I can scream SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFT everytime I need it! What? You need pliers? SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFT!!!!!!
Oh, you need a screwdriver? SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIFT!!
A tiny pry bar? Why yes I do! SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFT!! :)
While the “Bear” knife is nice enough (good price point), and the Mountainsmith tent would lighten my load, I’d really have to go for the Granite Gear pack. I’ve got a solid e-frame for trips with the boys in tow, but when it’s just me it would be awesome to not have to lug the monster pack.
I want that Fisherman’s Delight boat. I really need a better fishing boat and that looks like it would be a fun way to get a few buddies together and hit the water and have a blast while catching some supper. Of course, I would need a good knife for cleaning all of those fish!
The Neo Fanny Pack is the bomb! It makes everything so much easier to have all your stuff in one place and organized. That way you don’t lose it! OverLand Equipment Company has the highest quality bags you can buy and these will last you a lifetime! I love their bags and other accessories and can’t wait until this great innovation on an old idea is available!
I would really like the Bear Grylls “Grandfather Knife”. It reminds me of the knife my grandma gave me when I was 6 years old. Five years later I sold it in a family yard sale. 14 years after the sale, I seen the little knife on a customers keys. I asked her about it and she said a little boy sold it to her for 50 cents at a yard sale. I tried to get her to sell it back to me. But she really liked it. I miss that knife. But I especially miss grandma.
My grandpappy killed a bear with his bare hands. I’m not quite the man he was, so I’ll have to pick up the Grandfather knife and kill one with my Bear knife… or just whittle on some sticks by the fire.
That Mountainsmith shelter looks dope, too. Not digging the new colors Granite Gear is rocking.
power in you pocket… what a great piece of gear for backpacking you can finally get away from it all but still have the ability to use some rechargeable electronics and not worry about the battery going dead and being left with unwanted/ useless weight. that will be sweet to see in the future and even better to own and use.
For me I would have to say the Pocket Power solar panel is the one I would have to choose. I do a lot of traveling with my military unit out to the field and in today’s realm social media is how you let family and friends know what you are doing. I’ve been out to the field and there’s no place to plug in so you can charge up your camera, phone, or other electronic device. With more and more things these days electrically powered a good solar panel that fits into your pocket and is a space saver is one thing you shouldn’t leave home without.
The luggage for gear junkie is what I’m looking forward too. It looks like it can take a beating and I can cram it full of stuff. I travel a lot between New York state and Texas as my husband works for the border patrol in Texas and our family is back home in upstate new york. My luggage takes a beating and usually doesn’t seem to last me more than 2 trips before I need to start looking for a new bag for travel. Given that I travel back and forth a minimum of 4-5 times a year for the last 4 years with a toddler in tow driving or even flying between states, that’s alot of luggage to go through. Btw my record time for a drive from ny to TX non stop (besides gas food and bathroom) is 29 hours . And that was in a uhaul.
Growing up in Pennsylvania, my grandparents had a house in the Pocono Mountains. I would go up there with my grandfather on holidays and during the summers when we’d have family get to togethers up there. My grandfather was a primitive survival guy and was a firm believer in being able to survive on the bare minimum and he instilled that into me on our trips into the wilderness. One of the first knives I ever received was a basic Swiss Army Knife from my grandfather. I STILL have it. The Bear Grylls Grandfather knife is a throwback to the knives GRANDADS would carry when they brought their grandson’s into the wilderness and introduced them to nature. Those are some of the fondest memories I have of my childhood and that knife brings them back.
The fishermans delight looks like a a great boat for bay fishing. That’s something I try to do as often as I can. And good thing it’s coming out next year I have been looking for a kayak style boat to purchase after I graduate. I now know that the fishermans delight is going to that boat. Now I can’t wait to graduate to get myself a graduation gift.
The Bear line has been good to me so far, and that knife would make a great gift to my orange hating father, so that is sold. I have to say that I am not normally and aesthetics person but I am kind of tired of the “hipster” look. The glasses and the cap would be tossed, even if they were a gift…
Wow! That Mirage Pro Angler 12 is fantastic. I’ve been looking for a replacement for my old aluminum canoe and this thing looks amazing! The canoe is great with two people in it but when I fish solo it’s a real pain in the ass to maneuver in tight, log ridden spots while casting and reeling. Don’t even get me started on the time I hooked a 5 pound Largemouth and my friend and I flipped the canoe in Frog Creek trying to land the bastard. Been doing the paddle boat whole fishing solo but think I look a bit stupid sitting central on that while doing the fishing thing.
I gotta say that I love that Grandfather Knife. It reminds me of not only one of my granddad’s knives but also one of my dad’s knives. A really nice best of both worlds that I would love to have – screw driver bits to make simple adjustments if needed, a corkscrew to open a bottle of wine for my wife (dont really need the bottle opener if you know the right tricks), and a good single blade to cut up an apple or cheese in a manly, non-swiss army looking knife.
To many great choices, love the back packs, the kayak and the chargers for electronics, all three would make for a great week in the camp, to be able to catch the fish with the kayak, carry all the equipment with the back packs and keep lights and yes iphone charged for nights with the kids, or reading a book
Talking about future gadget, it could be pretty interesting. Power has been human best friend after Nickolai tesla came a success from his first experiment. I would like to see pocket power by goal zero in 2013. It is size as small as possible so it fits in pocket and weight less than a pound. This would be a burden for hikers. What would you say? A power station that weights like a pack of tissue. Not a problem! Plus, it’s solar power. A sustainable source of energy that would never die. I also understand that this is waterproof and there’s a power pack which mean that the power we collect during the day can be use at anytime that pleases us. USB based charging system, which most phone or gps system are a friend to this product. No more worries of power plug finding.
Loving the Bear Grylls Grandfather Knife. The other half insists I “spend way to much money on knives for my Scouting pursuits, and they are all pretty much the same”. It is many years since my last ‘knife with a corkscrew’ gave up the ghost, since then, I have mainly had survival knives, multitools, single blade folders and lock knives. After working hard through the day, using your knife for many different tasks, the final task of opening a bottle of vino would be great!
I have to admit that I don’t have a great need for another knife. That being said, I rarely “need” another knife. I have many of them because I love them. They are wonderful tools that with a little creativity and ingenuity solve many of my daily problems. The Bear Grylls “Grandfather Knife” is a very nice looking knife with what I might refer to as a “conservative design.” I would really like to get my hands on it but not so much for myself. I would like to present it to my father as a gift. My father, who introduced me to the wonderful world of sharp, pointy, objects when I was a young boy, gives me a knife every year for Christmas and has for years. On several occasions I’ve given him knives as a gift too, only to see them shelved and rarely if ever carried or used. He always seems to revert back to the old brass bolstered, wood handled folding knives that greatly resemble the Grandfather Knife.
I’ve purchased him top-of-the-line one handed opening, spring-assisted, pocket clipped, dummy corded, CAD designed wonders with handles made of carbon fiber, micarta, and space-age plastics. They’ve been made of marvelous steels that never rust, never dull and apparently can cut through anything. Never-the-less, they sit atop his dresser and never get touched. It looks like a poorly designed display with a light coat of dust.
Much as he won’t shoot a rifle whose stock is made of plastic or that is black instead of being blued, and he won’t cook food in a microwave, and he won’t shoes that don’t have a 100% leather upper, he won’t carry a knife that looks like it was made in the 20th century.
All that being said, I walk into his house and catch him watching Bear Grylls frequently. He likes to point out how crazy Mr Grylls is to pull some of the stunts he pulls but he is intrigued by him and seems to really enjoy watching him survive each of his escapades. At deer camp last Fall, he actually decided that he needed to show my brother-in-law, cousin, nephew and myself a couple of “tricks” he learned from “Ol’ Bear.”
So, to sum things up, I think my father would actually carry this knife and get a lot of use out of it (so long as he didn’t build a display case for it and hang it on the wall). I think it fits the bill appearance-wise in that it looks like a traditional pocket knife but it looks like it would be very useful as a tool
I would enjoy the fisherman’s delight!! Looks very comfortable,, portable,, and,, most importantly!!,, Functional!!
Perfect for small streams or lakes!!
Plus the pedalable fins will help you keep in shape while relaxing!!
This is definitely going on my wish list!!
Thanx!!
If i had an iphone i´d have taken the iphone solar recharger but when I don´t owe one I definitely would pick the pocket power! It can also recharge other devices than just phones and it can recharge different models too! So on second thought I would have picked the pocket power before the iphone recharger because it an provide many other devices with electricity!
Otherwise I think that the other stuff look great too, but I have the highest need for a portable recharger!
The Gerber Bear Grylls reminds me of everything my granddad was.. Classic, sleek, resourceful, and handy…there’s just one thing I can add about the knife..SEXY!! I’d love to get my hands on that one. Another thing, my happy-camper pup was eyeballing that rope collar..bow-WOW! Nice work Gerber, way to keep tools timeless and trendy at the same time.
The Fishermans delight looks awesome! it would be an excellent tool to use for quick getaways and exercise at the same time, having PTSD the kayaking and canoeing really helps with the alone time while still getting in exercise and then the added fishing benefit, nice!
I like the Mirage Pro Angler 12, The price is up there but when it comes to convience when fishing that will work out great for me. I currently fish out of my small boat. It is combersome to put in the water and well is hard to control while i have my line in the water. This looks like a great way to keep your self focused on whats at hand.
I like the fisherman’s delight. Let’s all be realistic for a second, how many wives out there gripe every time you hit the sunrise with your fishing gear? With one of these, you can showcase the benefits of cardio training down the river. If you just so happen to be able to fish while doing so, that’s just a happy accident. Am I right?
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The Mountainsmith tent looks interesting, and the price is decent.