Nomad Adventure Journals makes writing tablets for recording outdoor adventures. They recently introduced a waterproof paper series. These small notepads measure 3" X 5" and slip easily into a loaded pack. The paper and protective cover are made from post consumer recycled plastic. The journal sells for $8.95 a piece. At first glance, this is a bit steep for a notepad, but if you've ever had a few days work ruined by the elements, you'll appreciate that price.

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The popular brand Dockers is releasing a line of outdoor specific clothing for fall of 2008. We got a chance to review some of the clothes before they hit the shelves.

The Dockers Outdoor line features eco-friendly materials including recycled polyester and organic cotton. Some garments are made entirely of these materials, others are blends. I think it’s great to see the big brands moving in this direction.

The High Sierra Monsoon features a flip-down strap pocket for your MP3 player and a FLEX-USE sleeve to carry your laptop or hydration pack.  The backpack’s pockets open wide for easy-access.  A pocket on top of the pack allows for sunglasses or goggles storage, and a small pocket in the front of the pack holds a deluxe organizer. The Monsoon has a capacity of 2400 cubic inches.

The Black Crater Cord Lock Light was one of the National Outdoors Top 10 Products from the 2008 Summer Outdoor Retailer Show.  As you can see from the picture, it's a pretty simple product.  It’s a cord lock with an LED light on it. 

Join O'Brien's Rogue River Rafting Outfitters and capture the breathtaking beauty that is unique to the Rogue River on our full day or half day rafting adventures. Guests may choose to ride along in a 16 foot or 18 foot Rogue Inflatable Raft, paddle their own inflatable kayaks, or even opt to experience both rides by switching back and forth between the raft and kayak.

As I leave the show, I think about all the great people I've met over the last four days. It's cool to see the hard working people behind the products and companies. Most conversations begin with the standard product pitch and end with a swapping of stories about our outdoor adventures. I love hearing about how fellow parents are introducing their children to the outdoors. At the end of the day (and the Outdoor Retailer Show), we're all after the same goal. Making a living doing what we love.

If you'd like to escape the summer heat of the Salt Lake Valley, and entertain and educate your kids while you're at it, you can take this short hike at the base of Alta Ski Area. Take the first Alta entrance you get to off the Little Cottonwood Canyon road. It's called the Wildcat Base. You'll see a large parking lot once you go down a short hill. Park near the Gold Miner's Daughter building.

Coolmax held a press conference this morning at OR to announce the launch of their new EcoTech fabric. This new eco-friendly fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Andrew Skurka(http://www.andrewskurka.com/) spoke after returning from a gear testing trip in Iceland and in California. He said after a 600-700 mile hike the socks held up very well. They were perfect for the cool, wet environment of Iceland. Once the socks got wet, he’d hang them on the back of his pack and they would dry within a few hours.

VICTORIN0X SWISS ARMY makes high quality watches and swiss army tools. They've mixed a USB flash drive into a swiss army knife. You can get a variety of flash memory sizes, and have all the features of a swiss army knife, including a small ball point pen and an LED light.

NOMAD makes small journals you can take with you on the road or on the trail. They've introduced a new waterproof journal that's small enough to fit in your daypack or fishing vest. Usually our best ideas come when we're outside, so this a nice product to keep in the back.

Forward-Thinking Trends, Buyer Opportunities and a Celebration of the Outdoors Encompass Bi-Annual Event Aug. 8-Aug. 11

One of the best aspects of the OR show is the focus on the outdoors. It's fun to swap stories about our adventures and the gear we use. I've over hear countless conversations about hiking, camping, skiing and all things outdoors.

INOV 8 has some really cool trail running shoes and hiking boots that are designed around the natural function of the human body's biomechanics. Their footwear for both men and women features a fascia band that mimics the tendons in your foot to help propel you forward.

SEATTLE SPORTS has a new solar power/crank powered portable speaker that you can hook your mp3 device to. I tested it out with my iPod, and I was impressed with the volume and sound quality of the speaker. They've also taken solar mp3,cellphone, GPS charger to the next level by adding a flashlight to it.

SIGG the swiss maker of Aluminum water bottles has a new take on an old idea. Aluminum water bottles have been around for 100 years, and now they are coming back in style as a replacement for plastic bottles. Go green in style, check out mysigg.com.

Controlled chaos during the opening morning of the show. I'm still trying to get my barings on where everything is at. They should provide GPS locations for each booth. There are lots of people wondering around with blank looks holding maps. I was one of them and was still asked for directions!

ECO-Friendly is still the big trend in the industry. Many new products and clothing made from recycled or organic materials. The "Green" trend in marketing is a bit overdone, but it's a great movement for the planet as a whole.

HIGH SIERRA, one of the sponsors of the US Ski and Snowboard Teams, launches 5 new products at the Summer OR Market Today. We have a interview this afternoon, here's the latest. Pictures are at the bottom of the page.

Capture the breathtaking beauty that is unique to the Rogue River on our full day or half day Rogue River rafting trips. Guests may choose to ride in a Rogue Inflatable Raft (the limo) or paddle an inflatable kayak. You may opt to experience both rides by trading back and forth between the raft and kayak. This fifteen mile Rogue River float has a little bit of everything from exhilarating whitewater to serene canyons. The full day Rogue River rafting trips begin at 9:00 am and ends with you back at your car by 3:30 pm. A delicious lunch is included as well as plenty to drink.

BOULDER, Colo. (August 8, 2008) – Slumberjack® introduces a full line of “green” sleeping bags designed specifically for the family camping market. The new line encompasses three mummy bags designed for all members of the family, including mom, dad and the kids. Roughly 80 percent of each bag is made from post consumer
recycled materials, including the shell, liner and insulation.

Horny Toad Unveils a New Organic Cotton T-shirt Collaboration

For those lucky enough to attend the Summer OR, these shirts are available for $10 at booth 30049 with the proceeds going to the Conservation Alliance.