We had to have a part 2 of the Best of the Outdoor Retailer Show because there were that many great new products this year. And in reality this is barely scraping the top of what new things are going to be coming out in the fall. We hope that you will continue to check back on our site to see updates of new gear and reviews of that gear. 2012 is going to be a busy year here at Open Air Life.
Sanuk’s Year Round Story
For fall 2012 Sanuk is taking an active approach to making their brand more than just a summer or fair weather shoe. They are introducing a few boots for women and other shoes that are stitched and sealed to not allow water in as easily. If you are like us around here, you love your Sanuks and still wear them out in the winter. This way while wearing them in the snow, your feet won’t be wet when you get home.
- Available in the Fall
- MSRP: Varies on Styles
Metolius Bouldering Shield Spotting pad
Not a new concept to the stunt world, but new to the climbing world. Metolius has produced a spotting pad that can be used by boulderers while spotting, to help directionalize a falling climber. It is sized to fit inside a metolius crash pad, but I assume it will fit in others as well.
- Available: Early Fall 2012
- MSRP: $89.95
ChicoBag Snack Time
Another great innovation from ChicoBag to reduce the amount of plastic going to landfills. The Snack Time are reusable bags design for snack and sandwiches. If you pack a lunch to work each day this is a great way to reduce the amount of plastic bags you are using. I am excited to give these a try and see how they work out.
- Available Now
- MSRP $15.00
Goal Zero Yeti 1250
The Yeti 1250 Solar Generator is Goal Zero’s highest capacity portable recharger to date and is the most easy to use, affordable, dependable and complete solution available for those looking to “trade-up” from their conventional gas-powered back-ups. The Yeti 1250 is a generating beast, standing 16 inches tall, 11.6 inches wide and 14.5 inches deep and weighing 103 lbs., and much like its namesake, the Yeti 1250 is extremely powerful, but rarely seen or heard.
The Yeti 1250 not only features multiple ports so you can charge several devices at once, but it offers a variety of output types, including AC, 1.5 amp USB, 33amp 12V DC, 6.6 amp 12V DC, which are compatible with a wide array of electronics from GPS units to refrigerators. The Yeti 1250 charges fully in 20-22 hours via sun or in 16-20 hours via a wall outlet and in turn will power a laptop for 30+ hours; support a printer through 18,000+ pages of printing; keep a full sized refrigerator cold for two to four days straight and maintain subzero temperatures in a chest freezer for eight days!
- Available in May 2012
- MSRP: As a single unit – $1499.99 and as part of Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit – $1999.99
Brooks PureFlow
Neutral to Guidance runners can experience a run for the senses without losing the comfort of dynamic cushioning. The PureFlow brings a little more shoe and a whole lot of technology to a slick aesthetic. With a wider Nav Band coming up the lateral side and grabbing the midsole, the foot receives arch support without the bulkiness of underfoot materials. A center strike pod provides guidance in finding the natural landing zone, and modern air mesh wraps the foot for an incredibly comfortable fit.
- Available Now
- MSRP: $90.00
Wolverine Gauge
The Wolverine Gauge is a bomber boot specifically designed to excel in the harshest winter conditions- whether you take to a snowmobile, dog sled, or frozen pond. The lightweight and flexible V-Frame exoskeleton enhances security, stability and durability, while the waterproof full-grain leather and synthetic-upper keeps adventurers comfortable and dry.
- Available fall 2012
2XU Xform Compression Tights
Powerful yet breathable compression garments featuring the added benefit of graduated engineering for extra support, comfort and more efficient delivery of oxygenated blood to fatigued muscles. These tights feature PWX FLEX technology to deliver optimal flexibility and movement. A high power denier to support hamstrings, quads, abductors, gluts and calves and to reduced muscle fatigue and damage.
- Available Now
- MSRP: $100
Salomon Snowcross CS
The Snowcross CS represents exactly what Salomon does best – it’s a hybridization of the feedback of a Nordic ski boot, the fit and performance of a trail running shoe, and the traction of the award-winning Spikecross, all combined to provide the ultimate winter racing porduct.
- Available Fall 2012
- MSRP: $200.00
Klymit Ulaar Jacket
The Ulaar is the first shell featuring Nobletek’s adjustable warmth and boasts a 4-way stretch external fabric. It is constructed with an activated charcoal bamboo carbon liner. This shell is ready for anything, anytime, anywhere.
- Available in September 2012
- MSRP: with dry air pump $299.95
Pearl Izumi Ultra Barrier WxB Jacket
This jacket is jam packed with lots of technology in a lighweight, breathable, windproof, waterproof package. The Barrier WxB stretch fabric has Minerale technology for optimal waterproof, breathable protection. It has fully taped internal seams and a direct-vent back and underarm laser cut holes to provide superior ventilation. One zippered back pocket that doubles as a stuff sack and a lightweight hood with stretch cord adjustment system. Also if you run with a pack the abrasion print on shoulders give exceptional traction so your pack stays on.
- Available in Fall/Winter 2012
- MSRP: $180
Dr Scholl’s Women’s Jennie
The Jennie sneakers are both stylish and sporty. The Jennie has canvas and jersey textile upper with a round toe. They are built with the Free Step technology which is a minimalist construction which creates a natural foot strike. With a textile lining and removable anatomical insole with Energy Wave technology featuring massaging grooves. One of our writers receive these at the show and wore them the rest of the show and loved them.
- Available Now
- MSRP: $60.00
Snow Angels Chami Baselayer
A collection standout is the Chami Rainbow Zip-T (pictured upper left), an ultra-warm, body-conforming pullover designed for the coldest conditions. Featuring smooth-face fabric and a plush, fleecy lining that traps heat inside, it excels as an inner or outer layer. Available in white, fuchsia, sapphire and black.
- Available Now
- MSRP: $78
180s Baselayers
180s introduced its first line of performance-focused clothing and enhanced accessories for athletes during the winter months. QuantumHeat innovative technology, exclusive to 180s, works with the body’s natural heat, by converting body heat, moisture and natural infrared rays into thermal energy. QuantumHeat is featured throughout apparel, headwear and accessories. 180s QuantumHeat base layers give the athlete freedom to perform with fewer layers. Smart Moisture Management continuously absorbs 100 percent of sweat every two seconds, and compression fit reduces muscle fatigue. The range offers a selection of crew and mock tops, and bottoms for men and women.
- Available fall/winter2012
- MSRP: The new line of products is from $15 to $85
Piggyback Rider Child Carrier
The Piggyback Rider® is a mutually enjoyable, effortless way to carry a child (2½+ years) on your back. It functions like a backpack, utilizing a shoulder-mounted foot-bar to distribute the child’s weight at your core, enabling a more natural and upright walking posture. The child stands safely on the wide textured foot-bar, holding integrated shoulder handles and secured to the adult by a safety harness. Built from industry leading climbing components and overengineered for safety, the Piggyback Rider® is unlike any kid carrier you’ve ever seen.
- Available Now
- MSRP: $79.95