Ultrarunners, take note. The run, bike and swim brand unveiled a performance collection specifically for those who like to be on road just a little longer. Pearl Izumi’s ultrarunning collection includes pieces like the $180 Ultra Barrier WxB Jacket (pictured) that has an abrasion print on the shoulders to keep your pack in check and a one-zippered back pocket that folds into a sack.
Another sneak peek at some new gear to hit stores later this year.
The Outdoor Industry Association reports Americans spend about $289 billion a year on outdoor gear, travel and services. Chances are, a portion of that spending is probably on quirky, innovative items that caught your eye at at the store.
I spent day two at Outdoor Retailer scouring the showroom floors with inventors convincing me of their next big idea. Scroll through the gallery on the left hand corner of the page for a recap of my findings, from hard-as-rock iPhone cases, solar mobile chargers and everything in between.
Running gloves with touch screen capabilities are becoming a standard in the industry. Brands like 180s and Lole are releasing gloves that utilize a special fabric, particularly on the index finger and thumb, that lets you use your touch screen devices while still wearing the gloves.
The popular packs brand is focusing on a greener planet with its Reduce, Reuse and Recycle program and collection. Designers have created products with 100 percent PET fabric and can literally be dumped into the recycle bin at the end of its lifespan. Expect packs to be lighter, as designers have decreased the amount of material used.
The Eton Mobius solar charger for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S has a solar panel and solar charge indicator that alerts you when your phone is good to go. The snap fit case, which retails for $80, charges via a micro USB cable and also syncs with iTunes.
No, it’s not a promo for “TRON: Legacy 2.” CW-X unveiled new colorways for their popular Stabilyx tights best known to support targeted muscle groups and joints. The Wacoal brand uses their signature technology to align muscles while regulating temperature.
The Camelbak Gambler, which comes with a shovel, is big enough to carry all of your backcountry tools but is still lightweight and compact enough to stay on your back while in action.
At first glance, the FILA Skele-toes look like a barefoot trainer mimicking Vibram FiveFingers’ design. However, FILA shoe designers say the Skele-toes is not a performance shoe, but rather a casual shoe meant for recreational activities, like light hiking or a day at the beach. Unique to the shoe is the four-toe construction, instead of the traditional five, to accommodate the pinky toe for a comfortable fit. The Skele-toes collection ranges from $50 to $60.
The LifeProof iPhone case hopes to finally give users true mobile freedom wherever they may go by eliminating that dreaded death grip feeling. The case was created to keep dirt, water and snow out, and boasts to stand up to a 6-foot drop.
Ultrarunners, take note. The run, bike and swim brand unveiled a performance collection specifically for those who like to be on road just a little longer. Pearl Izumi’s ultrarunning collection includes pieces like the $180 Ultra Barrier WxB Jacket (pictured) that has an abrasion print on the shoulders to keep your pack in check and a one-zippered back pocket that folds into a sack.
