Eye candy abounds at the Outdoor Retailer show, not only yummy gear but also stylish business casual, like the hip outfit on this BD rep.
Winter or summer, I always enjoy cruising around the Outdoor Retailer Show. As Lou says, it’s the land of the extraverts. Even if you’re tired from the long drive to get there, the outgoing exhibitors and PR folks make you feel like you’ve entered a fun party of old friends. WildSnow girls will be happy to know that the industry is putting more focus on the X chromosome. Cardio shopping may have to become a sanctioned backcountry sport.
We arrived in Salt Lake City and headed for Sugar House Park where we checked out the latest Pieps avalanche beacons. After a technical discussion with 'Pieps' Ryan the engineer, I was once again convicted that practice searches need to be an essential part of my get-ready routine. Pieps is coming out with two new beacons -- DSP Pro and DSP Sport. Lots of new features like Auto-Antenna Switch which switches to the strongest of four antennae to produce maximum range to the receiving beacon, software updates available by a Pieps distributor or DIY online; inclinometer and extended battery life almost double the CE standard of 200 hours.
Nikwax...if Mom isn't around, Nikwax comes to the rescue. Mail them a garment and they'll rehab it for free, returned with instructions on how they used their products to revitalize your dirty, tired and under-performing gear. Visit nikwaxna.com/gearrehab/ to view the rules and start the process.
Julbo is always on my dance card. They know that nothing finishes off an outfit like a stylish pair of shades. Active gals will appreciate feature like replaceable nose pieces for perfect fit, light weight material, and temple riders that won't slide off or catch hair. The Extend and Access models are attractive women specific styles, and if you're into base jumping or skydiving, the Flight is a sunglass/goggle hybrid with Zebra photochromatic lens that will transition no matter what speed or altitude, guaranteed to optimize the view as long as you keep your eyes open.
Beautiful tech wear is everywhere. Dynafit steps up to the plate with luscious gear for the female trail runner. Wear their skort and techy Trail tee and you'll be able to run 20 miles and slip in the cafe for your latte, or vise versa, looking good all the way.
Nice to see Black Diamond making an off-set cam for tapered cracks. Inspired by the bike industry, they feature a collared shaft which is stiff yet flexible and will bend over an edge without cable kink.
WildSnow Girl is our pseudonym for gal posters who wish to remain anonymous, or use another name just for fun. Used for female oriented backcountry blog posts at Wildsnow.com, and also general subjects covered by WildSnow girls.
