We’re on the ground at Outdoor Retailer and Snow Show Winter Market 2018, scouting the best new gear from the outdoor industry launching in 2018. Ahead of announcing our annual picks for Editor’s Choice, we’re taking a moment each day of the show to share some of our favorite items from the floor.
Rab Microlight Summit Jacket
When it comes to insulation, Rab has never been anywhere but at the top of its game. The latest addition to its line of upper-body insulation is the Microlight Summit, an improved version of its already-proven Microlight Alpine jacket. Like its predecessor, the Summit features a slim fit and 800-fill down insulation, but this time it’s constructed with a unique process that creates baffles without any stitching. That means more of everything that makes down jackets great: warmth and packability.
Rocky Mountain Underground Tailgate Locker
If the pickup truck is a mountain biker’s best friend (it is), then Rocky Mountain Underground’s new Gatekeeper is his second-best. The Gatekeeper takes the unexciting yet necessary tailgate pad into a new area of functionality. It’s packed with features, including a flap that allows access to the latch and a pocket that accommodates 30 canned beverages (or 20 with ice), and that’s just the beginning of what the Gatekeeper offers. Look for this to hit stores on June 1, 2018 — just in time for bike season.
Duckworth Powder Pants
At this point, we’ve hammered on the benefits of merino wool so hard that it wouldn’t be unacceptable for your wardrobe to be 50 percent sheep fiber, but if you need further convincing, look to Duckworth. The Montana-based ranch/apparel company uses merino for everything including this new pair of fleece pants. Lower-body warmth has been a distinctive theme at this year’s show, and the functionality, warmth, and Gorp-Core style of the Powder Pant is undeniable.
BLACKYAK Khillari Emergency Jacket
Dyneema is the fiber of the future. It’s been implemented into super-duffels, ultralight backpacks and more. Now, BLACKYAK is using the futuristic material as the basis for its emergency jacket, the Khillari. The anorak-style shell is entirely windproof and waterproof and weighs just 71 grams (about 2.5-ounces). It’s the type of layer you keep in your pack at all times (because it weighs next to nothing) and reserve for dire situations. The only catch is that it won’t be available in North America.
Mystery Ranch Robo Flip Backpack
The brand known for its military combat and wildland firefighting packs unveiled a new commuter pack. Unzip the top to reveal a laptop pocket, tablet pocket and internal water bottle sleeve. Hop on your bike to work and even if there’s a chance of rain, the durable TPU surface coating will keep your gear dry.
Sunski Treelines Sunglasses
Sunski is getting into the glacial goggle market. The brand still delivers on all their athletic accents from lightweight frames to nose-pads and polarized lenses. The update to this aviator-type style is the addition of removable, perforated side panels that help block out the sun, which will be key during snow season. The clutch part of these sunnies is that they only cost $89 — and for this style, that’s a great steal.
Filson Dry Bags
Keep your gear 100-percent dry in Filson’s new classically designed dry bags. Available in a roll-top backpack, and a medium and large duffle, these otter green bags have a watertight seal to keep water out, no matter what. We can’t wait to throw these in a lake to test ’em out.
