Here’s the Most Impressive Gear of Outdoor Retailer Summer 2022

The weather may be hovering in the high 80s in Denver as the Outdoor Retailer Summer 2022 show rolls on, but in the Colorado Convention Center (and the city beyond) many minds are on this coming fall, winter and next spring. As the best and brightest brands continue three days of development, camaraderie and innovation in the outdoors, we’ve gotten a great look at what the future holds. Here are some of the coolest items we have seen at and around the show.

On the Show Floor

Kokopelli Chasm Inflatable SUP

Hayley Helms

Kokopelli just announced what it claims is the lightest inflatable stand up paddle board on the market. It’s called the Chasm, and it’s only 13 pounds. The brand trimmed weight by reducing the traction pad material to just underfoot rather than covering the majority of the surface, as well as by attaching only one bungee cord instead of two, using lighter D-rings and a lighter-weight fabric. It comes with a pump and paddle, fin and emergency kit, and the entire kit weighs 17 pounds. The paddle folds down into four pieces, making it extremely packable. Priced at just $999, the Chasm will launch in spring 2023.

Lowa Merger Mid Boot

Hayley Helms

This year Lowa celebrates its 100th anniversary, and in the spirit of innovating and continuing to push boundaries, one of the brand’s main initiatives moving into Spring 2023 is creating urban styles that are fit for everyday pursuits and outdoor adventures, blending performance, function and fashion. The men’s Merger Mid (which comes in low as well) has the brand’s proprietary PU mono wrap, an abrasion-resistant upper, speed lacing and will retail for $200.

Sea to Summit Ikos 3 Person Tent

Hayley Helms

The new Sea to Summit Ikos TR3 is the brand’s latest lightweight, capable three-person tent. Built with DAC MX poles made with a 10.8mm anodized aluminum alloy, an ultra-lightweight 20D Polyester mesh inner and 68D polyester ripstop fly fabric, the tent weighs in just under seven pounds. For increased durability, the fly is made with fully taped waterproof seams and features a durable polyether polyurethane (PeU) coating.

Poler Mushroom Chair + 10 Barrel Beer

Hayley Helms

This fall, Poler is partnering with Anheuser-Busch-owned 10 Barrel Brewing on a collaboration beer that will be sold in grocery stores nationally. The Poler Camp Vibes with 10 Barrel will be accompanied by a selection of co-branded après pieces, including chairs and a poncho. The collection will be available in October 2022.

Matador Updated Seg 28

Hayley Helms

For Spring 2023, Matador is taking its popular Seg30 and giving it some major upgrades. The Seg28 is slightly smaller than its predecessor, but Matador added a full carry system and full back panel harness system that offers more support and comfort, as well as the capacity for heavier loads. The Seg28’s new features include a top-access laptop pocket, a luggage pass-through integrated behind the back panel for easy traveling and a secret passport pocket built into the back of the bag for extra security. Additional upgrades include paracord zipper pulls, security loops on the zippers and a bigger mesh water bottle pocket.

Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0

Hayley Helms

The Odin 9 worlds is Helly Hansen’s best-selling hard shell jacket geared toward hiking and mountaineering, used and tested by search and rescue professionals. The key update to this summer-oriented style for Spring/Summer 2023 is the use of Ocean Bound fabric; the jacket uses 68% recycled plastic material that has been gathered from waterways, melted down and turned into a variety of threads that then go into the Helly Tech Professional Fabric construction used in this jacket. The jacket also boasts Recco technology, which is being integrated into more summer apparel from the brand.

Adidas Terrex Tech Flooce Light Hooded Hiking Jacket

Hayley Helms

Hayley Helms

To combat the micro fiber shedding of traditional fleece, Adidas Terrex developed this mid layer, which provides the warmth of brushed fleece without the environmental impact. Using a proprietary construction and special selection of denier thread, the brand created the loops on the inside lining of the jacket that are as soft as typical fleece, with the same warmth retention. The innovative take on a fleece layer comes in multiple weights: the lightweight, recycled option you see here is available now, and a thicker option will be coming out next season.

Roark Accomplice Bag Collection

Hayley Helms

For Spring 2023, Roark built a collection of bags designed to be modular and adaptive, ready for whatever adventure you throw at them. Utilizing daisy chains across the front of each pack, the system uses a range of detachable bags and accessories to help you design the best bag for your needs. The Accomplice Missing Link 42L in particular caught our attention: the durable dry bag is fully waterproof, features multiple carry and close options and security pockets for passports and travel documents.

Off-Site Activations

There’s an undeniable trend growing at Outdoor Retailer: more brands are showing product and hosting activations off the showroom floor. Although the following brands weren’t within the confines of the Colorado Convention Center, their products still impressed enough to make this list.

Nathan Laser Light Running Vest

Hayley Helms

Launching in August 2022, the Laser Light Running Vest is built with Nathan’s no-bounce mentality in mind. Featuring a size adjuster/slider that allows you to tweak the illuminated straps for a more secure fit, the vest is a mix of safety and comfort. Cycle through a variety of rainbow-hued colors or pick one to run with. The Laser Light Vest will retail for $60.

Peak Design Moto Mount

Hayley Helms

Hayley Helms

The new 1 Inch Ball Adapter from Peak Design is built to withstand the vibration and intensity that comes with riding a motorcycle, and allow for safe and secure riding. Vibration isolation is built into the moto mount, and Peak Design says the design is more secure than well-known competitors like QuadLock. The ball adapter is designed to work with the popular RAM system and components, and will launch in July 2022.

Vasque Breeze

Hayley Helms

If you’re looking for new product and don’t want to wait until next spring, Vasque has you covered. Taking customer feedback into consideration, the brand decided to bring back the original Breeze Boot for fall 2022, marrying classic style with modern, sustainable materials. The new and improved Breeze is built with 75 percent recycled materials, including a midsole made from 20-percent recycled sugarcane, 100-percent recycled webbing and 75-percent recycled mesh in the upper. A duel density EVA foam footbed and VasqueDry waterproofing round out the boot’s many promising features.

Cotopaxi Rain Trench

Hayley Helms

For Spring 2023, Cotopaxi is leaning in to apparel and activewear. The new Rain Trench is a full-featured, style-forward option that includes a 10k membrane, PFC-free DWR treatment, 2.5 layer construction and 100-percent recycled shell fabric. It’s fully waterproof, seam sealed and designed for light to intermediate showers. The Rain Trench will retail for $200.

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