Several items in the Cascade Designs booth were interesting but this one is pretty cool. The Honcho Poncho from Therm-a-rest utilizes insulation from 37.5 paired with a waterproof breathable shell. It also incorporates a hood and zippered kangaroo hand warmer pocket with zippered compartment.
As I meandered through the maze-like halls of Outdoor Retailer I looked up to see a manikin decked out in Orion Design Group’s Lupus camouflage pattern. Turns out, I had run into the MMI Textiles booth. They print this pattern as well as several others including the PenCott family.
The pedigree of the Fieldcraft Cap by Outdoor Research is obvious to the tactical crowd, but it’s a new addition to their commercial line.
Mountainsmith has been making Lumbar packs for decades. In fact, I remember several guys back in the early 90s attaching the Black version to the lower back (lumbar) of their Tactical Load Bearing Vests as a low profile alternative to the butt pack.
I checked them out at Outdoor Retailer and it looks like we’ll see some great alternatives to Black for those guys who want to put together an E&E bag or other home brew load carrying solution.
Golden, CO — Jul 21, 2015 – Mountainsmith—craftsmen of iconic backcountry equipment and recreational outdoor gear— will debut 2016’s completely redesigned lumbar pack line at Summer Outdoor Retailer. Innovative and built for off the beaten path excursions, these new Mountainsmith products offer outdoor an urban adventurers versatility to brave the elements, no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.
“Some 35 years ago Mountainsmith’s lumbar packs started as extremely simple, rugged, utilitarian outdoor pieces, made to carry load in a comfortable way while keeping things you need quick at hand,” says Mountainsmith designer Jacob Stein. “For our 2016 lumbar launch, our focus was to maintain these core characteristics while paying close attention to materials, modern relevant function, color, and style.”
Mountainsmith has taken a very careful approach to updating their iconic line of lumbar packs, placing their focus on improving durability and modern utility. Adding color-matched shock cord and stretch mesh allowed these bags to come together with cutting-edge color ways, while in depth studies on the fabrics and trims brought the introduction of Cordura® HP fabric throughout Mountainsmith’s entire lumbar line. These already rugged bags were upgraded to offer bombproof durability. Revisiting every feature and fine-tuning for comfort and utility, these are the best lumbar packs ever made, by the brand that invented the category over 35 years ago.
“We are very excited about our partnership with the CORDURA brand and know this translates to outstanding quality and durability,” adds Stein. “Mountainsmith strives to make products that people love and that will last a lifetime. We think we’ve hit the mark again in 2016.”
Day – $89.95
A staple of gear closets everywhere for the past 35 years. In 2016, the Day gets even more durable with the addition of Cordura® fabric, and all the features you have come to love.
Daylight – $69.95
The Daylight is the perfect stash-able pack companion for longer backpacking trips and adventure. Stuffs into its own pocket and is extremely durable, thanks to the use of Robic™ Nylon.
Tour – MSRP: $79.95
Our quintessential lumbar pack created the category 35 years ago and delivers with a robust design capable of stashing all of the essentials from street to trail.
Drift – MSRP: $49.95
For light day hikes, the Drift provides a place to stash snacks, water, and a layer. Tuck away the waist belt and use the shoulder strap for shoulder bag conversion.
Knockabout – MSRP: $34.95
This hybrid waist/shoulder sling bag swings around from the back to the front with ease. Plenty of organizational features make this a great solution from concerts to everyday carry.
Vibe – MSRP: $29.95
The Vibe provides ultimate organization in a small lumbar pack, ready for a myriad of uses. Whether hiking, traveling, or using it for everyday carry, you will be amazed at how much it fits.
The Fanny Pack – MSRP: $24.95
Plain and simple, fanny packs rule. Clear your pockets and keep all of your essentials in one easily organized waist accessory.
Here’s a spec sheet on the Ventra Mainframe I mentioned during Outdoor Retailer.
August 3rd, 2015: Breakthrough Clean Technologies, is proud to announce the partnership with renowned aftermarket grip maker, VZ Grips. VZ Grips will be offering Breakthrough Clean Technologies products for sale through their e-commerce website, as well as incorporate Breakthrough’s Battle Born line of lubricants to their manufacturing/production process to condition their grips.
John VanZyk (VZ Grips Owner) said: “We hold ourselves to the highest standards, and try to achieve this goal by using the best products available for our manufacturing process”, “Breakthrough’s products have helped us in keeping this balance, and bring our customers an outstanding consistent product.”
Learn more at: www.VZGrips.com
This time, the KCRF patch is found in Phi Phi island, Thailand.
Thanks, ‘TM’! Keep ’em coming!
For Spring 2016, Adidas Outdoor will offer some new colors (Branch and Granite) for the existing Terrex Swift-R GTX as well as introduce some interning new models like the Terrex Solo Approach Shoe featuring Stealth Rubber and the Climacool Jawpaw Lace a water shoe also featuring Stealth Rubber as well as the adidas Drain System. 
Below you can see the Stealth Rubber and drainage soles.
This next shoe caught my eye from across the booth. It’s hard to believe that the GSG-9 boot is four decades old but the GSG9 Trail is meant to pay homage to that old standby.
It’s definitely interesting but some of the design features remind more of the newer GSG9.7s rather than the originals.
