OR Gear Preview: Packs, Hydrophobic Down, Trekking Poles, Little Cups

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Longing for gear coverage from next week's Outdoor Retailer trade show? We'll be covering the event direct from Salt Lake City, January 18-22. In the meantime, here are some new product previews, including winter ski and alpine packs, hydrophobic down sleeping bags, trekking poles, and unique dishware made from biomaterial. (Don't know what that means? Read on.)   ...

Full article at http://www.trailspace.com/blog/2012/01/13/outdoor-retailer-gear-preview.html

IMO both the packs showcased here are best fit for heli skiing. I would expect to see more lash points on a day ski pack for ice tools and crampons, since the mountains here out west often require multiple modes crossing the snow, even on a day trip.  One would assume such considerations are not applicable to a "sidecountry" application, but frequently theOBproximal to lift serviced areas is just as crusty and icy as a wilderness couloir.

The biomatter kitchen gear is cute, but I don't think it would survive many trips, both because I use sand to scour off stuck on food as well as the camo color of this gear would cause me to lose it quickly. 

Ed

Agree with Ed on the Kupilka items, I bet I would lose them.  I actually kind of want that platter for home use.

The hydrophobic DriDown is interesting.

I am firmly ( at this point ) entrenched with REAL down, and Primaloft.

Never a problem.

Am I a "happy camper"?

You bet!

~ r2 ~

I find the kupilka items interesting because their combining materials. Love to see what colors and the life span will be on them.

I see the Terra Nova packs getting alot of attention from ultralighters. The easton and Moutainsmith trekking poles interest me because they are affordable and more people can purchase them. Interesting whats going to be trending this year.

Lots of bloggers went wild for the Kupilka stuff last year.  I don't know how well it will hold up, but I really like the look of it.  The hydrophobic down is an interesting idea, I wonder how well it will work as well as hold up to multiple washings.

The gambler looks awesome!!!  That is exactly what we need!!  Can't wait to see it in real life! :)

mtnmamatales said:

The gambler looks awesome!!!  That is exactly what we need!!  Can't wait to see it in real life! :)

It is a take on an old idea.  Mystery Ranch has been making them for years but are more minimalist.  They also have three separate dedicated ski packs that have compartments for probes and shovels.  They also have ski attachment points.

Here:  http://www.mysteryranch.com/recreation/skiing-snowboarding-packs

LOL! Am I the ONLY one who sees humor in a back country ski pack named "The Gambler?"

With avy dangers and all, I'd rather not gamble with my safety.

FromSagetoSnow said:

LOL! Am I the ONLY one who sees humor in a back country ski pack named "The Gambler?"

With avy dangers and all, I'd rather not gamble with my safety.

Gambler in more ways than one!  Judging from the size of the main compartment, relative to the shovel blade, there is only room enough for lunch, water, and an extra clothing layer.  I would not travel more than a mile or two from a safe harbor with this pack.  But it was not intended for true backcountry anyway.

Ed

looking forward to the reviews.  I still have some OR gear that I bought back in 2000 for a race around the world.  It is still going strong.

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