Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show 2019 – Denver, Colorado Part Three
That’s a wrap; the 2019 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show is finally over! Until summer rolls around and the next conversion series coverage starts, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors with some great new gear. By day three, the crowds pretty much have all cleared out. Everyone is well, exhausted but still enthusiastic.
And it becomes the perfect time to wander around looking for those hidden gems scattered through the show. While walking through the entire floor a second time, I had some great conversations with those in the outdoor industry, met plenty of dogs, and found a handful of booths that I had accidentally missed the first time around.
Below, you’ll find my last collection of photos from the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show 2019, alongside more outdoor brand highlights. Until next time, thanks for checking out the series!
Obermeyer: The big highlight at the Obermeyer Outdoor Retailer Snow Show booth was their new summer lifestyle collection. Of course, seeing Klaus Obermeyer himself in person was rather amazing too! In addition to the above, their ski collection featured top-notch pieces like the Kodiak jacket and Force Suspender pant.
Eagle Creek: Over at Eagle Creek, the “quit your job” campaign was in full force. To help you find your unknown, Eagle Creek has gone beyond just offering top-notch luggage and packs, their interviewing people around the US for a chance to win a trip, virtually anywhere.
Aside from the campaign, Eagle Creeks’ latest collection featured everything from their unique patterns like Sueno Andes to a handful of their rugged duffel bags on display. Currently, I’m in the process of giving their travel bags a try on out, but so far, they’ve been incredible!
686: Inside the 686 booth, their tool belt was a remarkably simple concept, yet, exceptionally brilliant innovation. On the metal buckle of the belt, 686 had managed to replace the rods with removable Philips and flathead screwdrivers.
Beyond the unique belt design, 686 also had a collection of outerwear made in collaboration with Coal. For ski outwear, 686 had a stretch GORE-TEX Dispatch Bib that was exceptionally well-designed and constructed. I was surprised to hear that pieces of their outwear collection had 200 days of snow and sun field testing. The testing was rather apparent when I came across great features like reinforced knees, BOA gaiters, smart ventilation, and functional designs. The collaboration with Japanese backcountry guides has given 686 a serious edge when it comes to producing top-notch technical apparel.
In addition to the above, their latest and greatest integrated water reservoir jacket is undoubtedly a game-changer!
OGIO: While OGIO didn’t have a booth at the 2019 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show, I still had a chance to see their latest collection. To start, their 3 in 1 jacket featured admirable laser cut and welded seams. The piece was designed to add warmth through layers, and best of all, the shell can transform down into a compact, portable profile.
For packs, a rolltop backpack featured the ability to carry 24 liters while being able also to ramp up space to 28 liters if needed. Now, while everyone loves a rolltop design, they do have some downsides. Luckily, OGIO solved for these issues by creating a side access zipper. The innovative solution eliminates having to use the rolltop every single time and provides for super quick access to your gear.
Like their other packs, the one above features Cordura eco, and comes in at an impressive 14 recycled plastic bottles. Larger pieces like the luggage, feature around 32 recycled bottles.
Overall, OGIO’s latest collection of men’s apparel had all the bases covered, from the first layer to the last.
Carhartt: Updates to the Carhartt collection included the Gillian vest, Bartlett jacket with anew Sherpa lining, Maxville vest, and steel series pants with knee pads. With a distinctive looking design, the knee pads aren’t just interesting to look at, surprisingly their also machine washable and dryer friendly.
For footwear, their bestselling Wedge boot really caught my eye with its hard rubber inlay, triple seam-sealed waterproof construction, and foot-molding leather upper. For a work boot, these look as stylish as they are ruggedly tough!
In surveys, Carhartt found that comfort and durability were the top two most requested features when it came to men’s footwear. Though, achieving that instant gratification wasn’t an easy feat. To create the perfect footbed, Carhartt partnered with Insight Technology and took more than 125,000 3D scans of feet. The unique Tetrapod insole, with its non-slip suede top, was built for the gentleman who’s on his feet all day long.
Bolle: Bolle’s latest Phantom goggles feature a 15-60% light transition with a 30 second reaction time. Best of all, the operation works down to -20 degrees Celsius. In addition to the Phantom, their TSAR goggle features a bi-flex nose that adjusts to fit virtually any face. Thanks to the bendable bristles there’s no pressure on the nose. Included you’ll also find a GORE-TEX equalization patch and proprietary anti-fog coating.
For helmets, their Instinct MIPS BOA 360 caught my eye as did their Blackline Visor, which can be worn with glasses underneath the visor.
Hestra: Along the giant wall of gloves inside of Hestra’s Outdoor Retailer Snow Show booth, two new variations could be found. The FreeRide and Wakayama Mitt. The FreeRide glove took into consideration the specific needs of snowboards and was developed intensively through rider feedback.
Shot Show 2019 Part One