The SportsOneSource editorial team joined 22,000 attendees and 6,300 buyers who wandered through the 438,000 square feet maze of aisles, meeting rooms and balconies to see the products offered by 1,020 exhibitors at the recently concluded Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show.


The mood was energetic and upbeat, but tempered by the continuing dour economic outlook. As is the case in any uncertain economy, people are making an effort to do more with less, and at ORSM, this approach translated to versatile, multi-functional product in nearly all categories. While there were certainly many new items on display, the more marked trend was toward improving existing product lines by adding useful features. For most exhibitors, the words “hybrid,” “crossover” and “versatile” have become a mantra.


On the equipment side, versatility not only included the end products themselves, but the development process and materials, as well. For example, The North Face introduced a new pack made out of the same material used in automobile airbags (though it probably won’t inflate if the wearer were to tumble off a ledge). Boa Technology Inc.’s precision lacing systems were featured in two new Big Agnes tent styles introduced at Summer Market.


In terms of broader market direction, the versatility trend was evident in the increasing focus on urban bike commuting and bicycle touring-areas of particular interest in the face of rising fuel prices. This has resulted in a plethora of new “crossover” messenger-styles bags, backpacks and hydration packs, as well as refined lighting systems that can easily transition from headlamp to handlebar. Brands like Smartwool, Gramicci, Seattle Sports Company, Ergon and Pacific Outdoor prominently featured commuter bike apparel and equipment.

Although this is certainly not a new category, traditional travel equipment vendors, as well as urban bag makers that have played on the periphery of this market, are taking a new higher profile approach. As fuel prices continue to rise, prompting consumers to take “staycations” or drive to destinations closer to home, and as airport hassles, new airline baggage fees and packed flights increase misery in the air, manufacturers are streamlining their offerings. Key travel bag features include easy-access pockets for computers, electronic devices and travel documents; sleek exteriors to aid fast stowage; and interiors that help segregate items such as wet/dirty clothes and shoes. Two of the newest entrants in the category are Crumpler and Timbuk2-both of which are now launching youthful, hip collections that include rolling bags and travel accessories.


Stand-Up Paddleboards: Fad or Future?
The surfing industry made an appearance at Outdoor Retailer as at least half a dozen brands appeared at the show marketing stand-up paddleboards as the latest trend in surfing. A C4 Waterman representative remarked that the renewed interest in stand-up paddlesports comes from a nationwide interest in fitness, and stand-up paddling is a great core workout.


Other paddle producers at Outdoor Retailer seemed less enthusiastic about the future of stand-up paddleboards, however. Gregg Gunderman with Bending Branches, a canoe and kayak paddle manufacturer commented that the company had just recently begun to manufacture stand-up paddles, saying the trend is “not going to last. “[The stand-up sport] is new and creative, but until they get the board costs down, they won’t see it expand,” he remarked, saying most stand-up boards cost much more than a standard canoe or kayak. “We haven’t sold many [stand-up paddles], but we didn’t put a lot of work into it,” he added.


The other big story in paddlesports was confirmation that Confluence was pulling its Wilderness Systems line out of big box stores, including Dick’s. Going forward, Confluence CEO Sue Rechner said Wildy would only be available through the specialty channel, including REI. Moreover, Confluence is implementing an authorized dealer program that requires dealers to carry a minimum assortment of whatever Confluence brand they carry. The aim is to prevent dealers who support the brand from losing sales to retailers who display one boat and then fulfill sales with special orders Rechner said.


Confluence remains an important, and profitable partner retailers said, but rancor remains among some dealers who said the new regime reneged on promises made by their reps. “I feel like they still have to earn my business,” said one prominent dealer. 


In 2006, Arc’teryx introduced the first Advanced Composite Construction (AC2) Backpack Series. This year, Arc’teryx is launching the next evolution of the AC2 family. The Arrakis Series is designed as all-round backpacks for multi-sport versatility. The Arrakis is available in three sizes: Arrakis 40, 50 and 65. All three packs are equipped with a RollTop closure, top pocket, sizable kangaroo pocket to stash gear and several lash-on points to carry skis, ropes and other backcountry equipment.


Crumpler has entered the hydration pack category with the Bumper Issue. The new pack is designed to accommodate a standard size hydration bladder and tube. An integrated section in right shoulder pad facilitates a hydration bladder tube, which can be fed through for easy access. The Bumper issue also features 2 side clips, which allow for safe side storage of a bicycle pump, hiking poles or other necessary hike/bike items.


Dakine introduced two special edition project surf packs in its spring 2009 collection. Each gender-specific pack, the Oceana for girls and Recon for guys, is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles with partial proceeds benefiting The Surfrider Foundation. Dakine has switched from PVC backing on packs and bags to more environmentally friendly Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and Polyurethane (PU) waterproof backings. The Oceana and Recon, will debut in January ’09.


Deuter’s Aircontact collection receives an update for 2009 with more modern styling, technical features, and durable lightweight fabrics. The packs are designed to carry heavy loads by combining the backpack and your body into one unit. The Aircontact packs utilize a VariQuick system for infinitely adjustable back and shoulder adjustments.
Germany’s Ergon has produced a new backpack carrying system that transfers 80 percent of the load to the hips and the body’s center of gravity. Ergon’s system uses a ball joint called Flink that provides natural upper body freedom of movement by isolating the load from the body. The line includes models for backpacking, cycling and snow sports.


Gregory Mountain Products unveiled a new line of eight lightweight trail packs for Spring 2009 that employs an active suspension system to create a backpack that mimics the body as it moves through its full range of motion during higher-aerobic pursuits.  Called Bio-sync, Gregory’s new suspension will be incorporated on new Active Trail series packs that are 6, 8, 11/12 and 17/18 liters in size. Built for trail running, day hiking, cycling, adventure racing and other endurance sports, the Active Trail line includes men’s and women’s specific packs in each of the four sizes.


For 2009, Osprey has redesigned the back panel and suspension of the Atmos/Aura Series backpacks so that the load sits closer to your back while still providing optimal ventilation. Refined pack features incorporate consumer and dealer feedback along with superbly detailed and ever evolving Osprey design. The Atmos and Aura will be available in 65-liter, 50-liter and 35-liter volumes.


The new Coleman LED Quad Lantern is not just an area light. Its name comes from the four removable panels that hold 24 LED lights. Each of the four sections can be removed and carried as a portable light. When the section or sections are returned to the lantern base, they easily reattach and immediately start to recharge as well as illuminate. Powered by eight D-cell batteries that are housed in the lantern base, the LED Quad Lantern operates for up to 75 hours.


Cascade Designs, Inc. introduced the PlatyPreserve wine storage and preservation bottle. The PlatyPreserve is based on the design of the original BPA-free Platy Bottle. By reducing exposure to oxygen and light, the PlatyPreserve bottle helps maintain the taste of wine for extended periods of time. Made of multi-laminate film lined with taste-free polyethylene, the PlatyPreserve bottle will not leak or transfer any taste to the stored wine. The 800- milliliter PlatyPreserve bottle is sized to contain a standard bottle of wine.


Sierra Designs introduced 17 new tents, one new bivy and updated eight existing tent designs. The biggest effort for the 2009 season was in the ultralight category. Sierra Designs re-designed the category with new aesthetics and new Tunnel Dome Architecture that creates more livable space in an ultralight tent.


The Lightning XT 4 offers enough interior space for a family of four, in a seven-pound six-ounce package. The Lightning XT is also available in one, two and person models.


Mountain Hardwear focused on bicycle touring with the freestanding, solo Ghisallo, which features a side vestibule designed to accommodate bicycles upright without removing panniers. The full coverage fly keeps the bicycle and other gear secure and out of view. The dry-entry vestibule has plenty of space for personal gear and the efficient floor plan and interior volume allows ample room for one person and essentials. Superlight fabrics reduce weight while Atlas 7001 UL poles stand strong in stormy weather.


Hilleberg introduced the new Kaitum 2 and 3 GT models for 2009. The extended vestibules on the new Kaitum 2 and 3 GT significantly increase storage space and livability. Designed for year round use the Kaitum GT models features one standard vestibule and one extended, easily providing space enough for gear-intensive outings from family backpacking to climbing.


Johnson Outdoors added four new accessories to go with its Eureka Energy Tent System including a bug zapper, coffee pot, blender and hair dryer. It’s all part of what Group Vice President Bill Kelly calls “comfort moving out to the camp site.” The Eureka Chrysalis tent, a 4 pound, 6 ounce hammock tent uses spreader bars to keep the sides of the hammock away from the occupant and aids venting to prevent condensation.


Lowe Alpine unveiled a new collection of inspirational Travel packs and a complimentary Accessory program designed to meet the growing demands of adventure travelers and jetsetters. Offered in both wheeled and carried styles, the Travel packs utilize extremely durable materials to stand up to the rigors of airline handlers and the harshest of outdoor environments. Unique features such as the “Clamshell Pouch”, variable access points, self-contained rain covers, adjustable TFX harness, and hidden storage pockets all ensure safe and comfortable movement from point A to point B.


The new Timbuk2 Travel Collection features innovative designs that are the weapons of a Travel Ninja; someone who demands fast access to the gate and calm mindfulness through security. No longer does airport travel go hand in hand with frustration, inefficiency and boring luggage options. Even the slowest airport security time warp is no match for the advanced skills facilitated by: External laptop access, pockets for fast access to boarding pass and passport, accessories designed to transition from in-bag to gray-bin to seat-back pocket with ease and colors that stand out on the luggage conveyor belt, but blend in like a local in town.


This year the Summer OR Show offered retailers a new venue to display their products during the Open Air Demo with the Wasatch Whitewater Chute-Out. This competition pit dealers against professional kayakers in a race on the Ogden River, while numerous companies donated kayaks, helmets, paddles and more to the participants. SOS spoke with some of those contributors to see if the Chute-Out was a success, or sunk.

Said Nathan Packham, the coordinator of local Ogden boaters who helped provide safety for the event, “For me it was a success in several ways… The race format might have discouraged retailers to experiment with different boat models, however.  As a local kayaker I was more concerned with the reaction of the other locals, since we were potentially forfeiting our one major whitewater release and race to let the outdoor retailer show do as they wished… I think if we turn it into an event that happens every year we might need to make one or more minor changes to make sure we keep everybody happy, [such as] an additional water release on a non-weekday to keep the local kayakers happy.”


Liquidlogic did not participate in the event, however, thinking it unimportant compared to the other opportunities available at the show. Said spokesman Woody Calloway, “[Not to participate] was a tough decision. I deemed our time and focus was on the beach with the thousands there instead of at the chute-out,” which had a much smaller crowd.


Canoe Rack owner Ben Schmidt disagreed with that assessment, glad his company had participated, “There were boats available for us to use and other gear… It was far more enjoyable than Open Air has ever been.” He explained that retailers often don’t have the opportunity to test whitewater equipment on actual rapids, and are usually forced to try them out on flat water. “I think it’s a great way to demo boats,” he said.