Highlights: Winter 2014 Outdoor Retailer Trade Show

By Will Rietveld, Gossamer Gear Trail Ambassador

Outdoor Retailer, on the floor

I have reported on the OR Show since 2006, so this is my 17th show. OR never disappoints; it's big, high energy, and always yields lots of emerging new technologies and products of interest to lightweight and ultralight backpackers. This show is no different.

Highlighted products will be available in fall 2014 unless noted otherwise. For footwear, the weight listed is per shoe for a men's size 9, unless stated otherwise.

Primaloft Performance Down blends

The introduction of Down Blends for puffy jackets was the biggest story of the show. Primaloft's proprietary Performance Down Blend (left) is the most homogeneous down blend I observed. It will be available in two grades: Silver is 60% 650 fill-power down plus 40% Primaloft fiber, and Gold is 70% 750 fill-power down plus 30% Primaloft fiber. Several manufacturers will be introducing new fall 2014 jackets insulated with Primaloft Silver or Gold (e.g. the Addidas Terrex Climaheat Ice Jacket, right). Allied Feather and DownTech, the big down suppliers, are also developing their own down blend products, which will be utilized by numerous other garment manufacturers.

I visited with Allied Down and Primaloft representatives to learn about the new down/synthetic insulations. First, a little background: the supply of high quality down has decreased in recent years, and down prices have increased 30% or more in the last 3 years.

Why? Because:

1. Down is a by-product of the meat industry (ducks and geese), and as living standards increase, more people are switching from traditional meats to beef and pork
2. With the outbreak of the H7N9 bird flu in China, millions of birds were slaughtered to control the epidemic
3. At the same time, the demand for high quality down has increased substantially

For now, down blends are a result of garment manufacturers combating price, but there may be a silver lining – the comfort and weight of down combined with the water-resistant/quick-drying properties of polyester to create the ultimate insulation. As more testing is done, a more complete story will emerge: is this simply down diluting, or is it "turbo-down" a synergism of down and synthetics? Note that this technology is more relevant for high exertion activities in high humidity environments; for lightweight backpacking, our choice is still pure high-loft down, which provides the most warmth for the weight, and the new water-resistant down treatments (basically a DWR treatment) make down better than ever.

Vasque Arrowhead Ultradry Boot

The new Vasque Arrowhead Ultradry Boot (women's Skadia) features 200 gram Thinsulate insulation, a heat-reflective lining, a zippered waterproof outer shell, and quick-draw lacing on the inner boot. Weight for the men's version is 2 pounds 12 ounces per pair, and MSRP is $170. This looks to be the perfect boot for active snowshoeing. Another winner from Vasque is the Snow Junkie insulated boot, which is wonderfully lightweight and perfect for snow hiking.

Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy

Sierra Designs continues to build on their innovative sleeping system designs with the addition of a cold weather version of their Mobile Mummy Bag. The bag (which has a 0F lower limit and 13F comfortable rating) has a long top zipper, arm ports, and a hood that zips up snug without drawcords. The bag is wearable in camp by extending your arms through the arm ports and opening the bottom of the bag to let your feet out then pinning the bottom up to the backside of the bag. Weight is 3 pounds 6 ounces, insulation is 29.4 ounces of 800 fill DriDown, and MSRP is $479.

Sierra Designs DriDown Baffled Jacket and Hoody

Sierra Designs will also introduce a DriDown Baffled Jacket and Hoody which has a soft nylon/polyester outer shell with DWR, 800 fill-power DriDown insulation, weight of 19 ounces (men's Large), and MSRP of $299. These hoodies also feature SDs no drawcord hood, which closes snugly with a pull of the zipper.

Primaloft fabric and fleece, and Polartec Powerdry High Efficiency fabrics

Other news from Primaloft is their new Primaloft fabrics and fleece (left), which will eventually be utilized in baselayers and midlayers by various manufacturers. Not to be outdone, hours before the Show Polartec announced their new Polartec Powerdry High Efficiency fabrics (right), which will be available in different weaves and thicknesses for different applications. These basic fabrics are polyesters, which are superior for lightweight, hydrophobicity, and wicking. Of course the yarn can also be spun or woven with other fibers like wool to create hybrid fabrics.

Outdoor Research Sparkplug Gaiter

The new minimalist Outdoor Research Sparkplug Gaiter (available now) weighs just 1.2 ounces per pair and costs only $20, making it the best value for an ultralight short gaiter. It attaches with a simple front lace hook and rear Velcro patch. The Velcro is a heavy-duty type that really holds fast; I could not strip it loose in my testing of the similar OR Stamina Gaiter for my state-of-the-market report on ultralight gaiters published at Backpacking Light Magazine. In case you're wondering, my favorite UL gaiter is the Montbell Semi-Tall Spat (which is actually a short minimalist gaiter), which has an underfoot cord protected by a urethane tube. I have yet to wear out the underfoot cord, which is normally the nemesis of traditional gaiters.

Saxx Sub Zero Bottom

Hey guys, if you haven't heard about them, Saxx boxers are the bomb for keeping your junk under control while hiking (gals should go on to the next item now, but I know you won't). For fall 2014, Saxx will introduce a Sub Zero ¾-length version that incorporates their ball control technology (it could be called ThermoBall, but that name is taken). They are made of polyester and Spandex and the front pouch is windproof. MSRP is $50.

Zem Gear Oxygen 2

Gear's Oxygen 2 minimalist shoe weighs just 3 ounces per shoe and makes a perfect stream fording and camp shoe. MSRP is $50 and they are available now. These are a heck of a lot more elegant than sandals dangling on the front of your pack. Stream crossings simply hurt if you do it barefoot; the O2 allows you to do it effortlessly because they stay on and are very slip-resistant.

Heat Holders Socks

Ultralight down socks are the ultimate for keeping your feet warm in camp, but you can do it on the cheap with Heat Holders Socks, which have a thick pile lining to keep feet warm. They are very lightweight and inexpensive at around $15. The lining is too thick to use them as a hiking sock, but they can be used in insulated boots for cold weather outings and camping if you size up to make room for the socks.

Montane Aero eVent Pullover

Previously, Montane broke new ground with their lightweight Spektr Smock, a minimalist eVent rain jacket with a funky Velcro front closure. Now Montane gets it right with the Aero eVent Pullover. This one weighs about an ounce more at 9.8 ounces, but it has an offset half-height water-resistant zipper and front pouch. It's made of 3-layer eVent air permeable waterproof-breathable fabric (our favorite) in a lighter fabric construction to save weight. Other features are shoulder vents, elastic draw on the lower back, 3-way adjustable hood with wire brim, and Velcro tab cuffs. This updated smock has more features than the Spektr did (perhaps more than we prefer), but the added weight is minimal, and the Spektr's faults are gone.

eVent Direct Venting Storm Membrane (right)

Last summer I reported on eVent's new membrane (right), dubbed the 59T, which is about 20% lighter and three times more breathable (that's correct) than the standard membrane (left). The new membrane will be named eVent DVS (for Direct Venting Storm). The word I get is that manufacturers are a bit nervous about its durability in a 2.5-layer construction, and no manufacturers are planning products with it for 2014. Stay tuned for further progress.

Olicamp IonMicro Stove, Kinetic Ultra Titanium Stove, and XTS Aluminum Pot

Canister fuel stoves keep getting lighter. The Olicamp IonMicro Stove (right) has manual ignition, 8900 BTU output, weighs just 1.5 ounces, and costs $50. The Kinetic Ultra Titanium Stove (center) also has manual ignition, a larger burner head with 9620 BTU output, 1.7 ounce weight, and also costs $50. The XTS Aluminum Pot has a heat exchanger base, weighs 6.7 ounces, and costs $30. All three items are available through Liberty Mountain, which is the US distributor. I don't have any information on the stoves' performance.

Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket and Hoody

The Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket and Hoody combine a Toray synthetic insulation and Patagonia 4-way stretch shell to yield exceptional softness, stretchiness and breathability unmatched by competitor's products, which presumably includes Polartec Alpha insulation. The chart to the right provides results from Patagonia's lab tests, which are certainly attention-getting. This is a garment intended for active cold weather pursuits, where you want moisture to be readily exhausted rather than trapped inside. The jacket version weights 13.6 ounces and the hoody is 12.5 ounces; MSRPs are $249 and $299.

Patagonia Houdini Pullover

Patagonia will also update their popular Houdini Pullover windshirt for fall 2014 with a great new fabric with DWR. Weight is 3.1 ounces and MSRP is $89.

Trog Eyeglass Retainer

The Trog eye/sunglass retainer is the nicest one I have seen. The earpieces slip through the hole at end of the band and out one of the side holes. MSRP is $8.

Xcel Action Camera

The Xcel Action Camera seems to have all the features and accessories of other sport cameras, plus some extra features that appeal to me – it's easy to see that the camera is on and what the settings are, and it comes with a remote control. The basic HD model ($250) has a 1-button on/off remote with a 40 foot wireless range, and the HD2 model ($350) has a 4-button remote that allows you to switch among recording modes and zoom in and out. The camera comes with a waterproof case and a number of accessories (right); a wide range of other accessories is available.

Ruby Bay Salmon Jerky (left), and Sweetwood Beef Jerky (right)

Jerky is a good way to get meat protein into your backpacking diet either as a trail snack or dinner ingredient. Ruby Bay Salmon Jerky (left) comes in different flavors and portions for $3-$6. Sweetwood Beef Jerky (right) likewise comes in different flavors. I reported on EPIC Meat Bars last summer. I like to grind a meat product like these in a coffee mill or food processor and mix the grated meat with instant potatoes to get good flavor distribution in my meal. Other good additions to a home made dinner are sun-dried tomatoes, powdered cheese, or dried refried beans, depending on your tastes.

TRX Totes Light n' Go Trekker Umbrella

The TRX Totes Light n' Go Trekker Umbrella is compact and lightweight at 7.5 ounces. A cool feature is an LED light in the handle. The extended arc length is 39 inches. It's treated with Scotchguard for water-repellency and Sunguard for UV resistance. MSRP is $34.

Baffin Ultralite Series of Extreme Lightweight Footwear

A common problem on multi-day outings in snow is moisture absorption in boot linings, leading to cold feet. An insulated boot with a removable liner is the ticket to getting boots dried out, but regular pac-style boots are normally heavy. The new Baffin Ultralite Series of extreme lightweight footwear is designed for use in a temperature range of +41F to -58F (note that the lower rating is typically optimistic.) Two especially lightweight models are the Sage for women (left, $159) and the Revelstoke for men (right, $179). Both contain the equivalent of 400 gram insulation and have a removable liner with reflective technology. The weight is listed as 2 pounds per pair; I was not able to verify the weight.

New Balance 89 and 99 shoes are intended for speed hiking and fastpacking

The very lightweight New Balance 89 and 99 shoes are intended for speed hiking and fastpacking. The 89 is a mid, and the lowcut 99 will be available with or without a Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable lining. Both shoes feature no-sew construction, 4 millimeters of heel rise, lightweight cushioning, a midfoot wrap, Vibram outsole, and will be available in men's and women's models with extended sizes and widths. MSRP is $110-$120.

Brooks Running True Grit, Cascadia, and Adrenaline ASR

More shoes. I visited Brooks Running this time and found some good trail runners suitable for ultralight backpacking. Generation 3 of the Pure Grit (left) will be out this fall and features no-sew construction, a TPU rock shield, weight of 9.9 ounces/shoe (mens 9), and MSRP of $120. The current Cascadia (center, 11.7 ounces) is a trail running workhorse with good support and an aggressive tread; MSRP is $120. And the Adrenaline ASR (right, 11.8 ounces) is supportive and grippy at $130 ($150 for the Gore-Tex version). Brooks shoes come in a medium (D) width.

MyFC PowerTrekk generates electricity from a hydrogen fuel cell

The MyFC PowerTrekk generates electricity from a hydrogen fuel cell to recharge portable devices. To fuel the power generator, add about 2 tablespoons of water to a small cup inside the generator and drop in a sodium silicide "puck", then snap on the green upper battery pack. It starts generating power in about 1 minute. It takes about 1.25 hours to fully charge the integrated Lithium-Ion 1500 milliamp battery. One puck provides enough fuel for 1.5 to 2 charges. Weight is 8.7 ounces and MSRP is $149; pucks are 3 for $13. One caveat is that the system only works above 25F.

Manufacturers do whatever it takes to attract attention, like roaming cuddly creatures.

Kahtoola Nanospikes

For fall 2014, Kahtoola will introduce their new Nanospikes, which is a milder version of their popular Microspikes. The Nanospikes have carbide studs for traction compared to the Microspikes' crampon-like teeth. Consequently they are lighter (7.6 ounces/pair versus 13.6 for the Microspikes) and less expensive ($50 compared to $65). The Nanospikes are mainly intended for walking on icy sidewalks and for shoveling snow; for icy and snowpacked trails, especially where there is a scary dropoff involved, the Microspikes are recommended.

Hillsound Free Steps Six Slip-On Traction Device

In competition with Kahtoola's Microspikes is the new Hillsound Free Steps Six traction device. The "Six" delineates the number of points – 4 in the forefoot area, 1 in the center of the heel, and one on the rear. At 11.2 ounces per pair, they are a bit lighter than the Microspikes, and at $40 they are substantially less expensive. Like the Microspikes, the Free Steps Six are appropriate for icy and snowpacked trails.

The Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra goes one step further, with longer spikes for serious ice and packed snow

The Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra goes one step further, with longer spikes for serious ice and packed snow. Compared to the Kahtoola Microspikes, they have more spikes, a wider heel plate, a Velcro strap over the instep to secure them, and a durable carry sack. Weight is 14.8 ounces/pair and MSRP is $70.

Soto Windmaster canister fuel stove

The new Soto Windmaster is arguably the most advanced canister fuel stove. Notable features include (1) a concave burner to provide superior performance under windy conditions, (2) interchangeable pot supports (narrow and wide), (3) a microregulator to provide continuous output in colder temperatures, and (4) it collapses to a very small size for packing. The burner has a piezo igniter. Total weight with the smaller pot support is 2.3 ounces. MSRP is $75 and the wider 4Flex pot support costs $15. Wind is the nemesis of canister stoves; even a light breeze can dramatically reduce heating efficiency. Although I have not tested the Windmaster, I can say that it is the only canister fuel stove besides the Jetboil that has wind resistance.

Montbell Ex Light Anorak

Montbell will add a new puffy to its collection – the Ex Light Anorak – and this is one that should be of huge interest to lightweight backpackers. Basically it's a hoody version of the Ex Light Jacket with a half-height zipper, thus the name "anorak". It's insulated with 2.3 ounces of 900 fill-power down. Unlike the Ex Light Jacket, this one has hand pockets. The weight is an amazing 6.3 ounces and MSRP is $219, which is also amazing considering the rising cost of down puffies.

Big Agnes Third Pitch Hooded Jacket and Meaden Jacket (no hood)

Down puffies abound! New ones from Big Agnes are the Third Pitch Hooded Jacket and Meaden Jacket (no hood). It's insulated with 6.5 ounces of 850 fill-power DownTek water-repellent down in Insotect Flow vertical baffles. The garments are full-featured with a full-height front zipper, thumb loops, adjustable hood and hem, 2 hand pockets, 2 inside drop pockets, and an inside chest pocket. The hoody weighs 14 ounces and the jacket is 12 ounces; MSRPs are $450 and $400.

Fischer S-Bound skis and boots for backcountry nordic skiing

This time I stopped by the Fischer booth to have a look at their lightweight S-Bound skis and boots for backcountry nordic skiing. Ski equipment categories and equipment get complicated, but basically backcountry nordic is focused on touring and turning in untracked snow on intermediate slopes. The gear is much lighter and less expensive compared to Telemark and Alpine Touring gear which utilize plastic boots and heavier skis. The S-Bound series features full-length metal edges, lots of sidecut plus nordic rocker for easy turning, a fishscale pattern on the bottom for moderate climbing without skins, and four widths (78, 88, 98, and 112 millimeters at the tip) to match the intended terrain steepness and snow conditions. The length of the bottom fishscale pattern also varies by ski width. The photos show the range of ski widths and the matching boot for each ski. For the popular 98 millimeter width and matching BCX675 boot, the cost of skis and boots is about $588, which is less than the cost of a pair of plastic boots.

Watson's Microfleece Baselayers

I found them! Microfleece long johns that is. In my series on Mountain SuperUltraLight Backpacking published last year in Backpacking Light Magazine, I recommend wearing microfleece long johns because they provide lots of warmth with minimal weight. But, to my surprise, they are very difficult to find nowadays. At this OR Show I found them at two booths: Watson's (www.mywatsons.ca) and 32Heat. The former sells the pictured long johns for $30 each (top or bottom), and the latter sells through Macy's, Bonton, and Sportsman's Guide.

Bushnell PowerSync SolarWrap Mini

Now that a cell phone will do most everything on the trail and otherwise (phone, camera, internet, GPS, etc.), lightweight portable power is becoming an increasingly important need when you are off the grid for extended periods. The Bushnell PowerSync SolarWrap Mini at 3.5 ounces is the lightest one I have seen so far. It utilizes an amorphous thin film panel that can be extended on the front of a backpack. Energy storage is in an integrated 2200 milliamp Lithium-Ion battery and output is 1 watt. The MSRP is $60.

The Berghaus Vapourlight Hyper Smock is the world's lightest rain jacket!

A new exhibitor at this OR Show is Berghaus, which is new to the US but ranks #1 in the UK and #3 in Europe. I decided to check them out, expecting to see a lot of heavier traditional gear. I was blown away! For starters they showed me their 3.88 ounce Vapourlight Hyper Smock ($149) which is the world's lightest waterproof jacket. A frequent forum discussion among ultralight backpackers is "which is the lightest fully waterproof rainwear"; now I can say this is it. The weight and features surpass the Sierra Designs Cloud AirShell (4 ounces) and the Montane Minimus Smock (5 ounces). This pullover rain jacket has a half-height front zipper, one zippered shoulder pocket, and an adjustable hood. The fabric is 7-denier nylon ripstop with a polyurethane coating; waterproofness is 7,000mm and breathability is 8,000g/m2/24hrs, which means it's adequately waterproof and not very breathable. For drier climates, this is all the rainwear you need because you only wear it once in awhile for shorter duration. The photo shows the Smock in two colors.

Berghaus Ramche Hyper Down Jacket (right), Ilam Down Jacket (center), and Ramche Down Jacket (left)

Next up the Beghaus rep showed me their ultralight line of down jackets, which feature body-mapped insulation, a Pertex Quantum GL shell, and 850 fill-power HydroDown. They explained their research that went into their jackets: utilizing infrared imaging to place the down insulation where it is most needed (notice the zoned baffles in the jackets), and choosing the very best treatment to make the down water-resistant. Their very lightest is the Ramche Hyper Down Jacket (right) at 6.3 ounces and MSRP of $299. The next warmest is the Ilam Down Jacket (center) at 11.3 ounces and MSRP of $349, and the warmest is the Ramche Down Jacket (left) at 15.8 ounces and MSRP of $449. The latter two jackets are hooded, as shown, and all jackets have two hand pockets, and an adjustable hem. These puffies are cutting edge, and the prices are reasonable.

Berghaus Vapourlight Hypertherm Jacket

Another interesting piece from Berghaus is their Vapourlight Hypertherm Jacket, which is a very lightweight and versatile midlayer with thin synthetic insulation. The jacket is reversible with two different shell fabrics. The "warmer side" is used when wind resistance and more warmth are needed, and the "colder side" is used when higher air permeability is needed to exhaust moisture. It eliminates the need for a windshirt. Weight is 5.9 ounces and MSRP is $169. The photo shows the jacket in two colors.

GoodOnYa bar

A new energy bar on the block is called the GoodOnYa bar. Four flavors are shown in the photo, and one of them is a breakfast bar for a quick no-cook morning start. Ingredients are all organic.

Olomomo Almonds

Another healthy and tasty new snack food is Olomomo Almonds, which come in several yummy flavors.

Outdoor Research Peruvian Hat

My favorite camp hats for ultralight backpacking are the Outdoor Research Peruvian Hat (shown, 1.9 ounces, $32) and the Wind Warrior Hat (2.5 ounces, $36). The latter is a similar design but constructed of Windstopper fabric for more wind resistance. The newest version of the Peruvian Hat has a chin cord.

Darn Tough Vertical Series Socks

Outdoor socks keep getting higher tech and more decorative. For example, Darn Tough is introducing their new Vertical Series for snow sports, which are available in ultralight or cushioned versions ($23-$24). On the right is their new men's Thermolite cushioned sock. We especially like Darn Tough socks because of the extreme durability provided by 1441 stitches per square inch, the highest in the industry.

SofSole Plantar Fasciitis Insole

The SofSole Plantar Fasciitis Insole is designed as a solution to the pain resulting from stress placed on the plantar facia. It's basically a PF orthotic, featuring a nylon-composite bridge in the arch area, a forefoot pad, and gel cushioning and support in the heel cup. These insoles are ¾-length and come in one size each for men and women. MSRP is $20.

Topo Footwear Speed Trainer (left), Mountain Trainer (center), and Light Hiker (right)

Topo is a new footwear company launched in summer 2013. While it's initial products had a split toe design, new models coming out now are more conventional looking lightweight zero-drop shoes with a wide toebox and snug heel cup. Specific shoes of interest are the Speed Trainer (left, 5 ounces, $90), Mountain Trainer (middle, 8.2 ounces, $100), and Light Hiker (right, 9 ounces, $100). Cushioning, stability, traction, and rock protection increase across the three models.

The Atlas Endeavor and MSR Revo Snowshoes feature a hybrid frame

A new development in snowshoes is a hybrid frame consisting of injection-molded composite decking attached to a metal serrated frame. While serrated frame snowshoes grip much better and have superior sidehill stability compared to traditional aluminum tubing snowshoes, they do not glide nearly as well, meaning you need to lift them up and set them down compared to shuffling along. The new Atlas Endeavor (left, 4 pounds/pair, $220) features Atlas's Spring-Loaded Suspension which keeps the snowshoe positioned as you stride and enhances sidehill flexibilitiy. The serrated metal frame of the new MSR Revo Series (right) is similar to their Lightning series, with the addition of a injection-molded composite deck and an all new binding for increased ease of use and support.

The Heatwave Series from Seirus features Dual Stage Heating

New lightweight and warm clothing for the extremities are the Heatwave Series from Seirus. The socks, skull cap, and liner gloves in this series feature Dual Stage Heating (reflective and kinetic), consisting of a metallic heat reflective lining and components in the fabric that convert body movement to generated heat. The latter is pretty vague, but we will take their word for it. All three items are very light weight but I did not weigh them. MSRPs are $35 for the socks, $25 for the skull cap, and $20 for the liner gloves. The socks can be worn as a liner sock, or as a sleeping sock in the summertime.

Fix n' Zip zipper repair kit

Finally, I end my OR coverage with a last minute find that is a good one. With the Fix n' Zip zipper repair kit, you can repair any zipper for $10. Think blown tent door zipper, which commonly costs $100 or more to replace. The Fix n' Zip comes in three sizes (small, medium, large), with each one working on a range of zipper sizes. The medium size shown matches the most common zippers. Basically what you do is clamp the Fix n' Zip on one end of the broken or damaged zipper and it becomes the new zipper pull; you don't have to open the stitching on one end to put it on. You can leave the old pull on the zipper or pry it off. Way cool!