Get an early look at the gear you might be craving come next year
The midsummer tradition of unveiling new outdoors gear comes to fruition this week in Salt Lake City at the twice-annual Outdoor Retailer trade show. But Gear Junkie got an early look from a few companies, including the splay of unique products here. This equipment, most of which will not be available for months, is a peek at some of the more innovative items you’ll see on the shelf at outdoors shops in 2012.
BACKPACK BIKE: “Hike up the mountain, and bike back down.” That’s the claim with this foldable scooter-bike made by Ortovox. It has no pedals and no seat, only foot-pegs to stand on when you ride. The gravity-required scooter (official name: “Ortovox Mtn Skyver”) folds into its own backpack for up-mountain travel, converting in seconds on top for a wheeled, brakes-equipped descent back down. Starts at $1,200.
PEDOMETER GAMES: GeoPalz products are pedometers specifically designed for children. The little devices attach to a kid’s shoe, wrist or belt to record forward progress all day long. Motivation for activity is increased via the device’s tracking system, which converts kids’ steps into points redeemable at the GeoPalz website for prizes.
Available this fall for $25.
DIY HEADLAMP DESIGN: Form often comes second to function in outdoors products like headlamps. But with its Spectrum model Princeton Tec has built an online customization tool to let you click and pick from a palette and virtually colorize a lamp’s head-strap and its six parts.
Princeton will build each custom headlamp in its New Jersey factory and ship direct to consumers for illuminated adornment outside. Visit www.princetontec.com.
SHORT-SLEEVE AND WATERPROOF: Banking on the theory that runners won’t care if their lower arms get wet, Gore Running Wear will soon ship this short-sleeve jacket. The top, model name X-Running GT AS Hooded Jacket, is made of a waterproof fabric touted as Gore’s most breathable to date. It comes with a pair of removable arm-warmer sleeves for pulling up to the elbows if the weather is bad. $299.99.
TRIPOD MULTITOOL: Alongside its knife blade and driver bit, the new Steady multitool from Gerber will feature a fold-out screw that fits standard camera mounts. Attach your camera and then fold out the tool’s two arms – the unit is now a tripod for self portraits, group shots and long-exposure photography at night. $65.
Stephen Regenold is the founder and editor of www.gearjunkie.com. Connect with Regenold at Facebook.com/TheGearJunkie or on Twitter via @TheGearJunkie or via email at stephen@gearjunkie.com.
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