Thanks to shoulder surgery recovery that has gone better than expected, I was able to spend a few hours yesterday at the OR show. The winter show is always a little quieter than the summer show, with fewer vendors represented and fewer product introductions. That said, it was fun to walk the floor and I was encouraged to learn that more than 170 new vendors made their debut at the show. Spirits were high, and most manufacturers I spoke with seemed optimistic about 2010.
Here’s a brief spotlight of ten items I found interesting at the show (in no particular order). There was a lot I was not able to cover, but I am hopeful this might provide a few things to look forward to later this year.
RAB Infinity and Bugaboo Jackets. The Infinity is filled with 210g of 850-fill down (stitched through), the Bugaboo with 60g of Primaloft One. The shell and lining of both jackets is Pertex Syncro 10-denier ripstop nylon. This ultra light fabric is a result of close collaboration between RAB and Pertex to develop a lightweight shell material that is said to be 20% lighter but with a smaller packed volume than Quantum. It is very soft to the touch and appeared to do a fine job of containing the down. RAB, and one other manufacturer will be the exclusive providers of outerwear with this fabric for the foreseeable future. Both jackets have hand warmer pockets (zippered on the Infinity) and one zippered chest pocket on the Bugaboo. Lycra-bound hood. Stated weight for the Infinity is 18oz ($250) and 12oz for the Bugaboo (didn’t get the price). Due fall 2010.
Jakpak. Neat concept that may have an ultralight application. Advertised as the “world’s first all-in-one waterproof jacket, tent, and sleeping bag (bivy).” It is a WP/B jacket (w/pit zips) that stows the shelter and bivy sack in clever compartments on the jacket (bivy on the inside and tent hood w/stiffener and noseeum netting in a pocket on the back). Each of the components can be used separately, or combined into a complete shelter. Originally designed for the homeless in the Pacific Northwest, the concept has been redesigned with feedback from backcountry enthusiasts to the version that was launched at this show. Available now. http://www.jakpak.com
Petzl Core. USB rechargeable power (Li-ion) for the ever-popular Tikka2/Zipka2 headlamps. Reported to provide up to 120 hours of light when fully charged and will keep 900 standard batteries out of the landfill. The rechargeable battery is lighter than alkaline batteries and will perform better in the cold. There will also be software available (CORTEX) that will allow you to customize headlamp performance. Available August 2010. $39.95.
Thermarest Ridgerest Solar. Same Ridgerest closed-cell pad many know and love, now with an aluminized coating (same as Neo-air) that reflects heat back to the user. The result is a pad that weighs the same, but is 13-percent warmer (r-value goes from 3.1 to 3.5). Also available with Ridgerest Deluxe. Available July 2010.
Mountain Mamma. Great concept (especially if you are pregnant) with great people behind it. This line of well-detailed technical apparel for expecting mothers debuted at the show. The genius of the clothing is that it expands “from washboard to full nine months to nursing and back to washboard.” This is thanks in large part to the technical fabrics used (including Polartec fabrics and a remarkable proprietary stretch fabric), and clever design features such as Bellyglove fit that keeps your belly covered right up until delivery and long concealed zippers that make nursing easier. It is always inspirational to see someone making their dream a reality, and it was clear to me after visiting with the CEO of this company that they are passionate about making technical clothing that truly “meets the demands of active pregnancy.” Mountain-mama.com
Patagonia Nano Puff Full Zip Hoody (and jacket). Given the popularity of the Nano Puff Pullover, it is no surprise the Nano Puff is set to expand. And expand it will, with three new styles due out for fall: the Nano Puff Hoody (pictured), Nano Puff Jacket (full zip, no hood), and Nano Storm Jacket (Nano Puff Jacket with WP/B shell). The only weight I was able to get was the Nano Puff Hoody at 14 oz. It has two zippered hand warmer pockets and one internal zippered stash pocket. Available fall 2010.
Easton VO2 Comp Snowshoe. Designed specifically for racing, this snowshoe uses a unique mounting system to permanently attach your favorite (light) running shoes to the carbon-fiber decking of this high-performance shoe with a trim aluminum frame. While they feature crampons and a carbon pivot rod, these snowshoes are geared toward racers on groomed trails. That said, they combine two of Easton’s core strengths: aluminum and carbon, and that certainly bodes well for other lightweight snowshoe innovations down the road. 1.2lbs/ each. MRP $300.
Cricket Trailers. Yes, I know this one has nothing to do with backpacking, but I couldn’t resist throwing it in due to its ultralight design and high cool factor. Check out the complete specs and bio of the creator, and I think you, too, may want one for your ultralight road trips. http://www.crickettrailer.com
Tanka Bar. I have never met a stick of Jerky I didn’t like, but this takes the concept to a new level. I tried the Spicy Pepper Blend bar, made with buffalo meat, cranberries, habanero and jalapeño peppers, and other spices…and no MSG! While I was initially skeptical of the flavor combination, I can say without hesitation, it is the best jerky I have tasted. What’s more, the combination of fruits and herbs to preserve buffalo meat is based on a traditional Lakota recipe, so while it is the best I have tasted, it truly is a classic. http://www.tankabar.com
Western Mountaineering Flash XR Jacket. This is a more weather resistant version of the proven Flash jacket. Made with a new proprietary water resistant and breathable fabric (Proloft XR), this jacket shares many of the features of the current Flash, but with zippered hand warmer pockets and an adjustable hood. 11.25 oz for a size medium. Full specs and photo on WM website.
