Unconventional Gear- Gear Review
I’m home from Salt Lake City and the Outdoor Retailer trade show, where an overabundance of to-be-released outdoors gear can make heads spin. Some of it expected, some of it useful, some of it will likely flop. Here’s a “Top Five” list of gear that’s a little peculiar, but caught my eye as having potential in the outdoors world. Most of it will be available in the fall, so yes, this preview is a tease for all of you who want the gear now. But some of it is worth the wait. —Ryan Dionne
5: Brunton Flip N’ Drip Coffee Maker — It’s as easy as the name implies. Brunton’s Flip N’ Drip Coffee Maker is the backpacking coffee addict’s dream. Just boil water in the integrated stainless steel carafe, attach the reusable filter and drinking mug, and flip it.
In minutes, you’ll have yourself some piping hot brew. The entire contraption, which is about 11 inches long and 4 inches in diameter, weighs 1 pound — a marginal addition to any coffee-lover’s pack. It’ll be available in February for $60.
4: CamelBak PowderBak — When debuted last year, the CamelBak ShredBak was sometimes compared to a bra with a hydration bladder on the back. The same idea is back, but this time as a mid-layer vest with a bladder. CamelBak made that necessary improvement for it’s 2010-11 product. But it’s still a concept that’s up against massive competition — traditional hydration packs.
The PowderBak has a baffled, low profile 72-ounce bladder that sits in a pocket on the back of a wicking mid-layer. It’s designed to keep your water close to your back and prevent it from freezing in extremely cold weather. The ski/snowboard-oriented PowderBak will be available in September for $100.
Read the rest of the list Here>>>
