Innovative items that are in the works
Manufacturers debuted tens of thousands of products at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Following is a look at a few of the innovative outdoors items that will appear in stores in coming months.
Not everyone attending the trade show was there to do business. At right, professional canoeist Matt Looze demonstrates the Esquif Nitro Canoe in a paddle tank. (Grayson West / For the Times)
A sneak peek at a few of the innovative outdoors products that will appear on store shelves in coming months.
PETZL MYO XP
A single 3-watt LED diode offers a blinding 20-second boost mode and long burn time (due in February; $80). (Grayson West / For the Times)
ASOLO ENDURO CHANNEL
This lightweight trekking shoe is sized for women and features shock-absorbers designed for women (due in the spring; $109 to $135). (Grayson West / For the Times)
MSR
The still-to-be-named liquid-fuel stove is lightweight, quick to boil, as easy to use as a canister stove and it requires minimal maintenance (due next summer; $170). (Grayson West / For the Times)
LOWE ALPINE VEGA
This pack was designed specifically for a woman’s use. It differs from a man’s pack in load concentration, overall fit, color combination and in other ways (due out in spring; $149 to $249). (Grayson West / For the Times)
WENGER TERRAGRAPH
Yes, it has an alarm. Yes, it’s water-resistant to 300+ feet. But now Wegner is offering a watch with a power reserve (an industry first) and a battery-life subdial. (Due in October; $350.) (Grayson West / For the Times)
MOUNTAINSMITH ROAD TRIPPIN’
It’s a modular system that allows users to organize their gear efficiently and transport it smartly. Each cube is itself a stand-alone tote. (Due out in October; many combos available, $80 as shown.) (Grayson West / For the Times)
BUSHNELL OUTDOOR CAMERA
This rugged and highly water-resistant 3.2-megapixel digital camera with 4x digital zoom and oversize buttons for easy operation is no cute toy. Will run on two double-A batteries. (Release and price not determined, but price expected to be around $200.) (Grayson West / For the Times)
DANA DESIGN HYDROCITY
A 100% waterproof pack that currently weighs 2 1/2 pounds and that is being nipped here and there for a targeted weight of less than 2 pounds. (Due out next summer; $180). (Grayson West / For the Times)
GERBER FREEMAN EXCHANGE-A-BLADE
Designed by and for hunters, the lacquered pear wood handle accepts three interchangeable tools (a surgical stainless steel blade, a saw and a gut hook, all of which are included, as is the case) with the push of a button. (Due in September; around $90.) (Grayson West / For the Times)
BRUNTON EPOCH ZOOM
The new Epoch permits the user to choose from numerous magnifications, 8 power through 15 power x35 rather than simply one or two choices (a vast improvement). Uses high-grade SF Prism glass throughout and it’s waterproof. (Due in September; MSRP is $1899.) (Grayson West / For the Times)
KIVA’S illumiNITE LINE
Kiva, the inventor of Big Mouth bags and luggage, takes a step closer to perfection with a new line that combines safety and style smartly. The photo at top left shows a 26-inch rolling bag with a rack lash system in natural light; below is the same item shot with flash to demonstrate its reflective properties. When crossing a street at night, the illumiNITE fabric is a real car stopper. (Due out in January; $169.) (Scott Doggett / LAT)
STEARNS DELTA SHELTER
Stephen J. Yardan models a poncho that is also a one-person tent. Yes, you read that right: The Delta Shelter (one is on him, another is in tent mode behind him) can be a structure one minute and a garment next. As a tent, it’s roomy enough to accommodate an NBA center. As a poncho, it’s ready for anything. (Due in January; a bargain at $130.) (Scott Doggett / LAT)
MYSTERY RANCH 3-ZIP
The guys at Mystery Ranch have come up with a zipper configuration that is revolutionary. At left, one of three packs that the Montana company will take to market with the Y-shaped opening. Go to next page. (Scott Doggett / LAT)