The gear reports from the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market continue to roll in today, with a couple more of note. First, Outside Online's Gear Shed Blog continues to post a number of updates on the items that caught their eye in Salt Lake City. In part II of their wrap up, Outside takes a look at new gaiters from Outdoor Research and a pack for carrying your gear, and kid, from Osprey. Part III gives us a brief look at shirts from Mountain Khakis and multi-tool that doubles as a tripod for your camera, courtesy of Gerber Gear.
Not to be outdone, The Gear Junkie is back with his Best in Show Awards, Part II. Making the cut this time out is that same tripod multi-tool from Gerber, a new breathable "space blanket" from Adventure Medical Kits, and a pair of fast-hiking boots from adidas. There are a couple of other fantastic items on the list as well, so if you're in the market for a new gearbox for your car, a "high-heel" hiking shoe, or mountaineering boots, you'll want to give the story a look.
I was fortunate enough to see most of this gear on my way through the expo hall as well, and I have to tell you that I have serious gear lust over the adidas Terrex Fast R boots that GJ mentions. They're super lightweight and comfortable, yet still provide plenty of protection, and I can't wait to try them out on the trails when they hit store shelves later this fall.
I also spoke to the folks at the Adventure Medical Kit booth and had a chance to examine their new "space blanket"/bivy bag, and came away quite impressed. It is also super-lightweight, yet warm, and it packs down to an incredibly small footprint. It weighs in at just 10 oz and is due out early next year, and appears to be something you'll want with you on just about any trip. It is an emergency blanket brought into the 21st century, and seems like it's going to be a nice addition to your emergency supplies.