Crazy times this week in Salt Lake City. Product demos, P.R. meetings, and nonstop press engagements on the floor of the Salt Palace convention center, where the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show is now launching into its third day. Here are a few more items that have caught my eye, live from the show floor. . .
Inov-8 Race Pro 12—A new standard for adventure racing/ultra packs? Compatible with the company’s new horizontal water bladder, which sits—as the name portents—right on your hips. I’m testing one next weekend on a 6-hour ROGAINE orienteering race. Watch for the full review.
www.inov-8.com
Mountain Hardwear Helion 2 tent—One of the lightest freestanding two-person tents on the market. Hollowcore 25D Nylon fly fabric is 25% lighter than the industry standard 30D. The fly fabric, a new lightweight grommet tab system and variable diameter Atlas UL poles add up to save enough weight to crush the “2 person, 4 lb. barrier.” DETAILS: Minimum weight 3 lbs. 4 oz; $395. www.mountainhardwear.com
Nau Acoustic Jacket—Built to be breathable while repelling wind and water. A sleek, minimalist design. Cool urban look; outdoor functionality. Fabric made with 82% recycled polyester/18% mechanical stretch polyester. $165. www.nau.com
Princeton Tec LED Fuel—A departure from the standard ‘clamshell’ shape used on most 3 AAA headlamps. The Fuel rotates about its center of gravity on a secure ratchet located on the body’s left side. Its three AAA batteries are housed in triangular layout, instead of stacked, creating a smaller front profile for the unit, allowing for the inclusion of the easy access battery door and creating a tougher and more secure housing for the Fuel’s electronics.
Brightness rating = 16 lumens. $25. www.princetontec.com
Polar RS800 watch with GPS—This watch, launched last year, now gets its speed/distance measurements via GPS, instead of a foot pod. Measures your MPH while you run + calories burned, elevation gained/lost, distance run, and more. www.polarusa.com
