My Favorite Gear from Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

I wasn’t planned to make it out to Outdoor Retailer this summer but an industry friend of mine asked if I wanted to fish for a few days after the show. Anyone who knows me well knows that I can’t turn down an offer to go fishing, even if it is after a dull OR. So I packed up my bags expecting to have a slower show experience but was pleasantly surprised at the renewed energy at the Salt Palace.

Outdoor Retailer was surprisingly, not bad. Actually, it was pretty good. It definitely wasn’t the OR of yore; it was something completely different, a friend of mind said it well, it seems the grieving stage is over and this is a new OR. And if you think of it from that lens, just pretend that this a brand new tradeshow without the famed history its had, you’ll judge it differently. And from that perspective, the show was pretty good!

After walking the halls for a couple days, I found enough product to say the trip was worth it. Here were some of my favorite finds.

Crazy Creek AirCliner – $124.95 – Available Now
The Crazy Creek AirCliner revolutionizes outdoor seating with its inflatable design, offering plush comfort in a highly portable package. This versatile chair combines the support of Crazy Creek’s classic design with the convenience of air inflation, making it perfect for everything from backpacking trips to stadium events. At $124.95, the AirCliner’s vibrant blue color and innovative construction make it a standout option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking lightweight luxury in the wild.

Grand Trunk Compass 360° UC Swivel Stool – Ultra Compact – $99.99 – Available Now
The Grand Trunk Compass 360° UC Swivel Stool redefines portable seating with its ultra-compact design, collapsing to a mere 7.5 inches for effortless transport. Despite its tiny pack size, this innovative stool offers full 360-degree rotation and supports up to 260 lbs, making it a versatile companion for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor event-goers alike. Weighing just 1.2 lbs and featuring an integrated seat for rapid setup, the Compass 360° UC strikes an impressive balance between convenience and comfort in the great outdoors.

Adventure Trail Outfitters – The Overland Shower and Water System- $895 – Available Now
I found this shower running on display at the Arkansas booth, shooting hot water at high pressure for all passerbyers to see. For overlanders and off-grid enthusiasts, high pressure showers is a luxury and this comprehensive system features an EL5 tankless LP water heater housed inside an injection-molded polypropylene case, complete with a 5′ flex hose shower wand and water filtration. Weighing in at 33 lbs and measuring 19.5″W x 24.5″H x 7″D, this compact unit brings the comfort of a hot shower to even the most remote locations, making it a game-changer for extended outdoor adventures.

Lacaida – Lincoln Rope – $269 – Available Now
Another brand I saw at the Arkansas booth was Lacaida with their UIAA Dry Metered Rope. This rope sets a new standard for safety and performance in the vertical world. This vibrant pink 50-meter rope, measuring 9.6mm in diameter, features innovative meter markings to help climbers accurately gauge their progress and remaining rope length. As the only rope with meter markings designed to keep climbers safe, it offers peace of mind for both novice and experienced climbers tackling challenging routes.

Zippo Heated Seats – $39.95 to $49.95 – Available Q3 2024
Zippo’s new Heated Seats bring comfort to chilly outdoor events with their innovative Single and Double models. These water-resistant cushions feature three adjustable heat settings, a power bank storage pocket, and a versatile design that attaches easily to existing seats or benches. The Double Heated Seat, priced at $49.95 MSRP, offers independent heating for seat and back cushions, making it a game-changer for couples or individuals seeking extra warmth and comfort during cold-weather activities.