What's New
New Outdoor Gear for 2001:
PACKS
You shouldn't have any trouble finding a pack with options to
suit your exact needs. Everything from small fanny packs, to daypacks,
to 1 ½-day packs, to 2-day packs to expedition packs, to
survival packs for the more extreme sports in every conceivable
color and fashion will be available for the upcoming outdoor season.
Many "extreme sports" packs have hydration systems built into them. Ultimate and Gregory brands feature water bladders
in a variety of packs. A tube runs from the bladder and is long
enough to reach your mouth allowing a drink at any time. Ultimate
says, "If you're thirsty, its already too late. You're dehydrated."
This feature does not come with all packs, so if you're interested
in this be sure to ask for it.
Most packs feature large zipper pulls that are stylish and easier
to grip to open and close sections of the pack, and all packs
are made of lightweight, yet durable fabrics.
Coleman Exponent packs are designed for campers who exit the beaten path.
Photo courtesy Coleman.
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Coleman. Coleman introduced a new line of camping
gear called Coleman Exponent, designed for campers who exit the
beaten path without going to extremes - remote campers. The Coleman
Exponent backpack lineup includes three frameless, technical daypacks;
four internal frame backpacks, and four external frame backpacks.
Two of the frameless packs - the Weekender large capacity daypack
and the Lumbar Pack - are new, as is the Scout external frame
pack. The other packs - originally introduced as Peak 1 backpacks
in 2000 - sport new Coleman Exponent colors and features.
Gregory. Gregory, a company that has been making
packs for 25 years, introduced several new day packs that range
in price from $75 to $85. Megan McDermott from Gregory wanted
to stress the quality of material, the cool fashions, and the
comfort of the packs. She encourages day-packers to consider the
new Approach Series that includes the Photon, Erratic, Impulse,
and Sonic packs. McDermott said this new series has newly designed
HydroPort panels for extreme ventilation, organization galore,
and large mesh carry-all side pockets.
High Sierra. High Sierra President Hank Bernbaum
told us that High Sierra day packs range from $29.95 to $45. Their
Expandable Pack has reflective tape for extra protection for bikers
or roller-bladers. A large front pocket hinges open. Contoured
shoulder straps are easily adjusted with thumb-ring pulls reached
from the front. High Sierra's Element Pack includes a hidden hood
that keeps the bag fully covered and protected in wet weather,
double daily chain and webbing loops. Other options include a
sling pack and messenger bag styles.
JanSport. JanSport says whether you're carrying
a pack for few days or just a few hours, nothing can take the
fun out of your trip like uncomfortable shoulder straps or a constantly
shifting load. To get a technical pack that solved these problems,
you typically had to pay a lot more - sometimes double. At the
show JanSports highlighted nine new packs in their Earth Adventure
and Trail Adventure lines that offer suspension systems and quality
features. Prices start around $45. JanSport pays particular attention
to color and that translates into several new colors ranging from
nature-inspired to "hot." Also look for their use of
accent piping and color splicing.
Lowe Alpine. Lowe Alpine featured nine new technical
sport packs in the 20-30 liter size range, two new technical rucksacks,
and a completely redesigned top lid on their best selling line
of internal frame packs. Andrew Kelley with Lowe Alpine said that
they are known for quality gear and value. He said, "Our
costs our lower, not our quality." Through our packs consumers
can get both economy and something that lasts. They can stay with
Alpine as their interest and skill level change and graduate to
more technical packs. Kelly also pointed out that their internal
frame packs are adjustable and that they have a line of packs
designed specifically for women.
Stearns. Stearns has a Kayak Pack for when your
outdoor excursion calls for a more remote location. Designed to
hold any Stearns Outdoors inflatable kayak (1 or 2 person, youth,
self-bailing, or sport) and your other gear too, this pack provides
6,500 cubic inches of storage in just the main compartment. Amy
Benusa said, " This pack was designed with the explorer in
mind, someone who wants to be the first to paddle in the most
remote backcountry. Features include pockets for holding 4-part
paddle, a large self-draining mesh compartment for storing water
shoes or wet clothes, and drain holes so water doesn't sit in
the bottom of the pack."
Sun Mountain Hard-Paq. Photo courtesy Sun Mountain.
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Sun Mountain. First there were external frame backpacks,
and then internal frame packs. Now, Sun Mountain Hard-Paq
introduces the "exoskeletal" backpack - a hard-shelled,
protective pack sewn to a traditional backpack support and strap
system. This pack is perfect for carrying and protecting what
the "I-generation" (Internet-generation) is packing:
laptop computers, portable compact disc players, digital cameras,
mobile phones, while still having room for books and some extra
clothes. Both designs of the Hard-Paq, the "Book Bag"
and the "Traveler," are top loading packs that are designed
to stand unassisted allowing the user the freedom and security
of using both hands to load and unload.
Swiss Army. Swiss Army is known for its multifunctional
knives. Now they are applying the same theory to backpacks. Wendie
Demuth, Swiss Army representative said that ingenuity and function
went into the design of the packs. For example, you can get packs
with CD pockets with a sound portal, sunglass holder, etc.
Timberland. Timberland also has a large variety
of multi-functional packs ranging in price from $35 up. Lisa Beach
primarily talked to us about Timberland's Mountain Athlete line
of packs. The Pneuman pack has a place for your skateboards or
snowboards. It has a tuck-away waist strap and side zip pockets.
The Pneuman retails for around $65. Timberland also has one strap
and messenger packs.
Ultimate. Ultimate is the originator of hydration
systems and create advanced packs that provide consistent hydration
for wherever you go and whatever you do. You can choose from a
wide variety of styles for different activities. One new very
clever style was introduced this year for the cyclist. The patent-pending
AquaSaddle fits conveniently under a bike seat and is the perfect
alternative for the cyclist who shies away from wearing a pack
but still desires the performance of hands free hydration.
Ruffwear. Ruffwear makes packs for your dogs. If
we take our dogs, which many of us love to do, now they can carry
their own food, water and other necessary items. (Might as well
put them to work.) Ruffwear, a company that offers many dog-related
products, said that a dog can carry about 1/3 of its weight.
Check out these hot new items...
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