Gear junkie: Apparel hot at trade show

Editor’s note: Last of a series on the Outdoor Retailer trade show.

Clothing and jackets are a huge part of the Outdoor Retailer trade show, an industry event I attend twice a year in Salt Lake City. At the show last month, companies displayed everything from “performance” wool lingerie to jackets made out of a cork-based fabric that felt like leather.

Here’s a quick glimpse at some upcoming apparel items that caught my interest.

Merrell apparel – Footwear giant Merrell used this year’s OR show to debut a line of technical apparel that is purported to “take a modern and contemporary view of the outdoors.” The products I saw – including heavy-duty (but fashionable) Gore-Tex shells and a “concept coat” made out of cork! – were impressive and innovative. The line hits stores in July; www.merrell.com.

Arc’teryx Sidewinder – Each one of these top-shelf jackets requires more than five hours of artesian-like handwork in a Vancouver, B.C., factory, according to Arc’teryx. But the Sidewinder SV, made with a combination of Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric and a “hyper-hydrophobic polyester face fabric,” is a no-messin’-around uber-shell that should keep the elements out in the very worst of scenarios. Available in the fall for $599; www.arcteryx.com.

Sugoi WallarooZ Wool was everywhere at the OR Show this year, and it wasn’t just limited to base layers and winter wear. Sugoi, as one example, introduced its WallarooZ line of men’s and women’s aerobic tops for running and cycling (and Nordic skiing) made of fine Australian merino wool. Breathability, durability, and ecological sustainability were cited advantages with tops like the men’s WallarooZ Zip, which costs $100; www.sugoi.ca.

Westcomb Rampage HX Jacket – This shell jacket combines waterproof/breathable eVent fabric with the stretchy comfort of Schoeller Dynamic “softshell” fabric. The slick patchwork design protects from the elements where needed with waterproof eVent, and it stretches and breathes to its max in less vulnerable areas with the airy softshell fabric. Westcomb calls the Rampage its “ultimate all-season alpine jacket.” Available in September for $330; www.westcomb.com.