Known affectionately as Summer OR, the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is an annual trade show that offers a first hand look at emerging industry trends, new brands and future gear. Over the course of four days, our editors met with an array of brands seeking out our “Best in Show” products for 2014. The following list represents the products and technologies that are not only innovative, but raising the bar in regards to what you can expect from your outdoor gear.
Sierra Designs: Tensegrity Elite Tents
Continuing steadfast in their mission to obliterate the status quo in outdoor gear and apparel, Sierra Designs has introduced the new Tensegrity Elite Tents. The Tensegrity collection is not only a prime example of fresh new thinking in the backpacking category, but an aggressive reimagining of non-freestanding tent design. Using only two trekking poles, one included pole, and seven tent stakes to pitch, these tarp tents are light and sturdy while offering interior space that’s actually liveable. Like all of the Sierra Designs tents, the Tensegrity Elite tents forgo traditional vestibules in favor of a gear closet for better ventilation, enhanced interaction with the outdoors, and effortless entry and exit. A beautiful example of form and function for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts alike,
Available as the Tensegrity 1 Elite (1lb, 10oz; 17.1 sq ft interior; $399.95) and Tensegrity 2 Elite (2lb, 2oz; 29.3 sq ft interior; $489.95).
Osprey: Atmos AG
At every Outdoor Retailer, the question is always the same, “Have you seen any game changers?” In an industry often overrun with hype and hyperbole, the new Osprey Atmos AG (AntiGravity) represents a paradigm shift in the way people will think about suspension systems. The fourth generation of the brand’s ventilated pack features a unique “AntiGravity” back system along with the world’s first fully ventilated hip belt. The entire back panel of Osprey Atmos AG is a single piece of suspending webbing that floats away from the pack itself distributing weight evenly over every contour of your body. The result? More cushion, greater breathability, and a pack that works with the body through dynamic movements.
Available as the Atmos AG (for men) and the Aura AG (for women) the packs will come in 50 and 60-liter versions for $230-$260.
Salomon S-Lab X Alp Carbon GTX
Building on their trail running and freeskiing expertise, and with the collaboration of some of the most influential mountain athletes, Salomon is taking mountaineering gear to the next level with the S-Lab Alp Carbon GTX. More than just another lightweight mountaineering shoe focused on ‘done-in-a-day’ expeditions, the Carbon Edging Chassis represents the type of innovative thinking that clearly puts Salomon at the head of the class. Whether you’re a speed-oriented mountaineer tackling tricky ridge ascents and glacier crossings or an outdoor enthusiast checking summits off your bucket list, the S-Lab Alp Carbon GTX is a top shelf choice. MSRP $300
Goal Zero: Venture 30 Recharger
At her very best, Mother Nature is unpredictable and fickle, and that kind of personality doesn’t mesh well with your traditional sources of power. The Venture 30 Recharger from Goal Zero is not only fully submersible, but totally sealed against dirt and dust courtesy of an internal design that uses ultrasonically-sealed rubber to eliminate the need of plastic plugs. The Venture 30 is one piece of equipment that’s as rugged as the mountains your testing yourself against. All that durability without sacrificing a sleek profile that belies its ability to power phones (2-3x), tablets (1x) and more. It’s also smart enough to recognize and remember the equipment you’re charging to prolong battery life. Did we mention it also features a built in 200-lumen flashlight? (MSRP $99)
Bergans of Norway: Torfinnstind Jacket
Bergans continues to expand in North America and their latest offerings are some of the brand’s most impressive to date. The Torfinnstind jacket is a lightweight hybrid softshell jacket designed for hiking, mountaineering and general active outdoor revelry. It utilizes two different 4-way stretch materials for freedom of movement and breathability, with wind and water repellent softshell fabric used on areas likely to be more exposed to Mother Nature’s more difficult side. Fully ready for any mountain minded adventure the Toffinnstind jacket also offers an easy, stylish, versatile piece for all your travel transitions.
Available in both men’s and women’s. (MSRP: $169)
Vasque Inhaler Series
The industry is shifting full speed to faster, lighter shoe designs that meet performance hikers’ need for an agile fast hiking experience that doesn’t compromise on comfort or stability. Enter the new Inhaler collection from Vasque footwear. Incredibly lightweight with massive breathability and comfort, this new collection from Vasque looks as good as they perform. The combination of the Vasque Exclusive Vibram® Pneumatic outsole and Megagrip rubber gives hikers significant traction over a variety of terrain while still providing comfort and protection, so they can move quickly along the trail with confidence.
Available as the mid-version with GORE-TEX® ($159); and a low version available in a GORE-TEX and non-GORE-TEX option (MSRP $139.99 w/ GORE-TEX and $119.99 w/o GORE-TEX)
HOKA ONE ONE: Challenger ATR
For off-road runners, HOKA’s new trail shoe, the Challenger ATR, features the lightweight, smooth-riding characteristics of the award-winning Clifton shoe and supplements them with increased support in the upper and a more aggressive outsole. Independent rubber pods with 4mm lugs offer the type of trail-trouncing details that save your sole from the dangers that lurk below. As an added bonus, this versatile, all-terrain shoe weighs in at a meager 8.6 ounces (men’s 9) . When it comes to a balance of comfort and performance, the Challenger ATR looks to set a new standard for trail running shoes.
Available in men’s and women’s (MSRP $130)
CamelBak: Ultra 10
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the greatest long-distance trails in the world. The 103-mile (170km) route circumnavigates Europe’s highest mountain, passing through three countries, seven valleys, and ten mountain passes with an accumulated climb the equivalent height of Mount Everest. It’s the course of the brutal Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc which also has one of the most intense obligatory race lists you’ll ever encounter. It’s this race the CamelBak team had in mind when developing the new Ultra 10. 8L of cargo capacity, a 2L reservoir and thoughtful details like color-coded straps to help support staff quickly and easily re-stock runners. All the thoughtful details you’ve come to expect from CamelBak plus one new trick of the trade. An open mesh back panel works to lower runners’ core temperature when the reservoir is filled with cold water and ice.
Available February 2015; (MSRP $150)