Outdoor Retailer Winter + Snow Show 2018

Details: By Beau Johnston

This past January was slightly bittersweet for many of us in the in the outdoor industry. Marred by the State’s stance on the shrinking of Bear’s Ears National Monument, and the broader approach toward public land, Outdoor Retailer announced last February that it would be ending its contract with Utah’s Salt Palace Convention Center and moving the twice-yearly outdoor recreation tradeshow out of the state.

Several municipalities vied for the opportunity to become the new home of the show, with Denver ultimately winning out.

The move wasn’t without controversy, however, and many in the outdoor industry, including myself, believe the show organizers used the State’s position as a means to exit out of their contracts early and move to a new venue. The trade show had already been looking to make a move in a couple of years, citing complaints about the Salt Palace’s lack of floor space and nearby hotel rooms. A move to a city like Denver was seen as a step in the right direction to solve both of these problems. The State’s position on public lands only acted as a platform to accelerate the move out of Utah.

Outdoor Retailer Snow Show 2018 Toyota Cruisers & Trucks

I say the move was bittersweet because many of us looked to our visits to Salt Lake as an opportunity to catch up with the many Cruiser friends who have their shops there. Over the last six years, Krista and I have been fortunate to attend the annual customer appreciation picnics hosted by the fine folks at Cruiser Outfitters and Equipt Expedition Outfitters. I remember meeting up with fellow 4Runner owners and heading out on an evening run into the Wasatch Front. We would leave the show early to try and beat the crowds to the Red Iguana, or Squatter’s Pub.

Although I may not agree with the pretext of the Outdoor Retailer’s decision to move out of Utah, I look forward to spending time with the phenomenal Toyota and Cruiser-oriented companies that call Denver home. I do not know Denver as well as Salt Lake, so I would love to hear about your favorite dive bars, food trucks, and breakfast joints. Send your recommendations to the Living Overland or Toyota Cruisers & Trucks Social accounts.

This year I met up with our esteemed Publisher, Shane Williams, and Maggie McDermut to walk the floors of the Colorado Convention Center. My favorite part of the Outdoor Retailer shows is checking out all of the new gear on display. I am, for better and for worse, a gear junkie and I love seeing all of the fresh and new product gear manufacturers are coming out with. Here is a selection of our favorite gear from this year's show.

ManCan Picnic Kit

ManCan Picnic KitServe beer right from the tap with this indestructible one gallon, stainless steel, keg-style craft beer growler, brewer designed and engineered to keep beer fresh until it’s gone. The 128 oz. can is made from 304 stainless steel, the same steel used in kegs, which preserves the flavors, aromas, and unique characteristics of your beer. The flexible hose tap is perfect for bringing your favorite beer on any adventure. MSRP: $150 | mancan.beer | Available Now

Rylo 360° Camera

Rylo is a groundbreaking camera designed with powerful software that makes it easy for anyone to shoot, edit, and share incredibly smooth, cinematic video. Rylo produces exceptionally beautiful video every time, thanks to the camera’s 360° capture, breakthrough stabilization, and a simple app (Rylo app) for fast editing on-the-go. You can connect Rylo directly to your phone with the sync cable to quickly watch your videos on-the-go. Share videos to Instagram, Facebook, or message them directly to friends and family. MSRP: $499 | rylo.com | Available Now

GSI Outdoors Santoku Knife Set

This three knife set includes a 4" paring knife, 6" santoku and 6" serrated knife, a folding cutting board, a bottle for soap and a two-sided dishcloth to keep everything tidy. Weighing in at just under 1 1/2 pounds, this compact set includes a nylon case to keep all your prep gear securely and neatly organized no matter where your knife skills are in high demand. MSRP: $29.99 | gsioutdoors.com | Available Now

Muck Boots Arctic Ice Mid

Discover a whole new world of grip and performance on slippery, wet ice. Muck Boots has partnered with Vibram to bring you the best winter boot for men and women available today. This Arctic Ice boot features both Vibram Arctic Grip and Vibram ICETREK to ensure your safety in the most severe winter conditions. When wearing Muck Arctic Ice boots, slipping, falling, or trudging through snow, slush, or mud will never be an issue. MSRP $180 | muckboots.com | Available Now

Otterbox Trooper LT 30 Soft Cooler

Equipped with innovative mounting systems, Duraflex tie-downs, 2-inch wide padded shoulder straps - and unique backpack conversion - Trooper soft coolers easily adapt to wherever you love to go. Perfect for picnics, sporting events, campouts, fishing, road trips and more. A coated nylon exterior is water, puncture, UV and chemical resistant. A heavy-duty base protects the bottom from abrasion. Rated IP-65 to protect against water intrusion. Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. MSRP: $299.99 | otterbox.com | Available Now

Dickies Waterproof Breathable Reflective Print Jacket

A Jack(et) of All Trades – this jacket has it all. It will keep you comfortable, dry, and protected from the elements while providing greater visibility in low light conditions. The water-resistant jacket is completely seam-sealed and features waterproof chest and pocket zippers. The jacket is made from a lightweight and breathable material; the shell features a herringbone reflective pattern that appears to illuminate when light is flashed upon it. MSRP: $94.99 | dickies.com | Available Now

Additional Great Gear from Shane

The long-time leader in outdoor medical kits, this year Adventure Medical Kits revised all of their kits. New for 2018, the kits now include labels for each pouch which makes it much easier to find the right item quickly. You can even build your own kit, with space to label each pouch. Small kits (such as the Day Tripper Lite) start at $15.00, but larger kits suitable for your vehicle can reach over $50. MSRP $15.00-$200.00 | adventuremedicalkits.com | Available Now

Survive Outdoors Longer (SOL)

SOL Continues to broaden their lineup of well thought out survival gear. Whether it's for your bug-out-bag, emergency kit, or regular camping use, there are plenty of options. The new SOL All Season Blanket (MSRP $17.99) is a ripstop survival blanket that reflects up to 80% of your body heat. The Mag Striker (MSRP $12) is an all-in-one magnesium rod/flint rod/scraper tool with a new easier to grip handle. Finally, the Escape Pro Bivvy (MSRP $125) reflects 90% of your body heat and can raise your sleeping bag rating by 15°F. At 8oz and suitable for 50°F nights, it can also be used as a stand-alone sleeping bag. MSRP $12-$125 | surviveoutdoorslonger.com | Available Now

SeaToSummit Alpha Aluminum Cookware

Perhaps my favorite new product of the show, SeaToSummit’s new Alpha aluminum cookware sets are available in a variety of configurations and are very packable. The pot handles can be used with one hand and the sets pack together to consume very little space. I like the 2 person (2.1) and 4 person (4.1 sets) for epic exploring. These sets are also much more reasonably priced than 'ultra light weight' options. MSRP $64.95 - $119.95 | SeaToSummit.com | Available Spring 2018

KSB Double Sleeping Bag from Klymit

Ready to sleep in comfort with your sweetie? The first double bag from Klymit features multiple zippers for separate foot boxes & ventilation, draft covers, and a hood. It's rated for 30°F due to the 650 fill-power down and weighs in at 4lb 11oz. Perfect to keep in the RTT or use on a double-wide inflatable mattress. MSRP: $399.95 | klymit.com | Available Now

Nite Ize Dual Cam Jam

Ready to move on from the ratchet straps on your roof? This heavy duty tie-down strap can hold up to 400lbs and has a breaking strength of 1200lbs. It's easier to use than traditional ratchet straps due to the unique dual-cam design. Two separate locking cam mechanisms make it easy to snug down your gear perfectly. The polypropylene webbing strap also features an integrated end loop for easy cinching. Available in 12ft or 18ft lengths. MSRP $19.99-$23.99 | niteize.com | Available Now

Revant Replacement Lenses

Are your Oakley, Ray-Ban, Smith, Spy, or other sunglass lenses shot? Revant produces replacement lenses for these and many other brands. The lenses are a perfect fit for your frames and are available in a variety of colors and types, depending on your exact model. Prices for replacement lenses will vary, but my Oakley Flak 2.0 Polarized Lenses are only $36! Prescription lenses are also available. MSRP $24+ | revantoptics.com | Available Now

Ultimate Survival Tools (UST) TekFire™ LED Fuel-Free Lighter

This innovative TekFire LED Fuel-Free Lighter is lightweight and compact for quick and easy fire starting and now features a bright LED light. Windproof, flameless, and electronic, it requires no butane fuel or adjustments for altitude. It also includes a ParaTinder lanyard, which can be unwound for about 3 ft. of cord, with its added single tinder thread. MSRP $29.99 | ustbrands.com | Available March 2018