REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and clothing , announces its new and updated lineup of exclusive gear and apparel for fall 2010 during the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market tradeshow in Salt Lake City.

Available in August of 2010, the co-op’s award-winning brand announces its Moisture Transfer System (MTS®) Power Dry Base Layer series, as well as new and updated fitness, backcountry, travel, urban and kids gear and apparel.

Base layer and Fitness

Base layer: REI’s MTS base layer has been a best selling favorite with REI customers for its fast wicking, quick drying, and comfortable qualities, at an affordable price. The company’s improved MTS uses an exclusive version of Polartec® Power Dry® fabric that combines performance, weight and texture. The new MTS line with improved wicking and faster dry time will be available for men and women in a variety of styles in three weights: lightweight (available starting in spring 2010), midweight and heavyweight.

Fitness: REI also unveils its new OXT® ActiveStretch tops and pants, which are ideal for fitness gurus or hikers in need of warmer layering pieces. The combined soft four-way stretch and technical fabric balances performance and comfort. Runners will appreciate REI’s Airflyte running jackets with eVent’s highly breathable fabric membrane to allow sweat vapor to escape rapidly while repelling the rain, for a comfortable run, even in unfavorable weather conditions.

Backcountry / Snowsports

Shell Jackets: REI’s Shuksan and Kulshan jackets and pants with eVent™ award-winning fabric have been updated with new dobby ripstop fabric for increased strength, and larger, more rugged Vislon® zippers. Although REI recommends using a beacon and probe in the backcountry, RECCO™ reflectors have also been added to opposite sides in the jackets and pants to help aid in avalanche rescue.

Down Jackets: Updated for fall, outdoor enthusiasts will find the men’s REI Antifreeze and women’s Davos jackets warm in varying degrees of cold weather. With 700-fill-power goose down, wind resistance up to 50 mph, a Durable Water Repellant finish and durable reinforcing fabric along the arms, these jackets are ideal for cold weather and backcountry comfort.

Ski Packs: REI helps backcountry explorers gear up for high-country adventures. New REI Double Diamond Ski Pack and Fall Line Ski Pack ensure plenty of thoughtful organization for skis/snowboards, avalanche rescue gear, and convenient access to other backcountry essentials.

Ski Luggage: REI also unveils its latest design in ski organization including the updated Evaporator Bag series for storing skis, boots, clothing, helmets and goggles. The padded, mesh bag series is designed to organize, protect and help dry-out valuable ski equipment when checking luggage at the airport, or traveling in the car.

Urban and Travel

Jackets: REI’s brand will also expand its urban/travel apparel through the introduction of new men’s Torridon Jacket with Schoeller ™ fabric or the women’s Glace Lake Jacket. These urban wool jackets are technical, stylish and perform like a soft shell and insulate when wet.

Women’s Urban Bags: The women’s urban bag redesign includes a collection of hand bags and wallet accessories that blend ecoSensitive™ material and urban style. Stylish, durable and practical, REI’s updated Madison Messenger, Natalie Shoulder, Nikole Day Bag or new wallet designs are great for travel, work and play. 

Kids Travel Collection: For families-on-the go, REI also introduces its new Kids’ Wheelie Packer, Kids’ Duffel, Kids’ Organizer and Kids’ Travel Pouch in two attractive patterns for boys and girls. Sturdy and great for helping kids manage their own travel gear, each piece is made with the same high-quality durable fabric and designs as the adult versions.

Back-to-School: REI’s ecoSensitive Big School Pack is comfortably designed with kids in mind. Filled with pockets, panels and lots of room for books, the Big School pack helps keep kids organized at school. For high school, college or grad students, the Acumen pack and Orbita wheeled pack have also been updated for fall.

About REI Gear & Apparel
REI’s in-house team designs and develops award-winning gear and apparel for camping, hiking, cycling, urban lifestyle, travel and general outdoor recreation. The REI and Novara brands are sold exclusively through the co-op’s retail stores, online at www.rei.com and through its catalogs. REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.