Best Gear from Summer Outdoor Retailer 2015

As many of you know, last week the 2015 Summer Outdoor Retailer convention was held in Salt Lake City, with many gear manufacturers unveiling their latest and greatest products there. Most of those items won't go on sale for weeks – or even months – yet, but as usual OR gave us a glimpse of what to expect in terms of gear trends and new products that will make our outdoor adventures and travel experiences much better.

This year, there was a focus on expanding what defines an outdoor adventure, with many companies debuting products that were designed for both fashion and function. There is definitely a trend in pursuing urban adventure as well, with a lot of products transitioning nicely from trail to town. The outdoor industry is finding that many younger people don't want to spend their days hiking and backpacking a rugged trail, but instead they like to spend time with their friends outdoors at an event such as a concert or festival. Products designed for this market are very different from what we traditionally think of in terms of tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags.

Of course, many of the online gear sites put together their picks for the best new items on display at Outdoor Retailer, not the lest of which was "Best New Gear Awards" that we handed out over at the Gear Institute. I serve as the news editor for the site, and helped in the selection process. Amongst the products that we honored were an amazing water purifier from MSR, a lightweight tent from Mountain Hardwear, and the lightest waterproof jacket available today (3.5 oz) from Berghaus.

We weren't the only site handing out awards however. The Gear Junkie selected his favorite products from Summer OR as well, with several items making a repeat appearance from the Gear Institute list. Outside magazine also weighed in with their thoughts, honoring other impressive gear items from the show as well.

All in all, it was another good Outdoor Retailer, with plenty of gear for us to covet. That said, there were very few items that were revolutionary, but plenty that made incremental improvements that will certainly be welcomed by the outdoor community.

Off to 2015 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market!

If you're an avid outdoor enthusiast, and a gear nut, you probably already know that the 2015 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is set to get underway in Salt Lake City Utah tomorrow. For those who don't know, OR is is the bi-annual convention where the top gear manufacturers show off their latest and greatest gear, most of which won't be available until late this year, or sometime in early 2016. For those of us who love our backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and hiking boots, it is what I like to refer to as "gearvana." Essentially it is four days of outdoor adventure lifestyle, with lots of really fun and interesting people.

Today, I'll be catching a flight for SLC, and I'll be spending the next few days meeting with a wide variety of gear companies at OR. It will be long, tiring days, but also incredibly fun and revealing too. If you've read my blog during past OR shows, you know that I tend to do follow-up articles when I get back sharing some of the cool things that I saw there. But, I also post a lot of photos and impressions on social media while I am there too. So, if you'd like to keep up with some of the things I'll be seeing, follow me on Twitter at @kungfujedi. Additionally, since I am also the news editor at Gear Institute, I'll be working closely with the team there as well. You can follow us on Twitter at @GearInstitute as well. 

I'll be back next Monday, and posting regular updates once again. Enjoy the rest of your week and the weekend ahead. 

Gear Closet: Peak Design Capture Pro Camera Clip

One of the things I struggle with the most while on an active trip is how to comfortably carry my large DSLR camera without compromising mobility or sacrificing the ability to keep my hands free. On a strenuous mountain trek it can be incredibly annoying to have a camera slung over your neck, just as it can be tedious and time consuming to have to pull it out of your pack every time you need it. Thankfully, the brilliant team at Peak Design has come up with an excellent solution. The company is well known for designing great accessories for cameras has created a product called the Capture Pro Clip, which makes it easy and convenient to carry your DSLR with you just about anywhere. 

The Capture Pro Clip features two unique elements, the PROplate, which attaches to your backpack, belt, or bag, and an attachment clip that connects to the tripod port on the bottom of your camera. The two pieces than click together to offer a secure way to carry a camera that keeps it out of the way until it is needed, but ensures that it is locked tightly in place without fear of it being dropped while on the trail. This gives you the convenience of always having your camera ready for use, while allowing you to keep your hands free for other activities. 

I recently had the opportunity to put this product to the test while in Alaska, and I found that it was pretty much the solution that I'd been looking for, but didn't know existed. The lightweight, but very durable, clip worked exactly as advertised, keeping my camera locked into place for when I needed it. In fact, the Capture Pro Clip not only put my bulky Nikon DSLR within easy reach, but it held it in such a way that it didn't become a major annoyance either. It wasn't slapping against my body as I moved, nor was it a hinderance in any way to mobility. And since you can easily adjust exactly where the clip is placed, you can find a comfortable position to hold the camera that works best for you. For me, it was on the shoulder strap of my backpack, but it could just as easily have been on my belt too. 

Installation of the clip takes just a few minutes, and Peak Design includes all of the tools you need to do so right in the box. It is best that you lock it into place before heading out into the field however, as that will give you the time you need to adjust its location if necessary, and make sure that you are comfortable with it before setting out on a trip. It also gives you a chance to test the Capture Pro's release mechanism, which is easy to get the hang of, but can be a bit slow at first. Getting acquainted with how it works ahead of time will save you a bit of frustration later. 

Adventure travelers and photographers will love the level of convenience that this product brings to the table, For me personally, it is simply a better way to carry your camera that doesn't compromise on your ability to get the right shot. On top of that, it allows you to hike, climb, and even jog without a heavy camera body getting in the way. It short, it is an efficient way to keep your camera close at hand, ensuring that you won't miss a single shot.

Peak Design offers the Capture Pro Clip for $79.95, and for my money that is the best option for active travelers. But if you're looking for similar performance while saving a few dollars, the standard Capture Clip is available for $59.95 instead. While not quite as durable as the Pro model, it offers similar performance at a value price. 

Get Fresh Gear Delivered to Your Door with BivySak.com

Who amongst us doesn't love getting new gear? There is nothing quite so satisfying for an outdoor enthusiast than getting new equipment for use on our adventures. But what if you could have that new gear delivered directly to your door on a regular basis without ever having to go to the store? Better yet, what if the contents of that box was tailored for a specific season, with gear that is meant to be used at the time of year that it is delivered.

That is the premise behind a new service called BivySak that not only curates outdoor products for members, but delivers high quality goods to their door four times a year. The company works directly with top gear manufacturers – including the likes of Patagonia, Salomon, and GSI – to collect some awesome products that we'd all like to have in our gear closets. Things like jackets, water bottles, camp cooking utensils, and so on. Those products are matched up based on seasonal activities, and shipped to BivySak members in time for use during the season ahead.

As an example of what the contents of a certain box might contain, I recently received a sample of the BivySak shipment for the fall. Inside my box I found an excellent soft-shell jacket from Salomon, as well as a beanie for cool weather activities. There was also a FairShare mug from GSI, some a spork, and a nice assortment of energy bars from Honey Stinger. All told, a pretty good haul for someone who likes to be outside, even when temperatures start to drop.

A BivySak membership costs $24.99 per month, which means each of your individual boxes will set you back approximately $75. But the company guarantees that the contents of that box will be worth more than your membership fee each time you receive a new package. Looking at the sample that I was sent, I would say that the jacket alone was worth more than $75, with the extra contents just being icing on the cake.


BivySak is working off a popular business model on the Internet these days, with other companies sending monthly boxed subscriptions of clothing, collectibles, and other items as well. Those companies include the likes of Mancrate and Birchbox, both of which offer a similar service but not focused on outdoor gear. That's what helps separate Bivy from the crowd, as they are actually selecting items that are more likely to be of interest to us. The sample box that I received contained items that I will certainly use moving forward, which is not something I can say about the other services of this type that I looked at.

On top of offering monthly memberships, you can also give BivySak as a gift as well. I know we're a long way off from the holiday season at this point, but this is definitely something that you should keep in mind for the outdoor love in your life. It is high quality gear delivered to their door once per quarter, truly making it the gift that keeps on giving.

To find out more, check out BivySak.com. The site has several reviews of the product, information on their gear partners, a list of contents from previous boxes, and a countdown clock for when their next box ships. All in all, I'm impressed with what the BivySak team has put together here, and it is a fun service that I'm sure many will appreciate.

Gear Closet: Fishpond Westwater Carry-On Duffle

Duffle bags have been a staple of adventure travel since before it was even deemed a category. For decades climbers, explorers, and hunters have carried duffles on their expeditions, thanks in no small part to their ability to provide a convenient way to carry a lot of gear to places where normal luggage isn't suitable, or simply wouldn't survive. In recent years, the duffle bag has evolved dramatically, incorporating some welcome new features, while retaining the classic design that has made them so popular amongst travelers for decades. That is exactly what you get from the Westwater Carry-on from Fishpond – a classic duffle bag with modern sensibilities that extended its functionality in new directions.

At first glance, the Westwater gives the impression that it is simply another travel duffle bag amongst the hundreds to choose from on the market. But upon further inspection, you'll start to see all of the great features that help to set it apart from the crowd. For starters, the bag is made from Fishpond's proprietary CLYCLEPOND fabrics, which are not only incredibly durable, but provide a high level of water resistance too. In fact, it is safe to say that this bag is built to keep your gear dry in the worst conditions imaginable. With extremely high quality zippers, welded seams, and water-repelling materials, the Westwater is duffle that is made for being around the water, or at the very least surviving heavy rainstorms with its contents completely safe and dry.

The Westwater's ability to resist moisture is just the tip of the iceberg however, as this duffle also takes some cues from more traditional luggage that help to make it an even better travel companion. For example, Fishpond's designers have incorporated a set of rugged wheels, as well as a hide-away telescoping handle, that make it a breeze to roll this bag through the airport when rushing to catch your next flight. And if you're in a real hurry, you can actually pull out the built-in backpack straps and throw the bag across your shoulders if you like. These multiple ways of transporting the Westwater come in vary handy depending on the situation, and are a good example of how versatile it can be.


Inside, the Westwater has a gigantic main chamber that is the equivalent of a 53-liter backpack. That is a great deal of space when you also consider that it meets most airline specifications for a carry-on. For those of us who don't like to check their bags, this is a great option for being able to take a lot of gear with us on our trips, without ever letting that precious cargo out of sight.

The interior of the bag also has a organizational pocket that is perfect for keeping small items close at hand. The designers at Fishpond wisely made this pocket from transparent plastic materials, which not only protect from the elements as well, but allow us to see exactly where certain items are at any given time.

Putting this duffle bag through its paces on recent trips I've come to appreciate how durable and versatile it truly is. The CLYCLEPOND fabrics aren't just great for keeping moisture out, they can also take just about any punishment you throw at the bag too. On top of that, the spacious main compartment, combined with zippers that open wide, allow for easy access to all of your gear stored inside. Add in the multiple ways of transporting the bag from one destination to the next, and you have duffle that is right for just about any adventure.

If I had one complaint about the Westwater it would be that it is on the heavy side, particularly when you are generally use to traveling with a backpack. This duffle tips the scales at 5.75 lbs before you even begin to load it up. For those who like to travel fast and light, that extra weight will most certainly be a turn-off. But when you consider the high level of protection the bag provides – particularly from moisture – you begin to understand that a bit of extra weight is a trade-off that will be more than worth it for those who need this level of water resistance.

All in all, I am extremely impressed with the Westwater duffle bag. With its bomb-proof construction,  versatile design, and ability to repel moisture, it is a great option for those traveling to remote destinations where protection from the elements is a chief concern. The bag was originally designed with anglers in mind, but it performs so well that any adventure traveler would be happy to have it in his or her gear closet. This is a convenient way to carry your gear to just about any destination, both on the water and off.

The Westwater Rolling Carry-On comes with an MSRP of $239.95, which makes it an expensive option when compared to other duffle bags. But again, if you factor in everything that it brings to the table, it is – in my mind – priced accordingly.

If you're in the market for a new piece of luggage to carry with you to demanding places, the Westwater should be on your list to consider. It will haul all of your gear with ease, and make sure it stays dry at every step of the journey. There simply isn't much more you can ask for from your travel bags.

Gear Closet: Chaco Outcross Evo 2 Shoes

As mentioned last week when I reviewed the excellent Yura hiking shoes from ECCO, Alaska was a great place to test new gear. The varied terrain, weather, and activities that I experienced there gave me an opportunity to truly put some new items through their paces. Amongst the gear that I tested while there were the Outcross Evo 2 shoes from Chaco, which proved to be incredibly comfortable and versatile. In fact, they just might be my favorite pair of shoes that I own at the moment, as it has taken them no time at all to become my go-to footwear for just about any kind of outdoor activity, as well as just normal daily life.

Lightweight and good looking, these shoes score well in just about every category you could ask for. They offer excellent grip on a variety of surfaces – including we ones – and protect the feet from the challenges of the trail quite nicely.

As mentioned, the Outcross Evo 2 are also very comfortable, while requiring zero break-in time. In fact, the moment I put them on my feet I was immediately amazed at how they felt. This is a shoe that feels a bit like a minimalist trail runner, although the Evo's outsole provides far more protection than that description would lead you to believe.


Meant to be used as a light hiking shoe, that can also pull double duty as a water shoe as well, the Outcross Evo 2 excels in both categories, and more. I've worn these shoes while not only hiking and rafting, but also mountain biking and road cycling too, and they have proven to be equally adept at each of those disciplines. And because these shoes are so versatile, they make a great travel shoe too, possibly eliminating the need to carry an extra pair of shoes or two with me when I take off on a new adventure. As someone who is always looking for ways to cut weight from my bags, this is an added bonus.

When designing the Evo 2, Chaco integrated a soft, comfortable inner liner that actually eliminates the need to wear a sock with these shoes. This helps to keep the foot well protected while pursuing multiple outdoor activities in a single go, allowing the wearer to seamlessly transition from walking or hiking, to water sports, and back again without fear of developing blisters, hot spots, or abrasions. I have experienced none of those calamities while wearing these shoes over extended periods of time.

As you can probably tell, I am completely impressed with the Outcross Evo 2. But, if I had one hesitation about these shoes, it would be long-term durability. So far, I have seen no indication that they won't wear well for a long time to come, but because they are made of such lightweight materials, I can't help but wonder who they'll fare in the long haul. At the moment, they are performing marvelously in this area, and hopefully that will continue to be the case.

If you're looking for a comfortable, versatile, and affordable shoe that can see you through a wide variety of outdoor adventures, it is tough to beat the Outcross Evo 2. Chaco really does have a hit on their hands with this product, which I predict will make believers out of anyone who tries them on. This is one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, and I think that many readers will find that to be the case for them too.

Priced at $110, I feel that the Evo 2 is quite a bargain when you consider everything they bring to the table. Perfect for light hiking, water sports, mountain biking, and travel, you'll be amazed at how many ways you'll find to use these shoes. That is a testament to just how great they really are, as you'll be looking for excuses to put them on. I can't think of a better endorsement for any shoe than that.

Gear Closet: ECCO Yura GTX Light Hiking Shoes

My recent trip to Alaska turned out to be a good opportunity to put some new gear to the test. After all, the terrain there is perfect for hiking and biking, and the weather was cooler than what I typically get during the summer months in North America. With that in mind, I packed a few new items to take with me on my journey, and I'll be sharing my thoughts on those various products in the days ahead.

One of the first pieces of gear that I was anxious to put to the test was the Yura GTX light hiking shoes from ECCO. I knew that while I was in Alaska that I'd be on my feet a lot, and doing some hiking on trails, but nothing too serious or demanding. So, a light hiking shoe seemed the perfect choice for my travels, and the Yura GTX was certainly a good choice for the job.

The GTX version of the Yura incorporates a Gore-Tex waterproof lining to help keep your feet dry in wet environments. Considering there were a few stream crossings on some of the trails, and the occasional rain storm to deal with, it was nice to have this extra level of protection. But Gore-Tex also lowers the breathability of a shoe to a degree, which can make your feet warmer at times as well. While this wasn't a major problem for me in the cooler temperatures of Alaska, it could be something you'll want to consider if you're hiking in warmer places. That said, ECCO also offers the standard model of the Yura that does not have the Gore-Tex lining.


Made from soft, yet durable, suede, the Yura is a nice looking shoe that resembles a cross between a hiking boot and a trail runner. ECCO has managed to mix the best of both of those worlds by offering a lightweight shoe that still has a tough sole capable of protecting the foot from a wide variety of obstacles. A sturdy toecap extends that level of protection to the front of the foot, while a firm heel cup offers stability and support.

The Yura shoes are quite comfortable on the feet, which makes them a joy to wear both on and off the trail. I routinely wore them for 15+ hours while in Alaska, transitioning from hiking routes to pavement without missing a beat. Their flexible sole and suede upper minimizes break-in time as well, allowing them to mold quickly to your feet after just a short time of use.

ECCO has incorporated a rugged stole in this shoe that provides surprisingly good traction on a wide variety of surfaces. This helps to make the Yura a great option for use not only on hiking trails, but also as an approach shoe or just kicking around camp. This level of versatility makes them a great option for adventure travelers too, as this is a shoe that can be worn in a variety of situations and environments.

If you're in the market for a light hiking shoe – or a versatile travel shoe – the ECCO Yura is a good choice. Comfortable, good looking, and very stable both on and off the trail, it is the type of shoe that can be worn just about anywhere. I appreciated the level of protection and cushioning that it brought to my foot, while still making it easy to scramble across streams, up steep hills, and over slick rocks. While it isn't meant to replace your dedicated backpacking boots, it can handle just about anything else that you throw at it.

The Yura GTX model – with a Gore-Tex liner – carries a price of $170, while the standard mode of the Yura is a bit less expensive at $150. Both versions of this shoe are worth the investment, delivering great performance and durability for the price.

Gear Closet: Canada Goose Trenton Jacket

Cold weather gear is essential for anyone who enjoys being outdoors all year round. Being able to stay warm during the winter, or when visiting cold weather destinations, brings a sense of freedom that can be exhilarating, and provides an opportunity to pursue our passions, even when conditions aren't exactly at their best. 

That is exactly what the Trenton Jacket from Canada Goose was designed for. This is a soft-shell that was made for adventure, and designed to keep you warm and dry when the weather is at its worst. If you frequently play outside in cold conditions, than this will be an article of clothing you'll want to add to your own gear closet. 

If you're not already familiar with Canada Goose, they are a company that has been making high quality outdoor clothing – mainly jackets and parkas – for nearly 60 years. Their gear has been worn on expeditions to the North and South Pole, climbs up Everest and other major mountains, and in extreme winter conditions across Alaska, Canada, and many other parts of the world. Over the years, Canada Goose has built itself a reputation for creating innovative gear that performs well in the coldest environments, and that is a legacy that is richly deserved. 

The Trenton Jacket displays much of that heritage in a decidedly high-tech, modern manner. It features water resistant fabrics that remain breathable, something that is vital for maintaining temperature control in challenging environments. The jacket is made of two-way stretch materials that are form-fitting without hindering motion in any way, and its athletic cut is meant to provide warmth without restrictions of movement. Four zippered pockets – two hand, two on the chest – help to keep small items close when needed, and a protective hood, complete with two adjustment points, prevents wind, rain, and snow from ruining your day out. 

This is a jacket that has a lot of nice touches, some of which are not always noticeably at first glance. For instance, the adjustable Lycra cuffs include thumb holes for covering the wrists and lower part of the hand. It also has twin zippers to provide access to the interior of the jacket, while still maintaining a maximum level of warmth. An interior media pocket, complete with headphone loops, will keep your smartphone or other valuable electronics safe and warm as well. Meanwhile, the exterior of the Trenton has several reflective tape highlights that help to enhance the visibility of the wearer in low-light, or poor visibility, conditions. 

Made from fabrics that are meant to be warm, breathable, and durable, this is a jacket that is made for outdoor adventures. Lined with high loft fleece, it is incredibly comfortable to wear, while bringing a good blend of performance and weight for what ever outdoor activities you enjoy. In my opinion, this is about as good as a lightweight, cold-weather, waterproof shell gets, particularly when used on days when you're going to be especially active such as when climbing, snowshoeing, and so on. 

Canada Goose rates this jacket for use in temperatures down to about -5ºC/23ºF, although in my opinion it is warm enough for even colder conditions. I happen to run a bit warm in temperature most of the time however, so your mileage will probably vary. Also, paring this jacket with good base layers will extend its usefulness in colder conditions too. 

This is a serious jacket meant for use in extreme environments, and as such it carries a serious price tag. The Canada Goose Trenton soft shell has an MSRP of $525, although it can be found online at discounted prices. Obviously that price will turn a lot of people off, but if you require a high level of performance out of your gear, particularly in cold weather conditions, than you'll also understand the importance of getting the very best clothing possible. This isn't a jacket that is meant for running errands around town – although it would serve well in that capacity. It is meant for outdoor exploration and adventure, and as a result it delivers performance that matches those expectations. 

Canada Goose has made an amazing product with this jacket, and while it certainly isn't meant for everyone, those who need this type of soft shell will most definitely appreciate what it brings to the table.

Nat Geo Picks Gear of the Year for Spring/Summer 2015

The National Geographic Adventure Blog has posted its selection for the best outdoor gear for the spring and summer of 2015, turning a spotlight on the very best equipment that is currently available for our outdoor pursuits. As usual, there are a dizzying array of products as part of this round-up, many of which demonstrate just how much the outdoor industry continues to push the envelope in terms of innovation.

Amongst the products that earn a spot in Nat Geo's line-up are the Atmos and Aura backpacks from Osprey. These packs have been winning universal acclaim on many gear sites this year, which is a clear indication of just how good they truly are. Other items include a new camp cooking set from Sea to Summit, an awesome looking multitool from Leatherman, and a cool lighting system for your camp from BioLite. There is also a nice new synthetic sleeping bag from Mountain Hardwear, a bug-repelling lantern from Thermacell, and an ultra-light two-person tent from MSR.

These products are just the tip of the iceberg however, as there are all kinds of other items for gear hounds to drool over. Everything from the best new mountain bike and kayak, to innovative new trail shoes and a watch designed for surfers made the cut. There is even a backpack designed specifically for carrying a drone on the list. In short, there is just about something for everyone.

If you're looking to expand your gear closet this summer, and have been thinking about adding a few more items to your arsenal, this list will certainly have some suggestions on which products are the very best at the moment. As usual, there is far too much excellent gear available, and not enough money to acquire it all. We can always dream though, right?