Scaled down in size from its pre-pandemic look, Outdoor Retailer 2022 reemerged from its one-year hiatus to give us a look at new innovative gear, emerging companies, and updates to classics. The smaller size provided for a more intimate show in Denver, giving everyone a better chance to interact and learn. Below are some of the most innovative and noteworthy products at Outdoor Retailer 2022, which took place from January 26th to the 28th. Many of these will be available for purchase at Sunnysports during the 2022 fall and winter season.
Hot Bento
The Hot Bento self-heating lunch box was one of the best products I saw at Outdoor Retailer 2022. With healthy eating trends skyrocketing, people who work outside of the office setting can get a hot meal made at home. Hot Bento is also unveiling other products geared toward outdoors enthusiasts to heat food and water from anywhere.
Coalatree + Acteev
A collaboration between Coalatree and Acteev has produced a fantastic sun and hiking shirt. It is infused with zinc to offer unparalleled sun protection as you spend time outside. Zinc’s natural odor-fighting punch is naturally embedded into the fabric. This means the protection will last and can be trusted to keep your skin safe. While both of these brands are already sustainable to the core, wearing this shirt will help the environment just the same. With the sun protection the shirt offers, there’s no need to wear sunblock. Plus, you can wear this shirt multiple times without odors or stenches building up, decreasing the water needed to wash it. Overall, I was very impressed with this duo but they have stiff competition with so many other outdoor clothing manufacturers.
Rab
Did you know a down jacket could have titanium in it? Neither did I! Somehow, Rab did it. Their new Mythic Ultra Jacket uses cutting-edge TILT technology to offer 900 down fill in a lightweight form. In addition, they have engineered titanium down to the molecular level and woven it into the fibers to create a more robust and more durable jacket. Overall, it weighs just over one pound for a medium which is incredible for how warm this down jacket will be.
Oakley
Oakley has fused the ski/snowboard helmet and goggles into one unit. Don’t worry — you can still unclip the goggles and attach them to your head when you want them off. But when it comes to hitting the slopes, the new Oakley helmet will ensure that your head stays warm and your goggles stay on. These look incredibly slick, and the practicality is there too. You can find other helmet and goggle options at Sunnysports.
GotBag
We all know ocean plastic is a significant issue afflicting the earth. With trash heaps growing bigger by the day in the Pacific, GotBag created a solution. They are the world’s first backpack made from 100% recycled ocean plastic. Each bag is a wild seven pounds of plastic from the ocean. The bags are large enough to fit a 13- or 15-inch laptop and are waterproof. If you need a new backpack and want to help deplete the plastic in the ocean, you have your product.
Samaya
Four-season tents are notorious for being heavy and bulky as they have to withstand snow and wind and keep you warm inside. Samaya has raised the bar by offering a sub-four-pound four-season tent that can handle 80-mph winds. The hexagonal shape helps provide better wind protection and increased interior space. They market it as a 2–3-person tent. With its bright pink color, no one will be missing their tents anytime soon!
Be sure to look out for some of these products when available for purchase at Sunnysports!
Article and Photos by Alec Sills-Trausch
Alec is a photographer, writer, and avid hiker who enjoys pushing the limits to find incredible destinations. He hopes through his work to inspire others to get outside and to respect planet earth so future generations can enjoy it just the same. He’s also a cancer survivor. And, he hopes to use his voice to show that you can have a wonderful life after the treatment.
