Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2018 Day 3

3 November 10, 2018

WINTER MARKET 2018

News

TRENDING

Scene

Gear

PARTY PICS

LIFESTYLE

That’s right: Fanny packs are the new outdoor status symbol.

Forget how much fun you had on Day 1?

We have lots and lots of evidence.

Take it to the trail or the street in these crossover looks for Fall ‘19.

PAGE 8

PAGE 14

PAGE 37

POWERED BY SNEWS

INNOVATION CELEBRATION

BEST BOOTH Darn Tough has a darn good time.

PAGE 72

AMID A SHOW FILLED WITH EXCELLENT GEAR, THESE 12 PRODUCTS TOOK HOME THE TROPHY. PAGE 12

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3 November 10, 2018

WINTER MARKET 2018

The official publication of:

TRENDING

Scene

Gear

PARTY PICS

LIFESTYLE

That’s right: Fanny packs are the new outdoor status symbol.

Forget how much fun you had on Day 1?

We have lots and lots of evidence.

Take it to the trail or the street in these crossover looks for Fall ‘19.

PAGE 8

PAGE 14

PAGE 37

POWERED BY SNEWS

INNOVATION CELEBRATION AMID A SHOW FILLED WITH EXCELLENT GEAR, THESE 12 PRODUCTS TOOK HOME THE TROPHY. PAGE 12

News

BEST BOOTH Darn Tough has a darn good time.

PAGE 72

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CONTENTS

WINTER MARKET 2018

12

Team PrimaLoft took home an Innovation Award for the new Bio insulation.

6

Bears Ears Breakfast

The Conservation Alliance’s keynote speaker told the story of how he came to understand both sides of the Bears Ears debate.

PEOPLE

28

Fired Up

Shop owner Tracy Mayer knows how to build relationships, fend of online carpetbaggers, and keep customers coming back again and again.

“You can only make so much money hopping on what seems to be the hot new trend.”

FEATURE

12

Gold-Star Gear

We thrive on it: The Innovation Awards recognized the 12 products that represent the future of the industry.

–Tracy Mayer, owner, Backcountry North PAGE 28

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THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

COVER PHOTO BY LOUISA ALBANESE

PHOTO BY LOUISA ALBANESE

NEWS

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CONTENTS

NEWS

8

The Next Big Things

Fleeces and fanny packs, like whoa.

10

Power Player

Patricia RojasUngár takes over as OIA’s VP of governmental affairs in Washington, D.C.

58

Retailer Reports

What are shop owners psyched on? We caught up with two for their top show picks.

62

The Year in Review

Nonprofits look back on the highlights of their work in 2018 and tease what’s next.

64

Hooray for Print!

New data show print magazines still resonate with readers.

PLUS: Tick-fighting new gear.

SCENE

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Happy Hour

Brews went down and tunes went up after hours on Day 1.

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Night Life

Cocktails and conversation came out to play.

22

Hero Shots

Form meets function in EcoVessel’s Artist Series; Native’s goggle makes lens swaps a snap.

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LOGISTICS

32

Show Areas

Where to find new brands, take in a presentation, play with little ones, and more.

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Show Map

Navigate the Colorado Convention Center.

35

Stay Connected

Find all the show tools you need in the musthave mobile app.

66

Events & Education

Fill your calendar with seminars, speakers, and fun.

GEAR

37

Looking Good

See which way the trends are taking lifestyle apparel and more.

38 Men’s Apparel 40 Women’s Apparel 42 Baselayers 44 Packs

47

New Product Gallery Don’t miss this hot new gear.

55

New Exhibitors

Meet the new kids.

72

Best of Booth Game on!

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NEWS

Bears Ears National Monument

Middle Ground

Photographer Aaron Huey took Conservation Alliance Breakfast attendees into parts of Bears Ears they don’t often see—and the side of the argument that conservationists don’t always hear.

BY ELIZABETH MILLER

B

EARS EARS AND Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in southern Utah—and the conversation around their proposed downsizing—have unleashed a flood of postcard-ready images of Ancestral Puebloan structures and walls of petroglyphs. But when Aaron Huey went to explore the landscape for a National Geographic story, he wanted to look beyond those views, both literally and figuratively.

The Conservation Alliance, which gave its biggest donation in a nearly 30-year history to the law firm battling revisions to those national monuments, invited Huey to show its Friday morning breakfast attendees “what all the fuss is about.”

Huey’s photographs toured places conservation and outdoor recreation communities don’t often see, both by using special equipment to document these sites’ inaccessible interiors and by spending time with the

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monuments’ opponents. He moved from easily overlooked heaps of pot sherds that comprise many of the now-unprotected archaeological sites and indigenous residents performing ceremonies to cattle ranchers in Indian Creek, a smoking coal seam some locals see as a resource begging to be used, and a small-scale miner amid veins of uranium and vanadium.

But his presentation began with an image from the protest that accompanied President Donald Trump’s dramatic reshaping of two national monuments in Utah and a poster declaring, “The president stole your land.” Huey made the point that to some, President Obama stole the land when he made it a national monument and denied their use of it. To others, Trump stole it from the American people to sell it to the highest bidder. Decades before either of them were born, it was stolen from people whose roots there run back millennia.

Paleo Indians etched mammoths on the canyon walls. Ancestral Puebloans built most of the granaries that spot the cliffsides. An expedition of Mormons arrived in 1880, and many of their families still live in the region, which has since seen extractions of everything from its artifacts to its oil, coal, and uranium. The millennia of accumulated wants and needs have stacked onto the landscape like geological strata, Huey said, and the pressure has built into what he calls a civil war.

“That’s the face of the enemy,” he said of a portrait of an anti-monument blogging grandma who writes between canning fruit and quilting. Then he switched to a photograph of “Patagonia-wearing city folk” in trucker hats and climbing harnesses “that come from all over to enjoy what used to be her backyard. Their visitation numbers often end up loving a place to death.” Then to the indigenous residents who have been asking for monument status for the area since the 1930s. “Add all this up and you have a pretty loaded battlefield,” he said.

What all sides gain through his work is a glimpse of places they wouldn’t otherwise see.

Conscientious hikers know not to enter kivas, granaries, or dwellings, but Huey assembled thousands of images into a virtual reality tour of those spaces. His 360-degree videos peer in, for example, to granaries still littered with 800-year-old corn cobs, and his digitally illuminated kivas flicker with the firelight that would traditionally have lit them.

The images are accurate down to a millimeter.

They’re so precise they can be studied by archaeologists or 3D-printed into scale models. “The story without these models would really have ended up just being a lot of pretty postcards, and that’s what we were trying to avoid,” he said.

The lawsuits challenging the 2017 executive order that downsized Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments are creeping through the court system, John Sterling, executive director of the Conservation Alliance, said in his update on the organization’s work. While the last two years have been tough on public lands, he said they are not without wins—including a mining ban near Yellowstone, 160 acres of old-growth redwoods protected, and four dam removals. But the group’s work is far from done. It’s still fighting seismic testing slated to begin in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge this winter as oil drilling moves forward, and efforts by the state governments in Alaska and Utah to write their own roadless rules, potentially diminishing wilderness areas.

PHOTOS BY ISTOCK.COM (LEFT); BEN MOON

W H AT’S H A PPE NIN G O UT TH E R E

NEWS

SECRETS TO SUCCESS

Believe it.

Leslie Ghize of TOBE shared winning retail strategies at the OIA Breakfast.

Trend expert Matt Powell of NPD discussed the latest trends in gear sales and consumer priorities. BY EVELYN SPENCE

M

ATT POWELL’S TREND TALK is always a fixture at Outdoor Retailer. But for Winter Market, the senior industry advisor for the NPD Group decided to go about things differently: Instead of delving deep into numbers, he spent most of the time taking questions from the audience. The hottest topic? Tariffs. The answer? Well, muddy at best. “It’s difficult to project the impact,” Powell said. “All tariffs increase prices for consumers, and it leaves them with less disposable income—which isn’t good for retail.”

But there was plenty of good news and plenty of stats. At the top of the list: Sustainability is finally making a breakthrough with customers. According to NPD’s research, 33 percent of women said they would pay more for clothing that was described as sustainable, eco-friendly, organic, or ethical than for clothing that was not. This reverses a long trend of consumer indifference, though Powell added that brands can still be more purposeful in telling sustainability stories to continue the trend.

In general, outerwear, especially in higher-priced styles ($200 and up), came out as a winner, with growth hitting 13 percent over last year. And fleece continues to be irresistible, with a jump of 9 percent—but softshells fell by 9 percent. In sportswear, the largest annual dollar sales growth came in woven

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shirts—to the tune of $18 million in the last year, with knit shirts and sweatshirts not far behind.

A big concern of Powell’s audience was what to make of generational shifts. “We see that the boomer population still has most of the money, but they’re not spending it as much on things anymore,” he said.

“They’re spending it on experiences—travel, food, wine. And most are downsizing, not accumulating more stuff.” Anything associated with travel is going strong: Travel packs are up 11 percent, and fanny packs are up an impressive 50 percent. Younger generations are relying on the shared economy. “They’re renting more, borrowing, or buying used in order to save money,” Powell said. They’re also walking the talk when it comes to issues they care about: 36 percent of 18-to-34-year-olds have made a purchase specifically because they supported a brand’s social position. Side note, he added: When asked to describe themselves, most Gen Z-ers say “unique.”

If there’s a takeaway message from Powell’s presentation, it’s to zero in on what is doing well. “If the industry focuses on what is working, there’s reason for optimism,” he said. Topping the charts are indoor climbing, travel, family camping, and urban outdoors. That, and reimagining the very purpose of your business. Said Powell, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”

Send out your “tentacles.” Want to have a pop-up café? Host a fundraiser? Invite a lecturer that’s only loosely connected to the industry? Ghize gives a thumbs-up to business extensions. “Retailers can be something other than they are for a short moment in time,” she said.

Be prepared to change. “In the retail landscape, everything is moving faster, so you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable at all times,” she said. “You need to get your data and move on.”

Don’t underestimate the customer’s sophistication. In Ghize’s view, outdoor consumers want to be actively engaged rather than passively pampered. They’re looking for products that are expertly crafted, not thoughtlessly produced. In their spare time, they want to accomplish something rather than dabble.

Create merchandising magic. Don’t be afraid to transform your physical space— or, if you have more than one store, design each location differently (“special snowflakes,” as Ghize put it) so they’re compelling places to go.

Take a stand. Don’t shy away from activism, politics, pop culture, or environmental issues. Consumers are savvy, and they’re looking to align with entities that are equally engaged. They want to help, not hurt; they’re concerned about their footprint. “Leave No Trace is becoming a way of life,” Ghize said. –ES

PHOTO BY NICK COTE

From Fleece to Fanny Packs: What’s Hot Now

L E S L I E G H I Z E , e xe c u t i v e v i c e president of the Manhattan-based trend forecasting firm TOBE, is a self-described “indoor person”—but at Thursday morning’s Outdoor Industry Association breakfast, she was brimming with so much big-picture advice for retail and merchandising that she had to speed through the last portion of her allotted hour. Ghize, pulling examples from the likes of Calvin Klein, Zēlus electrolyte beer, travel outfitters, and virtual reality companies, had many take-home messages.

But the nut may well be this: “The future of retail is going to rely on originality and creative genius,” she said. “Stores need to have a point of view and a creative direction of their own.” Here, we’ve distilled her wisdom into a few choice pearls.

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NEWS

Power Player

Patricia Rojas-Ungár, Outdoor Industry Association’s incoming VP of Government Affairs, brings a decade of getting things done to outdoor. BY KASSONDRA CLOOS

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“The engagement of the consumer in the outdoor space is a real asset for this industry.”

Rojas-Ungár added.

She plans to work on educating elected officials about the value outdoor recreation has in the U.S. “Obviously, we have the data to back it up,” she said.

“But that also entails demonstrating it directly by hosting [elected officials] in their state and having

them do tours of businesses and see employees working day in and day out in this industry.”

And as the new Congress gets to work in 2019, the outdoor industry is in a good position, Roberts said.

Of the 23 candidates OIA endorsed in the midterm elections, 20 won their races.

Rojas-Ungár also plans to work on getting industry leaders and members of Congress more engaged. To do so, she’ll rely on the normal tools of influence in D.C., but then there’s also the industry’s greatest power. “The engagement of the consumer in the outdoor space is a real asset for this industry,” she said.

PHOTO BY COURTESY

A

T THE END OF NOVEMBER, Outdoor Industry Association will have a new voice in Washington, D.C. to help press forward the industry's increasingly demanding agenda on trade and land conservation.

Patricia Rojas-Ungár, OIA's VP of government affairs, comes from the U.S. Travel Association, where she was VP of public affairs. She spent a decade shaping the association’s agenda and working on issues directly with Congress and the White House.

She will leverage that experience to assist in the passage of several of OIA's key initiatives starting immediately during the lame-duck session of Congress.

Top priority: “We’ll focus on getting LWCF across the finish line,” Rojas-Ungár said. The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides federal money to state and local communities for conservation projects, but lapsed on September 30. The industry’s trade agenda is also a priority, as the Trump administration continues to levy tariffs on both the materials the industry uses and the goods it makes.

There’s a lot of common ground between the outdoor and travel worlds, and Rojas-Ungár will bring a lot of relationships with her to the industry. That was one of the main reasons OIA’s board selected her, said Amy Roberts, the organization’s executive director. “[We have] an opportunity to build coalitions with partners we haven’t [worked with] before,” Roberts said. “For me, that was one of the most compelling conversations the board had in selecting Patricia— thinking through what she brings in terms of new bedfellows. A lot of work in Washington gets done because of your partnerships. Sometimes, members of Congress and the administration also take note of unlikely partnerships.”

Rojas-Ungár’s list of accomplishments in the travel industry is long and significant. For example, at the U.S. Travel Association successfully lobbied for the passage of the Travel Promotion Act, which resulted in the creation of what’s known today as Brand USA, the official United States destination marking organization for international visitors. She also worked with the State and Commerce Departments to minimize hassles for visitors from China and increase the number of visas available. The number of Chinese visitors to America grew from about half a million in 2009 to nearly 3 million today. In 2016, Chinese visitors—for whom visiting national parks here is a priority—spent roughly $33 billion traveling to the U.S. National parks are just one area of common ground for the travel and outdoor industries.

“Having spent 10 years working with members in every single state in the country, I have established relationships with the state tourism directors, with convention and visitors bureaus, and with brands,”

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NEWS FEATURE

And the Innovation Award Goes to…

Outdoor Retailer’s inaugural awards ceremony celebrated 12 groundbreaking products.

C

BY JENNY WILLDEN

CELEBRATING GROUNDBREAKING achievements in outdoor gear, the inaugural Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards honored new products that change the way we adventure outdoors. From sustainable solutions to revolutionary creations, 20 distinguished judges with backgrounds in retail, journalism, entrepreneurship, and design evaluated 32 finalists to choose 12 winners.

Beer and wine flowed at the live awards ceremony on Winter Market Night 1, with a standing-room crowd gathered in the Colorado Convention Center’s Mile High Ballroom.

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Christian Murphy, A+E Networks’ senior vice president, enthusiast brands & programming partnerships, played host to the Capital One Spark Business-sponsored event, sharing the selection criteria based on four guiding tenets: spark, desire, function, and impact.

With these principles in mind, Murphy announced the winners, and each took the stage to receive hand-forged, mantle-worthy metal trophies built by Colorado metal artist Lisa Issenberg.

Following the final announcement, Murphy closed out the night with a round of thanks. “The people of innovation nation, congratulations, and to all of you gathered here, we thank you for your support,” he said. “Thank you to our innovation elders—your time, effort, and expertise were invaluable. “ The enthusiastic crowd lingered to sip beers, hoist trophies, and celebrate their winning innovations. And after an exciting inaugural year, Outdoor Retailer attendees can expect the annual Innovation Awards to push the industry to revolutionize gear in all-new ways.

Read on for the 12 winning products shaping the future of outdoor gear—and stop by the show floor’s Innovation Gallery to see all 32 finalists’ groundbreaking creations.

OVERALL WINNER PRIMALOFT: PrimaLoft Bio The unanimous winner, PrimaLoft Bio, is the world’s first 100-percent recycled, biodegradable synthetic insulation. While PrimaLoft has always valued recycling, they never believed it was the final answer. “We wanted to solve the end of life for our garments,” said

PrimaLoft President and CEO Mike Joyce, “And we wanted to do so in a compelling, true, distinct way.”

In accelerated landfill test conditions, Bio reached near-complete biodegradation in just over a year— while traditional polyester remained completely intact. Once broken down, PrimaLoft Bio fibers leave behind only organic components: water, methane, carbon dioxide, and biomass.

ALLBIRDS: SweetFoam Pioneering sneaker brand Allbirds is at it again, shaking up the sole industry with a sweet swap for petroleum-based EVA: sugarcane. Sustainably sourced from Brazil, the sugarcane’s biomass is extracted to power the mill for a fully sustainable, carbon-negative solution.

And they’re not keeping the formula secret, offering the recipe to any brand that wants it. “We hoped to catalyze change in this industry, which doesn’t work if we’re the only ones doing it,” said Jad Finck in his acceptance speech.

BLACK DIAMOND EQUIPMENT: JetForce Pro It’s the best new product you hope to never use: This inventive avalanche airbag could save your life in the backcountry. But it came from humble beginnings: Black Diamond employees, a powerful fan, and a spinning office chair. The resulting product is a smaller, lighter airbag system with Bluetooth capabilities, avy tool pockets, and a new modular system for extra backcountry versatility.

CAKE: Kalk Electric Motorbike Hailing from Sweden, Cake’s off-road electric motorbike took four years to develop, and may seem like an out-of-the-box winner at an outdoor innovation award show. But its quiet, all-electric design makes it an excellent off-road solution for users seeking backroad speed—without the engine roar.

COSTA SUNGLASSES: The Untangled Collection Baffin Sunglasses Discarded fishing nets take on a new life in this collection of recycled shades. Nets are harvested, recycled into pellets, and turned into sunglasses fitted with polarized, mineral glass lenses. At the

PHOTOS BY LOUISA ALBANESE (3); NICK COTE

end of their life, the Baffin’s frames are recyclable too. For Costa, the product is a full brand alignment: “Protecting our oceans and waterways is a core mission of Costa, and this collection has allowed us to align our mission with our products.”

Clockwise from left: The Innovation Award was crafted by local artist Lisa Issenberg; Josh Clifford from GoLite accepted an award for an earth-friendly shell; attendees packed the house to celebrate innovation; United by Blue picked up an award for making bison fur go further.

CRESCENT MOON SNOWSHOES: EVA Foam Snowshoes Arguably the biggest snowshoe innovation since the steel frame, these all-EVA foam snowshoes work like athletic shoes, bending and rolling naturally—with no pivoting hinge to stand in your way. Two layers of dual-density foam offer floaty support, and the lack of metal makes them blissfully silent on snowy trails.

Comfortable for walking or running on relatively flat terrain, this entry-level pair is also fully recyclable when you’re done wearing them.

activewear products with a new focus on sustainability. The standout offering is a lightweight shell made from 100 percent recycled bottles. And while recycled bottle jackets are nothing new, the ReGreen uniquely contains only green bottles—a less desirable color that’s typically discarded instead of recycled. The naturally green hue lets GoLite skip the damaging dyeing process to reduce water consumption by nearly 80 percent.

DPS PHANTOM: Permanent Waxless Glide Imagine never needing to wax your skis or snowboard again—seriously. That’s the promise of Phantom, a one-time, waxless base glide solution that’s applied as a liquid and absorbs into the ski.

Cured onto your skis with UV light, Phantom permanently alters the base material to improve resilience to impacts. Plus, Phantom never slides off into the snowpack, meaning this forever glide protects the slopes and your skis.

GOLITE: GoLite ReGreen Windshell Beloved ultralight brand GoLite is back, creating

LYNQ Locate your friends, kids, or pets—even when you’re out of cellphone range—with the world’s first smart compass tracker. Requiring no monthly fees, service, or network access, the technology keeps people connected using real-time distance and direction. Link up to 12 trackers together using the powers of longrange, low-power radio frequencies blended with GPS to find your friends whenever the iPhone isn’t up to the task.

TECNICA: Plasma S Say goodbye to blisters and trail discomfort with the world’s first customizable-fit outdoor shoe. It’s a new market for ski boot maker Tecnica, said Sam Cook,

who runs the company in the U.S.: “It’s been fun to translate this experience of heat-moldable footwear to the outdoor hiking experience.” And the new boot gives shoppers a reason to buy at retail. Guests visit a Tecnica dealer to have the boots custom-molded to their feet, leaving with a perfectly fit boot in just 20 minutes. Take that, Amazon.

UNITED BY BLUE: Bison Puffer Jacket Look beyond down with this new puffer insulated from an unlikely source: American bison. An unused byproduct from the ranching industry, bison fiber is typically destined for the landfill, but United By Blue is instead harnessing it as an all-new eco-friendly fill. Founder Brian Linton believes the new jacket embodies everything sustainability should be, and said bison is a logical insulation choice: “Bison don’t migrate south for winter.” Their tough coats can insulate humans too—keeping you warm all the way down to 0°F. YALE CORDAGE: Forj Thermoplastic Tape Strong as steel but with a fraction of the weight, this incredibly light, incredibly strong thermoplastic tape can be used for thousands of things—so many that company founders discover new uses every day. Yale Cordage leaders said the tape isn’t biodegradable, but it can reduce your planetary impact, because “It allows you to repair, fix, and shape things so they don’t end up in a landfill, or as a useless piece of junk.”

THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

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SCENE

CA P TU RIN G TH E S H OW’S K E Y M O M E NT S

Bottoms Up

After a day of crushing meetings and miles on the show floor, it was time to let loose and party.

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PHOTOS BY LOUISA ALBANESE (3); NICK COTE (1)

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1. “Who’s the man? You da man!” 2. Is charcuterie too fancy for this crowd?

Hell no! 3. Johnny Schepler does the ole’ strum-and-sing at Native’s happy hour.

4. John Fellows (left) and Jeremy Collins share an artist moment. 5. White dudes and pale ales at Filson. 6. New Belgium’s Voodoo Ranger was the star of the suds.

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SCENE

Dazed & Infused

Showgoers kicked back for an evening of funk music and bar games at Toad&Co’s Night 1 shindig at Mile High Distillery.

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1. Live every day so your Toad&Co mug would be proud. 2. The patio’s chill couldn’t stop Trevor Jones of Denver’s Trevor Jones Band from showing off his funktastic tunes.

3. RK Mission Critical’s Phil Powers plays pool shark. 4. Caci Grinspan of LimeLoop demos rapt attention.

5. Heat lamps and beanies: This is how we do it in November in Colorado.

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PHOTOS BY NICK COTE

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SHOWING OFF TH E S T O RY B E HIN D W INTE R M A R K E T

In Full Swing

Outdoor Retailer attendees get down to business on Day 2.

GETTIN’ IT DONE

The second day of Winter Market is when the badge-toting masses really hit their stride.

You’ve scoped out the most buzzworthy gear, taken some of your important meetings, and gotten a happy hour or three under your belt. You’ve been awed by the brand-new Innovation Award winners (see page 12 if you missed the big unveiling on Night 1). And you have not yet reached your limit of portobello mushroom jerky samples. In short: You’re firing on all cylinders.

40 HEIGHT OF THE BLUE BEAR, IN FEET. THAT’S ABOUT THREE STORIES, OR TWICE THE HEIGHT OF THE AVERAGE GIRAFFE.

97

PERCENT CHANCE OF TRUCKER CAPS

“THIS HAT IS LIKE A PILLOW ON MY HEAD.” [OVERHEARD IN THE DAILY NEWSROOM] 18

THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

HEADSWEATS #46030-UL

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

45 HOURS IT WOULD TAKE TO SEE EVERY BOOTH, IF YOU SPENT 5 MINUTES AT EACH

2,504 PERIMETER OF THE SHOW FLOOR, IN FEET

“I SEE WHAT YOU MEAN” ACTUAL NAME OF THE

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

BLUE BEAR SCULPTURE

“I SAW YOU FROM AFAR AND I WAS LIKE, YOU HAVE TO WORK FOR FJÄLLRÄVEN. YOUR OUTFIT’S OUT OF CONTROL.” [OVERHEARD IN FRONT LOBBY]

“AT THE CONSERVATION ALLIANCE BREAKFAST AT OUTDOOR RETAILER AND GRATEFUL FOR ALL THESE WARRIORS PROTECTING LANDS AND WATERS.” @TENKARACHICK

“OR. BACK IN DENVER. WE FOUND BACON +@OUTDOORDIVAS BOURBON.”

THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

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NEWS

Question of the

Day

“More dogs in the office. They’re the new VP of stress relief.”

German Martinez, GU Energy Labs

“We’re already moving toward more sustainable goods, but I think even more product that’s sourced from recycled materials or biodegradable products. There’s still a lot of work to be done.”

Emily Burke, Backbone Media

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“That bright highlighter color will be big. I don’t own a lot myself— I want attention, but sometimes not that much. You’ll stand out for sure.”

Jamal Chinn, Spreetail

“Voting. We’re starting to build momentum in the outdoor industry.

We’re at the age where we can enact change, which is important for overall sustainability.”

Kacey Shoemake, Grand Sierra Accessories

PHOTOS BY CASSANDR A MA JEWSKI

What will be the next big trend in the outdoor industry?

SOME THINGS KEEP COOL

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HERO SHOT

COLD DRINK, WARM ART

The Eco Vessel Artist Series ASPEN brings culture to the hydration category.

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PHOTO BY LOUISA ALBANESE

Plastering your water bottle with stickers isn’t the only way to make a hydration statement: Witness this stainless steel bottle and its swirling mandala engraving from Boulder, Colorado, artist Phil Lewis. And with insulation that keeps cold drinks cold for 100 hours and hot ones hot for 20, easy open/close internal threading, and liter volume, this vessel is more than just a pretty face. [$45]

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THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

Top 3 Things Not to Miss!

WELCOME TO DAY 3

•

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10

EDUCATION

ACCESSIBILITY AND ADAPTIVE CLIMBING-MAKING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WELCOME IN OUTDOOR VENUES AND CLIMBING GYMS MR 302 • 10-11 a.m.

Craig DeMartino addresses how people with disabilities can be welcomed into the Adaptive Climbing world.

From creating a welcoming space within the setting of a climbing gym, to choosing the correct space for an outdoor area, Craig will speak from the perspective of the Adaptive climber that he is.

_______________________________________________ EDUCATION

PROTOTYPING: EXAMPLES OF LESSONS LEARNED THE HARD WAY Trend + Design Center (Booth 53103-UL) • 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Let’s review a dozen or so examples of how prototyping was used to speed the process of getting from an idea to a workable, successful product. We will check out examples from different industries, product types, materials, prototyping approaches and iterations to succeed.

_______________________________________________ EVENT + EDUCATION

AFTERNOON BUZZ—INNOVATIONS High Altitude Den (Booth 42097-UL) • 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Come have a cup of joe from Goodhart Coffee and mingle with the newest and most innovative products available for climbers this year.

FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL THE LATEST EVENTS, HAPPENINGS AND SHOW NEWS

DOWNLOAD THE APP

HERO SHOT

QUICK-CHANGE ARTIST

See clearly in shifting conditions with Native’s DropZone goggles.

SEE IT AT BOOTH #42036-UL

PHOTO BY KERI BASCET TA

The light, it is a’changin’—and so are your lenses with these quick-switch goggles. When the weather turns, Native’s SLIDELOCK system makes swapping to an alternate lens as easy as pushing a single button. Once in, the new view will stay put through as many wipeouts as you can stand. [$179]

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THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

cotton does groundbreaking.

Not what you’d expect to see from cotton, is it? Introducing a natural, 3-D printing filament made from cotton and corn that’s designed to replace petroleum-based, synthetic materials. Cotton is the fiber that’s been trusted for generations. And by innovating for sustainability, expect to see cotton trusted for generations to come.

visit us at booth 53040 ul. i

AMERICA’S COTTON PRODUCERS AND IMPORTERS Service Marks/Trademarks of Cotton Incorporated. © 2018 Cotton Incorporated.

EVERYDAY IS A BASELAYER DAY

FOR GIRLS. BY GIRLS.

Q&A Cullen Mann

5 QUESTIONS FOR…

Territory Manager, Outdoor Sports Marketing of SC, Inc. a store owner or store merchandiser and buyer, to help them see and make a connection between a brand’s products and how they can be displayed in their own store. If you don’t know how to express or merchandise the product, it’s not going to sell.

There are a lot of distractions at trade shows, and there’s burnout.

Here, we’re able to give undivided attention to buyers. Since we’re located in the Southeast, and that’s where our retailers are, too, buyers can mostly drive to us. We treat them to an all-inclusive experience and want our customer service to mimic their own. We make sure they get a fresh, healthy lunch from a local restaurant, and have the option to go outside for a bike ride.

Life as a sales rep moves at lightning speed. You have to visit buyers, go to trade shows, keep up with trends, be a one-stop shop for advice on how to best position products in-store, and, of course, learn the products, too. And that’s what Cullen Mann likes about it. Earlier this year, his agency was recognized for excellence by Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. It’s easy to see why: OSM recently invested in a 5,000-square-foot showroom in Greenville, South Carolina, to put their brands’ products on display in a way that models excellent merchandising for retailers to use their own stores.

PHOTO BY COURTESY

1. What does it look like to be a sales rep in 2018?

Just like retailers are being asked to do more, reps are being asked to do more as well.

The rep job is much more multifaceted than it was when I first started in 2011. It’s not enough to just be product experts. You now also need to know merchandising, SEO, social media marketing, Google Analytics, and analytics and reporting in general. Our retailers are looking to us for ideas and solutions for their social

media marketing. They have so much on their plates now that we have to provide plug-and-play, easily executable assets.

2. What does OSM’s showroom allow you to achieve?

Greenville is a huge tourist destination for its combination of arts, culture, business, food, and the outdoors. It’s a perfect location for us to have this showroom. It’s a way for us to express our brands in their full glory, and in a way that can speak to

3. Is it typically an asset for a brand to get political? Chaco, for example, ran a Bears Ears campaign that included a sandal inspired by the monument.

Sales meetings don’t start with sales numbers anymore. We start with a good solid day of talking about who we are and what we stand for.

In the long term, getting political makes the brand stronger, hands down. Brand values unite the industry and help you ignite your base.

It has such a strong trickle-down effect. If all we are and all we become is product, we’re going to lose on the internet. We have to stand for substance and value. It’s hard to understate the importance of brands taking a stance these days. For every one customer you lose, I think you gain 10.

4. Predictions of the looming death of retail are often almost too grim to believe. What’s your take?

It’s either a false prophecy or it’s going to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Good retail is fun, it’s exciting, it’s engaging.

Last holiday season, I probably had some similar thoughts on the state of retail.

But then I went into some stores where I had amazing experiences.

Wander North Georgia, in Clayton, for example, exceeds your highest expectations. Half-Moon Outfitters, with eight stores in Georgia and South Carolina, offers gift wrapping and outfit merchandising. High Country Outfitters, with five shops in Georgia, has positive staff engagement and a shopping environment with great lighting and spacing. We Took To The Woods, a boutique in Greenville, has the most compelling merchandising and is the most beautiful store I’ve been in.

In all of these stores, I found kindness and generosity, and it was fun, rewarding, and inspiring to go forward and communicate those experiences to my retail buyers.

5. What trends do you see in high-performing stores in your territory?

Their merchandising is thoughtful.

They don’t just have a rack of jackets— they’re mixed in with a baselayer, a midlayer, and a fun scarf. Their stores have good lighting and are wellspaced and not overstocked. They have staff members who engage with you, welcome you, and walk out from behind the counter when you come in.

Those are some of the very consistent things that I see. Last holiday season, I also noticed a lot of background music, the right kind of scented candles, and spiced apple cider for customers for free. Stores making sure they’re engaging all five senses and all your different sensory elements really enhance the experience. And a little bit of a sugar rush while you’re shopping is definitely not a bad thing!

—Kassondra Cloos

THE DAILY PRE-SHOW EDITION

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Q&A

Tracy Mayer 5 QUESTIONS FOR…

Owner, Backcountry North

Tracy Mayer started out as a sales rep for brands like Ugg, Cascade Designs, Marmot, MSR, and Patagonia footwear.

When her clients, the owners of Backcountry Outfitters, offered her a chance to buy the store so they could retire, she took it. Now called Backcountry North, it’s a chain of three shops in Michigan. Mayer, who knows what it takes to grow a brand, has invested in smart partnerships with small companies that have paid dividends over time as those companies have grown and gained recognition. Mayer is a Grassroots Outdoor Alliance retailer, she’s on the Outdoor Industry Association board of directors, and she’s also on Michigan’s newly established outdoor industry task force.

1. What do you need from brands to make your job easier?

Transparency and partnership. As independent retailers, we need to receive the same treatment as bigbox retailers and as their direct-toconsumer channels. Transparency could also mean knowing what to expect when it comes to DTC sales, sales windows, and all kinds of other things that create challenges when we're surprised.

If we knew what was happening and we were prepared, we could compete

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THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

on a more level playing field. Early introductions of products only going to certain retailers is difficult for us, when we are also capable and ready for taking the brand-new products as early as possible.

Finally, fulfilling our orders as written in the preseason is pretty important. It’s extremely frustrating when we see something is available direct-to-consumer or through other large retailers, but we haven’t been shipped our orders despite putting them in very, very early.

The first things you want are recognition and a seat at the table. Coming from a state like Michigan, where historically we’re known for the auto industry, coal mining, and other mineral mining in the Upper Peninsula, it's important. Amazon gets news play all the time and the outdoor rec economy isn't even recognized even though it’s a multibillion-dollar industry. No one talks about how we have one of the largest kayak manufacturers in the U.S. based in our state. We have Carhartt, Wolverine, and all those other brands besides just retail and ski industry and ski resorts. We talk about the importance of protecting our Great Lakes and how we use the natural resources in our state. There’s an economic impact to what we do, not just a feel-good impact.

3. You’re part of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, an exclusive group of retailers. What has membership done for you?

Being part of GOA is critical.

Although we all are independent, we're a group of people who can hash out problems together. We rely on one another for advice. We establish relationships outside our official trade shows and meetings, and when someone needs advice we’re all there to help out. It’s a lonely world out there as an independent retailer, and this gives us a platform to disseminate information and share best practices.

I know people who own retail businesses in other industries, and when I explain what Grassroots is, they’re like, “Wow. I wish I had that.” If independent booksellers had had this kind of group, they may have been in a better position to weather the storm.

It’s still difficult for us, too, but good

retailers will survive and bad retailers won’t.

4. What else has helped you be successful?

I remember when Groupon became a trend, and all my staff members said we should join. I thought, “Why in the world would I pay a company to offer a 50 percent discount on my products?”

I said, “Absolutely not,” and I was right.

I might be a little old-fashioned, but I’ve never been interested in lining Amazon’s pockets by being a reseller.

We work really hard to give excellent customer service. My stores are fun to shop, my selection is good, I do all the things you can’t do online, and then I try not to be more expensive.

Every once in a while there’s a big trend, like this year for example, inflatable paddleboards have taken off. But sometimes it’s hard to tell if something is a bigger trend or if it’s selling well for me because I’ve developed a good product selection.

You can only make so much money hopping on what seems to be the hot new trend.

5. How do trends develop?

If you’re a good retailer, you tell people what the trends are. If brands think people are really coming to find their product on the web first, that’s just not true. They start with learning about them in a retail store, from my staff. People don’t come in and ask for specific things. We help them understand what they’re looking for.

We have tourists who come from all over the world. We, the retailers, are the ones who tell people what’s hot. Every brand I’ve ever carried, and I do mean every brand, I started carrying when they were barely a blip on the map. That’s why partnerships between brands and retailers are so important.

—Kassondra Cloos

PHOTO BY CAVEMAN COLLECTIVE

2. Michigan just created an outdoor rec advisory council, which you’re on. What do retailers need from their states?

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Q&A

Ali Carr Troxell 5 QUESTIONS FOR…

Managing Editor, Gear Patrol, and Founder of the Basecamp Facebook group

3. What’s your best in-person networking advice for Outdoor Retailer attendees?

Let’s just start by saying that if you’re not in Basecamp, you should be. What began as a small Facebook group of editor Ali Carr Troxell’s friends in the industry has grown into a massive resource for industry vets and outdoor industry job seekers alike. On any given day, you might see job postings, calls for pitches, source requests, and coverage opportunities from writers. Troxell, who was recently named managing editor of Gear Patrol, is also an expert networker. You have to be when you’re a freelance journalist or a PR professional, and she’s done both. We asked Troxell for her best networking tips and the backstory behind Basecamp.

1. Why did you decide to start Basecamp?

I was looking for a job and I was having trouble finding outdoor industry jobs in the sea of larger databases. I’m in all these Facebook groups for jobs: social media jobs, entrepreneurial jobs, tech jobs for women. I liked the vibe of all of these groups, but none of them was really right for me. So I modeled Basecamp on these other Facebook groups, combed my Facebook friend list, and invited 300 of my closest friends in the outdoor industry.

After I started the group, people got excited about it, and I challenged

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THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

everyone to invite 10 of their friends.

That created this core group of outdoor industry folks right from the start, which is partially why it’s such a great resource. It comes from this authentic group of people who are in the industry. We now have more than 4,700 members, and it’s still mostly core industry people.

2. What’s your dream for Basecamp?

It’s just a total effort of love. It’s a volunteer effort, and there’s no money exchanging hands. I hope it’s a good resource, and I hope it will eventu-

If you’re a fledgling writer, try to meet as many PR people as you can at the booths. And hang out in the Venture Out zone. The community is growing down there, and there’s a really collaborative spirit in that area of the trade show.

Be confident and meet as many people as you can. Every person you pass is probably an opportunity in some way, and it’s a matter of getting out there. The Outdoor Industry Association booth is a great place to connect with people—they list a lot of job postings on their website. And Camber Outdoors’ Pitchfest, if you’re a female entrepreneur, is amazing to participate in. That thing has grown like crazy and it’s also a great place to network. I was in line for food there and the woman behind me happened to be a custom award-maker, and we need those at Gear Patrol. I passed her card on to our design team.

So don't be shy. Introduce yourself and be social.

4. You've worked on so many sides of the industry, and seen so much gear, as a gear editor, PR professional, freelancer, and now managing editor of Gear Patrol. What does real innovation look like to you, and how do you find it?

Real innovation in product comes down to: Is the product solving a problem, how real is that problem, and how well does it solve that problem? If it does those three things with

authenticity, then it's a game-changer within the category and has a real story to tell. Editorially, I think about it like this: What is the thesis of this product and can I tell it in a matterof-fact, frank way to the reader after I eliminate all of the PR fluff? Even better if the product is aiding the consumer's experience of and goals within the outdoors—anything that promotes connection to nature in a real and meaningful way gets bonus points in my book.

5. With increased awareness in the industry's economic power, and increased scrutiny on public lands, how have you seen outdoor media shift its coverage over the years?

What role do you think outdoor media can and should play in covering news and politics?

I absolutely think the outdoor industry should stand up and raise questions around these subjects as a way to further the conversation and promote diversity within our industry.

Donna Carpenter once told me that she wanted to encourage women in leadership positions at Burton because she felt by having more perspectives at the decision-making level, she would have a stronger company. This is true not just on the manufacturing and brand level but at the community level and, ultimately, the human level.

The outdoor industry needs to lobby for public lands if we want our industry to survive. If we don't have access to public lands, where will we get outside? Yes, our industry will suffer but, more importantly, Americans in general will suffer. So it is our job, as media, to talk about these important issues and encourage people to get outside and care about what's going on.

—Kassondra Cloos

PHOTO BY JACQUELINE STOESSER

ally help me find my next career move when I’m willing to make it. I hope to pay that job karma forward. I really like networking, mentoring, and offering people a platform to connect with the outdoor industry.

Visit the HI-TEC速 booth to learn more located at Booth #49004-UL

SUN PROTECTION COMFORT STRETCH

MOISTURE WICKING

EYEGLASS CLEANER

Comfortable Anywhere is our brand promise that our products are packed with state-of-the-art features, comfort and versatility. Enabling an excellent outdoor experience at an incredible value.

2018. HI-TEC速 and the HI-TEC速 logo are registered trademarks of HI-TEC速 Sports International Holdings BV

Connect with us @hitec

OUTDOOR RETAILER SHOW AREAS

Winter Market 2018 Let the games begin: The action kicks off right in the entry hall.

Venture Out is a destination for retailers to discover and explore modern outdoor trends and better understand how the definition of “outdoor” is changing. Head to Venture Out to see some of the brands pushing the limits in the outdoor industry, or grab a latte from Generous Coffee in the community space.

INNOVATION GALLERY LOCATION: UPPER LEVEL, BOOTH 43005-UL

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THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

See all Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards finalists on the show floor!

Throughout Winter Market, those products and retail services at the forefront of the industry and selected for the final round will be on display. Stop by and take a look at the future of outdoor.

THE CAMP LOCATION: UPPER LEVEL, BOOTH 32005-UL The Camp provides elevated education on the show floor—from the latest issues stores are facing to industry trends. The Camp will

focus on the stories, products, trends, and people that help drive traffic to retailers, and will provide daily education to inspire fresh ways to think and sell outdoor products year-round. Don’t forget to grab a cup of joe from Goodhart coffee!

innovation, the Trend + Design Center anchors the supplier story at Outdoor Retailer and serves the design audience with a compelling variety of education and networking events.

TREND + DESIGN CENTER

LOCATION: UPPER LEVEL, BOOTH 380187-UL

LOCATION: UPPER LEVEL, BOOTH 53103-UL The Trend + Design Center is where the design and R&D community gathers to hear what’s next. From trend forecasting to industrial design and materials

HIGH ALTITUDE DEN

On belay? Belay on! Stop by the High Altitude Den for climbingfocused activations, a place to hang, and daily happy hours with Goodhart Coffee from 3:304:30 p.m.

PHOTOS BY OUTDOOR RETAILER

VENTURE OUT LOCATION: UPPER LEVEL

OUTDOOR RETAILER SHOW AREAS

RETAILER + REP LOUNGE LOCATION: UPPER LEVEL, BOOTH 38103-UL Need a place to chill or have a quick meeting? Come to the Retailer + Rep Lounge to hang, put your feet up, or access Wi-Fi.

MOTHER’S ROOM LOCATION: STREET LEVEL, MR112 Calling all moms ... Head to the Mother’s Room to nurse, pump, have some refreshments, or hang with your little one.

INFO DESK LOCATION: STREET LEVEL, FOYER OF THE EAST ENTRANCE (BY THE BLUE BEAR) Have a question? Just head to the Info Desk and our staff will be ready to help.

HOUSING DESK LOCATION: STREET LEVEL, NEXT TO REGISTRATION EventSphere, the official housing partner of Outdoor Retailer, will be on site at Winter Market to help with your reservations. Find the housing desk next to registration in the east entrance and be sure to book your housing for the Snow Show in January!

COAT & BAG CHECK LOCATION: STREET LEVEL, MR102 The communal tables in Venture Out are a great place for casual meetings.

THE DAILY PREVIEW

Drop your bags and jacket and hit the show floor!

What do customers want? That’s the million-dollar question. Lucky for you, The Daily gives the answer away for free every day at Outdoor Retailer. Pick up The Daily to read original reporting on gear trends from retailers and keep abreast of all the products launching at the show.

THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

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OUTDOOR RETAILER SHOW MAP

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THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

OUTDOOR RETAILER STAY CONNECTED

MOBILE APP

Download the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market mobile app to have all the show information you need in the palm of your hand. In the mobile app, you can access: Floor plan Exhibitor list Events Education schedule Product gallery Walking map Local info And more!

Search “Outdoor Retailer” in your app store and get access to everything you need to make the most out of the show.

SHOW PLANNER

The Show Planner is an online platform for retail buyers, importers/distributors, designers, nonprofits, independent reps, and working media to help in the show-planning process. Within the Show Planner you can find these great tools: Exhibitor list Interactive floor plan Education and events schedule Matchmaking Mobile app information Communicate with exhibitors View products

All you need to do is log in to your Show Planner and start planning your show!

MATCHMAKING

Let’s be friends! Stay connected before, during, and after the show…

Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube

@OutdoorRetailer @OutdoorRetailer @OutdoorRetailer @OutdoorRetailerShow

The matchmaking tool is part of the Show Planner, and it brings exhibitors and retail buyers, importers/ distributors, designers, nonprofits, independent reps, and working media together before the show starts. The Show Planner enables you to search for exhibitors based on product category, location, new to the show, and other filters. Attendees can get in touch with exhibitors to find out more information or request an in-booth appointment during the show.

Log in to your Show Planner and explore the exhibitors and products you’ll find at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market.

THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

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Winter Sports Market Outdoor Retailer Snow Show

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January 27-29 January 30-February 1

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

FUTURE S H OW DAT E S

1

June 17-20

Grassroots Connect

November 1-4

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market

November 5-8

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0

2

0

Winter Sports Market

January 26-28

Outdoor Retailer Snow Show

January 29-31

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

June 22-25

Grassroots Connect

November 5-8

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market

November 9-12

C O LO R A D O C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R

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DENVER, CO

0

1

Winter Sports Market

January 24-26

Outdoor Retailer Snow Show

January 27-29

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

June 14-17

Grassroots Connect

November 11-14

Outdoor Retailer Winter Market

November 15-18

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0

2

2

Winter Sports Market

January 23-25

Outdoor Retailer Snow Show

January 26-28

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Grassroots Connect Outdoor Retailer Winter Market

W W W. O U T D O O R R E TA I L E R . C O M

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June 10-13 November 7-10 November 11-14

GEAR TRENDS Men’s Lifestyle Apparel p. 38 Women’s Lifestyle Apparel p. 40 Baselayers p. 42 Packs p. 44

PHOTO BY COURTESY

Fill ’er up: Mammut's Pro X Removable Airbag 3.0-35L avy pack (page 44) features a refillable canister.

ALL PRICES ARE MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE (MSRP).

THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

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GEAR TRENDS MEN’S LIFESTYLE APPAREL

Old-School Cool

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Men’s lifestyle apparel looks back and works hard, all while using eco-friendly materials.

BY COURTNEY HOLDEN

Retro Reckoning

Men’s lifestyle apparel adopts a vintage aesthetic for fall/ winter 2019. Look for a resurgence of old favorites like corduroy; Sherpa fleece; moleskin; and washed, well-worn color. “Brands are trying to hit this younger demographic who think it looks cool, like something their grandad would have worn,” says Esther Kopf, buyer for Pine Needle Mountaineering in Durango, Colorado. “It’s less of the classic outdoor look, something a little different and funky, but still made from the same kinds of technical materials.”

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Toughen Up

Workwear styles like jackets and denim button-ups get a little tougher this season with wax coatings to block water and abrasion-resistant materials to withstand hard use.

Jennifer Merkel, owner of Chalet Sports in Bozeman, Montana, recognizes that workwear walks the line between functionable and fashionable. “Some people want to look the part and other people really use these pieces, so they need to last,” she says.

Dress Like a Tree Hugger

Recycled and renewable materials, organics, even eco fleece: Men’s lifestyle apparel brands are taking sustainability seriously. Sam DeMatteo, manager at Nature’s Closet in Williamstown, Massachusetts, has noticed his customers get excited when they see a product was made with renewable, organic, or recycled materials—even if that customer did not come in specifically looking for those attributes.

“It’s trendy to be aware and ecologically minded,” he says, adding that the shoppers “feel like they’re doing their part.”

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PHOTOS BY COURTESY

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5 1. With stretch, durability, and warmth for autumn adventures, the Kentro Cord Pant ($85) from Mountain Hardwear is a versatile take on that favorite pair of fivepocket corduroys.

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2. Made of a recycled poly hybrid fabric that’s both lightweight and equipped with wicking power, Ecōths Zayden ¼ Zip ($85) has laid-back, sustainable style.

3. The Wilson Shirt ($129) from Outdoor Research is tougher than its long-sleeved brethren, thanks to a waxed cotton/nylon exterior, proprietary VerticalX synthetic insulation in the sleeves, and Sherpa fleece throughout the body.

4. Take the high road with Duer’s Weatherproof Denim ($199). Lined with a water-repellent/windproof membrane, this pair of jeans is high in stretch, high in protection, and high in comfort.

5. Oversized heritage plaid plays across the herringbone flannel of Dakota Grizzly’s York work shirt ($78). Its satin quilt lining helps this outer layer move easily over whatever is underneath.

6. Viva la shacket! A casual fit, double welt chest pockets, and articulated elbows round out Kavu’s workwear-inspired Bruce B shirt jacket ($110).

7. Mountain Khakis’ new SeaWool insulation is a mixture of crushed oyster shells and recycled poly fibers from postconsumer PET bottles. It’s anti-static, antibacterial, odor blocking, quick dry, and has a superior warmth-to-weight ratio. Oh, and it’s also incredibly soft. Look for it in the Triple Direct Jacket ($165).

8. Sherpa Adventure Gear Gear’s Rukum Cardigan ($270) elevates the Mr. Rogers staple: Merino mixed with breathable, naturally antimicrobial yak wool updates this classic sweater.

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GEAR TRENDS WOMEN’S LIFESTYLE APPAREL

Freestyle Lifestyle

Women’s casual apparel takes on a flattering, flowy silhouette with colors and prints inspired by nature.

1

BY COURTNEY HOLDEN

Free Spirit

This season, women’s silhouettes are looser, with a touch of flare and draping. Within this trend, look for more unisex styles like boyfriend-fit pants and shirt jackets. Brenda Mohr, merchandise manager at the Alpine Shop in St. Louis, Missouri, notes that these styles are more flattering to a broader range of body types. “Our mission as an outdoor retailer is to encourage women of all shapes, sizes, and ages to be active outside,” she says. “We actively seek lines that enable us to offer sizes 0 through plus sizes, but it's difficult. Looser styles offer a more forgiving fit.”

2

Natural Inspiration

Millennials have a strong connection with the natural environment—even those who aren't hardcore outdoorsy. And brands are helping these women wear their passion on their sleeve with delicate flower detailing; animal prints; high-pile Sherpa fleece; and earthy, well-worn colors (rust, mustard yellow, sunset pink). Sheryl DeBoard, owner of In My Element in Fairbanks, Alaska, believes that apparel’s nod to nature “represents what we're doing and what people want to do, which is just getting outside.”

Jekyll and Hyde

Reversible styles offer appealing versatility: The user picks which aesthetic best fits the mood, the occasion, and the weather. Plus, Mohr points out, apparel pieces with alter egos are also more costeffective. “It’s just an investment piece that you get double your money for,” she says.

Necks Generation

Cozy is key for winter styles, and this season necklines are adding to the snuggle factor: Turtlenecks, mock necks, and cowl necks abound. But this '80s staple is returning with notable improvements. “The fabric is so much nicer and it doesn’t stretch out like it used to,” says BJ Klotz, retail operations manager for McU Sports in Boise, Idaho.

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

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1. With Toad&Co’s Telluride Sherpa Jacket ($195), wearers have two exteriors to choose from: water-resistant, bluesigncertified ripstop nylon or a soft Sherpa material made of a wool/synthetic blend.

2. Travel from the market to the mountains in the airy Adventurer Poncho ($120) from Stormy Kromer. A hood and front pocket lend laid-back flair to this cotton largeloop terry top.

3. The slim, athletic fit of Cotopaxi’s synthetic-insulated Cielo jacket ($200) allows it to walk the line between streetready and trail-worthy. Inspired by the traditional denim jacket, this little number carries unisex appeal.

4. Get cozy in Flylow’s Penny Reversible Insulated Flannel ($150), complete with 40 grams of Spaceloft synthetic insulation. Turn it inside out for a whole new look.

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5. Kari Traa’s Røthe Vest ($90) adopts an au naturel aesthetic with an exterior color palette inspired by Norway’s vibrant landscape and an interior covered with a soft flower pattern.

6. Meet your new favorite pair of sweatpants. Dakine’s 365 Fleece Pant ($TBD) features über-comfy French terry fleece, stay-fresh Polygiene, and unisex fit and sizing.

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7. Snuggle up in a cowl neck with Aventura’s Tommi Sweater ($109). A novelty stitch at the top and self-jersey braid add style while keeping winter’s chill at bay.

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8. Royal Robbins’ Skyline Reversible Pullover ($90) is twice as nice. Users can choose a cozy, cabin-ready fleece feel or opt for the more modern style of a mélange sweater.

9. With its lovely, loose, fall-away drape, Carve Design Design’s Roley cowl neck ($79) flatters any figure. “Vegan Sherpa” pile fleece ups the cozy factor, while the elegant neckline stays on top of trends.

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GEAR TRENDS BASELAYERS

Feeling Sheepish

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As wool gets finer, softer, and techier, it’s on everyone’s winter gear wish list.

BY KASSONDRA CLOOS

Wool is King

In a lot of ways, wool is the quintessential baselayer: When woven well, this natural fiber is as far from the itchy sweater trope as it gets. And the technical benefits are through the roof: Odor resistance, warmth without bulk, and breathability are just a few. Customers at Roam'N Around in Rapid City, South Dakota, can’t get their hands on enough soft merino layers, says Bridget Machacek, the store’s owner. “Wool is definitely trending for us,” she says. A lot of baselayers get stinky fast, but “wool is able to mask that.”

Bright is In

Forget ye olde boring black baselayers. “Bright colors and designs are trending,” says Tyler Williams, manager of Basalt Bike and Ski in Aspen, Colorado. He sees merino as super-functional, but customers want more than that now: As performance apparel starts to tackle style head-on, people want unique pops of color—and lots of it.

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Cream of the Crop

Wait, these come in a ski-boot cut? Genius! As the outdoor industry grows and more people get involved with more activities, newbies are embracing functional designs stocked by specialty retailers, says Joan Chase, a sock and footwear buyer and salesperson at Wild Iris Mountain Sports in Lander, Wyoming. At Basalt Bike and Ski, people are looking for three-quarter-length bottoms so they end right above the ski boot and marry well with a long sock. “We used to get maybe a few customers asking about ski bootlength bottoms, but now it’s almost the expectation that shops will carry [them],” says Chase.

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Customers are willing to spend a lot on a single baselayer if they feel like they’re getting their money’s worth, Chase says. “People want to use their baselayer as more than a baselayer,” she says. “They want to use it as a sun shirt, an everyday layering piece, and a technical piece. They’re fine to pay good money if they get good wear from it, and that means not just pulling it out once a month to go skiing. It means making it part of their weekly wardrobe.” That’s part of the reason why patterns are king right now, she adds— people want the versatility that stylish designs offer.

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PHOTOS BY COURTESY

The Everyday, Everywhere Baselayer

1. Kari Traa’s Sjarm half-zip ($100) and pant ($90) set for women is made from 100 percent merino wool with four-way stretch. Side panels are thinner than the torso to regulate heat. Like most of Kari Traa’s layers, the Sjarm’s Scandinavianinspired patterns are made to stick out against the snow.

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2. The H1 Pro LIFA Base Layer from Helly Hansen, available in a pant ($110) and a quarter-zip top ($150), uses a combo of HH’s proprietary fabrics—LIFA, LIFA Active, and LIFA Merino—for advanced body mapping. The company claims it’s the ultimate baselayer for regulating heat during high-intensity activities. Style bonus: The women’s version comes in bright Blue Tint.

3. Dæhlie’s Airnet Wool Allnet baselayers ($TBD) let you dump heat fast: They’re made entirely from a merino/nylon blend mesh netting.

4. Krimson Klover’s Lightweight Base Layer Top ($99) features art inspired by vintage ski posters. This women’s quarterzip pullover is made from a spandex/ polyester blend.

5. Icebreaker’s 260 Zone Legless pant ($115) ends just above the calf—the perfect length for a long day in ski boots.

This style, made from 97 percent merino wool and 3 percent Lycra, comes in dark Jet Heather and vivid Arctic Teal.

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6. Thanks to 3D sculpting, Smartwool’s Intraknit baselayers ($115–$150) incorporate insulation, durability, and breathability exactly where they’re needed, so you stay warmer with less bulk. Available in merino crew and thermal zip tops, and baselayer and thermal bottoms, these patterned layers for both men and women will stand out in the lodge.

7. Spyder and Eastman Avra teamed up to create high-performance baselayers for the 2018 U.S. Olympic Ski team. Now they’re bringing the tech to consumers, too, in the National Baselayer tops ($75) and calf-length bottoms ($75) for men and women, available in early 2019. The Avra polyester fabric is created by a proprietary spinning technology—which allows it to dry up to 50 percent faster than conventional polyester.

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GEAR TRENDS PACKS

Jack-of-allPacks

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This season, carry options are versatile, light, and packed with features. BY BRIGID MANDER

Small Packages

Slim ski packs are trending, according to Doug Yeates, one of the owners at PK’s Ski and Sports in Ketchum, Idaho. “Packs around 20 liters and under have done really well for us," he says, adding that they let skiers keep lunch, water, and a down puffy on hand without much added bulk. And at Oregon Mountain Community in Portland, Oregon,“Ultralight backpacks are doing really well now," says Joshua Newton, equipment buyer. A well-designed, minimalist pack can offer exactly what skiers need while crossing over to hiking and other activities, too.

Carry that Weight

“Being able strap your skis on any way you want is really important over every other feature,” said Neil Starett, a buyer at Teton Mountaineering in Jackson, Wyoming. Different situations require different carry systems—diagonal for getting skis in and out fast, A-frame for stability, or whatever your avalanche airbag requires—so having several options in one pack is a valuable plus.

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Refilling Rules

Interest in canister-based avalanche pack systems remains strong, says Teton Mountaineering’s Starett: “All the systems [such as those powered by battery-operated, highspeed fans] are technically proficient. However, an airbag that people know how to work—and is easy to refill—is still in high demand.” And that means canisters. Why? Convenience: You can refill at a fire station or SCUBA shop.

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1. Osprey’s new winter packs, the men's Kamber 16L and women's Kresta 14L ($100), are perfect for inbounds hiking, with space for layers, water, and an energy bar.

2. Eric Pollard’s model backcountry pack, the DAKINE Signature Poacher 32L ($195), has multiple ski carry options—A-frame or diagonal—and can also accommodate a snowboard. Smart compartments keep gear organized.

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4. The Mammut Pro X Removable Airbag 3.0-35L airbag pack ($700) updates one of their most popular designs. Shovel pockets, tough construction, and a canister make it a refillable workhorse.

5. Ideal for resort or backcountry, Mystery Ranch’s new 25L Saddle Peak ($199) has reinforced panels to stand up to metal edges, quick access to avy gear, a goggle stash pocket, and external ski or board carry options.

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PHOTOS BY COURTESY

3. The superlight Ortovox Trace ($100–120) is a versatile daypack for minimalist ventures into the backcountry, with or without skis. Weight stays low and close to the body for optimal balance, and ventilated shoulder straps and hipbelt keep ascents from getting too steamy.

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THE GALLERY H O T N E W PRO D U C T S AT W INTE R M A R K E T

La Sportiva’s Blizzard GTX shoe is ideal for off-road training and competitions during the winter, offering exceptional fit from its overlays and traction from the integrated AT Grip Fixed Tungsten Alloy Hobnails. Gore-Tex Extended Comfort with GoreFlex insulation provides warmth.

PHOTO BY COURTESY

[$199] #37081-UL sportiva.com

ALL PRICES ARE MANUFACTURER’S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE (MSRP). BOOTH NUMBERS ARE CURRENT AS OF OCT. 31, 2018.

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EDITORS’ PICK

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7 1. The HOKA ONE ONE Sky Toa is a waterproof hiker for adventures across any terrain. Everything about the Toa has been evaluated from a functional and weight-saving perspective, including a durable and breathable synthetic upper, a rubberized foam midsole, and Vibram Megagrip outsole lugs. The cushioned running shoe feel is further enhanced by an eVent waterproof bootie to keep your feet dry and comfortable. [$170] #37043-UL

as classic and reliable as any with its ReCORK midsole, made from 100-percent recycled wine corks. This incredibly sustainable material provides flexibility and cushioning that feels amazing underfoot. The signature shape of the SOLE footbed offers anatomical support for unsurpassed comfort through long days at work, or long nights out in new cities. Natural rubber outsoles are equally happy on dirt paths and pavement. [$129] #51087-UL

2. The Mountain Hardwear Kor Strata Climb Jacket is a minimalist solution for big car-to-car missions, multipitch rock routes, and cool-weather trail outings. The Kor Strata Climb Jacket combines a weather-resistant ripstop shell with 40 grams of synthetic insulation for dynamic and ultralight on-route protection that easily disappears in your pack. [$220] #MR207

5. The Krimson Klover McKinley ¼ Zip Sweater is knit with a performance wool blend that will keep you toasty on the highest mountaintops. The mediumhigh collar helps block those chilly winds from nipping at your neck and the ¼ zip allows you to adjust for your own thermostat. [$189] #42080-UL

hokaoneone.com

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mountainhardwear.com

3. EDITORS’ PICK LEKI has taken its bestselling glove, the Griffin S, and incorporated the Boa System for the ultimate fit and glove-to-pole power transmission. The lacing system on the new Griffin Tune S Boa is tunneled inside the glove shell, rather than on the outside shell, for a cleaner look and more direct connection of the internal power frame to the Trigger grip.

Designed with maximum low-profile comfort for the all-day skier, the Griffin Tune S Boa glove combines a premium goatskin leather and softshell body, a silicone palm, and a Neoprene cuff for the ultimate fit. It also features PrimaLoft insulation and Micro Bemberg lining for added comfort and warmth. [$170]

#35031-UL leki.com

4. The SOLE Pender Lace features the timeless style of nubuck leather, reimagined with the beauty of cork.

SOLE combined an upper material

yoursole.com

krimsonklover.com

6. The Matador Freerain24 2.0, an update to the Freerain24, is one of the lightest, most compact waterproof packable backpacks on the market.

Waterproof Cordura fabric, sealed seams, a rolltop compartment, and sealing zippers withstand the most extreme elements. At 5.5 ounces, this 24-liter backpack features compression straps; an adjustable sternum strap; tether points; and breathable, weightdistributing shoulder straps. The storage bag’s new rolltop design is elongated for fast packing and can compress to fit in the palm of your hand. [$65] #39067-UL matadorup.com

7. Salomon’s new XAlpine Pro shoe provides a unique hybrid solution that’s perfectly suited for alpine trail running and for approaches and climbing. It has a trail running fit, feel, durability, and lightness, but with a more rugged climbing grip so you can take it anywhere. [$160] #49054-UL salomon.com

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EDITORS’ PICK

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1. EDITORS’ PICK Whether you’re in a backcountry hut or looking for allaround winter comfort, the Tundra Aerogel Booties from Outdoor Research deliver with a combination of cold-blocking Aerogel under the sole and proprietary VerticalX insulation everywhere else. Aerogel won’t compress the way traditional insulation does, which greatly enhances warmth. Moreover, Aerogel is many times warmer than a similar amount of traditional insulation. In the uppers, VerticalX offers more loft, more stretch, and better moisture management than standard synthetic insulations. A grippy outer sole ensures traction on snowy surfaces. [$69-$89] #43031-UL

outdoorresearch.com

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2. The Dickies X-Series Flex Flannel Shirt provides an extra layer of warm durability without sacrificing comfort.

Engineered with Dickies FLEX fabric, this long-sleeve shirt offers maximum stretch and mobility, making it ideal for layering while also looking polished when going from the trail to the dinner table. The finished product is brushed for added softness and the standout color combinations will ensure this flannel maintains its position at the front of your closet. [$30] #49046-UL dickies

.com

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

4. The Chaco Borealis Quilt shoe offers sustainable warmth all winter long. Built with salt-resistant leather and enhancedtraction diamond lugs for aggressive grip on snow and ice, the Borealis is made for inclement weather. The Borealis Quilt boasts vibrant colorways in a modern geometric quilting and a patterned Chaco webbing strap closure.

The waterproof, coffee-based charcoal fleece lining releases heat back to the body and provides natural anti-odor and antimicrobial properties [$130] #46005-

3. A brand-new set of four reusable straws with a cleaning brush is being added to the EcoVessel product line.

The straws are made of premium 18/8 stainless steel, have comfortable silicone tips, and are dishwasher safe.

They’re an easy and fun way to sip anything from smoothies to sangria, without using environmentally harmful plastic. Sold as a four-pack. [$10]

#44028-UL ecovessel.com

5. With laid-back styling and the brand’s O FIT Insole for all-day comfort, the Oboz Missoula Low is the perfect everyday shoe. The Oboz Mountain Town Midsole is firm while lightweight, and a streamlined outsole delivers precise torsional stability and protection. Compression-molded, single-density EVA provides supportive, balanced cushioning, and a nylon shank adds support between heel and forefoot, resulting in a shoe ready to take on any adventure the day may bring. [$110] #50081-UL obozfootwear.com

6. When you’re in the backcountry (or even the sidecountry), function on the way up is going to determine performance on the way down. The Darn Tough Outer Limits sock aims to improve both. Extending mesh up the back of the leg and articulating it for boot fit and better movement on the skin track increases comfort going up.

While the mesh improves ventilation and wicking, cushion underfoot provides just a bit of warmth and padding for drop after drop on the descent. There is also a streamlined piece of padding along the shin to protect from the boot. [$26] #49022-UL darntough.com

7. The Helly Hansen Odin Mountain 3L Shell Jacket for men and women is purposefully built for backcountry and touring skiers. The shell uses a new microporous membrane, a durable woven backer, and C6 DWR, offering a dry system that performs just as well in cold temperatures as it does in milder temps, making the jacket perfect for high-output stop/start activities in unpredictable backcountry conditions.

The jacket includes a new, unique powder skirt design using an adjustable and easily removable hook system, which is lightweight and low profile. [$600] #37005-UL hellyhansen.com

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1. ENO’s spacious Guardian Bug Net offers 360-degree insect protection, while the full-length zippered entry allows for easy access. The newly updated design includes integrated gear loops and weighs only 4.25 ounces (1.45 ounces less than the previous version).

The Guardian surrounds you and your hammock in bitefree peace of mind—without cramping your style. [$60]

#42068-UL enonation.com

2. The KEEN Explore Mid WP has a clean, versatile performance design that features a lightweight microfiber and mesh upper.

The flexible EVA midsole with a stability shank makes it ideal for fast, light adventures while delivering legit trail performance. It has KEEN’s KonnectFit heel lock-down stability system, KEEN.DRY waterproof technology, and a rubber outsole with mini lugs for all-around, city-to-trail traction. [$135] #39031-UL keenfootwear.com

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3. The Flanstone is Jetty’s new flannellined chino, which is constructed of a blend of 98 percent cotton, 2 percent elastane. The 10-ounce Bedford Corduroy has four-way stretch and uses denim hardware. These pants are designed to maximize functionality, comfort, and extra warmth needed in the heart of the winter. [$78] #VO820-UL

jettylife.com

4. The Vasque Talus Trek AT is an all-season performer. Built for comfortable miles straight out of the box, the midcut boot provides leather’s durability without the break-in, thanks to responsive cushioning in the midsole.

Abrasion-resistant mesh panels create a breathable, flexible fit for long-distance comfort. The Talus Trek AT’s nubuck leather exterior is reinforced with a Vasque UltraDry membrane for a full waterproof seal to keep feet dry. The boot is anchored with a Vibram Mega Nuasi outsole that ensures solid footing across varying terrain with aggressive traction and toe protection, so you can hike with confidence. [$130] #44041-UL

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vasque.com

NEW! LifeStraw Flex with Gravity Bag Multi-function water filter - removes lead, bacteria, parasites and chemicals

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Booth # is 30018-UL

THE GALLERY

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1. Lightweight design meets waterproof/breathable construction in the new Forsake women’s Tract shoe. A blend of suede, nubuck leather, and micro mesh atop a Peak-to-Pavement outsole makes the Tract nimble and versatile. Features include a waterproof/breathable membrane, gusseted tongue, compression EVA midsole, and a dual-density footbed. [$140] #37018-UL forsake.com 2. The Lucy Top is made in Carve Designs’ new Aqua Terra fabric, the brand’s most compressive and supportive material in a double-knit, recycled polyester.

The stretchy fabric is durable with excellent recovery, allowing you to move freely during active pursuits both in and out of the water. The top features a longer hem at the back for rear coverage, thumbholes, and laser-cut dot vents on the sleeves and rear yoke for breathability. The long-sleeve top dries quickly, is wind resistant, and offers UPF 50+ sun protection so you can stay outside longer. [$84] #42055-UL carvedesigns.com

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3. EDITORS’ PICK The Big Agnes Insulated AXL Trail Boss is the toughest, most durable, and one of the warmest pads Big Agnes has ever created. It features aviationgrade ripstop fabric made with nano-filament thread— similar to that used on aircraft life rafts and evacuation slides—boosting abrasion, tear, and puncture resistance.

The polycarbonate coating on the bottom makes the fabric 10 times more abrasion resistant than fabric without this coating. It features two valves for efficient inflation and super-fast deflation. [$200] #44021-UL

bigagnes.com

NEW EXHIBITORS M E E T TH E N E W K ID S O N TH E FLO O R

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1. Diva

International Inc. Booth #34060-UL Diva International Inc.’s mission is to improve women’s lives by revolutionizing their period experience. Even though it was launched 15 years ago, this is mother-daughter team Francine Chambers’s and Carinne Chambers-Saini’s first time to the show.

Diva is committed to offering a sustainable, easyto-use, cost-effective, and eco-friendly feminine hygiene alternative by providing reusable solutions to disposable tampons and pads. Diva’s products are designed, regulated, and manufactured in Canada, with top-quality materials and traceability guaranteed. The DivaCup and DivaWash products are ecofriendly, with no chemicals, dyes, or plastics. The signature product is a bell-shaped, reusable silicone menstrual cup available in two sizes. The DivaCup is the global market leader in menstrual cups and can be worn for up to 12 hours of leak-free, total period comfort—perfect for active lifestyles that strive to leave no trace.

2. Global Accent

PHOTOS BY COURTESY

Translation Services Booth #43039-UL Since 1992, Global Accent Translation Services has been the translation company for the outdoor industry. The brand is based in Fort Collins—about 65 miles north of Denver—and comprises a global network of professional translators working with today’s most advanced translation software in more than 100 language combinations. Global Accent Translation Services is the only translation company that is an Outdoor Industry Association member and has years of experience working with leading outdoor companies to translate product catalogs, descriptions, and packaging, plus populating websites to translate into multiple languages. The team uses state-of-the-art “CAT tool” software to catalog previous work and ensure they maintain consistency

with past translations. They also provide formatting services when brands need something modified in Illustrator, InDesign, or in a PDF or Microsoft Office document. Not only do they translate for outdoor companies, they get out and experience the mountains as much as possible. The brand’s values include prioritizing sustainability, conservation, and the protection of public lands, while supporting outdoor-focused nonprofits along the way. While Global Accent Translation Services has attended Outdoor Retailer many times in the past, it is the team’s first time to a Winter Market.

tissue—similar to what happens when you foam roll. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company comprises professional athletes, moms, weekend warriors, ironmen, and everyone in between. The brand’s team members get out of bed every day to create products and solutions that empower the world to do more of what they love.

3. Theragun

Booth #38097-UL Created by chiropractor Dr. Jason Wersland, the Theragun G2PRO is a handheld, battery-operated, professional-grade percussive therapy device— resembling a power tool—that provides deeptissue myofascial release. It is designed for both professional and personal use to reduce muscle and joint pain, improve mobility, and enhance performance. It costs $599. Used by more than 200 professional sports teams, celebrities, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals who suffer from pain, the G2PRO’s physician-calibrated frequency interrupts the brain’s reception of pain signals, thereby reducing discomfort during the treatment process. The G2PRO effectively provides a more comfortable method to decrease lactic acid buildup, increase blood flow to muscles, prevent muscle spasms, and break down scar

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4 4. Deso Supply Co.

Booth #VO850-UL Deso Supply Co. is an outdoor lifestyle apparel brand based in Lake Tahoe, California, that digs into the unconventional. The brand creates garments that accommodate active lifestyles in both mountain towns and urban landscapes, and it prioritizes authenticity. Each garment is designed with a function-first mentality, using semi-technical fabrics that have antimicrobial, wind- and/or waterresistant properties. Each piece—from pullovers to flannels to cotton caps—is inspired by nature and travel and made for daily wearability. Deso manufactures small batches in San Francisco, with nothing made overseas, allowing it to maintain excellent visibility during the extent of the manufacturing process. The choice to manufacture in small batches keeps customers supplied with unique, high-quality, American-made garments.

Deso partners with a number of craftsmen in California and Mexico, and recently collaborated with Alpin on a roll-top Cordura nylon and waxedcanvas pack inspired by the Northern California mountain experience and Sierra Nevada wild alpine scenery. The brand sells direct-to-consumer as well as in a number of independent retailers across the U.S., including Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City, California; KAMP in St. Louis, Missouri; and Mountain Supply in Bend, Oregon. On the brand’s blog, find personal adventure essays and stories about what went into making certain gear.

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PHOTOS BY NICK COTE; COURTESY (3)

RETAILER REPORTS

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Dan Byrnes Hardgoods buyer at Adventure 16 3 LOCATIONS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Fifty-six years ago, in a garage in Costa Mesa, California, a backpacker and a group of adventurous Boy Scouts and their engineer dads decided they wanted to produce 16mm movies of their escapades into the mountains. To raise funds, they built weight-transferring backpacks—innovative at the time.

They named their concept Adventure 16, which has become an outdoor industry institution in California, with three brick-andmortar locations and an online store. Each store has a woodsy vibe, and the San Diego shop even has its own little cabin inside,

full of maps and books where customers can plan their outings.

After quitting his job at an environmental nonprofit and thruhiking the Appalachian Trail, Dan Byrnes came to Adventure 16’s buyer’s office. “While I was on the trail and surrounded by mountains and trees, I ended up daydreaming a lot about the beach,” Byrnes says. “I decided that when I was finished hiking, I would drive across the country and move to San Diego.” He’s now a year into being the store’s hardgoods buyer.

What new gear are you most excited about so far?

1. Cutter Lyme Disease Test Kit “I could’ve used it. I got Lyme disease a few years ago when I was backpacking. I also pulled so many ticks off of me while on the AT. To be able to put the tick in a bag, send it in, and know within 48 hours if you could be at risk is really helpful.” (See page 64.)

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2. Montem Ultra Light 3K Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles “I’m really excited to be testing them out when I get back. They’re carbon fiber, which usually runs between $100 and $150, but these retail for less than $100.”

3. DEUR waterproof denim “Men deserve stretchy jeans too.”

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RETAILER REPORT

Suz Mayerchak

District Manager at Walkabout Outfitter LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA Walkabout Outfitter’s origin story is one of love. A hiker and retail shop owner fell for each other in 2004 and decided to open up their own outfitter in Lexington, Virginia. Five other locations have opened since then, and this year, the store decided it was time to attend Outdoor Retailer. Show firsttimer and backpacker Suz Mayerchak started as the manager of the Roanoke shop eight years ago, and in her current role as district manager (as well as footwear and equipment buyer), she travels between all the sites. “I think like other retailers, we’ve had to shift our focus a little bit, so our marketing is not as product driven and is more cause driven,” she says. “As much as we can engage our customers in the experience, the better. We’ve been doing that all along in bits and pieces, but now it’s a huge focus.” Recently, Walkabout hosted Sherpa Adventure Gear night, where they served Nepali food, put on a fashion show, and told the brand’s story built around empowering women in Nepal. “People like to know that their purchase is going to something good and impactful,” Mayerchak says.

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What new gear are you most excited about so far?

3. Deuter Aviant Pro Carry On “Backpack sales have gone down, and travel is definitely going up. This particular bag looks really nice and it’s carry-on, so it’s great for airport travel and/or car travel.”

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2. Pocket Cocktails “It’s great for travel, camping, and backpacking. You bring your alcohol and the packet, and you shake it up.

It really tastes like a good cocktail.

It’s a sure-seller, especially around the holidays.”

3. Sherpa Adventure Gear Lhama jacket “It’s very sleek. You can dress it up with some nice black pants or you can wear it with jeans. We brought Sherpa in this past season and it’s flying off the shelves.”

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HIGH QUALITY & AFFORDABLE ACTION CAM BOOTH #44065-UL

NEWS

The Latest in Doing Good Outdoor nonprofits share the year’s biggest wins— and look to the future. BY THE DAILY STAFF

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ROM HEALING NATIONAL park lands to getting underserved students outside, outdoor nonprofits were busy last year—and are setting their sights on even bigger goals for 2019.

Take Two Hikes and Call Me in the Morning

Howling for a Keystone Predator Music and science aligned this year as two forces gathering around a call to reintroduce gray wolves to Colorado. The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project worked with musical group Lost Walks on their debut album, “Wolf, Woman, Man.” The artistic endeavor merged with a campaign to build support among Coloradans for reintroducing wolves, which were hunted out of the state in the 1940s. The coalition is making a science-based argument for how wolves could boost local ecosystems and pointing to 17 million acres of public land in Western Colorado near the San Juan Mountains that could host a pack. –EM

25 YEARS OF NEW SKIERS

HEALING HOT SPOTS RECREATIONAL USE OF protected lands inevitably causes damage, and in 2017, Leave No Trace helped restore some of these places, working with 16 protected sites through its Hot Spots program. Each location received “a blend of education programs, service projects, and follow-up programs” to get them on the road to recovery. The Center has restored 60 sites so far—with a goal to turn each into a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site. In 2017, the Center also conducted 591 trainings, completed 2,102 serviceshours at damaged parks, and connected 235,000 youth to the outdoors.

For 2019, the Center has chosen 19 hot spots to restore. “We’re starting with Joshua Tree,” says Communications and Development Coordinator Aisla Walsh, “and we’re focusing on parks in crisis to help areas get on a path to recovery.”

–Jenny Willden

Twenty-five years ago this month—on the floors of the SIA trade show—the idea for SOS Outreach was born. The program now works at 23 resorts to take underserved youth into the outdoors to ski, snowboard, hike, climb, and camp. This season, 3,600 8- to 18-year-olds will ski through SOS programs, and roughly 1,000 will participate in a “university” four-year program. “I live in rural Colorado, and a lot of families are unable to participate in skiing and snowboarding because of the cost and, honestly, the culture,” says Marty Tarantino, business and development coordinator for SOS Outreach in Eagle County, Colorado. The one- or two-day ski and snowboarding trips include professional instruction, lift tickets, rentals, and clothing to help close those gaps. –EM

62

THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

PHOTOS BY GUS MORET TA; MICHAEL LAROSA; JAYMA LEAVENGOOD

UpaDowna, the Colorado Springs-based outdoor nonprofit, got local doctors on board this summer with a “prescription for adventure,” handing out directives to patients to join the organization’s free outings. Their short hikes, aimed at increasing accessibility to outdoor sports for all, offer an entry point for people exploring a healthier lifestyle outdoors.

“It was such a big win for us,” says Randi Hitchcock, chief operating officer for UpaDowna.

Participants could snag a card and attend climbing, hiking, biking, and SUPing events. Each time they tried a new sport, they could take home a prize.

Anyone who attended all four types of events was entered into a drawing to win gear from Stanley and Osprey. The inaugural round saw 35 participants.

The organization, founded in 2014, is now trying to boost participant diversity by adding sign language and Spanish-speaking interpreters to their hikes and speaker series. They’ll kick of 2019 with a “First Day Hike” on January 1 to start the new year right.

–Elizabeth Miller

Why We were built on a rich foundation and our legacy continues to this day. We are now in our fourth generation of being family owned. We’ve been knitting socks here in our hometown of Sheboygan, WI since 1905.

Many of our employees are descendants of other Wigwam® employees going back generations. As a matter of fact, we put our acquired knowledge and experience into historic innovations that have become industry standards over the time as well as patented constructions that we aren’t sharing, yet.

Why now? That’s easy. Quality. Comfort.

Functionality. Innovation. Value.

That’s Why Wigwam, Why Now.

Visit us at OR booth #42043 and we’ll be happy to show you why Wigwam is the right choice.

DAY1-4_WIGWAM_ORD_FALL18.indd 3

10/26/18 11:43 AM

NEWS

Old-School Brand-Boosting

The Association of Magazine Media’s latest data download makes a strong case for keeping print in the advertising mix. BY ELIZABETH MILLER

G

64

THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

UPTICK

Bug-battling brands are getting more attention as tick-borne disease rates boom in the U.S.

BY EVELYN SPENCE

LAST YEAR, THE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report about the status of tick-borne diseases in the United States. The news was biting, to say the least: There were 59,349 cases in 2017, up 22 percent from 2016, and Lyme disease accounted for more than 70 percent of those cases. Due to underreporting, scientists estimate that the actual number of Lyme cases might be much larger. Why? A combination of globalization and climate change.

But the news isn’t all grim. Several companies at Winter Market hope to reverse the trend by providing ways to prevent—and diagnose—tickborne diseases. Bug Baffler, based in Nashua, New Hampshire, has been making a line of nets and other protective clothing for all ages since 1988, but business has really started to boom over the last few years— especially among those who want to avoid chemical sprays or lotions.

“I’d say we’re up 50, 60 percent,” said Kevin Boghigian, president.

Added Kathleen Douville, who does “a little bit of everything” at the company, “Over the last two or three years, we’ve seen a huge increase in sales of our toddler items, especially complete outfits.”

For Chris Fuentes, the founder and CEO of show newcomer Ranger Ready Repellent, Lyme has impacted his life immensely: His son, who was a college athlete, had his career derailed by the disease. And while it’s located in Connecticut, ground zero for Lyme, the company is finding that both awareness and concern are spreading west. “Our geofence, as we called it, is expanding well beyond the Northeast and Ohio Valley,” said Ryan Mahoney, sales manager. Ranger Ready is made with 20 percent picaridin, which is widely available in Europe and considered less toxic than DEET. If you find yourself faced with an embedded tick, you’ll want to get tested—but, according to Paul Grlica, the blood test you get at a typical doctor’s office is only 40 to 50 percent accurate. Grlica is a salesperson for EPA Enterprises, which sells a DNA tick testing kit under the Cutter name. The $25 kit is simple—tweezers, an alcohol pad, and a teeny zip-top bag for the little bugger—but when you send it to the lab in Pennsylvania, you get results in 48 hours that are 99.9 percent accurate.

Grlica said it’s too early to tease out sales increases, but he added that awareness is rising. “We started a social media campaign, and the hits went up and up,” he said.

PHOTO BY ISTOCK.COM

OOD NEWS FOR MAGAZINES and the people who love them: In an era of fake news and screen-time limits, print is outperforming its competitors in terms of both market share and reader retention. For brands and retailers, that means demonstrable results for increasing brand recognition—and, even better, it’s translating to purchases.

Magazines are considered a trusted resource, beginning with the handing over of the credit card number necessary to order them, pointed out Association of Magazine Media president and CEO Linda Thomas Brooks at an invitation-only “Today’s Integrated Media” talk on Thursday. While readers may not know the number of experts consulted and editors and fact checkers involved, they still understand that magazines are sources they can trust. That translates to the ads in those pages, Brooks said: “The way that I like to describe that is that magazines are invited guests into consumers’ homes, and advertisers get to come along as the plusone.”

That’s different from other types of media, which often reach viewers or readers through more invasive means. With the rise of fake news stories and the darker side of crowdsourced media rearing its racist and misogynistic head, people are on the lookout for resources they can trust.

“We have an unmoderated ecosystem—anybody who has something to say can say it,” Brooks said. “And in the last couple years, people have started to realize that the world needs moderation.” Indeed, the 2018 Edelman Trust Barometer, which asks about trust in traditional and online-only media versus search engines and social media platforms, reports trust in journalism has mostly rebounded after a low point in 2015.

The association hired an outside source to compile scientific research on reading and retention and came back with some heartening news for print advocates. Distractions that come along with digital formats mean that even when readers are highly motivated to learn, they struggle to retain that information. Print is still a more deeply engaging and multisensory experience that boosts recall. Brooks said they even consulted evolutionary biologists on how long it would take humans brains to rewire to absorb as much from digital as print. The answer? Generations.

“There’s no target audience that you need to worry about in your lifetime whose brain is going to be any different,” Brooks said.

The takeaway for advertisers is recognition. While no one is arguing for ignoring other media channels, Brooks said, “Any time you add a channel, your numbers go up, but where your numbers go up the most is when you have print in the mix.”

Even in social media, the group’s research shows that engagement with magazine-brand editorial content exceeds non-magazine competitors. In the action and adventure enthusiast category in particular, magazine brands including National Geographic Adventure, Outside, and SKI saw three to six times more engagement on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram than non-magazine brands including Outdoor Channel, OutdoorHub, and Section Hiker.

Still, brands have questions—like how small companies can afford print ad buys and how to track impressions. “I don’t think it makes print mandatory,” says Bryan Kimbell, senior director of integrated marketing for MPOWERED, maker of Luci inflatable solar lights. “But it makes print compelling.”

The Whole Mountain.

PHOTO BY NICOLAI BERNTSEN ON UNSPLASH

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D I G INT O O U R HI G H LI G HT S O F TH E S H OW’S E V E NT S, E D U CATI O N , A N D M O R E

DAY 3, NOVEMBER 10 Kathmandu Litehaul 12L Plus 1 Sale for The Conservation Alliance 9 a.m.

Booth #44073-UL

Support The Conservation Alliance with a purchase of a Litehaul 12L Plus 1, a versatile pack for everyday use and designed specifically as a carry-on “plus one” personal item. $40 each, while supplies last.

ENO Hammock Sale to Benefit Leave No Trace 9 a.m.

Booth #42068-UL

ENO DoubleNest Hammock and Atlas Strap Sets will be on sale for a discounted

price of $40 (while supplies last). All proceeds will be donated to the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

Vibram Sole Factor Mobile Lab 9 a.m.

Booth #46080-UL

The Vibram Sole Factor Mobile Lab will be resoling shoes in the Vibram booth for $25 per pair, with all proceeds benefitting The Conservation Alliance. Stop by to get an exclusive Vibram Litebase sole for trail running before it’s available elsewhere.

check out our oversized Maine map and push a pin in all the places you’ve been in our great state for a chance to win prizes from Maine Outdoor Brands.

Kathoola Inc. Lightweight Gaiters and Winter Traction Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance 9 a.m.

Booth #49063-UL

Pin to Win

Kahtoola will sell its INSTAgaiter Low and Mid, NANOspikes, and MICROspikes with 100 percent of proceeds donated to The Conservation Alliance.

Stop by the Maine Outdoor Brands booth to

KEEN Better Takes Action T-shirt Sale to Benefit The Conservation

9 a.m.

Booth #39072-UL

Alliance

Booth #42011-UL

KEEN sells T-shirts with 100 percent of proceeds donated to The Conservation Alliance.

Farm to Feet will sell its midweight hiking socks for women and men with 100 percent of proceeds donated to The Conservation Alliance (all day, while supplies last).

Toad&Co Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

Chill Angel Sleepwear Sale to Support Animal Friends

Toad&Co will sell assorted shirts for men and women to benefit The Conservation Alliance (all day, every day, while supplies last).

Luxury merino wool pajamas on sale for 50 percent off, while supplies last. Proceeds to benefit the Humane Society. Sleep cozy and comfy and help the animals do the same.

9 a.m.

KEEN Vending Machine in the OR Lobby

9 a.m.

Booth #37023-UL

Farm to Feet Hiking Sock Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance 9 a.m.

9 a.m.

Booth #34065-UL

Gel Sale for The Conservation Alliance

9 a.m.

Booth #42060-UL Show Special on Campfire S’mores Gel: One box of 24 gels for $15. All proceeds will be donated to The Conservation Alliance, while quantities last.

Through our GUGives program, GU launched the Campfire S’more Gel in 2017 to support The Conservation Alliance’s Public Lands Defense Fund. Since its launch, GU has donated $60,000. We are pleased to share that this program will continue into 2019. Visit the GU Booth to sample the gel or make a purchase to support The Conservation Alliance.

Osprey Pack Sale to Benefit Association

of Outdoor Recreation and Education

PHOTO BY LOUISA ALBANESE

9 a.m.

Booth #36039-UL Osprey is selling new Fall 2019 Transporter Flap Packs and Transporter Roll Top Packs for $50 each to benefit Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE).

Celebrating their 25th anniversary, AORE programs connect 1.5 million users to the outdoors annually. While supplies last.

Mountain Khakis Wardrobe Improvement Program (WIP) 9 a.m.

Booth #36031-UL

Get outfitted in the

A panel discusses sexual harassment in the outdoor industry.

Visit Us! Textile-Based Product Solutions

Booth 51017-UL

DURABLE ODOR PROTECTION.

THAT’S THE CONCEPT.

Every great concept begins here. For your brand’s outdoor apparel, Concept III can develop the textile innovations you’ve been looking for. How? By collaborating with renowned industry leaders, such as:

not

BEST IN SHOW 36061-UL

QUAD OPTIC

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100

LUMENS

LIGHT WEIGHT

The award-winning HeiQ Fresh Tech has raised the bar on odor-control technologies, leading its users to feel comfortable and smell fresh—at all times.

In partnership with HeiQ, we can turn your brand’s ambitious ideas into reality.

CELEBRATING

ANNIVERSARY

www.conceptiii.com

KNOG.COM.AU

EVENTS & EDUCATION

Mountain Khakis booth.

MK apparel and accessories will be available for purchase and, yep, there’s even a dressing room. Get there early, while it lasts.

Top Trend–One Stop Away 10 a.m.

Booth #53097-UL

Fashion and function lovers, this is an event for you to get freebies that are just one stop away. All you need to do is come visit our booth, have a nice chit-chat, and you will walk away with special gifts—ones that will surely keep the empty-handed eyeing you for the whole day.

Backpack Sale

3 p.m.

Booth #37055-UL Deuter will be selling XV 3 roll-top commuter packs and Guide Lite alpine touring packs for $40 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., while supplies last.

Clever x Choice

Panel

3 p.m.

Booth #39005-UL Clever x Choice panel

by Clever x Nature, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and Outside. Beer courtesy of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., with the purchase of a Klean Kanteen cup.

Proceeds benefit Camber Outdoors.

Nau Clothing Sale & Happy Hour to Benefit The Conservation Alliance 4 p.m.

Booth #46040-UL

Nau is selling assorted men’s and women’s styles to benefit The Conservation Alliance.

Clever X Nature and Kleen Kanteen Happy Hour with Camber Outdoors 4 p.m.

Booth #39005-UL

Join Clever X Nature and Kleen Kanteen for a happy hour with

Tested & Proven

“

As a recovering Lyme disease patient, and mother of

two based in the beautiful, but tick-rich state of Maine, I do everything I can to protect our family from ticks.

I’m comforted knowing that Insect Shield technology is protecting us always while we enjoy the outdoors.

Tested. Proven. Mother approved.

”

- Heather Hurst

Founder & President, Project Lyme

Look for Insect Shield products from these trusted brands

PHOTO BY HED HI MEDIA

The Daily’s Evelyn Spence is on the record

proceeds supporting Camber Outdoors. $5 for a Kleen Kanteen pint of Sierra Nevada beer.

DAY 4, NOVEMBER 11 Vibram Sole Factor Mobile Lab 9 a.m.

Booth #46080-UL

The Vibram Sole Factor Mobile Lab will be resoling shoes in the Vibram booth for $25 per pair, with all proceeds benefitting The Conservation Alliance. Stop by to get an exclusive Vibram Litebase sole for trail running before it’s available elsewhere.

Pin to Win

9 a.m.

Booth #39072-UL Stop by the Maine Outdoor Brands booth to check out our Maine map and push a pin in all the places you’ve been in our great state for a chance to win prizes from Maine Outdoor Brands.

Kathoola Inc. Lightweight Gaiters and Winter Traction Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance 9 a.m.

Booth #49063-UL

Kahtoola will sell its INSTAgaiter Low and Mid, NANOspikes and MICROspikes with 100 percent of proceeds donated to The Conservation Alliance.

KEEN Better Takes Action T-shirt Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

9 a.m.

KEEN Vending Machine in the OR Lobby KEEN sells T-shirts with 100 percent of proceeds donated to The Conservation Alliance.

Toad&Co Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance

9 a.m.

Booth #37023-UL

Toad&Co will sell assorted shirts for men and women to benefit The Conservation Alliance (all day, every day, of the show while supplies last).

Farm to Feet Hiking Sock Sale to Benefit The Conservation Alliance 9 a.m.

Booth #42011-UL

Farm to Feet will sell its midweight hiking socks for women and men with 100 percent of proceeds donated to The Conservation Alliance (all day, every day, while supplies last).

Chill Angel Sleepwear Sale to Support Animal Friends 9 a.m.

Booth #34065-UL

Luxury merino wool pajamas on sale for 50 percent off, while supplies last. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society.

Sleep cozy and help animals do the same.

Mountain Khakis Wardrobe Improvement Program (WIP) 9 a.m.

Booth #36031-UL

Get outfitted in the Mountain Khakis booth.

MK apparel and accessories will be available for purchase and, yep, there’s even a dressing room. Get there early, while it lasts.

Gel Sale for The Conservation Alliance

9 a.m.

Booth #42060-UL Show Special on Campfire S’mores Gel: One box of 24 gels for $15. All proceeds will be donated to The Conservation Alliance, while quantities last.

Through our GUGives program, GU launched the Campfire S’more Gel in 2017 to support The Conservation Alliance’s Public Lands Defense Fund. Since its launch, GU has donated $60,000. We

are pleased to share that this program will continue into 2019.

Visit the GU Booth to sample the gel or make a purchase to support The Conservation Alliance.

Osprey Pack Sale to Benefit Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education 9 a.m.

Booth #36039-UL

Osprey is selling new Fall 2019 Transporter Flap Pack and Transporter Roll Top Pack for $50 each to benefit Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE).

AORE programs connect 1.5 million users to the outdoors annually. Available while supplies last.

Top Trend–One Stop Away 10 a.m.

Booth #53097-UL

Fashion and function lovers, this is an event

for you to get freebies that are just one stop away. All you need to do is come visit our booth, have a nice chit-chat, and you will walk away with special gifts—ones that will surely keep the emptyhanded eyeing you for the whole day.

Backpack Sale

3 p.m.

Booth #37055-UL Deuter will be selling XV 3 roll-top commuter packs and Guide Lite alpine touring packs for $40 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., while supplies last.

Clever x Choice Panel

3 p.m.

Booth #39005-UL Clever x Choice panel

by Clever x Nature, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., and Outside. Beer courtesy of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., with the purchase of a Klean Kanteen cup. Benefit Camber Outdoors.

Product

Zone Mystery Ranch in & OUT summit packs.

Packable, portable, durable.

Special Advertising Section

This latest concept from Mystery Ranch reaches a new peak in packability. A

daypack that neatly stows away into its

own pocket –delivering ultimate portability.

But with the vital extra dimension of

durability –delivered by construction in ultra-lightweight CORDURA® mini-rip

fabric for tear and abrasion resistance.

So it takes climbing every bit as seriously as you do. Featherweight yet ruggedly engineered, it’s rich in features like

contoured shoulder straps and sternum

strap. Designed to give you total comfort and functionality, with a generous 19L

capacity. Yet, amazingly, stuffing down to the size of a small water bottle. The new

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Learn more or buy one today at https://www.mysteryranch.com/in-and-out-pack https://www.mysteryranch.com/in-and-out-pack.

©2018 INVISTA. CORDURA® is a trademark of INVISTA for durable fabric. All other marks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Performance Leather Footwear Gloves Tech www.pittards.com

Booth 52030-UL

Featuring the freshest gear on the market today.

Here is a sneak peek at what’s new and what’s coming from leading industry companies

MASTHEAD

snewsnet.com

outdoorretailer.com

S H O W S TA F F

STAFF PICKS

V I C E P R E S I D E N T, G R O U P S H O W D I R E C T O R

Who’s your outdoor industry crush?

EDITORIAL

Sally Jewell, former Secretary of the Interior/REI CEO

EDITOR-IN- CHIEF

Marisa Nicholson

marisa.nicholson@outdoorretailer.com

Krista Dill

krista.dill@outdoorretailer.com

Kristin Hostetter

SE NIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

DEPUTY EDITOR

paul.dillman@outdoorretailer.com

khostetter@aimmedia.com

Paul Dillman

Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan

Marisa, show goddess

MANAGING E DITOR

ryan.johnson@outdoorretailer.com

A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Amelia Arvesen

aarvesen@aimmedia.com

Abby Wise, managing editor of Outside

Lauren Taylor Steele, freelance writer

CONTRIBUTORS

Dave Nielson

dave.nielson@outdoorretailer.com Jimmy Chin, filmmaker

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Leister

Alex Honnold, climber

A S S O C I AT E A R T D I R E C T O R

Jennifer Holcomb

jennifer.holcomb@outdoorretailer.com

Sarah Langston

sarah.langston@outdoorretailer.com

LEAD PHOTOGR APHER

Louisa Albanese Nick Cote

Robert O’Quinn

robert.oquinn@outdoorretailer.com

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Kenneth Doory

PHOTOGRAPHER

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

SENIOR MARKETING DIRECTOR

ART DIRECTOR

Melissa Arnot Reid, mountain guide

Adam Kingston

adam.kingston@outdoorretailer.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Erme Catino, Kassondra Cloos, M.T. Elliott, Courtney Holden, Micah Ling, Cassandra Majewski, Brigid Mander, Elizabeth Miller, Evelyn Spence, Carolyn Webber Alder, Ryan Wichelns, Jenny Willden

Freya Hoffmeister, pioneering kayaker

P U B L I S H E R , O U T D O O R R E TA I L E R M A G A Z I N E / T H E D A I LY S E N I O R A C C O U N T E X E C U T I V E , O U T D O O R R E TA I L E R

Ryan Johnson

Casey Lyons

Katie Boué, outdoor activist

Chris Davenport, skier

SALES DIRECTOR

Les Stroud, Survivorman

M A R K E T I N G C O M M U N I C AT I O N S S P E C I A L I S T Krystle Wright, photographer

Natalie Generalovich

natalie.generalovich@outdoorretailer.com MARKETING MANAGE R

Maxwell Frost

PRODUCTION

maxwell.frost@outdoorretailer.com

Joy Kelley

M A R K E T I N G C O M M U N I C AT I O N S S P E C I A L I S T

A D C O O R D I N AT O R

mason.tobias@outdoorretailer.com

PRE PRE S S MANAGE R

Caitlin O’Connor

PREPRESS SPECIALIST

Idania Mentana SALES

SNEWS SALE S MANAGE R

Susie von Mettenheim

303-253-6441 svonmettenheim@aimmedia.com

Mason Tobias

P U B L I C R E L AT I O N S /C O M M U N I C AT I O N S M A N A G E R

Lisa Ramsperger

Lisa.ramsperger@outdoorretailer.com C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

Raymond Kang

raymond.kang@outdoorretailer.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Marisa Lowey-Ball

marisa.lowey-ball@outdoorretailer.com PRODUCTION/ TR AFFIC MANAGE R

Laurie Stiglitz

laurie.stiglitz@outdoorretailer.com BRAND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Larry Harrison

larry.harrison@outdoorretailer.com Copyright 2018 © Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc.

PRESIDENT & CEO

Andrew W. Clurman S E N I O R V I C E P R E S I D E N T, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & TREASURER

Michael Henry

C H I E F I N N OVAT I O N O F F I C E R

R E TA I L R E L AT I O N S M A N A G E R

Joe Bustos

joe.bustos@outdoorretailer.com R E TA I L R E L AT I O N S M A N A G E R

Chris Sears

chris.sears@outdoorretailer.com S E N I O R O P E R AT I O N S D I R E C T O R

Cathy Griffith

Jonathan Dorn

cathy.griffith@emeraldexpo.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR

O P E R AT I O N S D I R E C T O R

Sharon Houghton

V I C E P R E S I D E N T, AU D I E N C E D E V E L O P M E N T

Julie Freedman

julie.freedman@outdoorretailer.com

Thomas Masterson

O P E R AT I O N S M A N A G E R /O P E N A I R D E M O

V I C E P R E S I D E N T, P R O D U C T I O N A N D M A N U FA C T U R I N G

kirsten.khoury@outdoorretailer.com

Kirsten Khoury

Barb Van Sickle

R E G I S T R AT I O N O P E R AT I O N S M A N A G E R

V I C E P R E S I D E N T, P E O P L E A N D P L A C E S

kristen.novick@emeraldexpo.com

JoAnn Thomas

AIM BOARD CHAIR

Efrem Zimbalist III

Kristen Novick

R E G I S T R AT I O N O P E R AT I O N S C O O R D I N AT O R

Kylie Sanders

kylie.sanders@emeraldexpo.com E V E N T S O P E R AT I O N S C O O R D I N AT O R

Nicole Cho

nicole.cho@outdoorretailer.com S P O N S O R S H I P S O P E R AT I O N S C O O R D I N AT O R

Bri Vivanco

bri.vivanco@outdoorretailer.com B ILLING MANAGE R

Sara Burns

sara.burns@outdoorretailer.com

THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

71

BEST OF BOOTH

WINTER MARKET

2018

1

Lounge Act Darn Tough ups the comfort and fun to create a booth experience showgoers can’t pass up.

1. Baa, baa, fake sheep. 2. Baa, baa, yourself. 3. Darn Tough’s socks decorate the cozy booth. 4. No spinning, gents.

OMETIME IN THE AFTERNOON

of Day 1, Mark Comcowich, Darn Tough’s director of sales, surveyed the scaled-back booth he created for this show. It was brimming with people on sofas, people watching a particularly competitive game of foosball, people generally hanging out in “The Micro Crewhouse,” but Comcowich realized something was missing. It doesn’t say Darn Tough anymore, he thought to himself, before scrambling to hang up a few signs bearing the brand’s logo.

Comcowich left Darn Tough’s normal built-up booth behind, opting for this show to create a clubhouse atmosphere where showgoers—buyers, reps, friends—could come to take a load off, and maybe take in a bar game or one of the brand’s show-famous maple-bacon creamees.

“It’s a place to hang out,” Comcowich says.

And he nailed it: overstuffed leather couches and chairs, complete with woolly pillows, call out to tired-foot passersby, while foosball and ping-pong beckon the gamers among us. (The Daily has also learned that Darn Tough’s owner Ric Cabot and prAna founder Beaver Theodaskis are both pretty fierce foosball competitors. We hope to see a clash of these titans before the closing announcement on Sunday.)

While the brand’s logo and product are subtle in this booth configuration, Comcowich’s welcome, open booth design suggests that visitors won’t soon forget where they found the fun. –Casey Lyons

72

3

THE DAILY DAY 3 / NOVEMBER 10, 2018

4

PHOTOS BY NICK COTE (3); LOUISA ALBANESE (1)

S

2

BERGSHELL OUR MOST INNOVATIVE AND TECHNICAL PACK FABRIC

Bergshell, our most innovative and technical pack fabric to date. Bergshell is a waterproof and incredibly durable material made from 100% recylced post-production nylon using a newlydeveloped flat rip-stop technique. True

to the Fjällräven way, all products with Bergshell are climate compensated and 100% PFC-Free. Bergshell is available in the Bergtagen, Keb and Ulvö backpacks to enjoy nature in all conditions. For a very, very long time.

fjallraven.us

BOOTH 42031-UL

BERGSHELL OUR MOST INNOVATIVE AND TECHNICAL PACK FABRIC

Bergshell, our most innovative and technical pack fabric to date. Bergshell is a waterproof and incredibly durable material made from 100% recylced post-production nylon using a newlydeveloped flat rip-stop technique. True

to the Fjällräven way, all products with Bergshell are climate compensated and 100% PFC-Free. Bergshell is available in the Bergtagen, Keb and Ulvö backpacks to enjoy nature in all conditions. For a very, very long time.

BOOTH 42031-UL

fjallraven.us