Gear From OR Winter (part 1)

The Outdoor Retailer Show has always been a place to see what new and exciting gear is coming out. This year was no exception. As I said in the previous post, I was able to see and get a lot of information about some of the new gear coming out. So in the next few post I am going to talk about new gear as well as about some of the gear that caught my eye this show that might already be out.

A vest by Klymit is the first piece of gear that I would like to talk about and was one of the coolest new things that I saw at this show. Klymit Kinetic Vest is the first product to use its breakthrough Klymit NobleTek insulation. Klymit NobleTek is the only technology on the market that gives outdoor enthusiasts the power to “Kontrol” and adjust their level of warmth via flexible, gastight yet breathable chambers filled with gas instead of down or fiber. This cutting-edge technology provides insulation that is not only adjustable, but warmer, thinner and lighter-weight than other insulators. NobleTek insulation uses Argon gas, which is better at trapping warmth, is weightless, and retains its loft when inflated. It also stays warm when wet, is windproof and eco-friendly. The gases used by Klymit are non-toxic, non-flammable and completely safe for both the user and the environment. The vest comes in four different styles designed with features specific to most outdoor activities.

“After two and a half years of research and hard work, it’s so rewarding to see the finished product,” says Nate Alder, CEO of Klymit. “With the Kinetic vests, people can finally see for themselves how well NobleTek insulation works. NobleTek is going to change the outdoor industry.”

They are also coming out with a few different shells. You can learn more about all their products at www.klymit.com.

I came across this next product after roaming around the show for a few days. OrthoSole customizable insoles. As you can see in the picture, the insoles have interchangeable insert that can be customized six different ways to give you different support options. Knowing that not all feet are alike, this give you the opportunity to adjust your insole to how you feet are. OrthoSole come with a 90 Day Perfect Fit Guarantee. I was able to score a pair of these insoles and will be giving them a product review in the coming weeks after trying them out at work and play. Stay tuned for the review. If you would like more information on these insoles, head to their website at www.orthosole.com.

The next product isn’t new for this show but it did caught my eye. The Ipood by Sea To Summit is a light weight camp trowel that is collapsible, with a carry-anywhere design and heaps of extra features. The perfect tool for backcountry or outback travel weighing only 3.5 ounces.  A handy hollow handle allows for storing useful items like toilet tissue, hand sanitizer or lighter. Check it out at www.seatosummit.com.

The last product I will talk about in this post is the Geomate.jr.  This little GPS unit is preloaded with 250,000 geocache locations all over the 50 U.S. states. It makes geocaching as easy as turning on the unit and following the display to the nearest geocache.  If you are looking into getting into geocaching this would be a great first step. Read more about it and the optional upgrade kit at mygeomate.com.