We’re on the ground at Winter Outdoor Retailer 2017, scouting the best new gear coming from the outdoor industry this season. Ahead of announcing our annual picks for Best in Show, we’re taking a moment each day of the show to share some our favorite items from the show floor.
BLACKYAK’s Second Global Collection
Coming off a handful of wins at last year’s ISPO trade show, BLACKYAK showed off its second global collection. The brand’s offerings were better than ever: Sleek branding and smart features make the brand a force to be reckoned with in the high-end apparel market.
Chaco Frontier Boot
Plenty of footwear brands attempt to enter new style categories with terrible results, but sandal-maker Chaco’s upcoming fall ’17 Frontier Boot hits the right marks for style and comfort, both inside and outside the city limits.
North Sails Marine Hydrowool Jacket
New for fall 2017, the North Sails Marine Hydrowool Jacket offers a few clever upgrades to the traditional peacoat, like DWR coating, a hidden nylon hoodie and a foldable “dry seat” flap, making the classic nautical silouhette even more functional in rough weather.
Columbia Outdry Eco Line
Conventional rain jackets get their waterproofing from PFC (perflourinated compounds), a chemical that has the same negative effect on the environment as bleach or chlorine. The outdoor industry as a whole is becoming more and more eco-conscious, and Columbia’s new Outdry Line, which uses hardly any PFCs, is among those leading the way.
Canada Goose Drummond 3-in-1 Parka
This is one of the most versatile pieces of outerwear we’ve ever seen from the luxury Canadian brand. Taking cues from the Squall Jacket, which was originally designed for the Toronto Police, the new Drummond parka combines a removable down-filled vest, Arctic Tech fabric shell and a shearling-lined hood into one capable jacket.
Goal Zero Yeti Fuel and Yeti 1400
Perhaps the most powerful gas/electric hybrid generator ever created. Used together, the gas generator fully charges the lithium battery in just four hours (compared to most generators’ 20 hours), and lasts for days, depending on the appliance being powered. (Full-sized refrigerators last up to 80 hours on a single charge.)
Julbo Vermont Classic
Julbo’s classically styled glacier glasses get three new colorways for 2017. They should look just as killer at the bar as they do on an actual glacier.
Outdoor Retailer Winter Market Highlights: Day 1
A look ahead at the best new gear at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2017 from Arc’teryx, Goldwin, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear and more. Read the Story