The 2012 Winter Outdoor Retailer Show was a hit. With thousands of outdoor minded people and over a thousand companies, there was plenty to see and some great new innovations and cool pieces of gear to play with. It was hard to narrow it down to just a few of our favorites as we could have picked many more, but we felt like these are some of the newest products that one might want or need. As always we would love to hear from you.
Suunto Ambit
The Ambit watch is a GPS watch designed for adventurers who like to train. Suunto introduced a new technology with the Ambit called FusedSpeed. This feature combines the best of both GPS frequencies and accelerometer wireless technology to provide an optimized and fused signal with accurate and precise speed data. The Ambit has a 3D compass, accurate barometric altitude and barometer. It has a rechargable battery that can last 30 days without GPS and 15 Hours while running the GPS. Also the Ambit will be upgradeable with new functionalities through Movescount.com
- Available Spring 2012
- MSRP: $550 or $600 with heart rate strap.
Petzl NAO
Petzl designed the NAO with what they are calling Reactive Lighting. Reactive Lighting technology means the NAO will respond to the amount of light in any given situation. This will reduce the need to manually adjust the light for different situation as the NAO will auto detect how much light is available and adjust the output accordingly. It ranges from 7 to 355 lumens. The NAO has a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and can be programmed, customized and fine-tuned for optimal brightness, burn times and beam-length for specific activities and lighting needs. The NAO is perfect for trail running, hiking, climbing or skiing at night where the user moves quickly and wants a light that is hands free.
- Available in Summer 2012
- MSRP: $175.00
Crescent Moon Black Kilo
One thing that sets Crescent Moon apart from other snowshoes is their bindings. They have a unique left and right snowshoe binding. But what is new this year is the Black Kilo. This is a carbon fiber all-purpose snowshoe. They are debuting with one size that is 8.5 inches wide by 25 inches long. Weighing in at 2.2 pounds they are light snowshoes.
- Available Fall 2012
- MSRP: $399.00
Marquette Backcountry Ski
Part snowshoe and part ski, the Marquette backcountry ski gives you unprecedented winter access and fun. Climb up and slide down snow covered terrain. The unique scale design grabs the snow and holds the skis from sliding backwards while climbing. The Marquette backcountry ski is made out of polypropylene, glass, silicone and brass meaning it is 100% recyclable. The Marquette also comes with threaded inserts which allow for no-drill mounting of common bindings: works with standard three pin bindings, NNN, SNS and Brewins.
- Available Now.
- MSRP: $189
Liquid Solution True Fusion Cup
True Fusion is comprised solely of biodegradable and recyclable materials. The bio-cup is a product constructed mainly of bamboo and will decompose within one year of being placed in a compost bin. It also has about a 2 year life-cycle depending on use and cleaning. But once you are done with it, just toss it in the compost bin.
- Available in two sizes: 7oz and 15oz
- MSRP: $9.99
Water-Resistent Down
One of the coolest technologies that we saw during the Outdoor Retailer show was the Water-resistant Down. This helps solve one of the big problems with down feathers. When wet they clump and are worthless as an insulator. With this technology the down will keep its loft and insulation value longer. Sierra Design (pictured above) and Brooks Range (pictured below) both introduced puffy jackets that have this technology for fall 2012. Sierra Design is also offering it in a few sleeping bags. We are sure we will start seeing this technology from other companies as well.
- Available for Fall 2012
- MSRP for Sierra Design Men’s and Women’s Tov: $259.00
- MSRP for Brooks Range Mojave Jacket: $299.00
Hi-Tec Timaru Down Hoodie
Water-resistant down wasn’t the only new down technology during the Outdoor Retailer show. Hi-Tec introduced a jacket that has colored or dyed down to give the jacket a unique look. The outer shell of the jacket is a see-through material that let the down colors show through. It will be interesting to see what designs or combinations are put together.
- Available mid 2012
- MSRP: $189.95
Columbia Triteca softshell and Omni-wind Technology
Columbia keeps introducing new technologies each year and this year is Omni-Wind Block. This technology is a unique membrane which offers superior breathability while still blocking the wind. They are introducing this technology in the Triteca Softshell Jacket. The Triteca also comes with Omni-Heat technology and Omni-wick to keep you warm and dry. A Hybrid stretch construction puts super flexible panels under the arms and along the shoulders to deliver maximum mobility where you need it most. Available in both Men’s and Women’s.
- Available Fall 2012
- MSRP: $220.00
Liberty Bottleworks Bottles
Founded in 2010, Liberty Bottleworks was created out of the belief that the best products are made in America by American workers. With a commitment to domestic machinery, raw materials, technology and manpower, Liberty Botteworks makes the industry’s only completely BPA-free metal water bottle from 100 percent recycled aluminum at its state-of-the-art factory in Yakima, Washington. Perfect for active lifestyles, whether in the backcountry, the boardroom or the back porch.
- Available Now
- MSRP: $16-$18
Hillsound Super Armadillo Nano Gaiter
This gaiter is built to last. Super Fabric on the bottom of the gaiters provides durability and resistance against abrasions, flame, stains and punctures. Also with soft shell like 4-way stretch material that is both waterproof and breathable, the gaiters are comfortable to wear.
- Available fall 2012
- MSRP: $100.00