Sweet New Gear from Washington
The gear we're producing here in Washington is among the best stuff out there.
The latest edition of Freedom of the Hills will be available in September.
After perusing the product innovations on hand at the most recent Outdoor Retailer show (held last week in Salt Lake City), I can assure you that hikers are going to be really happy with the lightweight, durable and stylish gear that will hit the market next spring.
And, with companies on hand from across the U.S, Canada, and abroad, I was happy to see that the gear we're producing here in Washington is among the best stuff out there. Here's a peek at what's new from Washington-based outdoor companies:
This fall, The Mountaineers Books will release their 8th edition of the ultimate climbers' handbook, Freedom of the Hills. This edition commemorates the 50th anniversary of its release in 1960.
From Seattle-based Cascade Designs, look for MSR's new "Hoot" and "Holler" tents next spring. They are a bit wider than their popular Hubba models and will also be great bets for the shoulder-season.
If you are looking for a lightweight softshell jacket, look no further than Outdoor Research. They'll have a new one, called the "Ferrosi", available in Spring.
Of the approximately one million different water bottles at the show, it was a cool topographic design wrap featuring Mount Rainier that finally slowed me down to take a look. And, I am glad I stopped at Liberty Bottle Works. Hailing from Yakima, Liberty lays claim to producing the only metal bottles made in the U.S.A and the only bottles made from recycled materials. A percent of the proceeds from each line of bottle goes to different nonprofits, including The Conservation Alliance and such local efforts such as the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy.
Hilleberg the Tentmaker (okay, they are from Sweden, but their U.S. headquarters is in Redmond) has unveiled a new 4-person tent called the "Saitaris" that looks to be the most rugged and roomy family base camp there is.
That's just a taste of what Washington has to offer. Look for more local, or close to local, gear in upcoming issues of Washington Trails.
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