This year’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show was one of high energy and meaningful innovations. Versatile, fashion-forward technical gear built to transition seamlessly between urban and outdoor environments was an overarching trend that carried on from the past four shows — even some of the big boys took notice and played along with the trend. Ultralight gear designed to help outdoorsman go faster and farther was also popular. For the first time, big brands like Mountain Hardwear and Big Agnes used Dyneema in the construction of their gear (a material typically only used by small garage brands). Sustainability remained a growing trend in the space with more brands using recycled materials and pushing environmentally-friendly messaging.
Over the course of three days, we met with over 150 of the best brands in the outdoor industry and saw, without exaggeration, over a thousand products. Here, we narrow it down to just ten. These top products caught our eyes through innovation, advanced materials and superior design, and made us excited for the outdoor industry and the year ahead.
Additional contribution by Tanner Bowden, Meg Lappe, Brenden Clarke and AJ Powell.
While a select few pieces below are available for purchase now, most of the gear featured here will be available for purchase in 2019.
Nike Trail Terra Kiger 5
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