Best picks from the Recent Outdoor Market Alliance trade show in Colorado
By Eileen Ogintz
Maybe it’s social media. It just seems like we want to look good whatever we’re doing. That can get complicated when we’re talking about outdoor adventures.
For the outdoors, we need gear that wicks moisture, dries quickly, and protects us from the sun and insects. Let’s not forget we want to be environmentally responsible, which means gear that uses recycled materials and leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
Impossible? Not these days, I learned at the recent Outdoor Market Alliance trade show which touted brands doing all of the above.
Royal Robbins, for example, founded 58 years ago by mountain climbers Liz and Royal Robbins, now makes mosquito-repellent clothing without chemicals, said company president Eric Burbank. Merino wool sweaters are designed to be durable and passed down. “We make products for 90 percent of what you want to do… We focus on people interested in a lifetime of adventures, no matter what your ages.” For example, their Pucker shirts (over a million sold) are so popular that a women’s version has been introduced. They’re made with wood derived Carbon-Zero TENCEL™ Modal fibers, and it’s certified as CarbonNeutral™ by Climate Partner and are soft and breathable. My husband takes his on every trip and they can go from a hiking or biking trail to dinner.
Seniq is a new company launched by women who felt outdoor clothing wasn’t right for women. “ Girls love to express their femininity,” said Tina Thompson, one of the founders, noting that their best-selling color is pink. “What was missing was a modern silhouette.” The company believes “outdoorswomen should be able to enjoy the outdoors without compromising style,” with designs made to move from street to trail and back again. They donate 1% of r sales and 100% of event profits to foundations that provide mental wellness resources to communities that need it most. “We believe mental health is physical health,” they say. They also aim to use all recycled fabrics by 2026. Check out their Trailmix Pants that have four-way stretch, water wicking and breathable with zip pocked—as good for travel as the trail.
Salewa, which makes hiking and climbing shoes as well as clothing, makes some clothing out of Dryton, a high-performance fabric that is partially made from corn starch, using less carbon emissions. It wicks moisture, is lightweight, provides UV protection, and dries fast.
Got scratched sunglasses? Rather than buy a new pair, send them back to Fuse. Starting at $24.95 you can get new ones for your particular sport- sailing, hiking, snow sports, etc.
And if you are struggling to find a guide—or appropriate gear- a new platform Cache Seven is aimed to connect you to pros in climbing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, kiting and surfing, cycling, sailing, and skiing. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can meet the pros and see what gear they suggest and if you like, find the right guide and best brands for your adventure.
I love the towels (especially the new National Parks design $39.95) from Nomadix that dry four times faster , repel sand and absorb 4x their weight in water. They are made with recycled materials and the company supports environmental causes with a portion of sales. I love that they pack small too!
Icebreaker is another company that walks the walk. The company’s products are more than 96 percent plastic-free with merino wool traced back to the source. Since 2018, they have prioritized relationships with growers by offering 10-year supply contracts, enabling them to care for their sheep and nurture the ecosystem. Not only do they aim to take unnecessary plastic out of performance apparel, but they want you to use their products year after year. I love that their base layers, especially for women, can stand alone and are breathable and odor-resistant.
I’m a fan of Hestra gloves, another company that wants you to use their gloves season after season whether you are skiing, climbing or biking Hestra’s leather supplier focuses on local tanneries with advanced environmental technology. Vermont-based Gordini has developed CLUTCH, a responsible alternative to animal leather that is more durable and breathable and uses just four chemicals, consuming just 40 per cent of the water. There are gloves, socks, and goggles for kids as well as adults. I love their SoleKNIT socks that combine a moisture-wicking interior with an outer layer that creates a quilted effect keeping your feet warm and dry.
Remember, the right gear can help you move better and keep you more comfortable outdoors. Kudos to companies providing that gear more sustainably –and helping you look good too.