Glow-in-the-dark technology where you leave something under a bright light for a few minutes isn’t exactly new. But this technology, which has been popular with toys and children’s accessories, is now making its way to fitness apparel. New Balance is introducing the Beacon Jacket, which utilizes light-absorbing technology to add built-in visibility for runners who like to head out after the sun goes down. The new jackets were recently shown off at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Show, and will soon be lighting the night sky.
Tag: Outdoor Retailer Show
Gore Gets Compressed
Gore’s line of fitness products are ideal for stopping the wind and helping keep athletes warm in cooler – even cold – weather. Come this fall Gore Running Wear is doing some compressing, as in launching a line of compression-wear. This new line of tight fitting apparel made its debut at last month’s Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, and includes the windstopper Magnitude Softshell Compression Shirt that is will stop the wind and provide compression attributes as well. It features a body-mapped construction that offers compression support to help wearers retain the right posture for more effective breathing.
In other words this helps block the wind and help with the wearer’s wind as well.
Cold Weather Cocoon
When camping in the winter no ordinary sleeping bag will do, but the Canon -40 from Nemo Equipment, which made its debut at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Show, is no ordinary sleeping bag. This one is rated (as the name suggests) to minus-40 degrees F. It is an odd looking sleeping bag, but it reportedly does the job.
And since it might do such a good job those inside could get heated up, so the Canon -40 offers ventilation gills to let you cool off. It also features arm holes so it can be worn while sorting gear and getting ready to face the cold morning!
Outdoor Retailer Show: Stanley Brings the Drinks
While perhaps it is best to wait for the St. Bernard to bring the drinks, for those who want to carry a bit on the slopes Stanley introduced its recycled plastic flask at this year’s Outdoor Retailer Show. It features a two-stage lid that makes it easy to fill, easy to clean, plus it is leak-proof.
Outdoor Retailer Show: Shelter for the Zombie Apocalypse
There seems to be a strange – and yet somewhat serious – trend in “zombie apocalypse” gear. The truth is that the zombie apocalypse likely won’t ever happen, but movies and TV shows must have people so worried about it that various brands are jumping on board.
Among one new product introduced at the recent Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City was the Zombie Apocalypse Backpack/TentPak from High Peak USA. Basically this is just a serious survival tent that is among the gear included in the kit. It features a two-man tent, numerous accessories including machete, multi-tool, first aid kit and more. Is it enough to survive something that will never come? Indeed, and it will probably be a nifty camping set too.
Outdoor Retail Show Stays in Utah
While there was talk that the Outdoor Retailer Show would pull up stakes, it will in fact remain in Utah – and remain Utah’s largest trade show at least through 2016, but likely longer. The show pulled in about 22,000 attendees this January.
The show had looked to relocate as the attendance has increased, and has actually all but outgrown the Salt Palace Convention Center, which now utilizes temporary pavilions to accommodate all the exhibitors. The show, which continues to showcase advancements in outdoor technology, brings in an estimated $18.5 million of visitor spending and $40 million overall to the local economy.
Hopefully the show will continue to grow and Utah will find a way to accommodate the show going forward.
Outdoor Retail Show 2013: Face Time
Saving face in the winter isn’t just for those times when you slip on the ice and have to overcome embarrassment. It could also literally mean not exposing your face to extreme cold. For those extreme conditions saving face requires ultimate production such as the NX4 Neck Warmer/Face Mask with Anti-Fogger.
Quick to put on and remove, the NX4 from Caldera International features an adjustable Velcro strap, and is windproof with moisture-wicking technology. It features 3M Thinsulate insulation, and is made of water-resistant DWR coated material made from recycled plastic bottles.
Soon the question “who is that masked man” could be answered with “someone who was smart enough to head out with the NX4 Neck Warmer and Face Mask!”
Outdoor Retail Show 2013: Skull Cover for Brain Buckets
It is a good idea to wear a helmet while snowboarding but that doesn’t mean you have to hit the slopes with a boring looking helmet. crazeeHeads is introducing the Screaming Skulls helmet cover that features a big skull on the front and side this one promises to help you stand out in a crowd!
Outdoor Retail Show 2013: Junior Blades
The Swiss Army Knife has been the gold standard for pocket knives for generations, and this year Wenger is introducing a Junior version for younger campers, backpackers and scouts. The Junior Swiss Army Knife features a locking safety blade with rounded tip to help reduce blade-related accidents, and also includes scissors, Philips head screwdriver, nail file, nail cleaner, toothpick, tweezers and key ring – because what would a Swiss Army Knife be without lots of nifty tools!
Outdoor Retail Show 2013: Digital Tech to Keep the Digits Warm
Zanier has long made gloves that include electronics to keep the wearer’s hands warm, and now for 2013 the company is bringing out its latest designs that utilize the Heat Technology, which is powered by Lithium Ion batteries and weigh in at just 60 grams.
The Aviator.GTX line of gloves feature three heat settings and can provide up to 10 hours of warmth to the digits. This gauntlet style glove is made of goat leather with four-way stretch fabric and Goretex. It also features touch screen lether on the pointer finger and thumb so you can punch in the digits on a smartphone without exposing your digits to the cold.
Outdoor Retail Show Preview: Ski Pack
Skis can be great for getting around but only if the skis are on your feet. For those who mainly hit the slopes with a ski lift that isn’t much of a problem, but having the carry these things in the woods can be a drag.
The Millet Matrix 30 MBS solves this problem for those who go off the beaten ski path. This backpack not only makes carrying skis a little easier, but this ski-touring pack features an asymmetrical design to better balance skis on the back of the wear, while also providing compartments for shovel and probe. There is even room for an axe holder as well so those who like some adventure while skiing can be prepared for almost anything that comes their way.
KineticShift Goes For Three
It was three years ago at CES that KineticShift officially launched. In that time we’ve filled more than 220 pages of news, show reports, reviews and interviews. We’ve logged countless miles running, on bikes and on the slopes. We’ve tested several dozen products and hopefully have gotten healthier and fitter for it all.
This week we head back to Las Vegas for the 2013 International CES, and that is just the beginning. Throughout the month we’ll report on the latest news and products coming out of SHOT Show, SIA Snow Show, NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show) and Outdoor Retailer Show. And there is much, much more to come. It has been a great three years and we look forward to what 2013 has to offer!
We’re also on the look for some help, so contact us if you’d like to contribute or see your product covered on KineticShift!
Outdoor Retail Show Future in Jeopardy
The Outdoor Retailer Show, which drew 27,000 people and more than 150 exhibitors this year, came and went too fast – much like many of the summertime products that were on display. And while summer will return year the show may not. Organizers have yet to announce next’s dates and while Salt Lake City has a contract to host next year’s event it is still very much up in the air. Continue reading Outdoor Retail Show Future in Jeopardy