If you're interested in a turning your love of the outdoors into a career, try to attend the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) gatherings in Portland and Seattle.

Join the OIWC and other outdoor enthusiasts to network and discuss the group’s recently launched online “how-to” guide for navigating the outdoor industries entitled, “The OIWC Guide to Turning Your Passion into Your Profession,” sponsored by Keen Footwear and plum (www.thinkplum.net).

Other highlights of the event include:

It's nice to see big brands supporting small (but collectively large) stewardship efforts. Here's how Cordura is supporting the building and maintenance of trails:

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.

Injinji® Revives the Rainbow Toesock for 2009 with New Renewable Fiber Technology and Revolutionary Performance Features

Wow! Now you can make an environmentally friendly fashion statement. Injinji also makes these in a tamer color, for us boring people.

The SteriPEN Wins OutDoor Industry 2008 Bronze Award

As we suggested in our SteriPEN Review, this is a very efficient and effective way to treat water. Looks like German's at OutDoor Agree.

Crazy Creek Adds Innovative Chairs and Product Updates to Nearly Every Line for 2009

RED LODGE, MT (July 30, 2008) – Crazy Creek, creator of the first portable, comfortable outdoor chair, adds innovative new products and updates to nearly every line for 2009, offering ideal seating options for time spent at sea, the sports stadium and everywhere in between.

National Outdoors will be covering (and blogging) the Summer OR Market in Salt Lake City. Here's a taste of what's in store.

Click Here for Outdoor Retailer Show Coverage

OUTDOOR RETAILER SUMMER MARKET 2008 ATTRACTS STRONG NUMBER
OF EXHIBITORS DESPITE SLOW ECONOMY

Show to Feature 100 New Exhibitors Including Roxy, Athena Brands and Nike
Entrepreneurs and Start-Ups Continue to Bring Energy and
Innovation to Growing Industry

The Kavu Elements Tour is launching at the Summer OR. Visit www.NaturePropelled.com to see if the tour is headed your way this summer. Here's the press release:

KAVU ELEMENTS TOUR
Presented by KEEN
Powered by CLIFBAR

July 2008, BOULDER, COLORADO- Join KAVU, KEEN, CLIFBAR and RedWood Creek Wine on Saturday, August 9th, from 6–9 P.M. at the Salt Palace South Plaza for The Element’s Tour Kick Off Party, where sustainable technology meets nature.