A surging interest in outdoor activities has sparked one brand to venture beyond the general consumer marketplace and target a more niche audience鈥攐ne that would rather cook at a campsite than in a kitchen.

Oxo, known for a variety of kitchen utensils, office supplies, and housewares sold in stores like Target and Walmart, on Tuesday announced the launch of Oxo Outdoor. The brand will feature ten curated outdoor cooking and cleaning products, all sold exclusively at REI Co-op beginning this month and for the next two years. Once that two-year agreement has ended, Oxo said there is “potential to expand to additional retail partnerships in the future.”聽

Oxo is part of the Housewares division of Helen of Troy Ltd., the publicly traded company that also owns insulated bottle brand Hydro Flask.

Launching another outdoor product line makes sense given Helen of Troy鈥檚 recent quarterly performance. The company reported sales for its Housewares segment grew 12.1 percent to $162.5 million in the fiscal fourth quarter, adding that Hydro Flask is expected to 鈥渂enefit further as the post-pandemic landscape takes shape.鈥�

Now Oxo hopes to find similar success in that landscape alongside its portfolio mate. Oxo Outdoor is launching with a utensil set, grilling set, can and bottle opener, squeeze bottle set, cutting board, and cleaning brushes. Products coming soon include a French press, chef鈥檚 knife, and griddle turner.

鈥淎t Oxo, we鈥檙e always searching for ways to make consumers鈥� lives better,鈥� said Larry Witt, president of Helen of Troy Housewares. 鈥淥ur research showed that outdoor-focused consumers were not provided access to high-quality, functional cooking tools designed for the outdoors, and as a result, many used worn or retired tools from their homes. Oxo is creating better gear for better outdoor cooking and cleaning experiences, uniquely framed for campers and their needs. The creation of the new Oxo Outdoor line has broad and exciting implications for our brand鈥攏ew challenges to tackle, new experiences to improve鈥攁nother proof point of Oxo making every day better.鈥�

Oxo: 鈥淭he best of the indoors, outside鈥�

The camp kitchen category is a crowded one, and Oxo is joining such outdoor stalwarts as GSI Outdoors, MSR, Sea to Summit, Snow Peak, and others. But REI sees room on the shelf for the newcomer as demand for outdoor kitchen products continues to spike alongside demand for camping, backpacking, and RVing goods.

鈥淎s more people turn to the outdoors to reconnect and unwind with friends and family, we recognize the importance of offering products to help them elevate their experience,鈥� said Melissa Paul, REI senior merchandising category manager. 鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to offer the Oxo Outdoor collection to our customers first, and we are excited for what鈥檚 next as we work together to solve a unique challenge in the camp space. It makes a lot of sense for us to partner with brands like Oxo, already known for designing great kitchen tools, to help us bring the best of the indoors outside.鈥�

Being a sister brand to Hydro Flask and launching a camp kitchen line aren鈥檛 Oxo鈥檚 only connections to the outdoors. The brand said it 鈥渂egan to prioritize the outdoors in March 2020鈥� when it joined 1% for the Planet. Through the nonprofit, Oxo pledged to donate 1 percent of annual sales to a variety of environmental causes.

Courtney Gearhart, an REI spokesperson, told 国产吃瓜黑料 Business Journal that Oxo鈥檚 partnership with 1% for the Planet wasn鈥檛 a factor in bringing aboard the new brand. Instead, she said the Co-op is eager to bring a curated collection of kitchen tools to a new audience while gaining insights into how these consumers use the products on adventures ranging from overnight car camping trips to extended backpacking treks.

According to a press release, 鈥淩EI and Oxo will continue to share insights on customer needs to improve the outdoor kitchen experience and intend to develop and roll out a thoughtful assortment of new, innovative tools for year two and beyond. Product development insights gleaned from REI鈥檚 co-op community of camping enthusiasts help to identify opportunities for better outdoor cooking tools and experiences through focus groups and rounds of hands-on testing at campsites.鈥�

Added Gearhart, 鈥淲e are most excited about where this collaboration can go and being able to blend our activity knowledge and access to customer insights with their problem-solving and design approach.鈥�

The post Houseware Brand OXO Launches Outdoor Kitchen Collection at REI 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

The post The Voice 50: The Hottest Gear of Next Season appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Full disclosure: gear is a wicked subjective thing. Always has been, always will be. To curate this list, our team of hardcore鈥攁nd highly opinionated鈥攇earheads pored over hundreds of new product launches, reading the specs and sifting through the marketing promises. We zoomed in on photos and watched embargoed video clips. And we debated. We culled the massive list down once, then made another pass until we had our 50 most coveted products. Then we voted to determine the rankings (we are a democracy, after all). In order of how badly we want to try it, here is Part Two of our list of the 50 most exciting product launches for Fall 2019.

24. Jones Snowboards Super Sap Bio-Resin [$479]

THE PROMISE It鈥檚 the greenest snowboard on the market.

THE DEETS All Jones boards are now built with Super Sap Bio-Resin, a bio-based, USDA-certified, renewable epoxy resin made with plant-based carbon instead of petroleum-based carbon.

THE STOKE Resins are the most toxic component of skis and boards. Super Sap is a huge sustainability step in this category, and we hope other brands follow suit.

25. HydraPak IsoBound [$38]

THE PROMISE The world鈥檚 first insulated reservoir (no hose jacket required) keeps your water at the perfect temp, always.

THE DEETS Double-wall construction and open-cell foam insulation create a barrier around the reservoir, keeping fluids from freezing in winter and cooler longer in summer.

THE STOKE We鈥檒l miss Grandma鈥檚 hand-crocheted bladder sleeves, but not our frozen water bottles.

26. inov-8 Roclite 335 [$150-$175]

THE PROMISE It鈥檚 the first hiking boot to feature graphene in the outsole鈥攁 super strong carbon-based material that adds ultralight durability.

THE DEETS This winter fast-hike/trail runner hybrid boot has a PrimaLoft upper and a graphene-infused rubber outsole for greater wear, traction, and flexibility. When graphene was developed in 2004, the scientists who isolated it earned a Nobel Prize, and the incredibly durable, super thin substance was heralded as world changing.

THE STOKE Boot soles that never wear out? Challenge accepted.

27. Dynafit TLT8 Carbonio [$849]

THE PROMISE It鈥檚 an ultralight touring boot with real drivability on steeps.

THE DEETS An update to the popular TLT6, the 8 has Grilamid and carbon construction; a single, strong cuff buckle; and a reinforced, lower-volume shell to maintain performance while conserving weight. The cuff rotates a full 60 degrees for a natural, energy-saving walk mode.

THE STOKE Two-buckle boots don鈥檛 normally have the all-mountain performance the TLT8 claims, so our curiosity is piqued.

28. Vasque Coldspark UD [$140]

THE PROMISE This is one of the nimblest winter boots out there.

THE DEETS Vasque swapped out traditional insulation for a heat-reflective barrier to bump up the BTUs in this revamped favorite while cutting out weight and bulk.

THE STOKE If the space blanket idea works inside footwear, it could be a big step toward agility in winter boots.

29. Nite Ize RunOff Collection [Starting at $25]

THE PROMISE Drybags with the world鈥檚 first toothless waterproof zippers.

THE DEETS Expanding into a brand-new category, Nite Ize launches six different bags, all featuring its new Tru Zip, which is superquiet, smooth-running, and easy to operate. The pouches are made of welded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is flexible and compressible. They鈥檙e waterproof (and sand- and dustproof) down to one meter for 30 minutes.

THE STOKE Sounds like it takes the fiddlework out of sealing a drybag. Our iPhones await samples.

30. Hestra Freeride CZone Mitt [$160]

THE PROMISE Handwear created specifically for snowboarders.

THE DEETS The Freeride removes the ski pole-specific pre-curve and gets rid of the outside stitching that skiers like for better grip. Increased durability/flexibility in the cuff and bottoms of fingers stand up to repeatedly ratcheting bindings.

THE STOKE The riders on staff finally feel loved.

31. Leki Helicon Lite Backcountry Pole [$80]

THE PROMISE These touring-specific poles are dialed to make your transitions silky smooth, like the pow you crave.

THE DEETS The Helicon Lites feature a strap that releases quickly when pulled upward for safety in avalanche terrain. The notched Binding Basket is designed to manipulate touring bindings鈥攍ike adjusting heel lifters and popping boot buckles.

THE STOKE The less futzing we need to do during transitions, the better.

32. K2 Mindbender Skis [$500]

THE PROMISE The Mindbender鈥檚 new laminate has unrivaled torsional and longitudinal stability.

THE DEETS The key tech here is carbon fiber woven in different directions to boost torsional and longitudinal rigidity separately for better stability all over the mountain.

THE STOKE The carbon braid means a damp shovel, but makes the tail more manageable鈥攊deal for a wide variety of ability levels.

33. Somewear Personal Satellite Hotspot [$350]

THE PROMISE A superior app user experience means unprecedented ease of use and reliability in a messenger beacon.

THE DEETS This compact, lightweight unit pairs with your smartphone to聽provide global two-way text, location sharing, weather updates, and SOS emergency services with a mobile-first approach.

THE STOKE Every emergency beacon worth its batteries is two-way now, but聽this one saves some cost by hitching your SOS to your phone, which is cool. But if your phone dies, you might, too.

34. OluKai Pehuea Heu [$130]

THE PROMISE If a sneaker and a slipper had twin love children, the result would be these cozy kicks.

THE DEETS The upper is made from waterproof nubuck leather and lined with genuine shearling, and the beefy rubber sole and gel footbed mean your feet will be high, dry, and comfy all day long.

THE STOKE Because why should wearing slippers all day be frowned upon?

35. Matador Freerain 24 [$65]

THE PROMISE It鈥檚 the super-packable backpack that doesn鈥檛 compromise on features.

THE DEETS At 6.6 ounces, this frameless 24-liter backpack packs down to five by three inches and has a roll-top closure, front organization pockets, and plenty of adjustable straps for dayhikes or travel.

THE STOKE Compared to other compact packs, the Freerain 24 has features galore. But the real test will be how it carries.

36. Mountain Hardwear Phantom Alpine 15掳F [$900-$930]

THE PROMISE Free your arms and stay warm on that chilly bivy with the Phantom Alpine鈥檚 dual side zips.

THE DEETS The bag features 850-fill goose down and a zipper on each side聽that lets you pop out your arms to do camp stuff.

THE STOKE We鈥檝e loved the Phantom collection for years, and the addition of dual side zips brings more versatility and comfort to the table.

37. Mammut Diamond Fingerboard [$450]

THE PROMISE This hangboard is your personal trainer.

THE DEETS An attached mobile-phone holder automatically operates the Mammut training app as you weight and unweight the hangboard so you can follow the free training workouts hands-free and keep your phone from getting chalked.

THE STOKE Did hangboarding finally get fun? Maybe a little bit.

38. Ortovox Trace Ski Pack [$100-$120]

THE PROMISE It鈥檚 the ultimate skimo pack.

THE DEETS It keeps weight low and close to the body for optimum balance, while the ventilated shoulder straps and hipbelt stay comfortable during sweaty ascents. Main pack access is through the backpanel, with dedicated spots for a shovel and probe. Available in four sizes, from 18 to 25 liters.

THE STOKE Seems like everything we want for daily missions.

39. Mountain Equipment Odin Jacket [$200]

THE PROMISE Fewer stitches, fewer holes, fewer little white feathers floating in the wind.

THE DEETS Each baffle is created during the fabric weaving process, resulting in improved durability and better heat retention, plus it virtually eliminates migration of the 700-fill, water-resistant down.

THE STOKE聽Woven baffle jackets have been around for a few seasons (think: Mountain Hardwear) but this is a similar tech at an easier-to-swallow price point.

40. Full Windsor Splitter Titanium Multi Utensil [$60]

THE PROMISE Toss all your old sporks and melted spatulas. This is the only camp utensil you need.

THE DEETS The 1.8-ounce Splitter is made of two separate titanium utensils: a spatula and a long spork (perfect for reaching into dehydrated-meal bags). When joined, they morph into tongs.

THE STOKE Does the world really need another titanium spork? No. But this is so much more. Declutter. Simplify.

41. Noso Pride Patch [$7]

THE PROMISE It fixes ripped gear and stands up for inclusivity.

THE DEETS The 2.25 x 1.5-inch patch features the iconic rainbow flag and is suitable for repairing tears in puffy jackets, sleeping bags, and shells in seconds.

THE STOKE We love these patches: why use duct tape to make a temporary, messy repair when you could do the job right and make a statement of unity?

42. Helly Hansen Odin Mountain 3L Shell Jacket and Bibs [$475-$600]

THE PROMISE It鈥檚 a tailored-just-for ski-tourers top and bottom outer layer.

THE DEETS The Odin shell and bib use a new proprietary membrane built for the stop/start tendencies of ski touring; the hydrophobic microporous membrane that releases moisture quickly in cold and dry weather. For backcountry relief, the men鈥檚 bib has a front zip, while the women鈥檚 has a drop seat that allows you to keep the suspenders up.

THE STOKE The membrane sounds a lot like others out there, but we do like the design of this outfit.

43. MSR Paragon Snowshoe Binding [starting at $260]

THE PROMISE Snowshoe bindings are notoriously cumbersome. These slip on easily, stay snug around your boots, and keep you stable even on the steepest of slopes.

THE DEETS This one-piece TPU mesh binding is light, durable, freeze-proof, and conforms to a wide array of boot sizes with a glove-like fit. The single-piece design makes them easier to adjust (no more messing with multiple straps over the foot). The mesh and variable thickness of the TPU help prevent pressure points without sacrificing durability or strength.

THE STOKE Could the perfect binding make us actually want to go snowshoeing? We鈥檒l get back to you on that one.

44. Terracea Beacon and Huntington 2L Jackets [$360]

THE PROMISE The Beacon (for men) and Huntington (for women) look at home on city streets and have the technical chops to keep you warm and comfy on the slopes.

THE DEETS These water-resistant insulated jackets feature body-mapped PrimaLoft Silver insulation, helmet-compatible hoods, magnetic zipper and pocket flaps, and long, butt-covering cuts to combat icy chairlift seats.

THE STOKE A fresh new brand on the apparel scene is always welcome. We hated to send our sample back after living in it for a week in Vermont.

45. Merrell Thermo Rogue Boa 2 Mid GTX [$250]

THE PROMISE This athletic hybrid is packed with the best in protection, but stripped of any bulk, so you can move fast on any winter adventure.

THE DEETS PrimaLoft Gold, along with Aerogel over the toes, provide warmth, and a Gore-Tex lining keeps things dry. The Boa lacing system ensures quick adjustments and a secure lockdown. Vibram鈥檚 Arctic Grip Dura 2 compound combined with Merrell鈥檚 new lug geometry enhances the grip and adds speed and confidence on trail and ice.

THE STOKE We dug the Rogue when it came out last year. This is a worthy upgrade.

46. The North Face Summit L6 Insulated Belay Skirt [$250]

THE PROMISE This women鈥檚 wrap-around puffy skirt will keep anyone鈥檚 tush warm on the chilliest belays.

THE DEETS It鈥檚 a puffy for your butt and legs. Measuring 27.5 inches long, the skirt uses 800-fill, water-resistant down and a ten-denier Pertex Quantum shell for weather resistance and durability.

THE STOKE Women will love it as a winter wardrobe staple, but there鈥檚 no law against men wearing it, either.

47. LiftRider Ski Backpack [$125]

THE PROMISE You won鈥檛 grapple with bringing an extra layer and/or lunch, because wearing this ski pack is like wearing nothing at all.

THE DEETS The super-low-profile, wedge shape of this 20-liter pack allows you to jump on the chairlift with it right on your back. The main compartment holds an extra layer and the included two-liter hydration system, while a padded upper compartment keeps your PB&J from getting squished (it rests above the back of the chairlift). Breakaway pack straps add safety, ensuring you never get caught on the chair. Also cool: A dedicated cell phone garage keeps your phone insulated and the battery life fresh.

THE STOKE We love the idea of having everything we need for a full day of frontcountry skiing, without the hassle of hauling a traditional pack.

48. Kathmandu Connect Smart Backpack [$350]

THE PROMISE The Connect pack is a powerful, smart travel bag that won鈥檛 ever get stolen.

THE DEETS The 28-liter, travel-specific Connect Smart Pack features a Joey integrated power system that will charge multiple devices and pair with your phone via Bluetooth to prevent theft. If your pack gets too far from the phone it鈥檚 paired with, the Joey inside will ring and make noises to avert a thief. Or if you lose your phone, the Joey can actually call it to help you find it.

THE STOKE OK, it feels like a slightly paranoid product, but how fun would it be to bust a thief with this?

49. Osprey Daylite Waist [$30]

THE PROMISE Fanny packs are hot right now, and this one is sleek, non-fussy, and affordable.

THE DEETS Like the rest of Osprey鈥檚 Daylite line, the new Waist is lightweight and simple, yet functional. It features a zippered main compartment, an interior mesh organizer, key clip, and adjustable waist belt in a superlight and portable package.

THE STOKE If we鈥檙e wearing a fanny pack, it鈥檚 gonna be this one.

50. Popia Hat Collection [$60]

THE PROMISE These high-quality, on-trend merino hats will brighten your winter wardrobe and keep your head toasty.

THE DEETS All Popia hats (like the POW, pictured) feature supersoft, lightweight, fine-gauge merino wool; a double-layer design with a contrasting interior; and a generous pom to top it off. Small-batch, exacting craftsmanship (in playful motifs and bright colors) ensure it will last for decades.

THE STOKE Big fuzzy hat toppers are all the rage. We dig.

The post The Voice 50, Part Two appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

There was a time in Tayson Whittaker鈥檚 life when $200 was a lot of money. In 2014, when Whittaker was a 23-year-old finance student at Southern Utah University, he struggled to come up with enough cash to buy ultralight backpacking gear. He already had a closet full of hunting and fishing equipment that he鈥檇 acquired as a kid growing up in rural Richfield, Utah, but his college pals had turned him on to hiking鈥攁nd the comforts that come with lightweight gear. Even the Kelty Cosmic (the cheapest down sleeping bag he could find) cost almost two Benjamins, which Whittaker couldn鈥檛 afford.

Most people, faced with a similar situation, would make do with eBay and move on. But Whittaker had another idea. If no gear company sold the product he wanted at a price he could afford, why not launch a brand that would? After all, he鈥檇 already taken loads of business courses, and had even peered into the direct-to-consumer world as a part-time employee with a health supplies importer. 鈥淚 knew I enjoyed business, but wanted to get into something I was passionate about,鈥� he said.

So with $500 in his checking account and a newly minted bachelor鈥檚 degree, Whittaker founded Outdoor Vitals. In this case, 鈥渇ounded鈥� meant establishing an LLC and a website, becoming an Amazon seller, and placing an order (for just five units) with a manufacturer in Asia. No in-house designer, no marketing department, no sales reps鈥攈e couldn鈥檛 afford them, but he didn鈥檛 need them. He simply browsed the Chinese online database Alibaba until he found a factory that promised to make what he wanted: a down-filled sleeping bag that he could sell for less than $100.

In July 2014, he listed Outdoor Vitals鈥� first product on Amazon. His 500-fill Atlas mummy bag weighed a little more than three pounds, promised a 15-degree comfort rating, and cost consumers a whopping $99. His margin was 30 percent after Amazon fees.

It was an instant hit: Whittaker had to order more bags鈥攁 lot more鈥攁s the Atlas reigned as Amazon鈥檚 number one-selling sleeping bag for more than a year. Since then, Outdoor Vitals has expanded its 鈥淟ive Ultralight鈥� mission to include hammock-specific bags, backpacks, tarps and tents, and a synthetic-fill jacket. And Whittaker has more than $500 in the bank these days, with Outdoor Vitals selling more than $2 million in product annually.

The success of Outdoor Vitals was made possible by two key changes in the way gear is made and sold. First, the evolution of Asian manufacturing makes it possible to hand off design and materials sourcing to the factory. Communicating with factory management is also easier than ever, with email replacing the costly, face-to-face negotiations that were the norm as recently as ten years ago. Gear production is hardly an infant industry these days; it has grown up, with established norms and a sophisticated workforce.

And second: Amazon. There鈥檚 nothing new about the math of selling direct to consumers, but it used to take capital to reach those shoppers. Now, access to a nation of bargain-hunters is just a few clicks away.

Outdoor Vitals is not alone in pioneering this model. A growing number of similar upstarts are discovering this low-cost formula, and they can鈥檛 be written off as simply cheap. Many of their products please consumers: piles of five-star reviews confirm it. And, proponents argue, these brands are filling a gap in the marketplace for basic, affordable, functional outdoor gear. The low-investment model also makes it easier than ever for any hiker or climber to turn his or her passion into a business鈥攁 dream that has sparked many a career in the outdoor industry.

But critics point out that this emerging model hurts the industry by undercutting its retailers (though the same can be said of all direct online sales). And some accuse these startups of copycatting: instead of pioneering their own designs, company founders make small tweaks to existing products鈥攚hich often look a lot like models that were developed and tested by established brands that invest in R&D.

So are these startups leeching off the industry鈥檚 innovators? Or does the model democratize outdoor gear by giving consumers affordable, basic options鈥攁nd offering scrappy entrepreneurs a low-investment way to get in the game?

After a 17-year career as a civil transportation engineer, Bart Przybyl quit his job. He simply didn鈥檛 have time to report to the office anymore, because his company, Paria Outdoor Products, was growing so fast. When Przybyl founded Paria in October 2015, he intended it to be a sideline business that would bring in enough supplemental income to let his wife stay home with their three kids. But two years later, with the 鈥渟ide business鈥� grossing more than $1 million annually, Przybyl decided it was time to make gear his main gig.

It all started with a podcast that Przybyl heard one day while creeping through traffic in Denver. The interview, with someone who鈥檇 started an e-commerce business, inspired Przybyl to leverage his passion for backpacking into launching a gear brand. As a kid growing up in Vancouver, Przybyl went for a weeklong trek on British Columbia鈥檚 West Coast Trail, and he has loved backpacking ever since. His first desert adventure, in Utah鈥檚 Paria Canyon, inspired the name of his company.

Like Whittaker, he searched through Alibaba鈥檚 database, then listed the specs he wanted for a trekking pole and asked a few factories to send him their samples. 鈥淚鈥檝e used poles for a long time, and appreciate their benefits for backpacking,鈥� Przybyl explained. But the folding style that he prefers (because it packs shorter than telescoping models) costs $100 to $200 from brands such as Leki, Helinox, and Black Diamond. So Przybyl set out to make a cheaper version: 鈥淢aybe not as high quality, but good enough,鈥� he said. This philosophy鈥攖hat a lot of backpackers just need gear that鈥檚 鈥済ood enough鈥濃�攊s key to his approach. So he selected his favorite factory-direct sample, dictated a smattering of changes, and ordered 500 pairs. They arrived 40 days later, and on January 21, 2016, he made his first sale, for $55, on Amazon.

鈥淎mazon has a program that lets you store your inventory at their distribution centers, and their staff picks and packs it,鈥� said Przybyl, explaining his low overhead model. Amazon鈥檚 shoppers quickly took notice of Paria鈥檚 bargain-priced poles. 鈥淪ometimes, we鈥檇 sell 50 pairs a day,鈥� Przybyl said. 鈥淪o I got to wondering where to go next.鈥�

Paria has since expanded into sleep systems, tents, and even double-walled titanium mugs. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 have R&D,鈥� said Przybyl. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not developing products from scratch.鈥� Instead, he targets basic, low-cost construction and asks himself, 鈥淐an I make some modifications to existing products to make them better?鈥�

Judging from the glowing reviews (five stars each for Paria鈥檚 Thermodown 15 sleeping bag and Tri-Fold Carbon Cork trekking poles), Przybyl鈥檚 products typically please purchasers. 鈥淚 love the sleeping pads that I bought,鈥� raved one buyer. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e great!鈥� Another attested, 鈥淚 have pitched the [Sanctuary SilTarp] along the wilderness coast of Olympic National Park and in the Hoh Rainforest. It has performed flawlessly.鈥� Indeed, Backpacker testers have favorably reviewed three of Paria鈥檚 products. No surprise, the prices are also a hit. 鈥淵ou are doing an awesome job of helping more people to get outside and play!鈥� wrote one satisfied Paria customer.

鈥淲hat I鈥檓 trying to do is fill a gap in the market,鈥� said Przybyl. 鈥淭here鈥檚 really good backpacking gear made by companies such as Nemo and Big Agnes, and they鈥檙e awesome brands, top quality, but expensive. Then on the flip side, there鈥檚 the really inexpensive gear that you find at Walmart that isn鈥檛 good for backpacking because it鈥檚 so heavy. It seemed like there was a spot in the middle for lightweight, quality gear that鈥檚 suitable for backpacking, but isn鈥檛 premium.鈥�

But Greg Wozer, vice president of Leki USA, prefers to assume that all consumers need the best possible reliability鈥攅specially in his category of equipment. If a telescoping mechanism fails, or a pole shaft buckles, the user could fall. So even though there are no safety standards governing trekking pole design, Leki subjects all its poles to third-party testing to make sure that even its lowest-cost models exceed industry recommendations.

He also disputes the claim that big-name brands don鈥檛 offer entry-level options. 鈥淭he idea that we only develop products for the elite could not be less true,鈥� Wozer said. 鈥淵es, it鈥檚 a challenge to continually renew those products at the top of the pyramid, but every time we do, it allows us to take those high-end qualities and filter them down to entry-level products.鈥� Leki鈥檚 cheapest pair of poles (a telescoping model) costs $60, but its folding designs start at $140 per pair鈥攁nd Paria sells its folding poles for $50 to $60 per pair.

But it鈥檚 not just about price, said Bill Gamber, founder and co-owner of Big Agnes. Product testing and research matter, he believes. Big Agnes prototypes go through multiple iterations, each one informed by extensive in-field use to make sure they鈥檙e ready for consumers. With factory-direct models that forgo that development process, paying customers become the guinea pigs.

Gamber added that brands with no R&D aren鈥檛 just skimping on testing: they鈥檙e ripping off standards that he and others established. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e selling someone else鈥檚 thought process and design and hard work.鈥� In fact, he claimed, it鈥檚 inaccurate to say that factory-direct startups don鈥檛 use designers. 鈥淭hey do. It鈥檚 Big Agnes, or MSR, or Mountain Hardwear. They鈥檙e just not paying for it.鈥�

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and every industry has to accommodate it鈥攁nd has since the second wheel was made. From smartphones to coffeemakers to cough drops, the trickle-down effect is a key part of market growth. Some companies prioritize innovation, while others target affordability. The mix of both creates a diverse marketplace that serves a range of consumers. Should the outdoor industry be any different?

In fact, many innovators actually welcome new ideas that challenge the status quo. 鈥淭rue competition spurs innovation and pushes us to be better,鈥� Wozer said. But he points out that being part of the outdoor industry has always been about more than making widgets. Leki and most brands that are firmly part of the outdoor ecosystem support nonprofit trail associations. Many support conservation causes and outreach programs. Then again, most companies need to get their financial footing before ramping up donations. Outdoor Vitals currently donates 1 percent to environmental causes, and Whittaker said he plans to develop a more robust giveback program. Paria occasionally donates gear to the local Boy Scouts chapter and similar nonprofits.

Wozer also takes exception to the parasitic nature of some startups. Some Amazon sellers (not Outdoor Vitals or Paria) copy entire pages of educational content from the websites of established brands, and list products using keywords borrowed from the bigger names. 鈥淲e鈥檒l see listings that use the names of our best-selling models and features,鈥� Wozer said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e disingenuous in the way they present themselves to the consumer.鈥� Thus Wozer isn鈥檛 convinced that Amazon shoppers are making fully educated purchases. Some bargain-priced lookalikes come so close to Leki鈥檚 original designs that even he can鈥檛 discern the difference at a glance. 鈥淏ut you can鈥檛 gauge tensile strength by appearance,鈥� said Wozer. (It鈥檚 important to note that factory-direct brands are not all the same. Ones like Paria and Outdoor Vitals have customer service and product expertise, while the knockoff artists Wozer is referring to often don鈥檛; we tried to contact several of the latter for this story, but none responded.)

Whittaker says that consumers don鈥檛 always get what鈥檚 advertised, but it鈥檚 not necessarily because companies are deliberately deceitful鈥攖hey鈥檙e just ignorant. Sometimes sellers are copying features that they know nothing about, so they鈥檙e cavalier about the facts. When a competing company plagiarized Outdoor Vitals鈥� own product copy, said Whittaker, it labeled its 500-fill bag as 800-fill down. 鈥淭hey assumed that 90/10 [down-to-feather ratio] meant 800-fill,鈥� said Whittaker. 鈥淵et [the bags] still got five-star reviews, because customers didn鈥檛 know the difference.鈥� (The copy was eventually corrected.)

Of course, imitation is not limited to low-cost companies. Take the folding trekking pole. Several leading brands now use this design, and you can bet they didn鈥檛 all invent it independently. Still, Gamber believes it鈥檚 important to bring something original to the table. When Big Agnes set out to develop its own lightweight camp chair, after years of distributing the Helinox version that enjoyed widespread popularity (and cloning), BA designers were careful to engineer their own, differentiating features鈥攍ike bent poles and innovative joints. Still, it looks quite like the Helinox chair at a glance.

To make its own line of branded gear, REI Co-op employs a team of in-house designers that make sure each product bears REI鈥檚 brand DNA. 鈥淭he majority of Co-op Brands product is ground-up concepted, designed, and executed by our creative team,鈥� said general manager Paul Calandrella.

But, says Przybyl, some standbys don鈥檛 need to be reinvented every time. Paria鈥檚 1P and 2P Bryce tents, for example, employ a widely used geometry. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been around forever, and is offered by lots of other companies,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not working with product that necessarily needs a designer to rethink it from scratch.鈥�

In other words, nowadays a tent is like a water bottle: if you just want a basic model, the factories don鈥檛 need a lot of instruction.

For some startups today, the first contact with a factory is through Alibaba (tagline: 鈥淕lobal trade starts here鈥�). The site publishes contact information for thousands of manufacturers and suppliers across a wide range of industries. Before Alibaba, you had to travel to Asian factories and negotiate designs and terms face to face, said Richard Amodio, a Bangkok-based production consultant and former factory manager who now advises brands on sourcing, design, and product development.

鈥淭hese days, it鈥檚 easier to find [a factory],鈥� Amodio said. But prospecting startups probably won鈥檛 be able to partner with the best factories, he claims, because those operations tend to work with bigger, established outdoor brands.

And while it鈥檚 possible to get quality work done, said Amodio, when you outsource everything to the factories, you outsource control. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a gamble in so many ways, because you鈥檝e got no control over how it鈥檚 made, where it鈥檚 made, or who鈥檚 making it,鈥� he explained. From afar, low-cost startups can鈥檛 supervise quality control. They can鈥檛 evaluate materials to confirm that their second batch of fabric is as good as the first one. And they certainly can鈥檛 know whether the factory is following acceptable environmental and human rights practices, Amodio said.

Bigger brands dedicate significant resources to compliance鈥攖hey make sure that materials, production methods, and working conditions comply with international standards and laws. And, of course, this is another factor that drives up price.

For example, Big Agnes employs two full-time quality inspectors, plus two more just for materials testing (the company verifies every batch of down to make sure it meets the declared fill rating). Each Big Agnes sleeping bag goes through a metal detector to make sure there are no needles lodged in the seams鈥攂ecause sewing needles sometimes break. Gamber doubts that ultra-lean startups are providing that kind of quality assurance. (Both Paria and Outdoor Vitals do quality-control inspections. Though their process may not be as thorough as ones used by larger brands, they back their products with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.)

And Wozer noted that Leki has developed sustainable production methods that prevent chemicals from getting into waterways and capture waste aluminum for recycling. He said low-cost production methods may impose a higher environmental impact.

Przybyl disagrees, and disputes Amodio鈥檚 claim that startups and big brands don鈥檛 share factories. 鈥淪ome of our products are made in the same factories as the big brands, so in those cases, [charges of environmental and social harm] are just not true,鈥� he said. Whittaker also produces some of his products in factories that he shares with bigger brands, so he knows they adhere to higher standards. And at the smaller factory that Whittaker initially partnered with, he negotiated a five-day work week for his product line.

But factories are only part of the equation for this new breed of brand. The other part is direct-to-consumer distribution.

So far, companies such as Outdoor Vitals have found customers primarily through Amazon. But Amazon itself is getting into the game with its Amazon Basics line, and Whittaker expects that in the race for ultralow prices, the behemoth will ultimately beat out the independents.

Yet the model allowed Whittaker to turn $500 into a foothold in the outdoor industry, and now, he intends to climb. 鈥淚nitially, my biggest selling feature was price,鈥� he said, but as his prices rose, his visibility on Amazon plummeted. That鈥檚 OK, he says. 鈥淔or me, Amazon was a stepping stone.鈥� Now, Outdoor Vitals processes 50 percent of its sales through its own website (direct sales remain the goal). It has built a community of brand devotees through its YouTube channel, which has 15,000 subscribers. Whittaker is developing fresh product like the LoftTek 国产吃瓜黑料 Jacket, which uses a new synthetic fill and raised $750,000 in 35 days on Kickstarter. 鈥淚 feel extremely blessed to be able to work in the outdoor industry,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s a kid, I never would have guessed I could combine my biggest passions into my everyday career.鈥�

But Whittaker admits that he鈥檚 reaching the limits of the factory-direct model and will probably soon start hiring his own designers鈥攊nitially on a contract basis, and eventually, he expects, as employees. 鈥淲e now have way too many designs to keep doing it the way we have been,鈥� he explained.

And that鈥檚 not the only sign that Outdoor Vitals is becoming more like the brands it once imitated. When competitors started knocking off Whittaker鈥檚 own products, he responded by moving into new territory. In July 2016 he debuted the Aerie underquilt for hammocks, and in July 2017 he developed (and patented) the MummyPod, a sleeping bag with a novel footbox design that slides over a hammock to provide insulation beneath the sleeper.

Within months, he saw cookie-cutter versions of both products appearing on Amazon.

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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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We, the independent specialty retail shops, did all the legwork to create these customers. Without us, these companies wouldn’t be here. I鈥檓 not sure there are many vendors that could survive without us, so I鈥檓 trying to help vendors balance capitalizing on the opportunities that direct-to-consumer sales have without undermining our ability to build that relationship with the consumer and profit on our inventory.

What outdoor specialty does the best is introduce people to products. You have consumers who don鈥檛 know anything about a new category, if they鈥檝e invented a new kind of shoe or a new old fabric in the case of wool from Icebreaker. It took a tremendous amount of work on the part of a big retail network in America to put Icebreaker products into people鈥檚 hands and help people see the value in it. Growing a brand from its infancy to the point where it has relatively broad market awareness is something that retail stores are still going to do better than selling direct to consumers online.

We sell consumers on the brand, but we have a very limited assortment of it because it鈥檚 hard for small retailers to pioneer a brand and you can鈥檛 buy all of the available products and colors. So you introduce people to this new brand and eventually they go, 鈥淚 wonder what else there is?鈥� And that consumer ends up going to their website to look at the product breadth that we don鈥檛 have.

Immediately after consumers engage with their website, vendors hammer that consumer with email blasts and specials like free shipping and throwing in a pair of gloves or a free hat. They really work to steal that customer away from us.

Ibex is another serious offender. We essentially create the brand disciple and they steal them. I don鈥檛 think a company like Ibex could survive without direct-to-consumer business, but I also don鈥檛 think they ever would have been able to get off the ground by only doing direct-to-consumer business. We鈥檙e not going to win every battle, but if Ibex continues to do business that way, it鈥檚 going to be harder and harder for retailers to support them.

I recently threatened to drop Scarpa, one of the most important brands in backcountry skiing. By far, Scarpa has been the best telemark and alpine touring boot manufacturer to work with in my career, so why would I sever the relationship? Vendor partners are now our fiercest competitors. This year, it started with a free hoody if you bought boots from them, some free freight promos and then the now-common 鈥渇riends and family pro sale.鈥� In the days leading to Christmas, a group of vendors opened up the pro sales departments and wholesale pricing to all friends and family of legit pros. Scarpa, along with 33 other vendors, including Osprey, Cascade Designs, Rab, La Sportiva, Petzl, MSR, BCA, Mountain Hardwear, and Sierra Designs participated in this sales extravaganza run by Outdoor Prolink.

Outdoor Prolink’s homepage. (Screenshot: Todd Frank)

When I asked Scarpa to give me a reason why they did it, the simple answer was 鈥渕oney.鈥� They primarily sell a product that needs to be custom fit by a professional with the tools to do it. We have done thousands of boot fittings here over the last 18 years, and we are pretty good at it. Why would I want to do business with a brand that actively sells a product that needs my expertise to fit properly when that business aggressively under cuts what I can sell it for? Five years ago, I would have howled and said because they have the best boots. Now, there are seven or eight other vendors that have absolutely amazing product, too. (Editor鈥檚 note: To Scarpa’s credit, since receiving similar feedback from several retailers they have committed to no longer doing friends and family promotions.)

If we all have to pay the price of a problem equally, it will stop vendors from pushing direct-to-consumer sales and taking business away from us. They鈥檙e always going to have a better assortment than we do, and they can鈥檛 really fix that piece of it. But what they can do is work with us to make sure we can sell the product we stock profitably throughout the whole season. So I鈥檓 asking the vendors to come to us with creative ideas.

I just had an experience with a major vendor in the apparel industry who went off price on their web direct-to-consumer business in clear violation of their own policy that said 鈥淲e鈥檒l hold price until this point in time.鈥� For reasons that are all legitimate, they couldn鈥檛 wait. I went to the vendor and I said, 鈥淚 think you owe me some markdown credits. You didn鈥檛 go by the policy you鈥檙e asking me to go by.鈥� They were pretty happy to do it. That needs to happen on more levels.

Until a vendor is affected by the final transaction with the end consumer buying their product, they鈥檙e not going to change the way they do it. So I鈥檓 looking for more partnerships with vendors who are willing to do things like manage excess inventory, share costs, take product back, trade product out, use markdown credits, or simply guarantee a sustained margin. The only way we鈥檙e going to change vendors鈥� behavior is with our checkbooks, so I can鈥檛 keep saying to people, 鈥淵ou have to change the way you鈥檙e doing business,鈥� and continue to buy 10 percent more than I did last year. At some point I just have to get up from the table and say, 鈥淲e鈥檙e done.鈥� They鈥檝e got to feel the pain a little bit, and until they feel the pain, there鈥檚 no motivation for any change in behavior.

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