I end up in Denver every six months or so to attend both summer and winter markets of the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show. This winter, much like the past few shows, manufacturers have placed a high priority on the environment, sustainability, up cycling and general earth friendly business practices. If you walk into this show with a single use plastic water bottle, you will quickly be reminded of it’s adverse effect on the environment. And with so many manufacturers offering show samples or very inexpensive vessels, there’s really no excuse.
Another observation that warmed my heart was the inclusion of a small Overland Experience. As well as several manufacturers using Overland vehicles as marketing tools for whatever they were selling. It’s hard to deny the rapid growth of this segment over the past few years and displaying Overland vehicles and roof top tents at a show dedicated to snow sports is proof of that.
Clothing manufacturers were here in full force displaying new styles and color ways for the Fall 2020 season. As a gear review site, it’s sometimes difficult to be teased with cool new gear that won’t be available to test for 6 months or more. But that’s why we keep coming back. To continue the relations with various companies as they constantly roll out new products.
Below are some of the sights from the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show:
Cotopaxi rocking some retro color ways for the upcoming Fall 2020 line. Several of their jackets utilize a high percentage of recycled materials in the manufacturing.
Therm-ic is coming to the US with a full range of heated gloves and mittens as well as socks and insoles. I’ll be testing the socks this weekend in Steamboat Springs, CO.
Mammut of Switzerland required an entire conference room in an adjacent hotel to lay out their goods. New technology in backpacks, shoes, boots outerwear, insulation and avalanche gear. As an end user of Mammut clothing and outerwear, I’m excited to get my hands on some new gear from this top tier manufacturer.
adidas continues its path to helping the environment with several new Parlay items. Parlay is a fabric made from 100% recycled ocean plastic.
ECCO’s message focused on environmentally friendly manufacturing with several new technologies. DriTan is a new way to tan leather using much less water than traditional methods. All week there was a long line of people cued up at the ECCO booth. Seamstresses were on hand using scrap leather to sew iPad covers, purses and iPhone cases for attendees.
Truma
A new line of portable refrigerators just launched from long time RV supplier Truma. As an Overland traveler, I’m super stoked to see this segment grow. Truma launched a variety of rugged fridges with some features not found on the competition. Ultra low draw compressors, Stainless Steel used in key strength areas, 12v plugs on both ends to make installation in a vehicle easier. I’m hoping to get my hands on a demo unit to test in the FJ Cruiser we’re building for the upcoming season.
Established European helmet brand, Kask makes its US debut with several high end boutique helmet goggle combo pieces. Along with a few conventional snow sport helmets that pair well with their sister brand KOO goggles.
Muck has improved their line-up of boots with new color ways and fabrics. Along with a few steel toed variants for the workplace. XTRATUF has chopped down their Legacy boot to an 8 inch mid top fully waterproof boot. Plus, they served up fresh sushi during happy hour..
A few pictures of the various vehicles used in the displays. From Yakima’s Ford Ranger to Dynastars Jeep Gladiator and a few vintage Sno-Cats.
The Overland Experience
The Overland Experience although pretty small at the Snow Show, featured a few new products that peaked my interest. Including the brand new feature packed Truma Portable Fridge/Freezer. Looks like Dometic and the others have some more competition in this segment.
Over the next few months, The Gear Bunker will have new gear rolling in from the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show. So stay tuned for the latest from several innovative new companies.
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