by Alicia MacLeay
We're at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market this week, and there's so much new backcountry gear to cover we're previewing some that has already caught our eye, like the numerous new lines of sleeping bags, tents, and packs coming to you for 2012.
Expanding Product Lines
While tents keep lightening up ((see yesterday's Hoopla 4), not all manufacturers are giving up space or vying to be lightest of the light. Many brands are trading weight savings for more space and backcountry comfort. It takes just a quick scan of OR press kits to see there are a slew of new shelters in different sizes, shapes, and styles for all levels and comforts.
Rab Infinity
Hilleberg is debuting its first-ever three-season tents (already being talked about here on Trailspace). The Anjan 2 and 3 tunnel tents (3 lbs 1 oz, 3 lbs 8 oz) are based on the Nallo, and the Rogen dome (3 lbs 12 oz) is inspired by the Allak. Sea to Summit has new ultralight Specialist shelters for backpackers, cyclists, and sea kayakers.
In sleeping bags, Rab is introducing its new Infinity and Infinity SL 850-fill down bags or fast and light mountaineering, adventure racing and mountaineering. Columbia will offer Omni-Heat lined sleeping bags. And, Nemo will show its forthcoming line of spoon-shaped bags for side sleepers.
British Invasion
Maybe it's me, but it feels like a mini outdoor British invasion is happening. Since Rab entered the North American market in the last decade, its parent company Equip has bought outdoor brands like Integral Designs and Lowe Alpine.
Now Mountain Equipment, which has been equipping British alpine expeditions since 1961, is making its own move into the North American market with its line of mountaineering tents and bivys, sleeping bags, and shells. Also, Terra Nova continues to offer new tents and Montane new packs on this side of the pond.
What does this mean? More gear choices for all.
We'll get and share full details, plus pictures and videos for closer looks, on much more outdoor equipment and apparel at Outdoor Retailer, August 3-7, in Salt Lake City.
What would you like to see or hear about as we cover the show? Tell us below.
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