New gear for 2009 full of new twists

Editor’s note: First in a two-part series on new gear from the 2008 Outdoor Retailer trade show.)

The Outdoor Retailer trade show is a twice-annual gathering in Salt Lake City where retailers preview the latest in outdoors gear, gadgets and apparel. Here are a few items that caught my eye:

Big Agnes Slide Mountain tents: Campers tired of tightening rain-fly guy lines gone loose might be intrigued with Big Agnes’ incorporation of the Boa Lacing System into a new series of three-season tents. The company has added Boa knob-based tensioning – a feature often found on footwear the likes of snowboarding boots – that enables campers to create a taut rain fly from inside the tent. Just reach up from your sleeping bag and twist. Tiny cables connected to the fly pull the fabric tight as you reel the line back onto a spool.

Cost: starting at $499. Available: spring 2009; www.bigagnes.com.

Keen Springwater cycling shoes: The closed-toe and clipless-pedal-compatible Springwater shoe is touted as having “the same comfort and performance on the bike and off.” Features include a cleat cap plate, a non-marking rubber outsole and a removable footbed.

Cost: $130. Available: January; www.keenfootwear.com .

Mammut Verglas jacket: The Swiss-designed Verglas jacket, a soft-shell made for all-around use, is one of several new pieces to feature a finishing treatment from Schoeller Textiles purported to make dark colors feel cooler than wearing white. Called Coldblack, the treatment reduces heat build up and keeps the wearer cool while offering protection from the sun’s harmful rays, according to Schoeller.

Cost and availability to be announced; www.mammutusa.com.

Brunton BrewFire coffee maker: Billed as “the world’s first portable, duel-fuel coffee maker,” this gadget is just like your coffee maker at home except that it’s fueled by the propane or butane cartridges used in camping stoves. Put your coffee grounds of choice in the filter, add water, turn the knob and flip a switch. In 10 minutes, you have eight cups of steaming hot java.

Cost: $99. Available: February 2009; www.brunton.com.

Injinji Rainbow toe-socks: Reviving the classic rainbow toe-sock, Injinji touts these Coolmax-fabric toe huggers as “retro fun in a smart, high-performance sock, ideal for active outdoor adventures.” Incorporates patented construction, which recently received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

Cost: $14. Available: February 2009; www.injinji.com.