Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

Outdoor Retailer Roundup: Tiger Tail, CAMP, & Old Favorites with New Products

BRR Nick, who is also a physical therapist, found lots of back- and budget-friendly gear on Day 3.

by: Nick Sutton, Backpacker Reader Reporter

Tags:
• Gear
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• Tents
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• Backpacks
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• Jackets
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I made sure to get an early start today as I knew there was yet again going to be a ton of awesome gear to check out! We started off Day 3 of the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market by trying on some the Ninja Suits by Airblaster…be sure to check out our Facebook page for pics.

CAMP Technical Adventure Equipment
Then I went and visited a booth promoting the brand CAMP. This brand was new to me and I became totally sucked into their gear, new and existing. In Fall 2012 they are releasing a down jacket called the ED Micro Jacket Evo. It retails for $279.95 and includes a windproof/water resistant shell, 650+ down insulation, full-size hood that fits over a helmet, and a stylish look to boot. It’s an amazing value if you ask me. camp-usa.com

For Sore Muscles – Tiger Tail
Tiger Tail is a company with a catchy name focused on “making muscles happy”. They have three products that would be valuable to me in my real job as a physical therapist. I’m sure many of you have heard of The Stick, a firm roller essentially used to roll out knots and kinks in your muscles. Tiger Tail has a similar product, also called Tiger Tail; the difference is the Tiger Tail doesn’t flex, so it won’t slip off target points. They also make Knotty Tiger, a hard egg-shaped plastic piece with one flat end. This baby is used for areas the Tiger Tail can’t reach or is too awkward to use the Tiger Tail on, such as the back. Their products retail for $18-$29.95. tigertailusa.com

Body-friendly Pack – Mountainsmith Ghost 50
Mountainsmith has a new pack which has only been available for two weeks. The Ghost 50’s backpanel suspension allows for airflow and breathability, while additional foam on the shoulder straps offers relief to tender brachial nerves. There’s also an ICS (iliac crest shelf) Cup for extra support on the hips, and compression straps to bring the load closer to your lower back. This pack weighs 3 lbs. 15 oz. with a volume of 3175 cubic inches. It retails for an astonishing $179.95. mountainsmith.com

Base layers for Mountaineers – Helly Hansen Warm Odin
Helly Hansen has been getting quite a bit of well-deserved attention at this show and I am about to give them some more love. Their new Warm Odin Hybrid Top and 3/4 Pant, base layers struck me as quite innovative. They’ve put a lot of effort into giving the mountaineer exactly what they need: polypropylene fabric is sewn into the high sweat areas to increase comfort, they’ve kept the popular high neck, and the 3/4 length of the pants was designed, by request, to avoid wasted pant/sock overlap. These two items will hit the market in September 2012 and retail for $100 (top) and $80 for (bottoms) in men’s and women’s sizes, and a variety of colors. hellyhansen.com

Sea to Summit – Specialist Solo and Duo tents
At the Sea to Summit booth the Specialist Solo tent begged me to check it out. This tent packs down to a stuff size slightly larger than a 1L Nalgene bottle and weighs under 1 lb. without poles (15.6 oz.). It provides enough space for a 6’1” individual such as myself to fully sit up without rubbing my head and has a 3.9 sq. ft. vestibule area for your gear. This tent is also available in a Duo version which has specs equally as impressive as the Solo. This tent will hit the market in March 2012 and retail at $429 for the Solo and $499 for the Duo. seatosummit.com



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