January is a big month for outdoor gear, when a lot of manufacturers show-off their new wares at the annual Consumer Electronics Show and the Winter Outdoor Retailer expo. Even with the economy in the dumps, manufacturers are moving ahead with innovative products that are lighter, greener, and more functional than previous generations.
Family-Friendlier
Kelty Transit Carrier 2.1 - $120
Family recreation is going to be big this year and the Kelty® Transit Carrier (TC) 2.1 eliminates that baby of an excuse: when the kids get older. Suitable for children up to 40 pounds, the TC 2.1 also serves as a fine daypack when you don’t need the carrier. www.Kelty.com
Down-Filled Comfort
REI Halo +25 Sleeping Bag - $259
A premium 3-season down sleeping bag for under $300? The REI® Halo +25 bag weighs less than 2 pounds and is insulated with 750-fill goose down, wrapped in a water-resistant, partially recycled, polyester shell. This economical bag doesn’t skimp on features, with an external chest pocket for nick-knacks, differentiated drawcords (1 round, 1 flat) for the hood and neck, a stuff sack and a large cotton storage bag. www.rei.com
Tiny LED
Coleman Cree XLamp® XR-E - $60
The LED lantern trend continues this year with several new offerings, including this tiny offering from Coleman™. The 5-ounce Cree XLamp® XR-E (whew!) puts-out 100 Lumens on high and lasts for 5 hours on three CR-123 coin cells. The XLamp also supports low and strobe modes. Only 4-inches tall and 2.5-inches wide, the globe collapses into the rubberized base for portability and protection. www.coleman.com
Campfire Magic
Gerber KICK Axe - $65
The KICK Axe™ from Gerber® is an innovative folding hatchet that weighs just a shade over one pound, yet its metal construction and positive-locking mechanism promises years of reliable service. www.gerbergear.com
Greenest Jacket
Nau Shelter Jacket - $325
How about a great new jacket that’s good for you and the environment? The Nau™ Shelter Jacket uses recycled polyester fabric for its three-layer shell. The Shelter Jacket is completely windproof, waterproof, breathable, and features a hood large enough to accommodate a helmet and large zippered underarm gussets for additional ventilation. Nau donates 5% of its profits to humanitarian charities. www.nau.com
See also…
There’s always the summer show! I’m going to try to get back out there in July.
Wish I could have met you there, but I burned all of my Delta miles on a recent family get-together in LV.
I love that down-filled sleeping bag! Thanks for adding it to the list. There were also some great products this weekend you might be interested in at the RV and camping show in Wisconsin. http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090126/GPG0101/901260537/1207/GPG01
The Winter Outdoor Retailer show was great, with a lot of new products. Most of the manufacturers are making moves towards using recycled products and green practices in their manufacturing process.
I really liked the Climashield Green insulation that is being used in some Big Agnes and Kelty bags.