Gear Junkie

The Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City, held this week, Aug. 9 – 12, is the Sundance Film Fest for outdoorsy types, with parties, press conferences, media appearances, and endless swag. Hundreds of companies announce products for 2008 at the show. What’ll be hot and cool this season in Salt Lake? Here’s what caught my eye so far. . .

MSR Hyperflow Microfilter: “lightest, smallest, fastest-pumping filter available” www.cascadedesigns.com Patagonia Thatcher: “board-lasted steel shank for support and stability; POLI-CORK footbeds made from 70 percent recycled foam” www.patagonia.com Nite Ize Figure 9 Carabiner: “cinch, tie, clip, secure. . .”

www.niteize.com

AeroPress: “Stanford University engineering lecturer invents coffee press for the outdoors.” www.aerobie.com Big Agnes Skinny Fish: “20-degree sleeping bag made almost with 100 percent recycled materials.” www.bigagnes.com Gregory Whitney 95: “New ‘Response Custom Fit Suspension’ system.” www.gregorypacks.com Hydrapak Bantam: “1.5-liter, no-slosh hydration fanny pack.” www.hydrapak.com Smith Optics Interlock: “A re-invention of interchangeable lens technology.”

www.smithinterlock.com

Vibram Flow: “FiveFingers technology, updated.” www.vibramfivefingers.com Black Diamond Ion: “Weighs an ounce; the ultimate backup lamp.”

www.blackdiamondequipment.com