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2012: The Coming Gearpocalypse

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The Mayans might have thought the world would end in 2012. We’ll wait and see on all that, I guess. Mean time, a closer onslaught is coming in the form of the season’s biggest outdoor-industry event, the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show, this month, January 19 – 22, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where a literal tsunami of gear will hit. As always, a few “junkies” from our site — reporters, editors, Team GearJunkie athletes — will be on the scene, and we promise comprehensive coverage of the coming swag-storm in SLC. But first, here below we provide a sneak peek at the coming gearpocalypse to preview some of the neatest new gear that will be whirlwinding in to land in stores sometime in mid-2012. Enjoy the ride! —Stephen Regenold


Diva in wool: Icebreaker debuts women’s Carve Zip top


Backpacking gets handsome: Granite Gear Vapor Current pack


Not goose down! Ibex’s new “Wool Loft” jacket uses a puffy wool-based insulation for warmth


Leather rain boot: Ahnu’s Laguna with “luxurious” colored patent leather


Hearty winter socks for the ladies: Goodhew Lumber Jane


Uber-light outerwear: La Sportiva Storm Fighter jacket/pants designed for fast and light alpine tasks like climbing rando racing


Extreme cold abated: Brooks-Range Mountaineering Equipment Cirro Extreme Jacket


A name we love! Vasque introduces the SnowJunkie boot/shoe for fast and light winter pursuits


BlenderBottle SportMixer uses “stainless-steel whisk ball” to mix drink powder when you shake



PFD for the dogs: Ruff Wear’s K-9 Float Coat


Fashion and function for the outdoors: Horny Toad Cloudcover Collection


Pretty in pink meets a big-mountain view: Women’s Julbo Vesta Goggles


Tiny pad: Klymit 3oz. Cush Pillow/Seat (29 × 9 inches)


Salomon goes minimal: The Sense model weighs 6.5oz. per shoe at men’s size 9!


Watertight! Innate Heliograph Camera Case


Wool and waxed cotton (!) comprise the Nau Wool Patrol Hoody


Killer Shark ABC (altimeter, barometer, and compass) watch


Glow in the dark: Headsweats’ Ultra Reflective collection


Avy bag: Dakine partners with ABS Airbag Systems


‘Barefoot’ style in all seasons: Merrell Pulse Glove has weather-resistant fabric, grip sole for winter running


Liquid Solution Soft Flex foldable bottle with “exterior sleeve”


Hot foot! Battery-power heat in Columbia’s new boot for women


Pearl Izumi Women’s Fly In-R-Cool Shrug non-traditional running piece


Handsome leather boot from Palladium


Garmont USA Cosmos — “lightest 4-buckle boot on the market”


Does what it says: Blundstone’s “Warm and Dry” boot


Stanley Nineteen13 bottle — thumb-activated push button spout


Ultra-light suitcase: Osprey Ozone Series roller bags


Montane Featherlite Down Jacket; weighs 14oz., stuffs down to size of a large orange

—Watch for coverage of more new gear with GearJunkie’s reporting on the Outdoor Retailer trade show throughout the month.

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