Outdoor apparel makers rolled out plenty of new product at the Jan. 22-25 run of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow at the Salt Palace Convention Center. New developments ranged from new eco-friendly merchandise and technologies to outdoor apparel that was fashionable enough to wear off the slopes.
Gramicci
Gramicci introduced a 100 percent hemp "Lucid Knit" cowl-neck tee this season. Going forward, the company plans to offer the style in an organic-cotton/hemp blend.
Gramicci's "Re-Gen" twill blazer for men and jacket for women feature fabric made from the thread scraps, which are sorted by color, respun and woven into a slubby twill material.
Columbia
Columbia introduced its "TechLight" footwear. The injection-molded sole is lightweight, provides insulation and cushion support, and creates less waste because the material is molded-to-shape rather than cut from a larger piece.
Columbia reintroduced its "Bugaboo" parka-"the jacket that put Columbia on the map," said a spokesperson. The style, first introduced in 1982, features a zip-out fleece lining. The new version has been updated with high-performance textiles, more-modern colors and special details such as the laser-cut venting on the collar, which allows the wearer to zip the jacket up over the chin without impeding breathing. The "Bugaboo" collection comes in men's, women's and infants' styles.
Columbia introduced jackets with Omni-Shield water- and stain-repellent fabric, a proprietary fabric in the company's high-performance Titanium division. For Spring, the company will introduce more than 300 styles in its Omni-Shade sun-protection fabric.
Columbia launched more fashion styles in its women's ski-jacket collection, including the pinstriped "Harlow" jacket and the "Hayworth," which features ruched trim at the neck and cuffs. The "Milano" jacket has girlie puffed sleeves, the "Paris" has princess seams for a fitted shape, and the "Ciao Bella" is made from a high-performance fabric that has the look of denim.
Columbia dressed up the fleece pullover for women by giving the style a cowl neck and a figure-skimming shape.
Mission Playground
Mission Playground relaunched some of its vintage graphics and a collection of 100 percent merino wool tees for men and women. The "Departure" cowl-neck tee for women can be buttoned at the top for a more traditional turtle-neck look or left unbuttoned for a cowl-neck look.
Merrell
Merrell's environmentally friendly "NADA" jacket is made without the use of any dyes in the fabric, lining, zipper or label.
Merrell's women's styles blend performance details with feminine styling. The women's "Zena Print" jacket features a waterproof, breathable outer shell, embossed floral accents and satin piping.
Nau
Portland, Ore.-based Nau's down stole can be worn snapped like a vest or open like a cape. The company's "Shroud of Purrin" jacket features an asymmetrical closure that can be buttoned into a standing collar or open and folded back to show the soft faux-fur lining.
Horny Toad
Horny Toad's eco offerings included "machino marino" washable wool sweaters and the "Petula" jacket, made from recycled polyester.
