{"id":64750,"date":"2019-06-25T11:51:11","date_gmt":"2019-06-25T18:51:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=64750"},"modified":"2023-05-18T16:21:54","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T23:21:54","slug":"the-7-coolest-new-products-for-backpackers-we-found-at-outdoor-retailer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/the-7-coolest-new-products-for-backpackers-we-found-at-outdoor-retailer","title":{"rendered":"The 7 Coolest New Products for Backpackers We Found at Outdoor Retailer"},"content":{"rendered":"

We scoured the massive show floor of last week\u2019s Outdoor Retailer trade show in Denver in search of the most exciting pieces of backpacking gear hitting shelves\u2014and trails\u2014in the coming months. From stoves to sleeping pads to backpacks, the innovation of your favorite brands didn\u2019t disappoint. Backpacking gear is getting lighter, more comfortable and more feature-rich.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Primus Firestick Ti Stove<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"Primus

The tiny Firestick Ti has a place in our packs (or hipbelt pockets). (Photo Credit: Ryan Wichelns)<\/p><\/div>\n

At just 3.1 ounces (with an included, external Piezo igniter), the titanium <\/span>Primus<\/span><\/a> Firestick weighs less than your headlamp but doesn\u2019t sacrifice any camp-cooking performance. (It\u2019s also available in a steel version that weighs 3.7 ounces.) Air intake holes, a recessed burner head and a fine-tunable pressure regulator (with a large, foldable control knob) give the stove top-notch fuel efficiency and cook times: This 8,530-BTU stove will bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a little more than three minutes, and an 8-ounce canister of fuel will burn on full for up to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Plus, the sturdy pot support arms click into place over the burner when it\u2019s not in use, keeping it protected while eliminating the need for a separate case. It packs down to just over 4 inches long with a 1.4-inch diameter\u2014about the same size as a candy bar. Pick up the Firestick online in spring 2020. ($120)<\/span><\/p>\n

Black Diamond ReVolt 350 Headlamp<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"Black

The dimmable ReVolt 350 boasts 350 lumens. (Photo Credit: Ryan Wichelns)<\/p><\/div>\n

The headlamp power arms race is still in full swing. <\/span>Black Diamond<\/span><\/a>\u2019s rechargeable <\/span>ReVolt Headlamp<\/span><\/a> is getting a boost from 175 lumens up to 350, the upper end available for headlamps this size. Of course, you likely won\u2019t need all that power all the time, so the ReVolt is easily dimmable. (Nice touch: Like most Black Diamond headlamps, once you find a power you like, the light will remain set there until you manually change it, even after it\u2019s turned off and on.) It also features Black Diamond\u2019s new 1,800-mAh, removable lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged in a cradle and swapped in for a fresh one (or throw regular AAAs in there). This allows you to carry an extra or two for long trips, rather than needing to plug the light into a power bank while on the trail. Once you get home, a quick recharge ensures you always head out at 100 percent and don\u2019t need to worry about disposable batteries. Buy the new ReVolt at select REI stores or online in spring 2020. ($65)<\/span><\/p>\n

Goal Zero Nomad 5 Solar Panel<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n
\"Goal

Juice your gadgets with the Nomad 5. (Photo Credit: Ryan Wichelns)<\/p><\/div>\n

For backpackers who like to charge on the go, this featherlight solar panel may become your new standard. The single monocrystalline panel\u2014protected behind a durable, rugged plastic enclosure\u2014weighs 12.7 ounces, smaller and lighter than any <\/span>Goal Zero<\/span><\/a> panel before. (At $59.95, it\u2019s cheaper, too.) It\u2019s the perfect size for shoving into the brain of your pack. The 5-watt output might not keep your mirrorless camera alive in the backcountry, but for phones, headlamps and small power banks, it\u2019s all you need. A single female USB port on the back makes charging phones and <\/span>Goal Zero\u2019s Flip chargers<\/span><\/a> simple, and a kickstand on the back and lash points around the perimeter make setup easy. (You can prop it on a boulder or the ground at camp or affix it to the outside of your pack when you\u2019re hiking.) Pre-order the Nomad 5 online now; it will be available at all REI stores in July 2019. ($60)<\/span><\/p>\n

Gregory Paragon 58 \/ Maven 55 Packs<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"Gregory

The Paragon and Maven now have dynamic carry. (Photo courtesy of John Sears)<\/p><\/div>\n

The updated 58-liter Paragon and women-specific, 55-liter Maven have backpackers and weekend warriors drooling. Now made with <\/span>Gregory<\/span><\/a>\u2019s patent-pending FreeFloat Hybrid suspension system, the load haulers boast dynamic fit and carry (so the packs move with you as you hike and high-step). The precurved hipbelt is designed to comfortably hug your body, and the back panel has airflow channels. Stretchy exterior mesh pockets, including a huge one on the back and narrower ones on each side, give you lots of options for stashing wet clothes, extra snacks and other items you might want to grab on the go. With all that, the Paragon 58 comes in at just 3 pounds, 5 ounces. REI will have the first-to-market exclusive beginning in November 2019, and the packs will be available in most stores and online. ($200)<\/span><\/p>\n

Exped Outer Space II Tent<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"EXPED

Unclear what we’ll do with the 37 square feet of vestibule space in the Outer Space II, but we’ll certainly enjoy it. (Photo Credit: Ryan Wichelns)<\/p><\/div>\n

Weathering storms by lying on your back and staring at a mesh tent body are a thing of the past, thanks to the <\/span>Exped<\/span><\/a> Outer Space. Designed for maximum livability without losing its lightweight backpacking credentials, this two-person, three-season shelter weighs 5 pounds, 11 ounces with a staggering 37 square feet of vestibule space. With the inner tent body set up inside and the fly zipped down, there\u2019s enough room for campers to eat, play cards or even sit in chairs. If the weather is nice, open it up in porch mode (pictured) for even more space\u2014and a view. Find the Outer Space II in select REI stores and online in spring 2020; it will also be available in a three-person version. ($449)<\/span><\/p>\n

NEMO Flyer Sleeping Pad<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"NEMO

Foam and air, a backpacker’s best friends. (Photo Credit: Ryan Wichelns)<\/p><\/div>\n

The Flyer blurs the line between lightweight inflatable pad and luxe self-inflating pad. <\/span>NEMO<\/span><\/a> took a standard foam pad<\/a> and cored out about 60 percent of the actual foam to create hollow air channels. The result is a $120, 1-pound-7-ounce sleeping pad that packs down to the size of a football\u2014but still inflates on its own. On the show floor, it seemed to provide a generous amount of support, even for side sleepers. Added bonus: If you puncture it or bust an air chamber, the foam on the inside makes it still relatively comfortable when deflated. A durable-yet-supple, 20-denier fabric adds to the plush factor, and an <\/span>R-value<\/span><\/a> of 3 means you can push it into cooler temperatures if paired with a warm sleeping bag. The Flyer will be available in all REI stores and online in spring 2020. ($120)<\/span><\/p>\n

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"Big

The Copper Spur gets awnings. (Photo Credit: Ryan Wichelns)<\/p><\/div>\n

Who knew a single zipper could make such a difference? By adding a second zipper to the fly of <\/span>Big Agnes<\/span><\/a>\u2019s <\/span>super-popular, lightweight backpacking tent<\/span><\/a>, you can now prop both sides up with a trekking pole to create awnings. If you don\u2019t need open porches (in the event that the weather is a little spicy), just close up that new zipper and use it as a traditional fly. Even with the new porch feature and an updated, more durable ripstop nylon throughout the fly, the revised Copper Spur still comes in at 2 pounds, 13 ounces. REI will have the first-to-market exclusive beginning in November 2019, and it will be available in all stores and online. ($500)<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking for more new product picks scouted from the show floor at Outdoor Retailer? Find our favorite gear for the trail here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We scoured the massive show floor of last week\u2019s Outdoor Retailer trade show in Denver in search of the most exciting pieces of backpacking gear hitting shelves\u2014and trails\u2014in the coming months. From stoves to sleeping pads to backpacks, the innovation of your favorite brands didn\u2019t disappoint. Backpacking gear is getting lighter, more comfortable and more […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12183,"featured_media":64758,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,387],"tags":[15,588,724,707,1538,836],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-64750","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camp","category-hike","tag-backpacking","tag-camping","tag-gear","tag-hiking","tag-new-products","tag-outdoor-retailer"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/hike\/the-7-coolest-new-products-for-backpackers-we-found-at-outdoor-retailer","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"The 7 Coolest New Products for Backpackers We Found at Outdoor Retailer","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/the-7-coolest-new-products-for-backpackers-we-found-at-outdoor-retailer","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/the-7-coolest-new-products-for-backpackers-we-found-at-outdoor-retailer"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/Black-Diamond.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/Black-Diamond.jpg?fit=1500%2C1125"},"articleSection":"Camp","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Maren Horjus"}],"creator":["Maren Horjus"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["backpacking","camping","gear","hiking","new products","outdoor retailer"],"dateCreated":"2019-06-25T18:51:11Z","datePublished":"2019-06-25T18:51:11Z","dateModified":"2023-05-18T23:21:54Z"},"rendered":"