The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market hosted its final show in Denver this summer, and we were on hand to check out the cutting-edge equipment hitting shelves in the coming months.
While there were a few big winners in terms of innovation at the Outdoor Retailer show, there was plenty of other new gear that merits a mention as well.
Read on for some of the gear we’re most looking forward to in 2023.
Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Jacket
Part of Helly Hansen’s Odin collection, the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Jacket is the brand’s bestselling hardshell, now being made with more sustainable materials. The jacket includes Ocean Bound recycled material (from discarded fishing gear like fishing buoys), a PFC-free DWR treatment, and is Bluesign-certified.
Jacket specs include a three-layer fabric construction, fully sealed seams, articulated sleeves, a brushed tricot chin guard, internal and external pockets, and a two-point adjustable hood. But Helly Hansen didn’t stop there — with this jacket, it ensures a backpack, harness, and helmet-compatible design — and finally adds a RECCO reflector for safety in the mountains.
MSRP: $475
Available: Spring 2023
Five Ten Kestrel BOA
Five Ten unveils the first downcountry/gravel clip-in shoe made with recycled/reclaimed materials (that the brand knows of).
At 12 ounces (men’s 11.5), Five Ten pegs it as the lightest Downcountry/Gravel shoe out there. The Kestrel Boa is also the first downcountry shoe with Five Ten’s Stealth rubber.
The clipless bike shoe has an impact-resistant toebox, a breathable, abrasion-resistant upper made with recycled materials, and a no-slip heel for a “secure, comfortable fit.” A full-length plate is made with repurposed materials and reinforced with glass fiber for added stability, superb pedal power, and less environmental impact.
Available spring 2023.
MSRP: $230
BioLite BaseCharge 600
While possibly just another power station, BioLite is taking a huge step with its two new BaseCharge models (the 600 and 1500). BioLite’s aim is to make power stations more accessible to mainstream customers, offering more watts per dollar than what’s currently on the market today.
The BioLite BaseCharge 600 (pictured here) has an energy odometer to keep track of watt-hours used; an interactive digital display that shows charge times, battery life, and more; one DC port, two USB ports, one USB-C port, two AC ports, and a port for plugging in a solar panel.
The unit also comes equipped with a 12 Checkpoint Safety System. Finally, the top of the unit is a wireless charging station: simply plop your phone down and go. It offers a 622 watt-hours battery for $699.
MSRP: $699 for the BaseCharge 600
LYOFOOD
LYOFOOD is bringing something very different to the world of freeze-dried meals. The company grows its own herbs, and some fruits and vegetables, and does all food packaging and production in-house. It’s all food, no preservatives.
Backed by Kilian Jornet and a few other big names, LYOFOOD’s meal offerings include lentil daal, barley risotto, and nettle curry (developed in part by climber Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll). Other dishes are even more indulgent, something hikers and climbers of yore could’ve never dreamed of — like pork loin or the veg-favorite chili sin carne. You’ll find figs, polenta, sauerkraut — heck — even avocado mousse on the menu.
MSRP: $7 & up
Available: Now
BearVault BV475 Trek and BV425 Sprint
This past week, BearVault unveiled two smaller bear canisters, the BV425 Sprint and the BV475 Trek. The BearVault product line now has four sizes, allowing backpackers to make efficient packing choices for any length of trip or group size. Honestly, the BV Sprint is the coolest thing we’ve seen gear-wise in a while: if a bear canister is required, it’s required. But no one wants to carry extra weight.
Enter the BV425 Sprint (MSRP $74) — it offers a 1.3-gallon capacity, weighs 1.75 pounds, and is only 6 inches tall. The smallest in the BearVault family of canisters, the BV425 Sprint is designed for overnight trips, for youth or smaller backpackers, and for groups who share the food load among all hikers. This compact model could be a huge upgrade for thru-hikers between shorter trail sections as well.
The other new size is the BV475 Trek (MSRP $87) — with a 2.5-gallon capacity, it weighs 2.3 pounds, and stands 10.5 inches tall. A mid-size canister in between the classic BV450 and BV500 sizes, the BV475 Trek is well-suited to families or groups, shorter backpacking trips, and for those who prioritize compact food storage and high volume-to-weight ratios.
MSRP: $74-87
Kokopelli Bikepacking Bags
It’s no surprise that packraft brand Kokopelli is jumping into the bike bag game with the Durango Bike Bag Collection. The bags are made of 420-denier double-sided TPU nylon and welded seams ensure waterproofness.
The collection runs the full bikepacking range, featuring a frame bag, handlebar bag, top tube bag, and seat post bag. There are components on the handlebar bag to hold your paddle in place. Learn more in our editor’s sneak peek story.
MSRP: unknown
Available: Spring 2023
CamelBak Zephyr Pro Vest
The standout design note is the removable trekking pole quiver (not pictured). It lets you stash and grab poles without the need to latch or loop them onto the pack.
Redesigned stretch stow pockets now have a loop for securing the tops of soft-sided flasks, and can be cinched down when they run empty. A new kangaroo pocket in the back of the vest can secure a wind/rain layer within reach without the need to stop.
It still holds a 1L bladder and two quick-stow flasks in its pockets and has a more accessible, semi-secure covered pocket for snacks or gloves. Also carried over is the knit mesh back panel for ventilation and its Polygiene anti-stink treatment.
The shape of the women’s model also continues with the different torso and S-curved shoulder harness for a narrower, secure fit. Read our full review of the original Zephyr vest.
MSRP: $150
Available: Spring 2023
Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD
Next year, our favorite hiking tights will get a reinforced version for heavy-duty use next year, which we so appreciate. Fjallraven uses a double-knitted stretch fabric and adds water-repellency to the sturdier fabric on the knees and seat. These are slight changes and the brand will keep the same pockets and shape as the Abisko Trekking Tights Pro. A short-leg version is on the way, too.
MSRP: TBD
Available: 2023
Scarpa Spin Planet Trail Running Shoe
Scarpa takes a big swing at sustainability with the Spin Planet. It builds this trail running shoe upper with 100%percent recycled content, the midsole with 45% recycled content, and the PRESA outsole with 30% recycled rubber. It has a flared heel on the midsole for a wider landing platform. A 28.5-24.5 mm stack height provides cushioning for longer distances while maintaining precision.
In the sole, flex channels in the forefoot deliver flexibility through the gait cycle and multidirectional 4.5 mm lugs offer traction and security.
MSRP: TBD
Available: 2023
UCO ECO 3-Piece Camp Utensil Set
UCO’s new ECO 3-Piece Camp Utensil Set offers its solution to help prevent millions of single-use utensils from ending up in the landfill. ECO Utensils are made from 100% RECOVER recycled polypropylene — post-consumer, post-industrial plastic waste that not only helps divert materials from landfills but also reduces the need to create virgin plastic.
UCO claims these full-size utensils are durable, dishwasher safe, and can easily be recycled at the end of their life. The kit includes a travel case (made of 90% recycled polyester) with a quick clasp closure to make them ready for travel.
MSRP: $10
Danner Shelter Cove Slide
Danner dives into recovery footwear with the Shelter Cove Slide. An EVA midsole, contoured footbed, and Vibram Megagrip outsole with an outdoors-worthy tread pattern make it a “perfect campmate after long miles on the trail.”
We checked out the Danner Cove slide in person at Outdoor Retailer, and love the look of the double strap and sturdy Vibram outsole. The Cove slide is part of Danner’s new Camp Collection. The shoe will be available in whole sizes only: 6-14 (for men) and sizes 5-11 (for women).
MSRP: $85
Available: Spring 2023
Morakniv Scout
This might be the perfect first knife for kids. The Morakniv Scout comes in two versions, with pointed or rounded tips. It’s a simple fixed blade with a nice sheath.
Officially the Scout 39 and Scout 39 Safe both have a barrel-shaped handle made of Scandinavian birch wood, designed to rest comfortably in a small hand. With double finger protection and an optional rounded tip, the knife is an ideal entry-level option for young adventurers.
The Scout 39 has a 2mm thick blade made from recycled Swedish stainless steel, with a full rat-tail tang that runs through the length of the handle for added strength and stability.
The sheath is made from vegetable-tanned leather and has a strap that can easily and safely attach to a belt. And finally, there’s a classic button lock to secure the knife in place.
MSRP: $50
Mystery Ranch Coulee Series
Mystery Ranch launched two pack lines at OR made of 100% recycled materials. Among these, the expanded Coulee Series features innovative design and sustainable carry solutions for the day hiker and seasoned backpacker alike. The new Coulee packs are robust and resilient and made with Hyosung’s MIPAN regen ROBIC, a tear-resistant recycled high tenacity nylon.
MSRP: TBD
