Intova

Hawaiian camera company, Intova, is the oldest producers of action cameras, but not well known. Their Connex (above, left) and Edge X (above, right) cameras are top quality, but have a price tag that is more user friendly: $199 (base), $249, and $349. With a diving background, Intova wanted to build cameras tough enough to go deeper and take more abuse. “The deepest we’ve tried these camera’s was 600ft underwater,” said Intova president Joe Danahl. 

A built in LCD screen and full menu system allows users to dial in the settings they need to produce better HD video, including manual white balance and zoom. The Connex model has a non-wifi remote, meaning you don’t need to have your phone out while kayaking. The $249 model features an HDMI out cable that is still waterproof, so you can plug into another screen and send the camera down deep to take a view of the ocean beneath you. 

The Edge X ($349 model) is capable of 60x zoom, 16 megapixel photographs and even has a slave strobe for flash photography. The rubber armor protects the camera’s case (which is already bomber), even further. A wifi remote gives users more control and can even be paired to up to 10 cameras. The two coolest functions of the Edge X though, is the wireless file transer, and live broadcast through app, to across the web. Now you can take video off your phone without even taking out a memory card, or broadcast your exploits live, across the globe. 

Columbia Sportswear

Columbia’s new Loch Lomond jacket, $275, has all of the bells and whistels of their new Spring 2015 line. The Omni-Tech® waterproof breathable membrane in the jacket gets rid of unwanted moisture from the body, which is great for big crossings while paddling through snotty weather.

Watertight zippers in a super lightweight design let you carry extra gear without paying for it later. Adjustable cuff tabs and attached, adjustable storm hood and drawcord waist keep water out. Two-way underarm venting keep you from overheating even more.  

Bending Branches

Bending Branches has updated their popular Sunrise Glass paddle, $99.95. Aside from the lightweight fiberglass shaft and super-durable blade, the paddle is now available in with bright green blades. Stand out on the water more or just to match your kayak!

DeLorme

Navigate, create waypoints, log your trip and find your way back with DeLorme’s latest, the inREACH Explorer. Send and receive messages. Trigger an interactive SOS. Plan, track and share your journey. You can also view route details such as distance and bearing to destination.

Equipped with a digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer, you’ll always be able to stay connected while out on both weekend paddling trips and major expeditions. 

ExOfficio

Need to stay cool while paddling in the hot sun? ExOfficio’s Sol Cool line of clothing is designed with Xylatol, a chemical from a birch tree, the same one used in mints and gum to cool your mouth. That means, when you start to sweat, you’ll feel a chilled sensation run through your body.

Available in hoody (below), long sleeve and short sleeve versions, the tops are ventilated, rated to 50+UPF. The hoodie has a mesh collar for when you really want to hide from the sun, but want to keep your sunglasses from fogging. 

Outdoor Tech

Known for seriously rugged, waterproof speakers, Outdoor Tech has stepped into the portable power market with an offering that is waterproof, as in 100% fully submersible. The Kodiak, $49.95, is even water resistant while charging your devices, smartphones up to three charges or action cameras up to 7 charges. Available in various colors, including camo or glow in the dark green. 

Adjust-A-Grill

The lightest on the market, Adjust-A-Grill’s Firepan/Campfire, $175, allows you to make a fire anywhere; in your backyard, on your tailgate, or even in leave not trace areas, where ground fires are not allowed. It takes only seconds to set up and is strong enough to hold multiple pots and cookware at once. The Firepan and Campfire weigh 19 pounds combined and come with a sturdy Cordura case. 

ZEMgear

Super flexible water shoes from ZEMgear are all built on non-marking, slip-resistant soles. Their Techbands don’t add weight to the shoe but add lateral stability to keep your feet securely inside. Their H2O Team shoes have a split toe design to give a better barefoot-like grip. They also feature a full toe and heel cap to protect your feet. Available in multiple colors for $79.

Snow Leopard 

Instead of carrying your phone in a protective case and carrying a seperate battery charger, check out the XLTreme iPad case from Snow Leopard. There is a built in battery pack inside the case that can double the battery life and also charge other devices at the same time through a USB out port. A new Navigator series coming out next year will have a built in GPS antennae to help you navigate your next paddle trip. 

Patagonia

Patagonia’s Stormfront line of waterproof bags and duffels are made from DWR
 (durable water repellent) fabric finish which repels water and decreases dry times, but is paired with a waterproof/breathable barrier. The Stormfront Roll Top Boat Bag features fully-welded construction and a roll top closure; ideal for dry storage and transporting extra gear/electronics to and from the water.

Stay tuned for more of the greatest new products from Outdoor Retailer. Be sure to follow along with Adventure Kayak on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

Selk’bag

Selk’bags are sweet sleeping bags with arms and legs for comfortable sleeping or wear around a campsite. They’re rated to 45 degrees and have removable booties—warm enough to stay cozy outside on summer nights or for indoor use in winter. They’ve been around since 2006, but just partnered with Disney for new Hulk, Spider Man, Captain America and Iron Man designs. The superhero suits will be available this fall. 

Chaco

Chaco’s popular Outcross shoes have been updated for 2015 with the addition of a Vibram Megagrip sole for excellent traction. They’ve also expanded the line to include an adorable kid’s version in a bright selection of colors.

Big Agnes

A flashlight or headlamp at camp is great, but when you really want to light up the night, go to Big Agnes‘ new mtnGLO collection of tents and camping accessories. Their new Gilpin Falls Powerhouse 4, $599, is a four person tent desinged for family camping and features fully waterproof, integrated LED lights inside the tent.

The low profile lights are barely visible when turned off, looking like a tent seam, but light up the inside of the tent with the push of a button. The lights are powered by a Joey T55 power source, which can also be powered by any USB power source. The Gilpin Falls Powerhouse 4 is a little heavy for tripping, but their popular Copper Spur tent, $449.99, has been added to the mtnGLO collection, and approx. 3lbs, even with the lights installed. 

Sea to Summit

Adding to their X-series of silicon sided, collapsible dishware, Sea to Summit has introduced the X-Pot. The bottom of the pot is anodized aluminum so it remains lightweight. The plastic lid features a strainer built right in and two silicon tabs allow you to drain the water without burning yourself. There are two sizes available, a 1.2 litre and a 2.8 litre. 

Gerber

Camp knives are essential to a fun, successful trip and they’re doubly important when the whole family comes along. Gerber has added a new camp knife set (sub $100) to their Freescape series of camping tools, available together or indivually. The set includes a folding kitchen knife, a fixed blade pairing knife and a folding utility knife.

The stainless steel blades reduce corrosion and increase durability and the top of the camp set box doubles as a cutting board. The sheaths are made from neoprene and have plastic inserts and the knives come with a lifetime warranty. 

Stanley

Can’t stand instant coffee while on trip, or tired of carrying three seperate things to make quality French Press coffee at camp? Check out the new Coffee Brew System (above) from Stanley. Everything you need to brew French Press coffee is combined into one easily packable, stainless steel package.

A pot, thermos, coffee press, mug, a buddy mug and a dry coffee ground container all fit snugly together into what looks like a large thermos. There are two sizes available, a 17oz ($50) and a 1.1qt ($65). There are also food jar kits available in the lineup so you can cook soup or pasta with ease. 

Big Agnes

A flashlight or headlamp at camp is great, but when you really want to light up the night, go to Big Agnes‘ new mtnGLO collection of tents and camping accessories. Their new Gilpin Falls Powerhouse 4, $599, is a four person tent desinged for family camping and features fully waterproof, integrated LED lights inside the tent.

The low profile lights are barely visible when turned off, looking like a tent seam, but light up the inside of the tent with the push of a button. The lights are powered by a Joey T55 power source, which can also be powered by any USB power source. The Gilpin Falls Powerhouse 4 is a little heavy for tripping, but their popular Copper Spur tent, $449.99, has been added to the mtnGLO collection, and approx. 3lbs, even with the lights installed. 

NRS

The new Crush lineup of water shoes from NRS are stylish enough to walk in the street without looking like you just came off the water. The quick draining shoes are flexible and lightweight and feature a super sticky tread design shaped like the state of Idaho. A nylon liner makes it possible to wear these shoes without socks.

Sea to Summit

Adding to their X-series of silicon sided, collapsible dishware, Sea to Summit has introduced the X-Pot. The bottom of the pot is anodized aluminum so it remains lightweight. The plastic lid features a strainer built right in and two silicon tabs allow you to drain the water without burning yourself. There are two sizes available, a 1.2 litre and a 2.8 litre. 

GSI Outdoors

GSI Outdoors has added a new 24oz pot to their lineup, to go along with the already popular 12oz pot. The built in handle wraps around the pot to make packing it a breeze. A new stainless steel flask replaces their leather wrapped one to fit better inside your pocket and increase durability. New colors and wraps are being added to their Commuter Java Press. 

Dagger Kayaks

Rapid Media Founder and Publisher Scott MacGregor interviews Dagger Kayaks about their new Roam sit on top. Watch it now. 

Gerber

Camp knives are essential to a fun, successful trip and they’re doubly important when the whole family comes along. Gerber has added a new camp knife set (sub $100) to their Freescape series of camping tools, available together or indivually. The set includes a folding kitchen knife, a fixed blade pairing knife and a folding utility knife.

The stainless steel blades reduce corrosion and increase durability and the top of the camp set box doubles as a cutting board. The sheaths are made from neoprene and have plastic inserts and the knives come with a lifetime warranty. 

Popticals

Before sunrise or after the sun goes down means you need a way to store your high-tech sunglasses without them being damaged or lost. That gets tricky when you’re talking about a big, hard camera case that won’t fit anywhere. Popticals has introduced a solution to that problem, with high-performance sport sunglasses that breakdown and store in a box that can fit snugly in your PFD pocket. 

These sunglasses are all made in Italy to ensure top quality and are not flimsy like other foldable glasses. These serious sport glasses combine the performance paddlers need with the ease of storage they’ve been wanting. There are 21 different styles coming out in the Spring of 2015, starting at $189. 

Klymit

Klymit is known for crazy lightweight sleeping pads that pack down to almost nothing. When we say nothing, we mean the size, or smaller, than a smartphone, which is the case with their Inertia O Zone pad, $99.95. Their newest product however, the Static V Luxe, $89, is focused on comfort. The biggest (that’s a relative term here) weighs 26.35oz and packs down the size of a few soda cans.

The three-inch thick, 30-inch wide, 76-inch long pad is big enough to sleep comfortably and a dynamic side rail keeps you on the pad all night long. Klymit’s anatomically patterned V-chamber design prevents air from moving up and down the bag and creating that water bed feeling and also prevents cold spots along the pad. 

SealSkinz Inc

SealSkinz Inc’s products are all waterproof and super breathable; perfect for a paddler. Their Ultra Grip Glove will be a hit with sea kayakers looking for warm, but are super stretchy so you can still use your hands like hands. Their new Gauntlet gloves feature touchscreen sensitive fingertips and have an anit-slip liner, which means it won’t get pulled out each time you take them off. 

Stay tuned for more of the greatest new products from Outdoor Retailer. Be sure to follow along with Adventure Kayak on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

Here are some canoeing and camping products on display at Outdoor Retailer:

Frost River

Frost River is displaying their beautiful canoe packs in the pavilions at Outdoor Retailer. Their portage-style packs are heavy water resistant waxed canvas, have solid brass buckles, harness leather reinforcements, a durable double bottom and tumplines and adjustable backpack straps. All of Frost River’s products are made in Duluth, Minnesota.

Sierra Designs

Ultra-light is an understatement when it comes to the new tent from Sierra Designs. Weighing in at two pounds, nine ounces, the Tensegrity is a non-freestanding design that relies on trekking poles or sticks to stand in place. It’s a rethink of tent design altogether: the tent is wider up top to give extra shoulder and head room; it has a giant vestibule that can be adjusted down for a classic gear storage vestibule or pulled up to create a tarp-style living and cooking space. The silicone fabric is tear-resistant despite its paper-thin weight. 

L.L.Bean

L.L.Bean’s new products integrate new, fast drying, lightweight synthetics without compromising the classic look and feel of their clothing. The Polartec Thermal Pro Sport Jac is a throwback style with a cottony feel that’s great for both the backcountry and bar.

Goal Zero

The new Venture 30 is a battery that can handle the elements. Charge it using the small built-in USB cord and then bring it into the backcoutry to keep your headlamp, camera, smartphone or tablet powered up. Pair it with one of Goal Zero’s solar panels to stay charged while you’re off the grid. Stop worrying about babying your electronics—the Venture 30 won’t be harmed by splashing or sand.

NRS

The Siren PFD from NRS is a new version of their basic Vapour PFD with a women’s specific cut and a few added features. It has a big front pocket for easily-accessible storage and a hand warming pocket for even more all-day comfort. It trims all extra weight and bulk by sticking to the basic essential features and combining them into a slim, sleek design. The Siren will be available in Spring 2015. 

Here are some brand new 2015 whitewater products making their debut at Outdoor Retailer this week:

Bomber Gear

We can’t wait to try the brand new Palguin Drysuit (pictured above) from Bomber Gear. The company’s recent partnership with Polartec is introducing a fabric called NeoShell to the watersports world for the first time. NeoShell is super soft to the touch, lightweight, breathable and durable. Other Bomber Gear products we’ve tried fit like comfortable clothing instead of bulky equipment and the Palguin looks like it follows this trend by eliminating any unnecessary bulk. It’s unique leg entry system zips up the leg and down the other, removing any movement-restricting zippers from the shoulder and torso area and adding a convenient relief zip for men and women.

Shred Ready

The brand new OSK helmet from Shred Ready is bringing new technology to the watersports world. The Koroyd Hybrid technology is found in some snowsports helmets and now Shred Ready is using it to make lighter, tougher helmets with better drainage for whitewater paddlers. They’re also reintroducing retro design—OSK means Old School Kool—with a small removable brim for extra protection that comes in three interchangeable colors with each helmet. It has a thin shell that disperses impact, removable accessory ear pads, and a Boa Closure System at the back to dial in fit.

Immersion Research

Immersion Research is displaying their updated line of skirts at Outdoor Retailer. The fabric is super stretchy which they say makes them easier to put on and makes skirt implosions almost impossible—the fabric stretching will help keep the rand in place on your kayak’s cockpit. The rand also has an extra flap of fabric around the outside to keep any water from seeping in around the edges, making these new skirts dryer than ever.

Jackson Kayak

Jackson’s popular Fun series is getting an update for 2015. The Fun series has always combined features for both river running and play boating, and while the last version of the Fun leaned more towards the playboating side of things, this new generation has more of a river running focus. With more volume in the stern and a slightly narrower bow, it’s still built to do both well. The outfitting has a new backband feature that let’s you adjust it up and down to the perfect height. The 2015 Funs are shipping soon in the 4 Fun and Fun sizes (medium and large), and a smaller 2 Fun is soon to be added to the fleet.

Kokatat

Responding to customer requests for a rescue vest with more storage, Kokatat is launching the Maximus Centurion for 2015. The vest is essentially an updated version of their Maximus Prime, with a removable front pouch for storage. The pouch has three pockets and blends sleekly into the design of the vest—when attached, it looks like an integrated part of the PFD. The pouch and attachment clips can be removed to slim down when storage isn’t required. The Maximus Centurion comes with a quick release belt and other handy rescue features, such as a shoulder storage spot for your knife that keeps it conveniently tucked away but always within reach. 

Suunto

The Ambit3 series (above) of GPS watches from Suunto are perfect for paddlers who like to keep track of everything. The Peak model, not only keeps track of heart rate, has weather functions and is bluetooth compatible with Suunto’s new, Movescount mobile app. The app lets you decide which features are shown on the face of the watch and allows the watch to display notifications while you’re on the go. 

The Movescount app works with the watch to help you create The Suunto Movie. This feature visualizes your route on a 3D map, which includes key metrics, and you can add photos from your adventure to tell the whole story. The Peak model will be available this September, starting at $500. 

Level Six

Level Six redesigned their popular Superior paddling jacket to make it more comfortable and efficient. The Superior 2.0 features a new Sidewinder zipper ensures neck comfort and a venting collar system keeps breathing heavily in the really rough weather comfortable.

A tuck away hood system has vents in the back so heavy winds can travel through the hood instead of being blown off your head. Fleece lined hand warmer pockets keep you toasty at the launch and the Dual Fabric construction lightens the jacket and keeps it more breathable in key areas. 

ExtraSport

Using Extrasport’s new Bump Foam comfort system, their latest PFD, the Eon, is designed for ultimate comfort and gear storage. A mesh Baja back nests above kayak seats to deliver all day comfort. Pleated top load, fleece lined Kangaroo hand warmer pockets and multiple safety features round out the package.

Pyranha

A new Fusion sit-on-top from Pyranha lests paddlers get a whitewater hull and features in a recreational kayak package. Unlike most sit-on-tops the new Fusion has a skeg to assist with tracking. Leg straps allow paddlers to tilt and carve the boat, while the open deck prevents them from feeling trapped. The hull is wider to increase stability for beginner paddlers. 

Goal Zero

Keep your phones, tablets, cameras and other important devices charged and ready with the new Venture 30 from Goal Zero. Charge your smartphone 2-3 times or your tablet once at camp after charging the Venture via solar panels. The unit starts at $99 without the solar panels, or $169 paired with the Nomad 7 panel. 

The charger is weatherproof, which means “you could take a shower with it, but not a bath,” said Lisa Janssen of Goal Zero. A USB cable and micro sd cable are both built in so you never have to worry about forgetting to pack cords. There are 2 USB ports as well, and the Venture can charge two phones at 2.4 amps, at the same time, without losing ampage once the second is plugged in. The Venture will also talk with your device to deliver the ampage at a speed that won’t overcharge it. 

Stellar Kayaks

Stellar Kayaks has released a new 14 ft surfski, the S14S, designed for the recreational paddler looking for racing style. The steering system on the boat is similiar to Stellar’s other racing style systems, and the short length and low weight (starting at 26.9lbs), make carrying the boat to and from water a breeze. There are four grades available in the series, Ultra, Excel, Advantage and Sport, starting at $1,950 with the Sport.

Stay tuned for more of the greatest new products from Outdoor Retailer. Be sure to follow along with Adventure Kayak on our Facebook and Twitter pages!

Here’s what we found in the world of whitewater at the first day of Outdoor Retailer’s 2014 Summer Market:

Pyranha

We got a sneak peek at Pyranha’s brand new 9-R kayak design today at Outdoor Retailer. It’s nine feet in length and the ‘R’ stands for race—this is a boat made to move quickly. With events like the Sickline and Green races in mind, Pyranha designed a hull that draws on both their Shiva and Burn kayaks. It has continuous rocker and slightly more in the stern to allow for speed and boofability. The 9-R is shorter than some popular race boats so it’ll also act as a fun river runner for paddlers who don’t plan to compete at an extreme level. Rapid’s hoping to test one out as soon as they hit the water.

Kokatat

After hearing lots of hype in the weeks leading up to Outdoor Retailer, we were excited to see Kokatat’s new Idol Drysuit in person. The suit separates at the waist so it can be worn as a dry top or as a dry suit, and there are no movement-restricting zippers in the torso or shoulder area. The waist zip acts as a drop seat or a front relief zip. The zipper is housed in a little drybox that becomes the zipper pull once unscrewed. The zipper sits just above your butt, and Kokatat’s Matt Porter told us it shouldn’t interfere with outfitting in any way—in a kayak, he says the zipper sits above the seat and below the backband. Porter says Kokatat’s been working on this concept for years and this was the first year zipper technology made the design possible. We’re looking forward to trying one out for review!

KEEN

In addition to their classic designs, KEEN is beefing up their line of performance shoes for 2015. The new Zambezi is made for kayakers and rafters. It has a high-traction sole for grip on wet rocks. The webbing strap does up with a single clip—adjust the fit the first time you wear them and then just clip them on and off. The Gorgeous, another new shoe from KEEN, has a similar build but with an integrated 2mm neoprene bootie so you don’t need a separate sock for insulation.   

Cataract Oars

Cataract Oars has an all-new whitewater kayak paddle that’ll be available to order by winter. It’s got a light and strong carbon shaft and foam-core carbon blade. There are ten inches of grip at each hand that make the shaft the perfect diameter to hold on to comfortably.