I returned from the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market over the weekend after spending over 3 days walking the show floor and meeting with dozens of companies each day. I spent my time trying on boots, running shoes, jackets, crawling in tents and just enjoying being surrounded by so much cool gear. In the past, I have packed my schedule so tightly that I basically ran from from one meeting to the next trying to make mental notes about what I wanted to go back and check out in a booth that caught my attention (only to ultimately forget and possibly missing out on something really cool). However, this year…I left blocks in my schedule just to walk the floor checking out not only the booths that I had scheduled meetings with but also allowing me the freedom to browse new booths and not just spend time rushing from one meeting to the next.

The below products are just a few of the many items that I came across at the show that we look forward to actually getting in our hands and putting to the test for ourselves. So for those of you who begin to salivate at the thought of new gear…most of the below items (and others that we saw at the show but not mentioned below) will not be available to the public until early 2010.

new SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger
Having used the older generation of SPOT devices in races throughout the country…I was excited to see enhancements in the new model that will make it advantageous for racers and adventurers alike. According to the company, the new device is 30% lighter than the original and weighs only 5.2 ounces.


Osprey Hydraulics
Osprey has done it again with another great design in their already innovative packs. The Osprey Hydraulics line will include 2 different series—Manta and Raptor. They have teamed with Nalgene for this new design in hydration packs. The Raptor series starts at $79 and the Manta series at $129.

Klymit Kinetic Vest
I had the opportunity while at OR to sit down with Klymit brainchild and CEO, Nate Alder and I am very intrigued by the concept and even more interested in getting one of these vests into my paws to test during a Pittsburgh winter. This system uses flexible and airtight chambers filled with Argon gas. According to Nate, 4mm of argon gas has the same thermal conductivity as 14mm of the best synthetic or natural fibers on the market. Vest is inflated via a small pump (and small cartridges like the CO2 canisters) through a valve located in a pocket. $199.95

Wenger Nomad LED Compass Watch
This watch at first appearance has about as much multi-functionality as one of the company’s iconic Swiss Army Knives. It features Swiss movement and seamless LED digital day, date, time and compass display module. MSRP: $375

Metolius Full Strength Mini Carabiner
This new FS Mini Carabiner is the same size as my key chain with major exception. I can’t use my keychain for climbing applications. They are lightweight (under 23 grams/.82 oz.), full strength and individually tested to 50% of rated strength. MSRP: $7.50

Columbia Mobex
I got to spend some time with this pack’s designer and was impressed with the the uniqueness of its design. It seems to possess a lot of features that will make it a great all around pack for a multitude of activities (I personally can’t wait to give it a try in adventure racing). A teammate or riding partner can access the bag while on your back and without spilling everything onto the ground due to its clamshell opening. Available next March. MSRP: $100

Therm-a-Rest Haven Top Bag
For those that are interested in shaving ounces from their packs. The Haven Top Bag has a zipperless design (thus eliminating more weight)and takes advantage of the warmth already provided by the mattress below. Features 700-fill goose down, full hood and enclosed foot box, lightweight at 22 ounces (1 pound, 6 ounces) and 20-degree rating (with insulating mattress). $239.95 (regular)

Camelbak Velobak
The Velobak is the first three-pocket cycling jersey with integrated hydration thus eliminating the need for a separate pack. It will hold a 72 oz. reservoir which is contained within the Hydropouch reservoir compartment. $130

Pacific Outdoor Equipment‘s Zip Pnuemos
Features a Ziplock closure, 4 sizes (pint, quart, gallon and jumbo) and a welded window for viewing contents of the bag. I am also told that they are top-rack dishwasher safe which will reduce our dependence on single-use plastic bags. From $7.95 to $19.95

Clif SHOT Roks
I had the opportunity to try the SHOT Roks earlier this year and they taste pretty good while delivering ample protein along with other supplements to aid in recovery.