The Outdoor Retailer show is a gearhead’s dream: new products from all of the major players can be handled, discussed, and mused about, while future trends in the outdoor industry can be sussed out through upcoming releases. This year’s Snow Show didn’t disappoint, with major releases from brands across the board. The most visible trend seemed to be sustainable construction and manufacturing processes, building upon the direction that many brands have taken over the past handful of years. Whereas Patagonia has maintained a firm commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, other labels have thankfully taken a page from their playbook and moved towards product lines that reduce the overall impact of purchasing new consumables. Other brands are bringing heritage styles and designs back to the forefront as an ode to the time when product longevity was the primary goal.
Highlights
Jack Wolfskin introduced the world’s first 100% recycled snowsports outerwear collection and a new synthetic insulation system that provides the loft of goose down even in wet conditions, furthering their commitment to ethically-produced outdoor gear.
Igloo has followed suit with the world’s first 100% compostable cooler, aiming to replace the styrofoam options that litter shorelines everywhere. They keep ice as well or better than styrofoam, can be dried and reused, and are compostable when they wear out.
Belmont Blanket is bringing back classic blanket and bedding options with one important upgrade: they’re waterproof. Perfect for camping under the stars or catching a show at your favorite outdoor amphitheater, products include thoughtful design elements including leather straps sourced from Danner Boots and wool linings from Pendleton Woolen Mills.
Sweden’s reDEW8 has reinvented the denim jean by moving away from cotton entirely. Their “Zero Cotton” styles utilize a 100% wood fiber textile that, per company reps, reduces water consumption by about 7,000 gallons per pair relative to traditional cotton construction. Fits are varied and well-considered, offering a jean option for most body types.
Chaco, known by river rats and outdoor ramblers for their high-quality sandals, has joined up with e.dye to reduce water consumption. e.dye’s Waterless Color System requires 75% less water than traditional dying practices and allows a shoebox-sized volume of water to be saved for each pair of sandals dyed with this technology.
Frost River is creating long-lasting outdoor products with classic lines, perfect for hunters, anglers, and urban folks who appreciate heritage aesthetics and construction. Their backpacks, bags, gloves, and rifle cases look, feel, and operate beautifully with rugged canvas and leather designs. Fans of long-lasting, hand-me-down-quality products will love what Frost River has brought to market.
Xtratuf is known by commercial fishermen and brewers as the gold standard in rubber boot manufacturing. For the Fall/Winter 2019 season, Xtratuf is introducing the Swingsaw – a neoprene and rubber over-the-calf boot with an updated sole for traction on ice and cold, slippery surfaces. The micro-traction sole pods have a noticeable grit that reduce slippage in wet, icy environments.
Blundstone boots have been found on adventurers’ and workers’ feet since 1870, with their “chelsea” styles seeing a major resurgence in urban markets over the past few years. The Tasmanian brand has trimmed up their classic style with a travel-friendly boot featuring a lightweight outsole, slightly shorter height, and thinner leather upper that is perfect for warm-weather wear.
In the snowboarding world, 686 is a stalwart of quality, stylish outerwear worn by some of the biggest names in the sport. Their new Hydrastash system is the world’s first built-in apparel hydration system, allowing wearers to unobtrusively carry their water inside their jacket without the need for an external bladder or water bottle.
Carhartt is a brand appreciated by a wide variety of adventurers and skilled laborers around the world. Often overlooked, knee comfort is a major consideration for folks who spend a lot of time crouching – brewers, mechanics, electricians, carpenters, and anybody else who likes to get their hands dirty. New for this year, Carhartt has introduced a washable, removable knee pad system that fits in any of their double-knee styles. It’s something you didn’t realize you needed…until you did.
For many skiers, boot comfort is a huge issue that reduces their ability to ride all day without significant discomfort. Envy Ski Frames allow skiers to ride in snowboard boots withou major loss in performance. The binding system easily mounts to all alpine skis and provides the support necessary to ride with softer, more comfortable snowboard boots. They’re a game-changer, to say the least.
Fjallraven has always been forward-thinking in designing stylish, quality backpacks, outerwear, and layering systems. Their Re-Wool styles utilize leftover wool fibers from textile factories blended with new fibers to create a more sustainable, ethically responsible option to 100% virgin wool construction.
A fire can, quite literally, be a life saver. Uco Gear creates a variety of outdoor products that help save the day, including weatherproof matches and firestarters. If you’ve ever been stuck in the backcountry in the wind and cold, you know how valuable a reliable fire starting system can be.
