Discovering the latest and greatest

Klymit's argon-filled vest

“We’re just having a little quiet before the storm here—before the party,” said Mountain Hardwear’s PR gal, Paige. We were revving up for a whirlwind week of Outdoor Retailer activities. (Or should I say festivities?)

Now it’s Monday, and I’m having a little quiet here before the next storm. You could even say it’s the eye of the storm, although the end of the party. While Outdoor Retailer’s festivities are over, there’s a flurry of work ahead for us Women’s Adventure staff members who aim to make our next deadline.

Columbia's Omni Heat Jacket

Last week, forty thousand outdoor industry folks—from gear designers to media and public relations representatives—gathered in Salt Lake City to preview and learn about each outdoor company’s product lines. We kicked off the week with press trips and an open air demo day, involving skiing (in icy conditions the first day then in fresh powder the second day). Then came three days of trade show activities, involving meetings, product testing, energy bar sampling, and a little beer drinking. Editor Kristy finished out the week shredding in the backcountry Sunday, while I strolled around town to reflect on and recover from the experience.

Now we are completing WAm’s spring issue—the debut of our magazine redesign. It should go to press within the next couple of weeks, so we’re in for one heck of a ride until then. Still, Paige was spot-on about that party called OR. And, golly, we enjoyed it.

Terra Plana's barefoot shoe

Another OR “sound bite” for your entertainment:

“Oh, they changed it up! This is a different one.” I caught this quote while walking the halls of Outdoor Retailer’s winter market. No kidding. This trade show is where manufacturers show off all their new and hot (i.e. different, new, bolder, tougher, and better) gear so media and other gear gurus catch wind of it. At OR, I discovered Klymit’s argon gas insulated vest (which has been around for a while but is recently available in a women’s-specific fit), electric heated gloves, and a comprehensive line of lifestyle minimalist shoes.