Twice a year, every year, Outdoor Retailer hits Salt Lake City to showcase what’s new in the outdoor industry. Hundreds of retailers attend from across the country, and the outdoor market, to show off what they’ve cooked up for the upcoming year. Seattle Backpackers Magazine is here for the Summer Market to update you on all of the new products, events and trends you need to see.
Events
Prana was on the scene hosting a Rejuvenation Room where Outdoor Retailer attendees could take a deep breath and get their yoga on.
The food truck scene was thriving at OR— I counted seven different options in all and partook in some topnotch Korean Tacos from Chow.
A rock climbing highlight at the show— the Walltopia boulder allowed crag dirtbags and beginners alike to stop by and test climbing shoes and routes on the wall. With climbing legends the likes of Chris Sharma and Lynn Hill walking the show, it was nice to have the opportunity to brush up on your skills.
Keen was hosting this evening’s industry Happy Hour with beers on tap and plenty of good times to go around.
We finished up the night at The State Room in Salt Lake City where Osprey hosted its 40th anniversary party. The March Fourth Marching Band rocked the house and sent the industry home worn out and excited for the next day at Outdoor Retailer.
New Products
Some first looks from the first day of Outdoor Retailer: Osprey’s updated Aura 65 features a fully integrated back-panel that moves with your body better than ever before. One designer claimed that he had “forgotten he was wearing a pack” with it on, and I can attest to the comfort of the back-panel system having tried the Aura out at the Osprey booth.
GSI showed off their new color line of insulated mugs and French presses. For the ultralight oriented, but coffee addicted, Seattleite (a distinction that I find myself falling into), the GSI French press mug seemed like the perfect solution to all of our coffee versus weight problems.
Keen is busting out with a new product called Uneek— and rightly so, due to its brand new two cord construction system that molds to your feet with an individualized fit. Could be a great new innovation for paddle sports and light day hiking!
More to come tomorrow from the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, backpackers! Stay tuned!
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