The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, held next week in Denver, will be gear central. Thousands of brands will debut products for the coming year. Here’s our exclusive pre-show peek at some exciting outdoors gear coming to market for spring 2019.
Crazy Creek Hammock Shelter
The Crazy Creek Crazy Pod lets you hammock camp without a tarp thanks to its integrated weather protection. Set up the Crazy Pod, and it’s ready for rain right away. But in the event of clear skies, rain flaps can be pulled away, giving you view of the area and increased airflow. The Crazy Pod weighs just under 3 pounds and has aluminum poles for a spacious interior as well as 1-inch webbing straps. Crazy Creek launches the Crazy Pod at OR, with availability in 2019 for $289.
Wooden-Frame Pack
Hike to the base of the climb with Bergtagen’s wooden frame inside, then remove the frame, top lid, and hip belt to cut weight and make a push for the summit. Fjällräven introduces the Bergtagen, a mountaineering pack that has a sustainably sourced birch wood frame. The pack is durable and uses new waterproof “Bergshell fabric” made from recycled nylon. Fjällräven launches the Bergtagen in spring 2019 for $240.
Ultralight Waterproof Jacket
Protect yourself from the most brutal of elements in a jacket that weighs scant ounces. Helly Hansen introduces the Odin Minimalist 2.0 Jacket with a proprietary 2.5-layer stretchy fabric. It weighs in at 5.6 ounces and has a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm. MSRP on the Odin Minimalist 2.0 is $220, available in spring 2019.
Lightweight Danner Hiker
Danner enters the lightweight hiking shoe market with the Trail 2650. The Trail 2650 has a lightweight leather upper with breathable mesh lining and was designed for the Pacific Crest Trail’s demanding, highly varied terrain — rocky, dusty, and wet. The shoe is built for speed thanks to its lightweight EVA midsole and supportive, reinforced heel counter. Danner launches the Trail 2650 February 2019 for $150.
All-Season Sleeping Bag
Winter to summer, The North Face introduces one sleeping bag for all seasons. The One Bag integrates multiple layers into one sleeping bag for temperature ratings of 5 to 40 degrees F. The bag works with top and bottom layers of synthetic insulation rated to 40 degrees. But sandwiched between them is a removable layer of 800-fill down that brings the bag’s temp rating to 5 degrees. The One Bag launches this August in retail locations and online in January 2019 for $289.
SkyLoft Hammock
Spread the SkyLoft apart and recline without feeling your shoulders crunch or back arch. The SkyLoft from ENO has integrated lines to change how you like to hang, from flat to reclined. ENO designed it as a spacious, open-air style of hammock that lets the user take in the view without excess fabric. It packs up small, weighs 2.9 pounds, and has a 250-pound weight capacity. The SkyLoft costs $130 and is available at the start of 2019.
Opinel Cooking Kit
Prepare dinner around the campfire with Opinel’s Nomad Kit. In addition to the kit’s wooden cutting board and cloth, included are three foldable tools that contain a corkscrew, a vegetable peeler, and two knives (one serrated). Opinel launches the kit this fall for $79.
Hubba NX Tent
Virtually indestructible tent poles and an ultra-durable waterproof coating make the Hubba NX stand out in the world of tents. MSR updates its Hubba NX Tent Series for 2019 with Xtreme Shield waterproof coating that lasts three times longer than standard waterproof tent coatings. And it uses an aerospace-grade composite material for its tent poles that flex and bounce back to shape under force, unlike aluminum or carbon fiber.
Downhill MTB Trail Pack
Stow your gear without the bounce with the Thule Rail hydration pack. Thule designed the Rail for downhill and enduro mountain bike riding. The sides feature a hip belt that wraps the torso, eliminating bounce or movement when jumping or accelerating through berms, according to the brand. And when it’s time to hydrate, inside is a 2.5-liter HydraPak reservoir with a hands-free ReTrakt magnetic hose return. So you can take a sip, spit out the mouthpiece, and get on with the trail without missing a beat. The Rail is available in 8- and 12-liter versions and is available February 2019.
Multipurpose Headlamp
Ride with the SNAP on your bike to camp, then place it around your head to complete camp chores. The SNAP, from Princeton Tec, acts as a headlamp, bike light, and flashlight in one. Its design lends itself to different straps and mounts depending on your needs. It offers 200 lumens and a 130-hour burn time. Princeton Tec introduces the SNAP at the show for $40.
Waterproof Chelsea
Keep mud and water at bay with the LaCrosse Grange Chelsea. For those that don’t need a knee-high option for total water protection, this Chelsea provides protection around the ankle and foot. To ensure the outsole won’t separate, LaCrosse vulcanized it onto the boot for extra durability. And like all of the brand’s boots, LaCrosse lays the durable rubber by hand for a secure and comfortable fit.
Modern Wolverine Hiking Boots
A full-grain leather upper and white outsole give the Wolverine Bodi a classic look. With the Bodi, Wolverine offers a hiking boot that fits in at the bar. But inside the pretty-looking boot are tech features like a compression-molded EVA midsole, moisture-wicking mesh lining, and a cushioned footbed. Wolverine launches the Bodi in February 2019 for $110.
Improved Camp Lines
Hang clothes to dry, or tension your tent with GEAR AID’s Camp Line Kit. Included is 30 feet of reflective 550 paracord, two line tensioners, and two carabiners that anchor the system in place. The line kit is an improvement thanks to GEAR AID’s simple twist-and-clip design, with which you can hang things from the line. The Camp Line Kit launches this December for $30.
KEEN Venture
Hike fast in the Venture waterproof or mid hiking shoes. KEEN enters the lightweight hiking boot market with two shoes that place weight at the forefront. The Venture has a tuned stability shank, an injection-molded EVA midsole, and KonnectFit heel-capture system for increased stability on the trails when moving quickly. Ideal for scrambles, fast adventures, and all things hiking, the Venture is available in spring 2019 for $170 to $180.
Scarpa Slipper
Climb overhangs and still manage to edge when the wall turns vertical in the Scarpa Instinct SR rock climbing shoe. Scarpa tensioned the rubber around the shoe to perform across a variety of climbing surfaces, like steep bouldering and edging. Additionally, the Instinct SR has rubber coverage over the forefoot, a sculpted heel, and a lower volume than its predecessor, the Instinct S. Scarpa launches the Instinct SR in spring 2019 for $175.
Clean Drinking Water Bottle
Drink from a Purist water bottle and don’t worry about tasting metal, plastic, or anything relating to the water bottle. That’s thanks to its flawless glass finish, made from silicon dioxide, that coats the interior to repel flavors that would latch onto the bottle. Plus, Purist water bottles are constructed with stainless steel and vacuum insulated to keep drinks hot for 12 hours or cold for 24. Purist bottles launch in October 2018 in 18- and 32-ounce versions for $44 and $52, respectively.
Versatile Bivy
The Outdoor Research Interstellar Bivy will protect you from the elements, transform into a hat, and let you cook and organize your rack. This versatile bivy has six zipper sliders on its opening, allowing you to extend your arms outside the bag if you want. And if you sit up while in the bivy, the top acts as a hat that shields the head and upper body. Outdoor Research introduces the Interstellar Bivy, weighing 1 pound 3.9 ounces, at the show, available in 2019 for $275.
Aluminum Field Watch
Bertucci crafts its A-6A Experior line of watches with aluminum — a first for the brand. Each A-6A Experior watch is made from solid, anodized aluminum, doesn’t have spring bars or pins, and allows you to easily swap out watch bands. The aluminum makes the watches lightweight and strong for adventurers who need a light and reliable timepiece in the field. An A-6A Experior watch weighs only 1.8 ounces. The watch has quartz movement, luminous hands, and a scratch-resistant, hardened mineral glass crystal. Bertucci launches the product this August for $120 to $140.
Gore-Tex Knit Shoes
Knit fabric is one of the most comfortable fabrics to use in shoes, offering wearers a sock-like feel with the performance of a sneaker. Gore-Tex introduces an advancement to knit footwear with its waterproof, windproof, 3D-fit footwear. The new waterproof-breathable technology contours to the shape of your foot, offering weather protection in shoes with mesh, elastic, and knitted uppers. Gore launches 3D fit at Outdoor Retailer, with costs dependent on the manufacturer.
Folding Sun Hat
Headsweats touts its fabric ensures you keep a cool head thanks to maximum airflow and moisture transfer. The Boonie Hat offers this in a sun hat option with a 3-inch-wide brim. And when not on your head, the Boonie rolls up and stuffs into your pocket. To round out the build, Headsweats integrated an adjustable chin strap and quick-fit closure. The Boonie Hat debuts at OR and is available for $25.
Humanitarian Gear
Buy one of EcoSurvivor’s outdoor products and help end the world water crisis by providing clean drinking water to impoverished communities in Africa. EcoSurvivor launches a line of electronic goods, like a Bluetooth speaker, battery pack, and lantern, where 50 percent of net proceeds go to the charity Water4. EcoSurvivor items cost $15-40 and debut at the OR show.
Coal x Tenkara
Coal teams up with Tenkara Rod Co. for a collaboration that includes a rod, two hats, and a neck gaiter. The rod offers a fresh take on Tenkara Rod Co.’s Sawtooth rod — a playful rod that’s perfect for 6- to 18-inch fish. The gaiter is rated UPF 50+, and the cap offers a vintage aesthetic. It’s a wide-brim travel hat with leather chin cord. Coal Headwear debuts the Sawtooth Collection at the OR show.
Recycled Dog Bed
Ruffwear launches a dog bed crafted from recycled and repurposed materials. The Restcycle Bed has 300 grams of recycled insulation for its plush pillow topper, a recycled microsuede cover, and a waterproof, TPE-coated recycled base. The bed doesn’t absorb moisture or odor and has a handle for easy transport. Ruffwear launches the Restcycle on August 1, 2018, for $100.
Minimal Travel Containers
Pack your soap up small with Matador’s FlatPak series, a minimal, TSA-approved container option. The FlatPak Toiletry Bottles are five times lighter and three and a half times more compact than traditional silicone bottles. The Toiletry bottles are designed for any liquid, be it toothpaste or shampoo. And if you’re a soap bar kind of traveler, Matador’s cases are leakproof and more compact than conventional soap bar cases. Matador launches the FlatPak collection at Outdoor Retailer, with single packs for $13.
Paper Towel Packraft
Float down rivers in the Rogue Lite. Then, when it’s time to pack up, roll the boat down to the size of a paper towel roll. Kokopelli Packraft introduces its latest packraft, a one-person option that weighs 4.9 pounds. It offers Kevlar flooring, D-rings, and an optimal build for paddling comfort. The Rogue Lite is available in spring 2019 for $825.
Adidas Hiking Shoes
Adidas puts its trail runing technology into a hiking shoe with the Terrrex Free Hiker. On top of the foot is Adidas Primeknit, which wraps the foot with adaptive support in a lightweight package. Underfoot is Adidas Boost, the brand’s most responsive cushioning option. Together, the technologies provide a fast hiker made for all terrains, elevation changes, and distances. The Terrex Free Hiker is available in 2019 for $200.
Knee-Saving Running Shoes
Brooks touts the Adrenaline GTS 19 moves comfortably with a focus on runners’ knees — the most injury-prone part of a runner’s body. GuideRail technology keeps excess movement in check, and BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning provide softness underfoot that doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness or durability. Brooks sells the Adrenaline GTS 19 for $130, available on December 1, 2018.
Klymit Sky Bivy
When the wind and rain pick up, hunker down in the Sky Bivy, from Klymit. With storm mode and shade mode, the Sky Bivy is built to envelop the user in protective nylon. Dual foot straps let you alter the hammock position vertically and horizontally for a stable sleep experience. Four aluminum stakes and tension-lock guylines are included for when the storm rages. When it’s not raining, the Sky Bivy sets up like a traditional backyard hammock. The Sky Bivy sells for $250, available in spring 2019.
Cooler With Wheels
Wheel the RollR 45 from the car to campsite, or bike it to the park. RovR introduces a new size of cooler, a 45-liter, at this year’s OR, complete with the brand’s smooth-rolling wheels. On the side of the RollR 45 is space for a bike-hitch attachment to let you tow the cooler via bike. And the attachment point system lets you attach a cutting board and cupholder to the outside of the cooler. RovR launches the RollR 45 at OR this week, with availability later this month for $369.
Thin-Outsole Trail Runner
Run across the rugged landscape found in the high alpine with Dynafit’s Feline Up Pro trail running shoe. The first shoe to integrate the Vibram Lite Base outsole, this shoe reduces sole thickness and shaves a sizable amount of weight while maintaining performance and protection. The result is a lightweight trail shoe with impressive traction and responsiveness that grips on challenging terrain like wet or loose ground. The Feline Up Pro shoe launches in spring 2019 for $169.
Back-Breathing Climbing Pack
A sweaty back when climbing is an uncomfortable bummer that can send chills down the spine when the wind picks up. Salewa seemingly fixes this annoyance with its Contact Flow Fit carrying system, found on the Apex Wall 32 mountaineering pack. The pack lifts off your back for a reduced contact area, and 3D air channels keep your back cool. It also boasts a high-tenacity nylon that is 60 percent more tear-resistant than conventional nylon pack fabrics. Salewa launches the Apex at OR, available in spring 2019 for $160.
Climb-Focused Approach Shoe
When the trail turns vertical, the Wildfire Edge will keep you latched to the wall. Salewa launches a new approach shoe with adaptive lacing and edging plate for approach hikes and minimal climbing. The adaptive lacing allows you to pull the foot forward into the toe box for compression similar to that of a climbing shoe. And an insole plate under the foot provides additional stiffness below the toes only for edging performance. Salewa launches the Wildfire Edge at OR, and it’s available in spring 2019 for $170.
Patterned Alpine Apparel
For alpine expeditions and backcountry treks, Mountain Hardwear offers the Exposure/2 Gore-Tex Pro Bib and Jacket. Constructed with recycled Gore-Tex, this paring is waterproof and breathable. The unique colors nod to the brand’s heritage, and Mountain Hardwear uses solution-dyeing to achieve the look. The jacket costs $650 and the bib $550, both available in 2019.
Sea to Summit Sleeping Pad
Rest easy on the EtherLight XT Air Mat, Sea to Summit’s latest sleeping pad. The EtherLight XT Air Mat uses air pockets created by looped TPU baffles that connect the top and bottom layers of the pad. The air pockets give 4 inches of sleeping pad thickness and allow the pad to remain super lightweight. A nylon fabric on the pad is quiet and grippy for slip-free sleep, and your pillow stays put thanks to its Pillow Lock system. Sea to Summit introduces the EtherLight XT at OR, with availability in spring 2019 for $179.
Mountainsmith Mayhem
Mountainsmith’s most technical pack to date, the Mayhem 45 is made for backpacking and hiking. The pack uses Spectra Fiber, a “super fiber” known for its light weight, strength, and abrasion resistance. Mountainsmith crafts the pack using its in-house gel-spinning process, claiming the Mayhem is durable and sure to resist trees and other puncture hazards on the trail. The Mayhem 45 is available in men’s and women’s models in January 2019 for $180.
Shatterproof Duffels
Eagle Creek borrows the same tech that makes windshields shatterproof for its Migrate Duffels. The bag is stain-resistant, water-repellant, and durable thanks to its plastic coating found in windshields. Eagle Creek harvested the material from landfills in Asia, so the tech is recycled. On top of that, the bags are offered in some eye-catching colors. The Migrate Duffels are available in January 2019 for $79 to $159 in standard and wheeled options.
Camp Pour-Over Kit
Brew pour-over coffee for the whole campsite in a snap with Eureka!’s Camp Cafe. Included are a 2.5-liter boiling kettle, a coffee carafe, and pour-over filter holder. The secret to its quickness is FluxRing technology, which allows you to boil water twice as fast as in a regular kettle. The whole system packs together for easy transport and is available in January 2019 for $100.
Rob Krar Sock
Ultrarunners take note: Smartwool teamed up with Rob Krar to create the PhD Pro Endurance Print sock. It’s built with Indestructawool technology, new Shred Shield technology for durability, and a Virtually Seamless toe. The Shred Shield reinforces the toe cap to combat excess friction from the top and front of toenails. Available in spring 2019, the PhD Pro Endurance Print sock costs $26.
Five Ten Crack Shoe
Five Ten re-enters the high-top climbing shoe market with the Grandstone. Padded, perforated pods on the top of the shoe protects the ankle bones, so the gnarliest off-widths and cracks don’t stand a chance at ripping apart your ankles. A thermoplastic midsole gives the shoe its edging properties, and a supple microfiber upper has a slight stretch for fit. This “rhino-tough” shoe launches in spring 2019 for $180.
Osprey Raptor & Raven
Ride down bumps with your pack hugging tight on your back with Osprey’s Raptor and Raven packs. These packs use Osprey’s new Biostretch Harness that wraps the upper shoulders with a “winged” harness for added stability during dynamic movement. Additionally, the pack features a 2.5-liter reservoir, a tool roll organizer, and spot for your bike helmet. Osprey releases the Raptor and Raven in spring 2019 for $140.
Cushy Sandals
Oboz debuts the Sun Kosi sandal, a cushy option with R-MAT footbeds commonly found in running shoes. The footbed borrows tech from cushiony HOKA ONE ONE shoes for a lightweight and comfortable sandal. Each pair weighs 1 pound 1 ounce, and they tighten down with a single strap. The Obox Sun Kosi sandal launches in February 2019 for $95.
'Mountain to Town' Sneaker
A wide toe box, minimal heel drop, and lightweight design make the Lems Mountain Sneaker fit in on the trail. And its stylings make it fit in around town. From Lems Shoes comes the Mountain to Town collection, an outdoor lifestyle series of items with teched out details in stylish kicks. The Lems Mountain Sneaker is available in October 2018 for $130.
Compact Pocket Light
Unscrew the back of the HX5R pocket light and charge via a USB plug-in. Coast launches the HX5R, an easy-to-charge option that doesn’t break the bank at $30. It packs 340 lumens with a slide focus that reaches up to 178 meters. The HX5R launches this summer.
