The past 14 months have been a dark season of disconnect for many in the business of outdoor. As much as anything else, we’re all likely to remember 2020 as the Year Without Trade Shows鈥攖he year we couldn’t hug, shake hands, or do business the way many of us prefer: in person. For an industry that prides itself on connection and compassion, the sting has been vivid.

The good news is, it’s almost over. The Outdoor Retailer (OR) Summer Market is coming back to Denver, Colorado, on August 10-12, and registration is currently open. The Big Gear Show (BGS), which delayed its inaugural event last year, is set to stage just a week earlier, August 3-5, in Park City, Utah. After a year of red Xs on the calendar鈥攃ancelled events, dashed plans鈥攆olks are once again buying plane tickets and dusting off booth hardware, getting ready to see each other. There’s more than a modest buzz of anticipation in the air.

The time away has changed things, however. We’re not fully out of the pandemic yet, and in the months we’ve spent apart, most of us have adapted to new ways of doing business. Budgets have already been set for the year. Some people are eager to meet face-to-face as soon as possible, while others are still wary of crowds, or restricted by company travel bans. This year, a big question on everyone’s mind is who, exactly, will be at the trade shows?

In a typical year, almost no one would question whether the big industry players like Patagonia, The North Face, or Black Diamond would show up to our national shows. Those booths have been the anchors of such events for decades.聽

We’re living through the shoulder season of the most disruptive global crisis in a century, though, and the August shows are by no means a return to “normal,” as we hoped for so long they might be. At this point, it seems the only way to get a sense of who’s going鈥攁nd who鈥檚 not鈥攊s to pick up the phone and start calling brand leaders, asking directly whether they plan to attend, yes or no.

Which is exactly what we did.

A Quick Disclaimer

First things first: ten weeks is a long time. Trying to pin down a comprehensive, definitive list of who’s attending the shows, nearly three months before they stage, is impossible. Over the course of the summer, as the situation develops, brands can and will change their minds about attending or skipping one show or the other. It’s just too soon to tell.

But we have to start somewhere. To begin piecing together a picture of the attendee lists, we reached out to dozens of key industry players to ask about their plans. Some dodged our calls and emails (no hard feelings). Others outlined their thoughts in lengthy manifestos. Some wanted to talk, but felt they couldn’t, as in the case of a notable hardgoods brand that refused to go on the record for fear of upsetting its specialty retailers. Response, in other words. was all over the place.

As of today, our list of exhibitors attending or skipping the shows鈥攕ubject to change at any moment鈥攊s more comprehensive than what OR and BGS directors have published, but it’s still miles from complete. Everything we know so far is outlined below.

Which Brands Are Exhibiting at the Shows?

Outdoor Retailer鈥檚 latest exhibitor list, released today, includes about 150 brands, though show director Marisa Nicholson told us previously that more than 300 brands are registered with 鈥渕ore contracts coming in daily.鈥�

Brands exhibiting at Outdoor Retailer (confirmed by OR leadership): 4ocean, 国产吃瓜黑料 Medical Kits, Aetrex, Airhead Sports Group, Aloe Up Suncare, American, Alpine Club, American Backcountry, Amundsen, Avalanche, Backpacker’s Pantry, Bertucci Watch, Big City Mountaineers, Bison Designs, Body Glide, Bridgford Foods Corporation, Brightz Ltd., Brookwood Companies Inc., brrr, Buck Knives, Inc., Bula, Camp Chef, Carson Optical, Centric Software, Chaos / CTR, Chums, Coala, Cougar Shoes, CRKT, CWR Wholesale Distribution, Dakine Equipment, Dakota Grizzly, Dansko, Disc-O-Bed Retail, Inc., Dometic, Downlite, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, drirelease, Duraflex, Earth Shoes, Ecovessel, U-Konserve, Equip, Everest Textile Co., Falcon Guides, Farm to Feet, Flexfit, Flylow Gear, Fox 40 USA, Frost River, GCI Outdoor, Geckobrands, Glacier Glove, Goal Zero, Gore-Tex, Grabber Inc. / Heatmax, Groove Life, G-Shock, GSI Outdoors, Hans Global / Pacific Fly, Hurley, Igloo, Ignik, UCO, Morakniv, Esbit, Pedco, ITW Nexus, Jambu & Co., Jetty, JTreeLife, Kavu, Inc., Kijaro, Killtec NA, Klean Kanteen, Klymit, Kokatat, Kokopelli, Komperdell Sportartikel GmbH, Korea Outdoor & Sports Industry Association, Labtex Co., Lamo Footwear, Ledlenser, Liberty Mountain, Lifeline First Aid & Fifty Fifty Bottles, Lorpen North America, Lowa Boots, Masterfit Enterprises Inc., Milliken & Company, Minus33 Merino Wool Clothing, Mountain and Isles, Mountaineers Books, Xtratuf, Mustang Survival, Nanga / Tomoyuki Yokota, Natural Tribute, Nomadix SPC, Ocun NA, Optic Nerve Eyewear, Osprey Packs, Otis Eyewear, Otte Gear, Outdoor Products, Outdoor Sports Insurance, Outerknown, Peak Refuel, Pendleton, Poler, Princeton Tec, Propet USA, Purnell, Qalo, QuietKat, Rab, Reusch USA/TruSox, Rome Industries, Salty Crew, Santero, Sawyer Products, Scully, Shwood Eyewear, Skratch Labs, SMC PMI, Solstice Watersports, Sperry, Sport Hansa, Spyderco, Stansport, Sterling Rope Co., Storm Care Solutions Ltd., Storm Creek, Sun Company, SureFire, Sustainable Down Source, tasc Performance, The Landmark Project, The NPD Group, Thermore, Tilley Endurables, Tincup Mountain Whisky, Trango / eGrips, Turbo Tent., Tweave, ust gear, Vandoit, Wallaroo Hat Company, Water Sports, Watershed, Western Mountaineering. Westfield Outdoors, Wild Tribute. Wolverine Footwear and Apparel, wow watersports / Big Mouth, Zippo Manufacturing.

The Big Gear Show confirmed that more than 100 brands have registered out of a possible 250 on the show鈥檚 invite-only list. We were able to get our hands on an abbreviated roster, which event co-founder Sutton Bacon said is merely a snapshot of the show’s full makeup.

Brands exhibiting at The Big Gear Show (confirmed by BGS leadership): Aire, Aqua-Bound, AquaGlide, Astral, Barebones Living, Bending Branches, Bike Exchange, Black Diamond, CamelBak, Camp Chef, Diamondback, Eddyline Kayaks, Eldorado Walls, Esquif Canoe, Eureka, Fat Chance Bicycles, Five Ten, Giro, Goal Zero, Grand Trunk, Hydrapak, Jack Wolfskin, Jetboil, Kleen Kanteen, Klymit, La Sportiva, Liberty Mountain, Malone Auto Racks, Miir, Ocean Kayak, Old Town Canoe, Osprey, Outdoor Research, Oru Kayak, Petzl, Pinarello, POC Sports, Primus, Princeton Tec, Rumpl, Scarpa, Seattle Sports, SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Stan鈥檚 NoTubes, Sterling Rope, Suspenz, Swarovski Optik, Tahe Outdoors / SIC, Tern Bicycles, Troy Lee Designs, Wahoo Fitness, Wenonah Canoe, Yakima.

Several of the industry鈥檚 largest brands have confirmed they鈥檙e skipping both shows, including Big Agnes, Marmot, Merrell, Mystery Ranch, Nemo, Outdoor Research, and Patagonia. And two companies we spoke with鈥擣j盲llr盲ven and Lifestraw鈥攁re still undecided, though Lifestraw says it would likely attend only one.

Several brands did not respond to repeated requests for comment, including Smartwool, Mountain Hardwear, and Keen, among others.

One major player鈥擳he North Face鈥攑resented a curious puzzle in our reporting. A company representative last week said that the brand is “not participating in any major trade shows, including the Summer Outdoor Retailer Show, in the near term.” Yet OR’s partial exhibitor list, released today, named the company as one of the confirmed players.

When asked for clarification, Nicholson said, 鈥淲e’re in ongoing conversations with a lot of brands around creative ways they can participate in the show and what that looks like this year. The North Face is one of those brands, and we’re excited they are going to take advantage of opportunities provided at Outdoor Retailer to support specialty retailers and to engage with the community on important, relevant initiatives that help the industry move forward.”

At press time, multiple executives at The North Face had not responded to repeated requests for clarification.

Directors for both shows have stressed that comprehensive exhibitor information, including show floor plans, will be released soon. The Outdoor Retailer list is coming in mid-June, according to Nicholson, while The Big Gear Show’s list will be published in the next month or so, said Bacon.

Why Some Brands Are Dead-Set on Showing Up

In speaking with more than a dozen of the industry’s largest brands about their reasons for prioritizing the trade shows this year, no explanation came up more frequently than the issue of community support.

“There鈥檚 an awful lot of relationship value and passion that can鈥檛 necessarily be measured, but that will have long-term benefits,” said Lowa general manager Peter Sachs in reference to Outdoor Retailer, which the footwear brand plans to attend. “From a purely commercial perspective, it鈥檚 late in the [buying] cycle. For us, our deadline [for Spring ’22 product] is about a week after the show. But I鈥檓 not looking at it from a commercial perspective. It鈥檚 not like I鈥檓 walking out with purchase orders anyway; I鈥檓 walking out with handshakes, pats on the back, that kind of thing. For me, it doesn鈥檛 matter if it鈥檚 in June or August.”

Sachs estimated that he’s going to “overspend compared to the commercial value of the show,” but reiterated that, for his brand, attending Outdoor Retailer is a calculation that goes beyond dollars and cents.聽

“We want to show respect for the dealers who do attend, re-engage relationships with industry partners, get real products in front of buyers and trade press, present the company’s updated branding and marketing, and start to process the emotional parts of resuming our trade show schedule so we can get ready for the January ’22 show,” Sachs said.聽

Others like Jeff Polke, co-president of GCI Outdoor, echoed similar sentiments.

“It鈥檚 been 22 straight years that we鈥檝e been at Outdoor Retailer,” said Polke. “It鈥檚 been such a big part of growing my company that I wouldn’t feel right missing the show.”

He added that, because so many businesses are having problems with their supply chains and budgets, he understood the argument for skipping the trade shows for financial reasons. Still, he said, “it鈥檚 a small price if you do it right.”

“Get a smaller booth,” said Polke. “Make it work. Some of these brands need to step it up and show everyone that the trade show industry is still valuable. We can鈥檛 forget everything that made the outdoor industry what it is. The shows are part of that. There鈥檚 value in face-to-face. We have to go back to who we are as humans, shaking hands and saying thank you for your business.”

Respect for retailers was another topic that came up repeatedly in our conversations with brands. For the better part of a year, after the lockdown period of the early pandemic, specialty retailers across the country kept their doors open to customers, maintaining face-to-face relationships with the industry鈥檚 consumer base.

“These retailers have been meeting with consumers out on the front line for a year, while we鈥檝e been hiding behind our Zoom screens,” said Sachs. “We owe it to them.”

The post Summer Trade Shows: Who鈥檚 Attending Outdoor Retailer and the Big Gear Show? appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

After all but losing spring 2020 to the pandemic, retailers and consumers alike are looking for gear to get excited about in 2021. So excited, in fact, that we decided to add their votes to our ranking of next season鈥檚 top products. Together, we鈥檝e pored over, narrowed down, and rated this year鈥檚 submissions to bring you the 50 most coveted products, ranked.

With all the supply chain disruptions and bleak sales during the pandemic, many brands and retailers are focused on selling through what鈥檚 currently in stock. So we opened up our TV50 nominations to select in-line products as well. They are indicated below with the label “Available Now.”

Breaking Down the Votes

How did we come up with this list? We received 359 submissions from 159 brands. Prices ranged from $2 (for a packet of energy gel) to $4,799 (for a kayak). We culled the list to the most interesting 65 products, then put these finalists out for a vote among three different user groups: our internal editorial team, a panel of retail shop owners, and consumers drawn from a group of superfans of BACKPACKER, our sister publication. Everyone voted on each product, assigning a rating from one (not interested) to ten (very interested).

Here are the top picks of each voter group.

TOP PICKS FOR RETAILERS: Big Agnes TwisterCane Pad; Nemo Roamer Double Sleeping Pad

TOP PICKS FOR CONSUMERS: PrimaLoft Gold with P.U.R.E. tech; Big Agnes TwisterCane Pad and Leatherman Free T4 (tie)

TOP PICKS FOR OUR EDITORIAL TEAM: PrimaLoft Gold with P.U.R.E. tech; Big Agnes Sidewinder bag

1. PrimaLoft Gold with P.U.R.E. Tech

$199 (for Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, insulation pictured above)

THE PROMISE: This new synthetic insulation makes
a massive dent in carbon emissions.

THE DEETS: Patagonia鈥檚 Nano Puff will be the first jacket to feature the lightweight and highly compressible PrimaLoft Gold P.U.R.E. (Produced Using Reduced Emissions), a 100 percent recycled synthetic microfiber material. The production process saves roughly half the carbon emissions by binding the synthetic fill without heat, instead using an eco-friendly treatment to cure it with air.

2. Big Agnes Twister-Cane Bio Foam Pad

$50

THE PROMISE: This superlight pad (8 ounces) is made from sugarcane, not petroleum.

THE DEETS: For the first time, a closed-cell foam mat is made from renewable material grown with rainwater, reducing the industry鈥檚 dependence on EVA foam.

3. MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier

$250

THE PROMISE: Get pure water in minutes without breaking a sweat.

THE DEETS: The MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier uses two stages for purification. The hollow fiber technology removes viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, while the activated carbon reduces chemicals, tastes, and odors. The result: one liter of clean water in two minutes without any pumping. Bonus: no backflushing necessary, as the integrated purge valve does the work.

4. Leatherman FreeT4

$65; Available Now

THE PROMISE: Get a multitool with true one-handed operation.

THE DEETS: Twelve tools are accessible from the outside with simple magnetic聽closures, an architecture that eliminates fingernail use to deploy. Everything鈥攆rom the four screwdrivers to the bottle opener鈥攆it in this compact (3.6-inch) and light (4.3-ounce) package.

5. Osprey Aether/Aerial Plus 60L Packs

THE PROMISE: This updated version of a proven winner supports even heavier loads.

THE DEETS: The Plus version of the Aether (men鈥檚) and Ariel (women鈥檚) features a lighter frame that carries closer to the body to better stabilize heavy loads, yet remains breathable and comfortable. The lid detaches to convert into a daypack, or just to slim down the pack for shorter trips.

6. Primus Lite+

$115

THE PROMISE: Get a back- country stove for every kind of chef and every kind of meal.

THE DEETS: Versatility is the name of the game for the 16-ounce Lite+. It鈥檚 equally adept at quick-boiling (2:45 per half liter) and gentle simmering, plus it has a low center of gravity and even flame distribution. Bonus: includes a hanging kit.

7. Honey Stinger Protein Waffles

$27 (12 pack);聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: These snack waffles pack a protein punch.

THE DEETS: Now with ten grams of protein per pack, these anytime snacks aid muscle recovery and taste like a treat. Wild Berry or Apple Cinnamon filling is sandwiched between two thin, crisp waffles. Our taste testers keep asking for more.

8. BioLite HeadLamp 750

$100

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 almost as bright as your car鈥檚 headlights yet weighs only five ounces.

THE DEETS: With six light modes, a burst option to briefly produce 750 lumens, and a 400-foot beam on max, this headlight screams safety and versatility. The battery lasts five hours using 500 lumens, but a full 100 hours on low, with an eight-hour reserve power mode and powerbank. Trail runners and mountaineers alike will love the constant brightness mode. Most lights using alkaline batteries dim, but the use of lithium batteries pre- vents the typical discharge curve and keeps the lumens in a steady state.

9. NEMO Roamer Double Sleeping Pad

$400

THE PROMISE: This plush pad for two is so comfy you just might forget that you鈥檙e camping.

THE DEETS: With four inches of open-cell foam and an R-value of six, this double-wide, self-inflating pad provides a deluxe mattress covered in soft, recycled polyester fabric. The included pump means speedy inflation.

10. Big Agnes Sidewinder SL

$280

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 the ultimate sleeping bag for side sleepers.

THE DEETS: 70 percent of us sleep on our sides and now there鈥檚 a bag built
just for us. The Sidewinder contours to a side sleeper鈥檚 position while also allowing freedom of movement for rolling over. Even the foot box is contoured to the angle of the side sleeper鈥檚 feet. Body-mapped fill (650-fill DownTek with synthetic overlays near the hips and feet) optimizes warmth.

11. Klean Kanteen Food Boxes

$15-$60

THE PROMISE: These reusable, super-tough containers are ideal for storing snacks.

THE DEETS: Sold as a set or in three different sizes, these dishwasher-safe, stainless-steel storage containers don鈥檛 rust, shatter, or retain flavors (like plastic containers often do). The silicone lids are leak-proof and BPA-free, and the containers are sized for trail mix, sandwiches, or a whole picnic lunch.

12. PHOOZY Apollo II

$35;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Protect your phone in the wildest environments.

THE DEETS: If anything can protect your phone from the elements, it鈥檚 NASA space suit technology. The Phoozy combines a thick EVA foam with a patent-pending chromium thermal layer and UV coating that protects the battery from dying in the cold and overheating in the sun.聽The case is water-resistant and protects against drops up to eight feet.

13. POC Sports Tectal Race NFC聽SPIN Helmet

$250;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: This helmet protects you during and after a biking accident.

THE DEETS: Thanks to a near-field communication (NFC) medical ID tag in the helmet, first responders can instantly read your medical profile via any NFC-enabled smartphone and use it to inform medical decisions when you鈥檙e unable to speak. The fully wrapped construction, combined with POC鈥檚 patent-pending SPIN (Shearing Pads Inside),聽silicone-injected pads, and precision straps, improves rotational impact and structural integrity, but the helmet still weighs less than 14 ounces.

14. Gregory Katmai/Kalmia 50-65L

$260 (55L)

THE PROMISE: This pack moves with your body to provide ultimate comfort.

THE DEETS: The Katmai (men鈥檚) and Kalmia (women鈥檚) packs feature a ventilated, suspended mesh backpanel that cradles your lower back for fit and comfort. The customizable 3D hipbelt hugs the body and decreases rubbing and hotspots.

15. Six Moon Designs Wild Owyhee 2P Tent

$600;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Even the tallest campers can sit up straight under this tarp tent.

THE DEETS: The dual-pole design affords 48 inches of headroom, and not just at the center point. Two doors and vestibules offer convenience, storage, and access. The No-See-Um mesh skirt perimeter provides full ventilation and bug protection, and of course you get complete rain protection, all for just one pound.

16. Patagonia Provisions Cacao + Mango Bar

$27 (12 pack);聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: This natural fruit bar breaks the granola bar mold.

THE DEETS: Our testers say these bars make you feel like you鈥檙e on a tropical island, thanks to the organic blend of sun-dried mangoes, cacao nibs, bananas, and almonds. The pocket-size聽bar delivers 140 calories.

17. Black Diamond Capitan MIPS Helmet $100

THE PROMISE: Maximum head protection doesn鈥檛 need to be hot, heavy, or uncomfortable.

THE DEETS: With a sleek, cradled fit and plentiful brain coverage, the Capitan is cool and comfortable without compromising noggin protection. The MIPS technology absorbs and redirects oblique impacts to the helmet.

18. SPOT Gen4 Satellite Messenger

$150

THE PROMISE: This one-way communication device聽stands up to the roughest elements.

THE DEETS: The newest SPOT Gen4 messenger has an upgraded outer casing and water-resistant rating (IP68), plus prolonged battery performance, all for less than four ounces. The new mapping option stores more than 50 waypoints for tracking.

19. Cusa Coffee

$6 (seven pack);聽Available Now

THE PROMISE:聽Get gourmet coffee on the go.

THE DEETS: Cusa took the instant tea world by storm a few years ago, and now it鈥檚 jumping into the instant coffee game. For cold or hot brew, just shake or stir with water for ten seconds to dissolve the blend. We got a sneak taste test and the verdict is thumbs up! Available in a variety of roasts and flavors.

20. Voormi Diversion Hoodie

$249;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 the cozy, stink-resistant hoodie you鈥檒l reach for over all the others.

THE DEETS: This 21.5-micron merino wool jacket is reinforced with nylon fibers and finished with a DWR coating to deliver protection against the elements. Features include integrated thumbholes, a chest pocket with a headphone port, and a relaxed fit.

21. LEKI Cross Trail 3A

$150

THE PROMISE: These poles are purpose-built for both trail running and backpacking.

THE DEETS: At just over a pound per pair, the three-section Cross Trail 3A is a light and strong aluminum-shafted pole with a glove-like grip/strap system to help runners sail down the trail or trekkers power up big climbs, all while keeping a relaxed hand.

22. HOKA One One Clifton Edge

$160

THE PROMISE: The unique heel geometry creates a聽smooth impact and an un- matched gliding sensation.

THE DEETS: The newest Hoka debuts a lighter top layer of midsole foam paired with a radically extended heel section to absorb heel strike forces. The weight is just 7.2 ounces per shoe with 26mm of cushion in the heel and 21mm in the forefoot.

23. Big Agnes Goosenest Inflatable Cot

$150

THE PROMISE: This inflatable camp cot (pictured upside down to show the structural design) gets you off the ground for comfortable snoozing and packs down small for easy transport.

THE DEETS: The perimeter tubes elevate it 8 inches off the ground and stabilize the sleeper in the middle of the cot, even on uneven ground. The antimicrobial treatments inside the chambers prevent mildew, odors, discoloration, and degradation. At less than three pounds, it transports easily.

24. Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort Insoles

$50;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE:聽Give your feet extra protection and comfort on the trail.

THE DEETS: This insole enhances the stability and comfort of any trail runner or boot and offers retailers a great upselling opportunity. Built with heel impact technology, shock-absorbing, dual-comfort foam, and a carbon-fiber stabilizer cap, these will turn the miles into smiles.

25. Therm-a-Rest聽Air Head Pillow

$43 – $48;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Get a better聽night鈥檚 sleep with this lofty but light synthetic pillow.

THE DEETS: Backpackers will hardly notice the extra 5.6 ounces, but they鈥檒l appreciate the comfort of this four-inch-thick baffled inflatable pillow after a long day. It comes in two sizes and is shaped to fit into the hood of a sleeping bag. The brushed polyester outer is machine washable.

26. Vasque Footwear Satoru Trail LT

$150

THE PROMISE: This minimalist shoe protects and supports like a midweight hiker.

THE DEETS: The Satoru Trail LT strips away everything but comfort and versatility. With zero drop for a natural stride and a one-piece molded mesh upper (no overlays, stitching, or glue), it鈥檚 lightweight but protective.

27. Cotopaxi Teca Calido Hooded Jacket

$150

THE PROMISE: A little bit casual, a little bit technical, this colorful jacket diverts scrap textile from the landfill.

THE DEETS: Made from a combination of repurposed and recycled materials, this two-ounce insulated wind- breaker is sure to pop off the rack. It鈥檚 also reversible. One side features Cotopaxi鈥檚 signature color-blocking; the other a more subdued solid hue.

28. Matador SEG42

$190;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: This load hauler combines the best features of a backpack, duffle bag, and packing cubes into one.

THE DEETS: With five zippered compartments, this 42-liter travel bag keeps you organized. Carry it like a pack or stow away the shoulder straps and use the top or side straps for duffel duty. It鈥檚 carry-on compliant and the nylon shell is durable and water resistant.

29. GSI Outdoors Lite Cast Frypan

$29

THE PROMISE: Get cast-iron performance without the weight.

THE DEETS: Traditional cast iron fry pans are heavy, but, at three pounds, this thinner, ten-inch skillet is 30 percent lighter than most. The polished cooking surface prevents sticking and eases cleanup.

30. Smith Lowdown 2 CORE

$129;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Eco-conscious adventurers will wear these shades with pride.

THE DEETS: Created from recycled plastic bottles and castor oil plants, these are glasses you can feel good about. Even the microfiber bag comes from recycled single-use plastics. The polarized lenses reduce glare from sun and snow.

31. Kelty Grand Mesa

$130 (2P) / $190 (4P);聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: This spacious shelter won鈥檛 break your budget.

THE DEETS: Available in a two- or four-person version, this is an ideal three-season tent for entry-level backpackers. The color-coded corner pockets make setup a snap, and the large D-shaped single door and vestibule are roomy for easy entry/exit and gear storage.

32. Black Diamond Tag LT Shoe

$135

THE PROMISE: These approach shoes are so light and packable, they can send the route with you.

THE DEETS: The Tag LTs collapse readily into a flat package no bigger than their midsole, thanks to the two-way stretch polyester upper. A carry strap binds them together and the heel loop makes them a cinch to clip to your pack or harness once you reach the crag. They weigh 15 ounces per pair.

33. Danner Trail 2650 Campo

$140

THE PROMISE: This lightweight, breathable, and grippy low-cut hiker is built for hot, dry, and rocky terrain.

THE DEETS: The Campo鈥檚 EVA midsole provides welcome cushioning and drainage ports, while the Vibram outsole easily tackles the desert鈥檚 sandy and uneven surfaces. The mesh upper and multiple drainage ports in the toebox and heel provide airflow and breathability to beat the heat.

34. LifeStraw Go 1L

$45

THE PROMISE: Fill, filter, and drink with this affordable, all-in-one device.

THE DEETS: The lightweight, reusable LifeStraw Go 1L bottle has an internal membrane microfilter along with a carbon filter, which combine聽to remove bacteria, parasites, and harmful chemicals from up to 1,000 gallons of water.

35. Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harness

$45;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Keep your best friend safe, both in the car and on the trail.

THE DEETS: This multitasking harness works for standard walking as well as for clipping your dog into your car鈥檚 seatbelt system for safe road tripping. With steel hardware and five points of adjustment, the harness passes crash tests designed for child restraints.

36. Helinox Incline Festival Chair

$120

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 the ultimate festival chair.

THE DEETS: The DAC alloy frame offers stability and support, and the sliding front feet adjust the seat angle for optimal comfort and positioning. The broad, flat contact points minimize impact on festival grounds and without legs, the three-pound chair keeps a low profile, so you won鈥檛 block the action for people sitting behind you.

37. Merrell Moab Speed

$120

THE PROMISE: Merrell鈥檚 best-selling shoe just lost some weight.

THE DEETS: The trail running version of this popular shoe keeps a low profile and weighs just over a pound per pair. The hybrid design tackles varied terrain with a Vibram outsole, ten millimeter drop, layered mesh upper, and padded collar.

38. Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen Collection

$20 – $75

THE PROMISE: Kitchenware that鈥檚 ready to rough it, but sleek enough for fancy backyard cookouts.

THE DEETS: Eight pieces, including utensils, bowls, and lids, nest into a tote聽for easy portability. The stainless-steel construction is easy to clean and the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps foods hot or cold during travel.

39. Granite Gear聽Dagger 22L Pack

$100;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 the ideal pack for ambitious dayhikers.

THE DEETS: The Dagger utilizes Granite Gear鈥檚 arch system to anchor the frame
to the hipbelt and distribute the load evenly. The 22-liter nylon packbag fits day trip essentials inside, but the stretch side and front pockets give it a little extra capacity.

40. Deuter Future Air Trek 50 + 10L

$250

THE PROMISE: This pack鈥檚 calling card is versatility.

THE DEETS: One pack for all: The ventilated mesh back and fit system adjusts to any body shape or size, while the detachable toplid lets you add or subtract volume. A U-shaped front zipper means you can get to any part of the pack quickly and easily. And a roomy side pocket is big enough for a hydration bladder.

41. Sierra Designs Nightcap

35掳F $150 / 20掳F $170

THE PROMISE: This zipperless bag is built with salvaged materials.

THE DEETS: Recycled, post-industrial fabrics that would otherwise go to waste form the 20-denier ripstop nylon shell, while the synthetic insulation is sourced from recycled water bottles. The bag has a self-sealing foot vent and an integrated pad sleeve.

42. Karukinka Tase

$329;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: This will be the midlayer you reach for time and again.

THE DEETS: Combining three types of wool鈥攁lpaca, llama, and merino鈥攊nto a single fabric is exciting, but comes at a high price point. All these cold-weather fibers have the overlapping benefits of wicking moisture and staying warm when wet, but the longer fibers of merino increase durability. Alpaca and llama fibers are hollow, contributing to the fast-drying and moisture-wicking performance.

43. 国产吃瓜黑料 Inside Explorer Essential Kit

$50

THE PROMISE: This kit is perfect for any kid who dreams of adventuring.

THE DEETS: Get your kids started early and safely with these essentials for exploring the great outdoors, whether it鈥檚 the backyard or the backcountry. The set includes a pair of binoculars, a legit orienteering compass, LED flashlight, a four-in-one whistle/thermometer, instructions, and a protective carrying pouch.

44. Bogs Footwear Kicker

$45

THE PROMISE: Life hack for parents: These eco-friendly, closed-toed kids鈥� shoes are easy on, easy off, and machine washable.

THE DEETS: Kids can use and abuse these shoes, all while keeping their feet dry, sweat-free, and less stinky. The new Bloom insoles come from algae blooms, which are dried into flakes and mixed with EVA to create a comfortable footbed, while also cleaning up water habitats.

45. Moon Fab聽Moon Shade

$350;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Versatile attachment hardware makes it easy to create ample shade whenever and wherever you need it.

THE DEETS: This portable, 420-denier polyester awning can attach to any vehicle or door frame (with heavy-duty suction cups) or even mount to trees, fences, and railings. When deployed, there鈥檚 nine by seven feet of coverage with UV protection and reflective coating. At eight pounds (including its own carrying case), it can easily go from ball games to campgrounds.

46. Odlo Active F-DRY Light Eco Sports Baselayer

$45

THE PROMISE: This fast-dry- ing tee is ideal for serious aerobic activity.

THE DEETS: Combining polypropylene with recycled polyester, this short-sleeved baselayer has a push-pull effect to regulate body temperature and keeps you smelling like a rose. And it鈥檚 ultralight at less than half an ounce.

47. EDELRID Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry CT 9.3 Rope

$300-$380

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 a rope as eco-conscious as Tommy Caldwell himself, with the first and only dry treatment that鈥檚 safer for the environment.

THE DEETS: Available in three lengths with a 9.3-mm diameter, the rope coils without tangles and has extreme abrasion resistance. The bi-color sheath makes finding the middle a cinch. And the Eco Dry 100 percent PFC core and sheath dry treatment are free of the fluorochemicals commonly used to provide water- and stain-resistance to climbing ropes.

48. Level Six Freya Drysuit

$900

THE PROMISE: This women鈥檚 drysuit has a unique rear access so she can answer nature鈥檚 calls, quickly.

THE DEETS: The zipper for the rear relief area is designed to be non-irritating when paddling in a kayak, sitting on a raft, or standing up on a paddleboard鈥攕o basically comfortable all the time. The waterproof/breathable fabric is articulated for unrestricted movement, with reinforced knees and elbows聽for durability. The adjustable waistband system provides a precise fit.

49. MTHD Traverse Trail Run Short

$95

THE PROMISE: These men鈥檚 shorts are built to beat friction and irritation.

THE DEETS: A stretchy, 20-denier nylon paired with an underlying Polartec Power Dry polyester built-in boxer brief grants the flexibility and breathability runners need. A Polartec NeoShell pocket keeps your phone protected from sweat even while you鈥檙e Strava-ing a full day.

KEEN Ridge Flex Mid*

$170

THE PROMISE: These boots actually make hiking easier.

THE DEETS: KEEN says that the pliable TPU inserts at key flex points (across the forefoot and at the Achilles heel) in this midweight hiker require 60 percent less energy to bend. That saves energy and combats foot fatigue, but it also nixes break-in times and improves durability, as leather tends to break down earlier at flex points.

*This last-minute entry missed our deadline for voting but we love the innovation and suspect it would have scored well, so we鈥檙e including it here without a ranking.聽

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Gaze around at contests such as the GoPro Mountain Games and Red Bull Rampage, and you might think that only men play sports鈥攐n a professional level, anyway. Women鈥檚 sport sponsorship lags well behind men鈥檚, and although comparative data is scarce, the one nation that did study the gap (the United Kingdom) found that women鈥檚 financial support amounts to just 0.4 percent of the total. The study didn鈥檛 analyze race, but athletes of color may find sponsorship even harder to secure. And yes, that 0.4 percent figure was tallied within this decade, not last century (as the inequity might suggest).

Some blame women鈥檚 lagging financial support on sports brands and leagues, highlighted by last summer鈥檚 controversy over soccer payouts: the U.S. women鈥檚 national team sued the United States Soccer Federation, claiming that the men鈥檚 team earned more money despite the women鈥檚 stronger performance (with four World cup wins).

Yet in some cases, female pros earn less because they ask for less. That鈥檚 what pro paddler Emily Jackson has seen at Jackson Kayak, where she鈥檚 spent the past ten years managing the company鈥檚 sponsorship applications. 鈥淭he girls never ask for even half of what the guys do, even if they鈥檙e ten times more valuable,鈥� Jackson said. 鈥淢aybe women aren鈥檛 as confident in their ability to deliver, or maybe they鈥檙e afraid to offend people by asking for too much. Or maybe women are afraid to hear, 鈥楴o, you鈥檙e not worth that,鈥欌€� Jackson speculated.

Men, meanwhile, seem to have no qualms about shooting for the moon when they seek sponsorship deals鈥攁s Jackson has observed through her job and even within her own family (her brother, Dane Jackson, and husband, Nick Troutman, are both pro paddlers). 鈥淭hey know their worth, so they ask for that,鈥� Jackson said. 鈥淢y husband gets a lot of no鈥檚, but he doesn鈥檛 care. It鈥檚 worth it to him to ask. And that approach has worked really well, because he has a great sponsorship platform,鈥� she explained.

In business, as the saying goes, you don鈥檛 get what you deserve: you get what you negotiate. So when brands receive a lowball sponsorship request, said Jackson, they celebrate鈥攁nd rarely offer more. 鈥淏rands are trying to do the most they can with the budgets they have, so they鈥檙e not going to say, 鈥榃e think you鈥檙e worth more than that.鈥欌€�

Sponsoring Women Benefits Brands

When female pros do ask for equal sponsorship payout, brands must be ready to deliver鈥攁nd that hasn鈥檛 always been the case, said Holly Rush, CEO of Costa Sunglasses, which Rush says has 鈥渉istorically, been a very male-focused performance eyewear brand.鈥� When she joined the company in 2016, 75 percent of Costa鈥檚 sales were to men. To broaden its appeal and grow overall revenue, Costa developed new, more feminine frames while also investing in female pro anglers (100 of them, currently). It funded an all-women team that competed in the prestigious Los Sue帽os Billfish Tournament, and produced a film called Slam that chronicled female pros鈥� quest to land three elusive species in one day.

Now, just three years later, women represent the fastest-growing segment of Costa鈥檚 business and account for nearly 40 percent of its sales. In fact, the 鈥淲aterwoman鈥� style that Costa released in January 2019 has become the company鈥檚 number one SKU by a margin of four to one.

鈥淵ou鈥檝e got to bring product to market that really resonates,鈥� said Rush. 鈥淏ut the consumer also has to see women representing the company, and those women have to be as approachable as they are aspirational, because consumers make choices based on the images that reflect who they are,鈥� she said.

Salomon has seen similar trends with its snow sports and trail running lines. 鈥淐onsumers relate to people that are relevant to them,鈥� said Becky Marcelliano, outdoor marketing manager for Salomon North America. Thus, Salomon has long pursued a balanced roster of male and female pros, including Nordic skier Jessie Diggins and trail runner Emelie Forsberg. Their exploits attract both existing and potential consumers, and they entice audiences to pay attention to the brand between product launches.

鈥淲e want consumers to keep Salomon top of mind as they consider purchases, and athletes are a big part of that,鈥� said Marcelliano, who points to the success of the 鈥淎ny Path. Your Way鈥� video that Salomon produced to support its May 2019 women鈥檚 campaign. The clip garnered 3.4 million views (compared to a more typical 700,000) and corresponds to impressive sales of Salomon鈥檚 new OUTline shoes: Ssome key retailers are reporting that women鈥檚 versions are outselling men鈥檚, which is 鈥渘ot normally the trend,鈥� said Marcelliano.

Sponsorship Is About More than Just Marketing

Social media audiences represent a quantifiable way to gauge athletes鈥� appeal, but it鈥檚 not the only metric of their value, said Tyler Willcutt, athlete manager for Black Diamond (which sponsored Lynn Hill when there were virtually no female pro climbers, and now maintains a balanced team of male and female athletes across climbing, skiing, and mountain running). 鈥淎 lot of our athletes also go to events, where they teach clinics and interact with consumers in person,鈥� Willcutt explained.

Black Diamond also invites its sponsored pros to contribute to product design: runner Hillary Gerardi, for example, is guiding the development of a forthcoming hydration vest that鈥檚 built specifically for women. 鈥淎 man is not going to design a women鈥檚 pack the way a woman could,鈥� said Willcutt. 鈥淎nd when Hillary invests in a product like this vest, other people can see that she loves it, and that鈥檚 authentic. It鈥檚 not a marketing setup,鈥� Willcutt explained. Without women on Black Diamond鈥檚 sponsorship roster, its women鈥檚 product would suffer鈥攁nd female consumers would be justified in looking elsewhere.

But as brands increasingly appreciate (and fund) female pros, those athletes must also recognize their value by asking for what they鈥檙e truly worth. Companies may say no, but they鈥檙e ever more likely to say yes鈥攅specially if they鈥檙e savvy about courting female consumers. After all, women do play sports, and they deserve a platform鈥攏ot just at regional comps and women鈥檚 clinics, but in the world鈥檚 biggest showdowns.

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Whenever Outdoor Retailer rolls around, it puts tons of outdoor brands on our radar. We find the latest products and hottest trends. But it鈥檚 also a time to be inspired by the companies that are doing fantastic things. Check out these five brands doing good across the globe.

LifeStraw

LifeStraw launched in 2005 and was designed for people in developing countries who don鈥檛 have access to safe, clean water and for those dealing with natural disasters when the water is contaminated. The 鈥渟traw鈥� removes nearly all microbiological contaminants that make water unsafe to drink. LifeStraw鈥檚 Give Back program vows that for every LifeStraw purchased, a child in need receives safe water for an entire school year. So far, 1,015,652 students have been given clean water.

GoLite

GoLite is teaming up with the leading international relief organizations to manufacture medical uniforms and to start micro-enterprise programs that are empowering local communities around the world. While GoLite doesn鈥檛 officially launch until 2019, the brand has donated 12,000 uniforms to Medical Teams International health workers who are helping hundreds of thousands of refugees in Uganda.

United By Blue

Since opening in 2010, United By Blue has removed 1,046,530 pounds from oceans on the entire planet. For every product sold from their collaboration line with conservation group Lonely Whale, United by Blue will remove one pound of trash from the world鈥檚 waterways and oceans. In lieu of Black Friday, the company launched 鈥淏lue Friday鈥� in 2016 to encourage individuals to take one hour of their day to clean up neighborhoods or local parks. This summer, United by Blue is also embarking on a 鈥淏luemovement Road Trip鈥� where they鈥檒l host 21 cleanups with retail partners and volunteers.

MSR

MSR just launched the MSR聽Impact Project, which aims to accelerate the global health work they鈥檙e doing, including provide access to safe water for countries without it. Since 2015, MSR technologies have made safe water possible for more than 500,000 people. The company also hosts MSR 国产吃瓜黑料s for Impact for those wanting to take a trip to experience adventure while also devoting time in local communities to providing long-term solutions for water.

Biolite

BioLite creates affordable and durable items designed to cook, charge electronics, and light off-grid households by utilizing surrounding energy. The company works with partners across Africa and India to distribute clean energy products. To date, they have impacted almost 300,000 people worldwide. The BioLite BaseCamp generates electricity from fire, reduces smoke by 90 percent, and uses 50 percent less wood. The BioLite聽SolarHome 620聽generates electricity from the sun.

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An independent study in May found that LifeStraw products remove 99.999 percent of microplastics from contaminated water, while also removing bacteria and chemicals.

The confirmation follows two recent studies conducted by Orb Media that found that 93 percent of bottled water and 83 percent of tap water is contaminated with harmful microplastics鈥攕mall plastic pieces that range from five millimeters long to 6.5 micron.

“Single-use plastic bottles have long posed an environmental threat,” said Alison Hill, managing director of LifeStraw. “With recent reports on the affect bottled water has on human health, we have a responsibility to provide alternatives for safe hydration for consumers as well as communities in need and to minimize single-use plastic bottle pollution. LifeStraw has the solution.”

The study of bottled water examined 259 bottles from 11 popular bottled water brands across 19 locations in nine countries. The study found an average of 325 plastic particles in every liter of water sold, coming from the packaging and bottling process.

The tap water study found that billions of people globally are drinking tap water contaminated by plastic particles.

According to the study, LifeStraw’s single-stage and two-stage filtration systems remove the most.

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