Welcome to another installment of Staff Picks from our Outdoors and Fitness team. Every other week, we select our favorite pieces out of the gear we’re testing, mainstays in our kits, as well as items on our wish lists. It’s like a sneak peek at the gear we’re testing and what we’re stoked on. This week, we’re looking at some of the things we were most excited about at Outdoor Retailer. Our team saw thousands of new products that will become available next year, and these were some of our favorites. Have something you think we should check out? Or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at outdoor@gearpatrol.com.
Klean Kanteen TKPro
Overnight camping means you’ll need a good cup of coffee the next day, and likely some lunch and dinner. Having a hot meal isn’t super complicated thanks to all the just-add-water options, but if you’re looking to keep chili, chicken noodle soup or even an iced coffee at its desired temperature overnight, your options might be limited. Thanks to Klean Kanteen, that’s no longer the case. The TKPro is a plastic-free thermal canteen with an integrated double-wall stainless steel cup. Unscrew the top slightly to pour at any height and direction — it’ll work 360-degrees, so you don’t have to worry about tweaking your wrist or balancing something to pour at just the right angle. The TKPro is vacuum sealed, BPA-free and the smallest size (16 ounces) will keep beverages hot for 20 hours and iced for 75. The largest size (32 ounces) keeps soups hot for 38 hours and iced bevvies cold for 100 hours. Check it out soon in a stainless steel or black color. — Meg Lappe, Staff Writer
Ortlieb Atrack Backpack and Travel Duffel
Nearly every gear company makes a rugged, water-resistant and tear-proof duffel equipped with backpack straps — we’re at a point where they all begin to appear more or less the same. Ortlieb, a company that already makes an impressive version of this type of bag, showed us a refreshing new take on the category called the Atrack. The most distinctive characteristic of the Atrack is that it puts backpack before duffel, meaning that the harness is full-featured to provide comfort and support in all scenarios. It also uses a simple modular strap system that allows for the carrying of skis, snowboards, snowshoes, trekking poles, helmets and whatever else you can think of to strap to the bag. And, like all the other bags, it’s very durable very waterproof. — Tanner Bowden, Associate Staff Writer
Nanga Aerial Down Parka Packable
My favorite surprise at OR was stumbling upon the Nanga booth. A staple in Japanese outdoor apparel, the brand has been producing gear for over 75 years and is finally making its way to American soil. The down parka was absolutely incredible – tangible quality, solid performance and a unique aesthetic. I’m very excited to see the brand blossom stateside in the coming years. — Brenden Clarke, Social Media Coordinator
