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[at-l] reporting from Outdoor Retailer

just back from the Outdoor Retailer show in salt lake, where outdoor
manufacturers are displaying wares for fall 98.  some highlights:

Moonstone Mountain Gear:  bankrupt in sept, purchased by esprit, hired ed
schmultz from patagonia to run it, moved from arcata to SF.  looks like
doug thompkins of esprit (good kayaking buddy of royal robbins) is serious
about keeping the brand alive.  look for rejuvenated company at the summer
OR show.

Nalgene:  has come out with bladders in 48 and 96 oz sizes with their great
wide mouth bottle tops.  sweeet!  also watertight 55gal lexan drum called
the BeanDog, with integral lash points for all that rope.  smaller versions
for monkeys and weasles.

OneSport:  no longer OneSport, now officially Montrail, boots and shoes as
killer as ever.

Merrell Footwear:  purchased by Wolverine last fall, we'll see how that
relationship works out, hopefully can maintain their outdoor specialty.
the Trak/Karhu part of the business (x-country skiing) was sold to the
original owner of Trak/Karhu, and is going strong.

Mountainsmith, Gregory, Kelty, Osprey:  all offering some new models.
mountainsmith, especially, has finally been able, on their smaller (<4000cu
in) packs, to get the weight down to 1lb or less per 1000 cu in.

Arcteryx:  the makers of great packs and climbing harnesses debuted a
complete line of gortex outerwear.  that's all we need, ANOTHER company to
choose from   :).  nifty innovation: waterproof zippers, which means
pockets don't need storm flaps, which mean a lighter jacket.

Cascade Designs:  
1)  has patent on new ultralight foam technology, dropping up to half a
pound (!) off their Thermarest matresses.
2)  purchased Sweetwater filters, keeping the same name.

MSR:  awesome little coffee filter!!!  a fine mesh screen container that
you put coffee grounds (or tea leaves) into, set it into your mug, let
steep, bingo, fresh coffee (well, with the coffee grounds.  you get fresh
tea with tea leaves).  about 1oz.
also, good recreational snowshoes, based on their denali design.  cheaper
and lighter.


ok, non-gear weenies can pay attention again as we resume regular at-l
broadcast...



mike
ke kaahawe AT92 TYT94 PCTsoon
mikeh@royalrobbins.com
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