We got the scoop on exciting new gear before the doors open at North America’s largest outdoor industry trade show. The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, held each year in Denver, highlights summer sports such as hiking, camping, trail running, and climbing.
The show kicks off Tuesday, and we’ll have a team of a dozen writers, photographers, and videographers on hand. We’ll all scour the show looking for the most exciting new products for the coming season.
Here are a few sneak peeks. Most of these exciting products come to the market in the spring of 2020.
Peak Design Travel Tripod
We got an early look at this amazing Travel Tripod that amassed an incredible $6 million on Kickstarter. Our verdict? It lives up to the hype! Peak Design is officially launching it at Outdoor Retailer. While it packs down to the size of a water bottle, it’s still a stable, strong, full-size tripod. Check out our full review here.
MATRIX PowerWatch 2
Smartwatches are great. What’s not so great is forgetting to charge them. MATRIX Industries claims its PowerWatch 2 never needs a charge, instead running on thermoelectric energy created by the wearer as well as solar energy. It promises GPS tracking, heart-rate monitoring, step counting, and much more. It soft launched on Indiegogo, where the brand raised more than $2 million.
Altra Lone Peak Youth
Altra releases one of its most popular trail-running shoes in a children’s model, the Lone Peak Youth. Designed to replicate the adult Lone Peak, kids can now get Altra’s signature FootShape toe box and balanced cushioning. A removable insole allows extra room for growing feet so kids can wear the shoe longer. Just like the adult version, the Lone Peak Youth has a grippy outsole with lugs to tackle dirt, sand, and mud, while the mesh upper provides breathable comfort and style. It has a 17mm stack height, weighs 4.4 ounces, and will be available in youth sizes 1-6.
RockyMounts WestSlope 3
RockyMounts updates the WestSlope with the WestSlope 3 — a three-bike platform hitch rack. With a sloped frame body, the WestSlope 3 eliminated handlebar interference thanks to a tiered mounting arrangement. The brand claims the WestSlope 3 is wallet-friendly, at $400 ($300 on sale now). A ratched swing arm and soft-touch wheel hook further limit frame contact with a secure fit. The WestSlope 3 fits 2-inch hitches and comes with an anti-wobble bolt.
GCI Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger
Sit back and relax in the new GCI Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger. Unlike typical zero-G chairs, the Freeform Lounger from GCI uses the brand’s patent-pending Freeform Leg Rest Technology. This tech allows users to kick up their legs while staying upright. But beyond its leg-resting abilities, the Freeform Zero Gravity Lounger can recline into a straight position to aid relaxation and relieve sore joints. GCI will unveil the product at Summer OR for $114.
Lander Boulder
Control the brightness of the Boulder light from your phone with the latest release from Lander. With the Boulder, you can charge up to three devices simultaneously with wireless and plug-in charging ports. While charging, you can switch from dimming, color, and strobe modes. It’s also rated IP65 waterproof and can be hung from its anchor system. The Boulder is available in September 2019 from Lander for $100.
Teva Dorado
Gladiator style is back and on full display in the Teva Women’s Original Dorado. With a water-ready design and recycled polyester webbing, the Dorado is durable and dries quickly after getting wet. You’re cushioned all day long with an EVA foam midsole, and a plastic buckle lets you slip on and take off the shoes with ease. The Dorado will be available in February 2020 for $60.
Osprey Archeon 25
On the trail and around town, Osprey releases the Archeon 25 for myriad uses. A 25L storage option made from durable, recycled materials, the Archeon has a removable raincover, internal reservoir sleeve, front stretch pocket, and spots for trekking poles. But despite it’s trail-ready features, this pack has the look of something to be seen around the city. The Archeon 25 will be available in men’s and women’s fits for $190 in January 2020.
Snow Peak Kojin
This grill is cylindrical. From Snow Peak comes the Kojin Grill, a $730 all-purpose barbecue and oven. It uses stainless steel construction and three adjustable zones for cooking with charcoal. The brand claims it’s perfect for roasting small birds while grilling veggies. Plus, it packs down for easy storage and transportation.
JanSport Far Out 40
Go backpacking for $100 with the JanSport Far Out 40. This panel-loading 40L backpack uses JanSport’s new Forktastic technology, of which details are limited. What we do know is that it functions as a multipurpose camp tool. The Far Out 40 also has a padded air-mesh harness system and an easy-access compartment that fits a sleeping bag. It uses a water-repelling, durable TPU bottom and has plenty of zippered pockets for organization.
Primus Fire Stick
Primus takes a different approach to the lightweight canister stove for 2020 with its Fire Stick stove. With a folding cylindrical design, the Fire Stick can both block wind and hold pots. It clicks in the center for a snag-free design when closed, and a regulated valve yields high fuel efficiency and controlled fuel consumption at low levels. The Fire Stick from Primus comes in two styles: steel and titanium. The steel option weighs 3.7 ounces and costs $90, and the titanium version weighs 3.1 ounces and costs $120.
ECCO DriTan
ECCO moves toward water-free leather manufacturing with its DriTan technology. For spring 2020, ECCO releases the EXOHIKE, a waterproof shoe made with DriTan technology. While the pictured shoe is a fall 2019 model, DriTan saves approximately 20 L of water per hide, or 25 million L per year. That further translates to 600 fewer tons of sludge produced, or 40 truckloads.
Therm-a-Rest WingLock
Inflate and deflate pads faster with the new Therm-a-Rest WingLock air valve. Available on all pads in the Therm-a-Rest 2020 line, the WingLock is a large one-way valve that inflates three times faster and deflates twice as fast thanks to “wings” that open the valve wider. The technology has been in development since 2017, and it retains Therm-a-Rest’s respected levels of durability and performance.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Parley
Parley and Boost combine in the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker Parley. This lightweight hiking shoe has a Primeknit upper spun from recycled ocean plastic, dubbed Parley. And its Boost midsole provides high energy return. Adidas claims the Terrex Free Hiker Parley offers high freedom of movement and long-distance comfort. The hiking shoe will be available in summer 2020 for $200.
Merrell Choprock
Merrell hopes to make a splash with its Choprock water-centric hiking shoe. If river crossings are on the agenda, the Choprock has quick-dry material, drainage holes, and a sticky sole designed for wet trails. The brand claims it’s the most capable hydro hiker it’s ever made. Despite the water-focused features, the brand built the Choprock for hiking first and water second. The aggressive-lugged Choprock is available now for $120.
SCARPA Veloce
Soft and comfortable with serious performance: That’s the claim behind SCARPA’s soon-to-release Veloce rock climbing shoe. With tech like its Pressure Absorbing Fit heel and microfiber upper, the Veloce is comfortable. Yet a downturned design and SCARPA’s new S-72 rubber yield gripping performance. The new rubber is soft, sticky, and durable. SCARPA markets the Veloce for indoor climbing but claims the tech transfers well into the outdoors. The Veloce costs $139 and will be available in spring 2020.
Thru-Link In-Line Microfilter
MSR introduces a small microfilter you can add to any bladder for quick water filtration on the move. For users who carry a hydration reservoir system, the Thru-Link is a simple-to-use filter that quickly connects into any reservoir. It removes both bacteria and protozoa.
Gregory Paragon and Maven
Hike your favorite trail without feeling a backpack on your back with the Gregory Paragon and Maven. That’s thanks to the brand’s FreeFloat suspension system, which combines a free-floating lower back system to move independently from your body as you hike. Further, the packs feature an adjustable torso with breathable foam and adjustable hipbelt for hotspot-free carry. Made for comfort, the Paragon and Maven cost $250 each for the 65L model and will be available in spring 2020.
COAST FL1R
At just 1.41 ounces, COAST makes the FL1R for running and backpacking. With an embedded rechargeable battery, the FL1R runs 2.5 hours on high. With weatherproof construction and a lockout feature, the FL1R is for the gram-counters. COAST will release the FL1R in September 2019 for $40.
Picture Fluid 3/2
Recycled fishing nets go into Picture’s newest wetsuit, the Fluid 3/2. Made from 85 percent bio-based materials like polyamide, it uses Aqua glue — an environmentally friendly, water-based adhesive — and EicoPrene. To make EicoPrene, the brand uses a 70-percent limestone and 30-percent recycled tire mixture. And yet, in spite of these nuanced eco materials, Picture manages to keep the price down. The Fluid 3/2 costs $260 and will be available in spring/summer 2020.
The North Face Activist
The North Face’s groundbreaking FUTURELIGHT material makes its way onto footwear with the Activist FUTURELIGHT shoes. The low and midheight shoes are designed to feel like sneakers yet offer all-day comfort in modern construction and progressive styling. FUTURELIGHT made waves in the outdoor industry for being one of the most breathable, yet waterproof, fabrics ever made. The shoes cost $135-145 and will be available in January 2020.
Amundsen Safari Muck
Safari adventure was the inspiration for Amundsen’s latest boot, the Safari Muck. The creators of Norwegian heritage apparel and footwear sought to embody “safari” and create a purpose-built boot for journeys and expeditions during the warmer months. The Safari Muck uses suede leather and cotton canvas to dry quickly, a Vibram sole, and a removable mesh liner. Amundsen will release the Safari Muck this summer for $299.
Chrome x Voodoo Doughnut
Chrome teams up with Voodoo Doughnut for OR with a special-edition Volcan backpack. To celebrate the release of Voodoo Doughnut’s second store in Denver, the brands dolled up an iconic Chrome pack. The Chrome x Voodoo Doughnut Volcan Backpack is made in Voodoo Pink and has a 31L volume, a padded laptop sleeve, and 22-ounce, 1,000-denier TPE Tarp shell construction. The pack released on June 7 for $140.
Hilleberg Anaris
Hilleberg goes light, roomy, and durable with the Anaris, a two-person, three-season tent. For $595, you get 28 square feet of inner tent area and excellent airflow. Plus, the outer tent fabric is Hilleberg’s durable Kerlon 1000, rated to 17.5-pound tear strength. The Anaris weighs 3 pounds 1 ounce and is designed with simplicity in mind for backpacking during the warmer months.
HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat Mid GTX 2
Trail runner meets hiking boot in the Speedgoat Mid GTX 2 from HOKA ONE ONE. Built off the speedy trail silhouette of the Speedgoat, the Mid GTX 2 has an anatomically designed collar for more ankle support and a GORE-TEX waterproof bootie. Further, a Vibram Megagrip outsole yields grip, and HOKA ONE ONE’s iconic large stack height provides cushion. The Speedgoat Mid GTX 2 will release in spring 2020 for $170.
MSR Habitude
MSR for family camping? Maker of ultralight and adventure-ready tents, MSR builds a roomy shelter in its Habitude Tent for 2020. With four- and six-person options, the Habitude boasts high ceilings and vertical sidewalls, a large vestibule, and plenty of storage pockets on the inside. With smooth-glide YKK zippers and reinforced walls, this tent is made to last and endure challenging environments. The Habitude 4 and 6 cost $500 and $600, respectively.
Sea to Summit Watercell
Store your water in a minimal bag with Sea to Summit’s Watercell bags. In Light and X options, the Watercell is a streamlined water storage option with easy dispensing. The Light is constructed with welded seams for strength and flexibility, and it uses semi-translucent TPU for abrasion resistance. The brand strategically placed grab handles and a large, easy-to-use screw top for simple pouring. Sea to Summit will release the Watercell bags in spring 2020 in 4L to 20L options for $30 to $65.
YETI LoadOut GoBox
At OR, YETI will display the LoadOut GoBox 30, which released in spring 2019. The LoadOut GoBox is a dry box designed for adventure gear. With an uninsulated design, the box has the same rotomolded toughness YETI is known for. YETI offers divider, caddy, and Pack Attic accessories for organizing your gear. The LoadOut GoBox 30 is available now for $250.
Pelican Dayventure Cooler
Carry your brews to the park with confidence in a Pelican Dayventure cooler. Available in Backpack and Sling models, the Dayventure series packs are designed for portability and ease of use. The Sling Cooler carries across your body, fits up to 12 cans with ice, and has a water-resistant, tear-proof outer shell. It comes with a dry pocket for smaller items. With all-day ice retention, the Sling Cooler costs $150, and the Backpack version costs $250.
Dovetail Workwear Maven
With its Maven Slim Pant, Dovetail Workwear created a jean with four times the abrasion resistance of traditional denim. The women’s workwear brand teamed up with CORDURA and Artistic Milliners to release the first StayBlack CORDURA Denim product. With a cotton, nylon, and cellulose fabric, the jean is crazy durable. And on the sustainability side, the fibers are dyed before weaving, which uses less water and locks in the color. Dovetail Workwear markets the Maven Slim for service jobs to afterwork hikes. It will be available in spring/summer 2020 for $99.
Mammut Comfort Knit Fast Adjust Harness
Send your sport climbing project with the Comfort Knit Fast Adjust Harness from Mammut. With warp-knit, open-webbing construction, the harness is both breathable and comfortable. The comfort comes from soft-edge hip belts and optimum weight distribution. And last, Fast Adjust lets the leg loops adjust in seconds with one movement. Mammut will release the Comfort Knit Fast Adjust harness in 2020 for $160.
Tecnica Origin
This trail-running shoe molds to your foot. Tecnica brings its thermo-molding technology from its Custom Adaptive Shape Machine to a trail shoe with the Origin. GearJunkie was among the first testers in our review here, and Tecnica hopes to make a splash at the show. The Origin is a $170 technical trail shoe that weighs 9-10.9 ounces and has a 9mm heel-to-toe drop.
Chaco Chillo
Chaco expands its sandal lineup with the Chillo, a slide-on sandal that borrows classic Chaco designs in a new style. The Chillo has only four components yet offers arch support and high rebound thanks to its EVA midsole. The Chillo has adjustable jacquard straps, it comes in a plethora of different colors, and it costs $50.
Helle Kletten
At the OR show, historic Scandanavian knife brand Helle will debut the Kletten, the brand’s first EDC knife. The Kletten boasts a folding design yet retains the brand’s known handcrafted and elegant finish. With a forward finger guard and contoured shape, you can grip the Kletten with three fingers. It measures 3.1 inches folded and uses a 2.1-inch, triple-laminated blade. The knife also has a manual opening and stable lockback design. The Kletten will cost $199.
SAXX Hyperdrive
SAXX kicks workouts up a notch with its new compression boxer brief, the Hyperdrive. SAXX designed a new stabilizing BallPark Pouch for high-intensity workouts. The odor-resistant, moisture-wicking briefs also feature a hidden waistband stash pocket. The brand crafts the Hyperdrive with a blend of 80 percent nylon and 20 percent elastane for stretch. They cost $50.
DUER Weightless Denim Jogger
Forget you’re wearing pants with the latest denim release from DUER. The Weightless Denim Jogger is as the name implies — very, very lightweight at 7 ounces. That’s seriously light. The Weightless Denim Jogger uses elastic cuffs, a gusset, drawstring waistband, with a blend of COOLMAX and TENCEL. The women’s-only jeans will be available next year for $120.
Oru Lake Kayak
Oru Kayak unveils the company’s newest and most consumer-friendly kayak. The Lake Kayak weighs less than 20 pounds and is 34 percent smaller by packed volume and 36 percent lighter-weight than Oru’s flagship BAY ST model. Yet it retains the same internal volume and shell material. Oru virtually eliminated all “floating” (non-attached) parts, meaning that assembly consists of unfolding and snapping together the boat. The brand claims 2-3 minutes of total setup. Furthermore, the boat is planned to retail at just $850 — $450 less than Oru’s current least-expensive model.
Yakima LockNLoad Heavy-Duty Roof Rack
A rack for far-off pursuits, Yakima’s LockNLoad overlanding roof rack carries heavy-duty construction and pairs with a host of accessories to meet off-road demands. Side rails, a light-mounting bracket, a high-lift jack holder, and a spare-tire holder are just some of the goodies that add versatility to the LockNLoad. And, of course, its side-to-side slats will haul your skis, bikes, boats, boards, and other toys.
Klymit Maxfield 2 Tent
Klymit launches its first tents this year at summer OR with the Maxfield 2 and Maxfield 4 three-season shelters. The Maxfield two-person, pictured, offers front-door entry and a wide vestibule and comes in at 3 pounds 4 ounces. The Maxfield four-person weighs just over 5.5 pounds.
Bertucci $55 A-1R Field Comfort Watch
Bertucci launches a timepiece almost anyone can afford. The A-1R Field Comfort Watch comes in at $55, weighs just over 1 ounce, has Japanese movement, and provides up to 50 m of water resistance.
Phoozy 'Spacesuit' Phone Case
Protect your phone, tablet, or other smart devices from drops, overheating, freezing, and submersion with the Phoozy. This “chromium thermal barrier” holds your device, floats, and blocks both heat and cold from affecting battery life.
