Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

Outdoor Retailer Roundup: Face First Travel Pillow and Saxx Men's Underwear

Day 2 had this reporter looking for comfort - gloves, hats, travel pillows, and undies.

by: Nick Sutton, Backpacker Reader Reporter

Tags:
• Gear
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• Hats
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• Gloves
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• Jackets
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Another day of awesome gear! Day 2 of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market was just as crazy, just as busy, and just as amazing as Day 1! I can’t explain how much fun it is to go and pick the brains of all these gearheads, gear inventors, and gear innovators.

Omni Wool Powerwool Full Zip Jacket
One of the first booths I ran across was called Omni Wool. They have a number of different products but they’ve got some new fleece jackets coming out in the Fall of 2012. They are showing off a new Powerwool Full Zip Jacket retailing at a bargain $65. I got to try it on and within minutes I was too warm and had to take it back off – this thing will definitely keep you toasty! omniwool.com

Travel Pillow – Cabeau Evolution
My next stop was over at Cabeau talking about their travel products. They had cases for your iPad, socks, and travel luggage, but what caught my eye was their new travel pillow called the Evolution pillow. They built up the sides so you have more lateral support as you snooze as well as a design that is highly compressible and extremely versatile. It can be used as a normal pillow by utilizing a drawstring to bring it together a little more. Its design also allows you to lay on your back, side, or facedown in extreme comfort. I had to try it out on the showcase floor, facedown of course! Price ranges from $7 for the kids version up to $15 for the adult version. cabeautravel.com

Hats & Gloves – Manzella Vapor Hatchback and CTR Headwall
I got to stop by Manzella to check out some of their new lightweight gloves coming to the market in Fall 2012. My favorite glove is the Vapor Hatchback which has a wind- and water-resistant mitten-like covering that can be peeled back and tucked neatly into a little pouch on the backside of the hand. These babies retail at $32. manzella.com

CTR had some awesome hats on display at their booth. There were three styles of their Headwall line. It’s a 100% polyester shell with 100% polyester lining that keeps you oh-so-warm!! The version that sat best with me was the Spire which is military-style with a bill and ear flaps that can be folded up out of the way. My ears were the happiest they have been in a long time! These are hitting the market in the next couple of months and retail from $42.99-$59.99. chaoshats.com

Men’s Underwear – Saxx Underwear
The last company I found, and the one I am most excited about is the Saxx Underwear Co. Sorry ladies, they are totally focused on the male undergarments. They have two new models that they are awfully proud. The first is the Blacksheep line which is made of 76% modal, 19% merino wool, and 5% spandex. These boxer briefs will keep you comfortable and supported! Their other model is the Kinetic designed for all the active events and individuals out there. It’s 87% nylon, 5% polyester, and 8% spandex! These retail from $29.95 (brief version) to $39.95 (boxer brief) and are hitting the market in the next month or two. saxxunderwear.com



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