From ultralight and compact packs to oversized duck pool toys and more, touring Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2018 was a blast! Below you’ll find new gear and cool displays that caught my eye. For individual highlights, Matador’s new Flatpak toiletry bottle and soap bar case really got my attention. Backpacker’s Pantry’s chicken and rice was rather amazing for being a dehydrated food.
Coast’s LED flashlights, Danner boots, Wolverine boots, and Mystery Ranch packs were a few of my other favorites of the show. OllyDog’s split water bottle / dog bowl combination was a fun invention to see in person for the first time ever. Pack Rabbit’s pack frame that converted to a seat and allowed you to tie down virtually anything was super innovative. Pakmule’s cargo carriers were built like tanks; the construction quality was unreal.
SunSoaker’s flexible solar panels were super tough and unlike other panels on the market, they were roll-able and not just foldable. Toaks’ and Snow Peak’s titanium cookware and utensils offer great weight savings while still offering rock-solid durability. Vibram had a new stretchy wrap shoe which was something I’ve never seen done before.
VIVOBAREFOOT had a really nice pair of boots on display with some really unique sole patterns to match. ECO Survivor’s LED lantern was tough enough to stand on, and the design featured a rather sleek look. I’ve seen Firebiner’s gear in the past but looked it over thinking it was a simple carabiner with a flint wheel. Wow, was I wrong, they pack a ton of features into those things! The same can be said of their unique paracord construction.
Of course, that’s just to name a few. In reality, you’ll find more of my favorites below. While I couldn’t capture the entire Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2018 convention this year, it should give you a nice peak into what goes on at the event. Stay tuned for later in the year when I cover Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show in Denver, Colorado. For now, check out all the cool gear and displays!
