Are You Ready for a Bumpy Economic Ride? Volume 18 I ssue 1 | WINTER 2023 www.insideoutdoor.com OUTDOOR RETAILER RETURNS TO UTAH QUICK PEEK AT 2023-24 Winter Product Showcase Joining the 2nd-hand Outdoor Boom
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InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 4 14 I ndependent Retailers Ride the Wave of Second-hand Outdoor Boom With inventory glut and wobbly consumer demand, some headwinds point to a traditional specialty outdoor market in early 2023, but an underreported bright spot remains the growth in used outdoor gear and apparel, which is the tip of the spear for a global secondhand marketplace. 16 H OUSEKEEPING Tips to Do NOW With 2022 in the rearview mirror, it is time to reflect on what worked well and what needs improvement in the coming year. Consider these guideline as you begin 2023. By Richie Sayner 18 2023-24Winter Product Showcase 18 Gear & Gadgets 23 Apparel 33 Footwear 36 Accessories & Impulse Items 6 Editor’s Letter 38 Ad Index 8 Utah Welcomes OR Back to Salt Lake City For the first time in five years, the Outdoor Retailer (OR) Show returns to Salt Lake City, but a boycott by major industry player remains in effect. By Bruce Christian 12 C ontinued Bumpy Economic Ride Forecast for 2023 A burning question retailers want to know going into the new year is will the economic roller-coaster even out, or are we heading into a recession? By Bruce Christian C O N T E N T S WINTER 2023 INSIDEOUTDOOR MAGAZINE Volume 18 I ssue 1 | WINTER 2021 www.insideoutdoor.com F/W ’21/’22 NEW PRODUCT SHOWCASE ROLLING INTO WINTER ’22 REP NEWS & NOTES SUPPLY CHAIN SHIFTS S C IN Low-Pill Fleece F W ’ /’ RODUC S O i Fl c 18 8 12 Are You Ready for a Bumpy Economic Ride? y Volume 18 I ssue 1 | WINTER 2023 www.insideoutdoor.com OUTDOOR RETAILER RETURNS TO UTAH O LER ETUR S T UTAH QUICK PEAK AT 2023-24 Winter Product Showcase T 2 2 W n e t Joining the 2nd-hand Outdoor Boom t d Ou
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InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 6 Greetings, Change is inevitable, as you know. For example, you may have seen my name on the stories posted on our website but now, I have made it into the pages of Inside Outdoor Magazine. Longtime Editor-in-Chief Martin Vilaboy has handed over the reins, so he can focus on other areas of company business. Martin has been with the magazine since it launched two decades ago, and he has worked with the industry even longer. I never will have his expertise and understanding of the sector, so I am going to ask you to be patient as I learn the ropes, and I thank him for all his years guiding Inside Outdoor Magazine. As we embark on this change together, I promise to do my best. I will listen to you, and I will need your help. Until now my definition of outdoor camping would be to attend a John Waters film festival at a drive-in theater. I plan to approach Inside Outdoor Magazine the way Martin describes it: “We’re not an ‘industry’ mouthpiece pushing marketing agendas, and we’re not simply aggregators of news and PR. IO was created to help outdoor retailers, vendors and other community members navigate these disruptive years of retail through original, relevant and forward-thinking business information and analysis, along with the healthiest portions of market moves and trends and the latest in new products. To our advertising partners, that translates into a large and loyal audience.” I will do my best to follow Martin’s blueprint, and you should let me know if I stray. In the meantime, to keep the publication afloat, we depend on advertising. The more advertising we receive, the larger the publication can be. So, if you are a vendor or retailer and want to continue to reach this loyal audience, seek out our advertising rates from our founder and CEO, Berge Kaprelian, at 480.503.0770 or berge@bekabusinessmedia.com. You may reach me with your story ideas and publication suggestions by email at bruce@bekabusinessmedia.com or by calling 602-840-4752. Thank you, and let’s get started. Bruce Christian From the Editor Bruce Christian Editor-in-Chief bruce@bekabusinessmedia.com Brady Hicks Editor brady@bekabusinessmedia.com Martin Vilaboy Consulting Editor martin@bekabusinessmedia.com Percy Zamora Art Director percy@bekabusinessmedia.com Rob Schubel Digital Manager rob@bekabusinessmedia.com Jen Vilaboy Ad Production Director jen@bekabusinessmedia.com Berge Kaprelian Group Publisher berge@bekabusinessmedia.com Anthony Graffeo Publisher anthony@bekabusinessmedia.com Beka Business Media Berge Kaprelian President and CEO Jim Bankes Business Accounting Corporate Headquarters 10115 E Bell Road, Suite 107 - #517 Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 Voice: 480.503.0770 Email: berge@bekabusinessmedia.com © 2023 Beka Business Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in any form or medium without express written permission of Beka Business Media, is prohibited. Inside Outdoor and the Inside Outdoor logo are trademarks of Beka Business Media IO ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN EDITOR
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 8 For the first time in five years, the Outdoor Retailer (OR) Show returns to Salt Lake City, but not everyone in the sector will be there. Several companies are keeping their promise to boycott because of the stance some Utah politicians have taken relative to two designated national monuments and public lands: Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante. More than two dozen outdoor industry companies indicated last February they would boycott the show if it returned to Salt Lake City, including major players such as REI Coop, Patagonia, Inc., The North Face, Oboz Footwear, Sierra Designs, Therm-A-Rest, Timberland, Helinox USA and Arc’teryx. In a letter, the group wrote: “We’ve joined together in stating that we will not support or attend a trade show event in Utah so long as its elected officials continue attacks on national monuments and public lands protections. Industry leaders are expressing their support for the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition and its longstanding efforts to protect the homeland of the Tribes and Pueblos with cultural ties to the Bears Ears landscape, as well as the overwhelming majority of the outdoor industry and the American public. “Despite widespread industry objections, Emerald [Expositions] has demonstrated a continued interest in moving the Outdoor Retailer trade show to Utah, a state that leads the fight against designated national monuments and public lands.” Despite the signees’ announced intention, OR announced in March that it would return to Salt Lake City. At the time, OR’s show director Marisa Nicholson explained the organization surveyed members and learned that Salt Lake City was the “preferred location across the community.” So, the show will go on as planned, Jan. 10-12, at the Salt Palace Convention Center, and according to the OR event website, nearly 400 vendors were planning to attend as of mid-December. When the return to Salt Lake City was announced, Nicholson said the show organizer was in talks with Utah officials regarding what the organization values and supports, and she said the political officials’ views align closely with the industry’s. In fact, a Business with Purpose Committee was formed comprising state and local officials along with members of the outdoor community to explore issues that are valuable and important to the industry and how everyone can work together to drive those issues forward. UtahWelcomes OR Back to Salt Lake City By Bruce Christian
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InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 10 The political battle over the national monuments, however, continues. The two areas were designated as national monuments by President Obama in 2016. The amount of land designated was gutted by President Trump in 2017, which is what prompted OR to move its winter and summer shows to Denver. According to a report in the Desert News, the perceptions of the elected leaders who supported Trump’s action ran low among some outdoor recreation industry heavy hitters. Shortly after his election in 2020, President Biden reinstated the national monuments to the original land size, and that prompted Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes to file suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Utah alleging Biden’s action was “an abusive federal overreach.” Signing on in support of the suit reads like a “who’s who” of Utah elected officials including Sens. Mitt Romney and Mike Lee and Gov Spencer Cox. The lawsuit argues the two national monuments cover a combined 3.2 million acres and violates the Antiquities Act of 1906, which limits U.S. presidents to create monuments “confined to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.” The day after Reyes filed his suit, a coalition of conservation groups and in partnership with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, the Natural Resources Defense Council and Native America tribes responded with a countersuit. Earthjustice represents the coalition and says it will use every “legal tool” to defend the monuments and the Antiquities Act itself. The coalition, together with Native American tribes that urged the Obama administration to establish the Bears Ears National Monument, also challenged Trump’s 2017 dismantling of the monuments. That case is pending. “For its 116-year existence, nearly every U.S. President has used the Antiquities Act to protect some of our nation’s most treasured and important landscapes and waters,” said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO for National Parks Conservation Association. “The Grand Canyon, Olympic, Acadia and dozens more of our national parks are protected today because of the existence of this law and the foresight of those who used it. This lawsuit is another blatant attempt to strip away protections for the lands this important conservation law safeguards. As we’ve said time and time again, an attack on one monument is an attack on all. We will continue to fight to ensure all national monuments are protected now and for the future.” In 1920, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Theodore Roosevelt’s use of the Antiquities Act to protect 800,000 acres in Arizona when he declared the Grand Canyon a national monument. Since then, presidents routinely have designated monuments of a million acres or more – like the Death Valley, Glacier Bay, Gates of the Arctic and the Wrangell St-Elias national monuments – many of which have become national parks According to Chris Krupp of WildEarth Guardians, “Most Utahns support the Bears Ears and GrandStaircase-Escalante monument designations and want these places protected.” He called the state’s lawsuit “political theater.” While the legal battle continues in the courts, Utah leaders are happy that OR has returned. The Desert News reported the show is “an economic juggernaut” that generates tens of millions of dollars in economic activity with each of its seasonal show (winter and summer). “But the world’s biggest gathering of outdoor-focused retailers and service providers also drives broader, and harder to measure, reputational cachet for its host cities among outdoor enthusiasts and the multibilliondollar industries that keep those devotees geared up,” the longest-running newspaper in Utah wrote, citing a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report that finds the national outdoor recreation economy outperformed the overall U.S. economy in 2021, growing 18.9 percent compared to national economic growth that came in at 5.9 percent for the year. Utah’s slice of the outdoor recreation action accounted for 2.7 percent of the state’s gross domestic product in 2021, according to the report, and generated more than $6 billion in economic activity for the year. The analysis found nearly 67,000 Utahns were employed in outdoor recreationrelated jobs in 2021, and their earnings accounted for 4 percent of the total for Utah workers last year. Historically, during the life of the Outdoor Retailer in Utah – prior to its move to Denver – the show generated more than $565 million in direct delegate spending, according to Visit Salt Lake, while accounting for $52 million in local, county and state taxes. Those contributions to tax coffers provided annual tax relief of $1,238 for every Salt Lake County household. m
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 12 One burning question retailers want to know going into the new year is: Will the economic rollercoaster ride even out? Since March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in stark changes to the economic world and how business is done worldwide, the economy has been volatile. During the past year we are beginning to see positive signs of recovery from shutdowns in manufacturing and the effects that had on the supply chain, and yes, the inflationary pressures caused by the supply chain problems and the government’s COVID stimulus programs. But during the past two years, we’ve also seen a new paradigm emerge in the relationship between employer and employees because of the so-called “Great Resignation” and the ever-present “Silent Quitting.” The further distance we put between the onset of the pandemic, the stronger the economy appears to be. Or is it? Perhaps there was just too much damage done by the pandemic to resume growth at the levels that were apparent prior to it? For the past year, economists and financial professionals have been predicting a recession. Yet, strong job growth and the gentle tamping down – in the last three months – of inflation makes that forecast questionable. While some major investment bankers say a mild recession may become reality late in the year or early in 2024, others say the way the Federal Reserve is managing inflation may allow us to escape recession altogether. Even the National Retail Federation (NRF) isn’t quite sure. NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz acknowledges the U.S. economy’s rate of growth is slowing, but consumers remain financially healthy. However, he says there is about a 33 percent chance it will be “touch and go” in 2023. Holiday spending overall was good, but does that portend anything for the coming year? Kleinhenz said that “despite record levels of inflation, rising interest rates and low levels of confidence, consumers have been steadfast in their spending and remain in the driver’s seat.” So what does all this mean for the retail industry, and especially the outdoor sector, which experienced a resurgence of popularity during the pandemic lock down, as people seemed to rediscover the great outdoors. According to Forrester – the company that produces research to help businesses pursue their most pressing initiatives – this year will not necessarily end the roller-coaster ride. In its research, Forrester concludes that in 2023 retailers and brand manufacturers will balance their growth strategies with tactics to manage continued uncertain economic and (post-) pandemic conditions as well as rising consumer expectations. Forrester suggests retailers will choose between doubling down on or outright outsourcing supply chain capabilities. “They’ll turn (or even return) to automation to both shore up staffing and raise competencies in-store and at headquarters. And they’ll find that paid membership programs and retail media success depend on yet more investment, not dabbling.” It also states online-only brands are in for a “reckoning,” listing an “omnichannel presence” as one of five trends detailed in its Predictions 2023: Retail report. The report estimates that total U.S. retail sales in 2023 will hit $4.7 trillion, of which online sales will top $1.1 trillion. “To succeed, retailers must focus on becoming ‘future fit’ as they position their business model, marketing, stores, and operations to weather and grow through economic issues — not least of which is global inflation — and into the post-pandemic world,” the report states. Among Forrester’s 2023 Retail predictions are: Continued Bumpy Economic Ride Forecast for 2023 By Bruce Christian
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 13 • Retail’s “e-pocalypse” will bankrupt U.S. online-only brands that lack a physical strategy – As consumers revert to pre-pandemic behaviors, the year-over-year change in online retail penetration in 2023 will settle back at 1.5 percent (down from 3.5 percent in 2020), meaning that 76 percent of total U.S. retail sales will occur offline. In 2023, midmarket to enterprise-level pure-play retailers will need to choose one of three options: • Open physical stores • Develop shop-in-shop locations or wholesale partnerships • Close their (virtual) doors • Retailers will choose one of two supply chain paths: own it or outsource it – Companies such as American Eagle Outfitters and Gap Inc. now offer supply chain as a service, orchestrating execution of contract manufacturing, transportation or storage to share capacity with other brands. But some retailers will opt to outsource outright — moving resources, talent and capital into more customer-facing functions that include marketing, commerce, tech and customer experience. • Automation will be the savior for continued retail labor shortages – Ripple effects from the Great Resignation will force retailers and brands to invest more heavily — and more strategically — in automation. Investments will automate functions required to run the business in corporate areas (e.g., marketing, HR, analytics) — and in the store. • Paid membership programs will boom, but most will be so-so programs that fizzle fast – Taking a page from programs such as Amazon Prime, Costco and Walmart+, Forrester predicts many retailers will channel marketing dollars into a glut of paid membership programs to cultivate recurring customer relationships and more predictable revenue streams. But unless a retailer can articulate clearly to customers why they should sign up and stick with the program, the ROI on that spend will tank. • Retail media strategies will yield far more conversation for most than actual revenue – The bottomline impact of retail media dollars will be notable for only a few massive retailers — and remain negligible for most others. Forrester expects the U.S. market to double to $62 billion by 2024, up from $29 billion in 2021. It says retailers should compete for retail media dollars with advertising in their stores that will reach far more customers than their digital properties. m For more information, you can access the Forrester's predictions hub by going here: https://www. forrester.com/predictions/?utm_ source=chainstoreage&utm_ medium=pr&utm_campaign= predictions_2023
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 14 With a widespread inventory glut and wobbly consumer demand, some headwinds are emerging for the traditional specialty outdoor market in early 2023. Yet despite that darkness on the horizon, there is an underreported bright spot – the steady drumbeat of growth in used outdoor gear and apparel, which is the tip of the spear for a global secondhand marketplace estimated to be more than $119 billion in 2022 and predicted to double in size within the next five years, according to a report on ThreadUp.com. For consumers, rising interest in sustainable retail is more than an urge for thriftiness: it’s a response to well-publicized impacts of the retail industry. According to a February 2022 article in Bloomberg, more than 85 percent of apparel ends up being discarded within a year. Meanwhile, new apparel and footwear sales make up for 8 percent of climate impact worldwide, which is a bigger carbon footprint than airline flights and shipping trips combined. And among retailers, a growing number of independent specialty stores are committed to used gear and apparel because they have realized that “re-commerce” isn’t just about finding a home for old products – it’s about creating new customers and an affordable new entry point into the outdoor world. “Traditional retail is being challenged because it’s doing business the same way it always has,” said Aaron Provine, president of Geartrade, a national online marketplace for used gear and apparel. “But the ‘UnNew’ marketplace is rising in prominence because it’s directly responding to what consumers want. This embrace of secondhand market is a huge evolution for the outdoor industry, as it’s the key to what sustainable retail is going to look like.” At Trail Head, an independent specialty retail storefront founded in 1974 in Missoula, Mont., owner Todd Frank launched a consignment section of his brick-and-mortar location in November 2020. He credits the idea to his college-aged daughter who had seen the rising popularity of used gear and apparel among her Independent Retailers Ride the Wave of Second-hand Outdoor Boom
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 15 peers. In 2022, year-to-date sales for the Trail Head’s used consignment section included more than 9,000 items, at a margin of slightly more than 40 percent. “It’s the part of my business I’m most optimistic about,” said Frank. “Our used consignment store within our traditional retail operation continues to grow and seems to be insulated from the glut of stock in the traditional channel. It has introduced new consumers for us that had migrated to deal shopping online.” For brick-and-mortar retailers like Frank, the rule of thumb on consignment is that it gets people in the doors twice – once to drop off the gear they are selling, and once to pick up their payment. Like all consignment retailers, the Trail Head tiers its commission based on the price of the items, as well as whether the customer wants cash or is willing to take store credit. According to Frank, the Trail Head works with its customers to set a “pretty aggressive” price, and that 72 percent of those customers opt for the store credit. While clearly bullish on the opportunities of used gear and apparel for specialty retailers, Frank also offered a word of warning to go along with his encouragement. “I’d make sure anyone that wants to do it understands who shops it,” said Frank. “Most of our consignors are regular customers and are often getting rid of old so they feel better about buying new.” That desire for a “feel-good” purchase is a common thread throughout the used gear marketplace, as early consumer research data point to its practicality, affordability and its inherent sustainability — i.e., for those seeking to lower their carbon footprint, the most sustainable piece of gear is the thing that already has been made. According to Park City-based Snowsports Industries America (SIA), about 40 percent of used gear buyers are doing it because they see a direct link between used gear and a benefit for the environment. That desire for proactive environmentalism also is reflected in the 2021 Protect Our Winters Annual Report, in which 82 percent of its members expressed a strong desire to find individual actions that can help them reduce their carbon footprint. Despite the broad interest in used gear among outdoor enthusiasts, the cost of shipping large items – such as skis, bikes and other sizable hard goods – historically has limited secondhand opportunities to towns with savvy and forward-looking brick-andmortar retailers like the Trail Head But Provine and Geartrade have built an exception to that rule, developing a thriving re-commerce marketplace that serves a national audience. Since acquiring Geartrade in late 2019, Provine’s growth has been steady and significant, quadrupling the annual gross revenue and increasing his margin intake tenfold. He also has managed to achieve that growth within specific sustainability goals, achieving carbon neutral certification for the last two years. “The primary obstacle to overall growth of the Geartrade community – as well as the national used gear marketplace – is certainly not in the ability to purchase used gear. The problem is the selling part, which is a big ball of time and effort required to prepare a piece of gear for a sale, as well as the unexpected costs of shipping which quickly eat away at any profit,” said Provine. To overcome those hurdles, Provine and the Geartrade team spent 18 months on the development and creation of a national “consignment service,” which is essentially an ‘Easy Button’ for sellers of used gear that was launched in the fall of 2021. The Geartrade service includes delivery of a free postage-paid box to the sellers and an in-house concierge service that receives, evaluates, photographs and posts all product sales on their behalf. Combining a robust and proven peer-to-peer online sales platform with an overlay of sophisticated shipping and logistics as well as expert human elements needed to price a piece of gear or apparel accurately and communicate that information to the seller, the Geartrade Consignment Service has captured the attention of the outdoor industry, earning a spot as a finalist of the 2023 Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards Since the rollout of the Geartrade Consignment Service, overall sales volume has increased by more than 200 percent while gross margin dollars have increased 700 percent. “It’s been a crazy year, and we’re certainly psyched about the Geartrade growth trajectory,” said Provine. “It’s incredibly satisfying to see how used gear and apparel has gone from an afterthought to being a primary consideration of outdoor consumers. Because at the end of day, an increasing awareness of the relationship between consumption and sustainability is a good thing for all of us.” m
With 2022 in the rearview mirror, it is time to reflect on what worked well and what needs improvement in the coming year. Consider these guideline as you begin 2023. • Health • Long-term planning • Inventory • Expenses • Vendors • Staffing Health Make this priority No. 1. Without good physical, mental, and financial health nothing else really matters. If you can’t take care of your own health, taking care of your business health is going to be difficult if not impossible. Staying healthy involves proper nutrition, exercising regularly and getting plenty of rest. This sounds basic and perhaps even trite, but you would be surprised by the number of store owners that don’t take care of their health and pay a hefty price for not doing so. By Ritchie Sayner HOUSEKEEPING Tips to Do NOW InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 16
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 17 Is your business financially fit? Now is time to assess your financial health. Are you cash flow positive? If so, did you plan to be that way or did you get lucky? Lady Luck can be fickle and can turn against you quickly. Doing a cash flow plan regularly is a simple exercise that can reveal where potential problems exist. If you do not have a good cash flow form, feel free to contact me and I will send you one. Warning: In most cases, if you continually use current season sales to pay previous season’s invoices, you have a problem! Think Long-term Most of us get so wrapped up in solving immediate problems (aka. Putting out the small fires), that we do very little long-term planning. I bet many of you will spend more time planning your vacation than you will do giving thought to the first quarter of 2023 let alone 2-3 years from now. Management One President, Mike Alic, summed it up perfectly by saying, “If you don’t lay the foundation for the next big thing in your business today, you won’t be ready to make the move tomorrow.” Examples that require longterm planning might include a remodel, a new space, adding another location, a new POS system, overhaul of the website, or a major shift in personnel to name a few. What long-term projects are you currently planning? Operating expenses January is the absolute best time of the year to review the year-end profit and loss statement. This document is too critical to your ultimate success to be simply filed away. You should have industry benchmarks for all major expense categories as well as initial markup and margin expectations. You will want to make sure that your yearend results are in line with industry averages and that there is sufficient spread between gross margin and total expenses. If you are not comfortable reading this statement or how to interpret its results, I can easily show you in 5 minutes. All you have to do is reach out. Inventory When it comes to reviewing inventory, there are several considerations at year end. Reviewing the existing class structure is a logical starting point. Does the current category hierarchy fit your existing business? I review class structures regularly for stores. What I typically find is that they rarely change. It is not uncommon to find classifications in a system that have had very little if any activity for years in some cases. These should be eliminated, needless to say. On the other hand, sometimes a category or class has grown to the point that the data provided is so cumbersome that the information is of little value. This would be an example of a class that should be broken down into smaller more controllable sub-classes. Planning at a smaller level allows the merchant to make better buying decisions and identify potential problems more quickly. If you have taken a year-end physical inventory, January is a good time to reconcile the inventory. Make certain you know where and why shrinkage problems exist. Without this knowledge, you can’t address the problem. It is also a good time to review any procedures related to inventory accuracy. This could include transfers between stores, receiving practices, how customer returns and vendor returns are handled, and if markdowns are being recorded properly. Vendors Now that the year is complete, the current resource matrix should be evaluated. If you are a store that finds itself overbought often, perhaps you are carrying too many vendors. This can also lead to duplications in assortment which is a major contributor to profit-eating markdowns. Supply chain disruptions, customer service, shipping accuracy, need to be taken into account. Use a vendor scorecard that takes into consideration not only sales, but margin and ROI (return on investment). This is an excellent tool for vendor negotiations if needed. Staffing Another important area to review is current staffing needs. Do you have the right people in the right seats on the bus, as Jim Collins describes in his management book Good to Great? A great employee will not help the organization in the best way possible if his or her talents are not utilized effectively. Good sales associates do not necessarily make good managers and good buyers don’t always make good merchandise managers. All of these positions require completely different skill sets. The points just provided make a good template to begin a year-end review process. Any of these topics would provide excellent material for management meetings. By reviewing these six major areas and implementing any needed changes, you can set up 2023 to be a banner year. m
PRODUCT REVIEWS WINTER 2023-2024 Gear & Gadgets InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 18 PRODUCT MARKET SHOWCASE | WINTER 2023/2024 Elan’s Playmaker Transforms Mountains into Playgrounds Elan Skis, handcrafted skis made entirely in the Slovenian Alps for nearly 80 years, transforms the entire mountain into your own playground on the all-new Playmaker. Designed for the pop and playful freeskier who wants the versatility to perform in freeride environments. From pillows and spines to wind lips and jumps, the Playmaker allows skiers to surf and slash through any terrain feature. The two-ski series blends the trusted capabilities of a directional freeride ski with the personality of a bi-directional freestyle ski by featuring state-of-the-art 3D construction with carbon rods that deliver a lightweight pop and power and enhanced by the skis surf rocker with Dual Float Technology that delivers bi-directional floatation. The Playmaker is offered in two widths and is designed to be a unisex ski. Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Trekking Poles The Cascade Mountain Tech Aluminum Quick Lock Trekking Poles are light, durable and adjustable to accommodate hikers of varying heights. Designed to reduce the impact on your knees, back and hips, these poles will help you go further, faster. Cork grips are comfortable and easy on the hands while the tungsten carbide tip will improve traction on muddy, rocky, slippery and snowy terrain. A variety of included rubber tips and baskets provide excellent versatility. Each set of trekking poles comes packaged in a travel bag. And to save space, each three-section trekking pole disassembles into a 20.75” upper piece, a 20” middle piece, and a 21.25” lower piece. Sojourn Osprey launches an expanded Sojourn Series including Sojourn Porter travel packs, Sojourn wheeled travel packs and Sojourn Shuttle wheeled duffels designed for travelers whose destination has no limits. Features include Osprey’s time-tested StraightJacket compression and foam padded sidewalls to provide security and protection for gear in transit. Rolling bags are built on Osprey’s HighRoad Chassis with oversized wheels that smooth out rough terrain and feature buttonless grip. The Sojourn series is built with bluesign approved, heavy-duty 100 percent recycled fabrics and treated with DWR treatments made without PFAS.
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 19 PRODUCT MARKET SHOWCASE | WINTER 2022/2023 Aoede Messenger MSRP $90 The Osprey Aoede series is an urban, minimalistic collection featuring a refined aesthetic appropriate for everyday and professional use. The Aoede Messenger features an adjustable, padded shoulder strap, secure zippered access and a sleeve that fits most laptops up to 14”. The Aeode Series is built with bluesign approved 840D 100 percent recycled ballistic nylon and treated with DWR treatments made without PFAS. Also available in Aoede Briefback (MSRP $150), Aoede Daypack (MSRP $140), Aeode Crossbody (MSRP $140). TSL Trekking Poles – Move Carbon/Alu 2 These poles provide natural and powerful support for the edge of your hand, helping you avoid the needless gripping of the handle. They also feature detachable straps which help to prevent losing the poles on steep slopes, and they’re secure but offer instant unclipping in case you take a tumble. Wildwater Dry Bags Built for the hardcore rafter, kayaker and overlander but ideal for the casual beachgoer, paddle boarder and boater, Osprey’s Wildwater Dry Bags expand the range of waterproof storage. Constructed with waterproof non-submersible (IPX5) technology to resist low-pressure water spray from all directions. Featuring an included shoulder strap as well as upper and lower D-rings that double as lash points, these durable dry bags are intended to be used on their own outside of a pack. Wildwater Dry Bags are built with double-sided ether based TPU over 210D 100 percent recycled nylon and fully RF welded to keep gear protected. Available in 8L (MSRP $35), 15L (MSRP $42.50), 25L (MSRP $50), 35L (MSRP $60), 50L (MSRP $70). Contact Us Today! insideoutdoor@bekapublishing.com | 480.503.0770
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 20 PRODUCT MARKET SHOWCASE | WINTER 2023/2024 KUIU’s Base Camp CORDURA Duffels Price: $149 This 20-inch duffle is perfect for the gym or the road. It’s built from the same high-quality CORDURA fabric that goes into KUIU’s expedition hunting packs. It features ample internal and external pockets for organizing your essentials and gear. Kita 330 The Kita is a Japanese-made rod. It is made to be a traditional style, level line casting Tenkara rod. It weighs under 2 ounces and casts light lines and light flies with precision. If you are looking for a traditional style Tenkara rod made in Japan under 11 feet then this is it. The Kita 330 Kit includes the Rod, rod tube, rod sock, line, line holder, flies, and tippet. The Kita 330 rod only includes the rod, rod tube and rod sock. Price: $245 Flaxta’s ‘Deep Space’ Ski Helmet Flaxta launches the next level of its head protection line. By partnering with the safe-tech ingredients twICEme, RECCO and Mips to instill safety and protection in the Deep Space Alpha Mips helmet. The Deep Space helmet draws on inspiration from across time and space, while staying true to Flaxta’s design philosophy and brand ethos. • twICEme is an integrated technology that allows users to store personal safety information in their equipment. Data such as allergies, previous injuries, emergency contacts, product information and more can be uploaded to the user’s profile via the twICEme app. Access to this information gives first responders a way to make decisions in the case of an emergency. • A RECCO avalanche rescue reflector makes it easier for rescue services to locate you if things go wrong. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) • Hybrid construction for optimized weight and durability • 100 percent recycled EPS core • Foamfit – adaptive foam for individual fit • Primaloft liner for added warmth • Fidlock magnetic buckle • Adjustable ventilation • Size adjustment system • Flaxta ID compatible Available at flaxta.com and through select retailers. Smith’s Triple-certified Summit MIPS Helmet Smith’s Summit MIPS snow helmet is designed to go light and go far across a variety of mountaineering endeavors. The hybrid shell construction blends a durable exterior with a lightweight in-molded shell in a minimalist approach that is triple-certified to meet global alpine ski certifications, international mountaineering standards and backcountry touring expectations. The ballcap-compatible shell design includes a low-profile integrated headlamp strap to route and keep a light in place, and ships with a cold weather beanie liner to address versatility in weather conditions. The Summit helmet (MSRP $230 USD / $280 CDN – Weight: 16 oz/400g, size medium) is offered in five colors – including Matte Algae/Olive in collaboration with outdoor utility tool manufacturer, VSSL – and is available at select retailers worldwide and online at smithoptics.com.
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 21 PRODUCT MARKET SHOWCASE | WINTER 2022/2023 Alpaca Duffel The Alpaca Duffel combines versatility with thoughtful travel features in a durable do-it-all duffel. The waterresistant TPU coating and 40 percent recycled 900D polyester keeps gear safe, in addition to the abrasion-resistant bottom with added foam. Travel friendly design features spare no detail like the expandable zippered end pocket to keep dirty clothes separate from your clean, and a bonus packing cube that doubles as the duffel’s packing and storage. The removable shoulder straps are comfortable and easy-to-use, and interior mesh pockets keep travel essentials organized. The oversized T-grip zipper and U-zip opening makes packing a breeze. Available in four-liter sizes - 40, 60, 80 and 100 liters. MSRP: $139.95 (40L) to $199.95 (100L) Verte – Resort Specific Ski Pack Verte is built for on-piste resort days with room for your ski essentials, a chairlift friendly design, and new CloudControl flexible hip belt for uninhibited movement on the descent. Like a goggle strap, the elasticized webbing on the hip belt stretches with the movement of your hips while providing support for your lower back. The sleek-looking design features quick access side pockets for chairlift snacks. The diagonal and A-frame ski and snowboard carry, open opportunities in the side country, and the padded front panel protects gear. A fulllength zipper with side gussets gives easy access to items at the bottom of your pack, and the insulated hydration sleeve keeps your reservoir hose from freezing. In addition, the snow shedding molded backpanel keeps snow from building up behind your back, while also minimizing moisture build up. MSPR: $109.95 (Verte 12), $149.95 (Verte 18) Radical 30+ Backpack – Flexible storage for every ski tour MSRP: $189 Radical 30+ backpack has smart features and great comfort for day tours and multi-day outings. Along with large rear zip access, it wins points with roll-top access that serve to expand volume. The pack offers two options for ski attachment: the Speed Attachment with DYNAFIT Ski Hooks with straps and hooks, or traditional on the side. A helmet and two ice axes can be attached to the pack’s exterior. There is a unisex pack or a women’s specific one. The women’s-specific fit lends comfort with its preformed back system that adapts to the natural shape of the spine, distributing the load ideally on the two-part hip belt. BCA’s Backcountry Access Stash Pro Pack When BCA released the Float E2 avalanche airbag last spring, people weren excited about the reduced weight and supercapacitor system. They raved about the blend of utility and design features. Enter the Stash Pro: a pack that boasts the same features as the Float E2 minus the airbag. This includes the Side Stash pocket, Back Stash zip, single-layer Ripstop fabrics, curved side access zippers, and “cooling fin” back panel. The Stash Pro is designed for full-day backcountry exploration or side country laps. Its durable, coated ripstop materials and compartments for all your gear makes it convenient to access layers, snacks and safety tools. The side stash pocket eliminates the need to take your pack off by allowing easy access to the items that you use most frequently. The back stash enables quick access to your BC Link radio. Arc’teryx’s Quiver Crossbody Pack MSRP: $200 No matter where you go, Arc’teryx’s Quiver keeps up. Designed for efficient organization, rapid access and a comfortable carry, it handles essential gear, lunch and light layers. The crossbody design rides comfortably and slings around for easy access. Internal compartments organize and protect your tablet and maps. External storage includes a stretch mesh pocket for your smartphone or water bottle and a top bungee system that holds your wind shell or toque.
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 22 PRODUCT MARKET SHOWCASE | WINTER 2023/2024 Pure Mountain Fun Pure Mountain Fun has introduced the Rider Pack, a hands-free snowboard carrier designed for children. The pocket-sized product focuses on simplifying the process of carrying a snowboard to the slopes without the hassle. Weighing under four ounces, the eco-friendly, tear-resistant Rider Pack fits like a backpack. Adjustable straps create a customized fit by users of various ages and abilities. The compact nature of the carrier allows it to fit in the pocket of a winter jacket. The Rider Pack was created through a collaboration between Pure Mountain Fun and Iowa State University Department of Industrial Design. Redbird Down Blanket MSRP: $550 SystemA followed a winter bouldering crew as it explored the rocks of Utah. Ultimate warmth and breathability are top of mind as it takes on varying conditions from the approach to active recovery, seeking the best spots along the way. One way to handle the elements is the Redbird Down Blanket. Arc’teryx style, versatility, premium materials saved from waste, this is a blanket – and poncho – that’s warm, ultralight and planet conscious. Its responsible-sourced, ultra-lofty 850 fill power goose down is augmented with synthetic insulation for performance in areas prone to moisture. The 7D Arato outer is silky and durable, a snap closure secures the fit, and it all stows into its own pocket for easy travel. Because material availability changes, they are limited editions. Marker Brings Simplicity to Backcountry Touring MSRP - Cruise 12 $649.99/ Cruise 10 $599.99 Marker’s Cruise binding features a 180-degree rotating heel for fast switching between walk and ski, along with an automatic brake lock release. The heel, made with bio-based plastic and carbon fibers, has independent adjustments for vertical and horizontal releases as well as two climbing aids. The Cruise features Marker’s Intuitive Step In Toe and a heel that requires 30 percent less force to step into than the Alpinist for faster and easier transitions. This, along with the Cruise 10 featuring a low 4-10 range of release values, make for a great solution for new and young touring skiers. Available in a Cruise 12 (6-12 non-ISO) and Cruise 10 (4-10 non-ISO) Sleep Well in Zenbivy’s CoreBed The Core Bed is Zenbivy’s simplest, softest and most affordable bed. Its quilt features the patent pending Fast Footbox. With a single clip, the quilt transitions from a mummystyle footbox for maximum warmth to a wide footbox for maximum freedom of movement. A backpacking quilt and separate fitted sheet attach to the mattress, creating an outdoor bed that is as warm and light as a mummy bag, while allowing for all natural sleep positions.Will be available in 10º down, 25º down, and 25º synthetic, paired with a Core Sheet that is available in both synthetic insulated and un-insulated versions. Mattresses, pillows and dry sacks are sold separately. zenbivy.com Völkl Blaze 114 Added to Blaze Collection Völkl expands its award-winning Blaze collection for Fall 23 with the addition of the Blaze 114, adding a true powder ski to its range of playful, lightweight freeride skis. The 114mm underfoot ski features a Hybrid Multilayer Woodcore with two ISO core stringers made of recycled PET and suspension tips and tails for responsive and easy handling. With Völkl’s 3D radius sidecut the Blaze 114 makes short order of tight tree sections and effortlessly makes big power turns in wide open bowls. Available in 176, 184, 192 MSRP - $749.99
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 23 PRODUCT MARKET SHOWCASE | WINTER 2022/2023 ScentLok Reveals Heated Base Shirt ScentLok Technologies introduces a battery-powered, heated base shirt addition to its Blackout line of outdoors apparel. Whether you’re in a deer stand late-season muzzle-loading, hiking, snowshoeing or winter angling, there’s nothing worse than getting cold. Sustainable warmth starts with the layer that is closest to your body. To that end, ScentLok introduces the BE:1 Trek Base Blackout Heated Shirt addition to its BE:1 Blackout line of outdoors apparel. ScentLok’s outdoors apparel designers combined the heated technology from its Reactor Heated Vest to provide a low bulk, heated base layer solution that’s next to the skin. The top uses fine merino wool bonded with Carbon Alloy for unprecedented odor protection, ScentLok’s proprietary Silver Alloy treatment to defend against bacterial growth, and Fusix technology treatment for additional odor adsorption. The three levels of supplemental heat are powered via a builtin USB power cable and easy, one-button control. The Base Blackout Heated Shirt can be powered by any 5V/2A battery or power bank (not included). This base layer can be worn as a normal base layer, and as temps drop, you can crank the heat. Handling Winter with MTN Surf The MTN Surf collection handles any winter day and any approach to the mountains. The collection focuses on keeping you cozy at the resort, and features a relaxed fit, plus a body mapped fabric layout that uses partially recycled twolayer fabrics to provide protection where you get wet and breathability where you flex and sweat. The MTN Surf Anorak ($440) offers stylish high performance for shredders drawn to the unique fit and performance of a pull over. The anorak features a relaxed cut and a body mapped fabric layout that uses two partially recycled polyester fabrics. ARTILECT Supermoon Bio Hoodie Women/Men – MSRP $180 Built to enhance performance and keep you warm, the Supermoon Bio Hoodie is perfect for outdoor adventures, active pursuits and lazy days. Ethically crafted from 260gsm 100 percent recycled PrimaLoft Bio fleece, a sustainable fabric that provides exceptional thermal insulation without the unnecessary bulk for true day-long comfort. This hoodie features an adjustable hood that fits snugly under a helmet and provides additional weather protection together with lycra cuffs for a touch of comfort during colder seasons. It’s finished with zippered pockets for stashing valuables on the go and the Artilect woven label on the front for an adventurous, modern look. Colors: Amaranth/Black, Black, Dark Slate/Black Apparel & Outwear
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 24 PRODUCT MARKET SHOWCASE | WINTER 2023/2024 Protect the Head MSRP: $29.99 For winter, Minus33 rolls out its Everyday Knit Collection of headwear and scarves. Made from 100 percent merino wool in a 235 g/m2 interlock knit, these pieces are warm when you need it without overheating you in the lodge, thanks to the fabric’s natural thermoregulating properties. Primaloft Hooded Jacket The CB Sports Primaloft Hooded Jacket is equipped with performance, style and functionality. Primaloft Black Rise gives low bulk and high warmth options to layer when necessary. Primaloft Black is also made with 80 percent recycled materials The nlyon taslan shell is protected with EverShield DOR shielding the wearer from water, oils, food products, mud, concrete, ice and others. Navy with a red stripe remains a classic CB heritage color. Check out https://www.cbsports.com/ for other fun colors in men’s and women’s styles. CB Sports is ready for the next generation of rippers to be a part of the fun! Men’s MTN Surf Bibs or MTN Surf Pants Women’s MTN Surf Bibs The MTN Surf Bibs or MTN Surf Pants ($429.95 for men and $380 for women) are built for shredding hard, hiking hard, and tweaking harder. The bibs feature a relaxed fit and a high performance, body mapped fabric layout that uses two partially recycled polyester fabrics. Re-Up Down Hoodie The Re-Up Down Hoodie ($330) is your best friend when temperatures drop and the flakes start falling. The hoodie offers sustainably produced warmth with the added functionality of an underthe-helmet hood. It’s made with 100 percent recycled 750-fill down, plus water repellent 100 percent recycled outer shell fabric and is made with recycled, premium quality down.
InsideOutdoor | WINTER 2023 25 PRODUCT MARKET SHOWCASE | WINTER 2022/2023 LIVSN’s Pants Made to Last The Flex Canvas Pants ($119) are durable and high-quality. These pants are casual enough to wear every day, and tough enough for outdoor pursuits. The Flex Canvas Pant features subtle design adjustments that offer a comfortable fit, plenty of features and high versatility. The Flex Canvas pant also has deep front pockets and a flattering, mobile fit in a truly durable package. They are made with LIVSN’s custom EcoFlex Canvas which is a 7.3 oz. duck canvas made with 58 percent GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, 40 percent recycled polyester, and 2 percent spandex. Specs: • Men: Available in Brown, Olive, Black, and Carmel, 29-40 waist, and 30/34 length • Women: Available in Olive, 0-20 waist, and 30/32 length • Durable and mobile outdoor pants with a tailored fit • Built to be versatile, comfortable, and tough • Made with sustainable 8oz EcoFlex Canvas • Useful features subtly integrated • Reinforced and refined construction • Snaps at cuff for a straight or tapered, shorter or longer fit at the leg opening • Deep, functional front pockets • Rear pockets secured with zippers • Integrated EDC pocket on thigh • Hidden security pocket in the left front pocket • Fabric Details: 58 percent organic cotton, 40 percent recycled polyester, 2 percent spandex • LIVSN - Affiliate Partners: Avantlink / Moosejaw Jack Wolfskin’s Fleece Are Versatile, Functional MSRP: $149.95 The Hydro Grid Fleece is similar to a Patagonia R1. A midlayer fleece that keeps you warm and dry without affecting your mobility. Made of Nanuk Dynamic BiGrid DWR this fleece is water-resistant, moisture-wicking, stretchy and insulating. Perfect for summits where the temperatures drop. Features include: • Chest pocket/two hip pockets • Fixed hood/Internal cuffs • Articulated elbows help with mobility and prevent tearing • Available in men’s (Sizes S-XXXL) and women’s (Sizes XS-XXL) Jack Wolfskin’s The High Cloud Fleece The High Cloud Fleece is perfect for morning walks, errands or putting on for your post-hike lunch. Reminiscent of the Patagonia Retro Pile fleece, the High Cloud Fleece is warm and soft with a brushed reverse side for extra comfort. Features include: Two zipped hand pockets/full-length front zip for wind protection Nanuk 300 Sherpa – soft fleece with a brushed reverse side Price: $109.95
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