All right, it's been almost two weeks, and I'm still not quite back into the swing of things and...that's okay. Happily, I lead a pretty low key life, so no giant drama happening at all (though the kids ARE starting school tomorrow, BIG change).
When I flew out to Salt Lake City for Day 1 of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, I wasn't sure what time I would make it to the Convention Center, so I booked my first appointment at 1:00 PM. This turned out to be a good plan, because it gave me time to check my bags (too early for the hotel), meet a few new folks, wander the areas, have lunch, then head to the first meeting of the day. Along the way, I ran into the guys from at Teton Sports, who gave me a new hat and wished me luck (they know what ORShow is like).
First up, Strongvolt: a young and hungry solar charger company, these guys are doing some innovative things. They are ready to grow but are adding products as they make sense. One to watch.
Then, PolarPro: originally a filter company, they expanded into GoPro accessories, and are doing some great things with both. I really am looking forward to checking out the The PowerPole GoPro Battery Pole - integrated batteries beep your GoPro running for many extra hours. Super cool.
Not on my schedule, but a happy opportunity on the way elsewhere, Klecker Knives: from plastic knife kits (to introduce knives safely to children) to amazing titanium axe heads, this company's products are both beautiful and functional. These are covet items for my camping gear collection for sure.
Something I'd been looking forward to for a LONG time, Disc-O Bed: when I first saw these some time ago, I realized they'd be a perfect solution to a space problem we have when car camping. While our 8 person North Face tent works well for the six of us, we are starting to run out of space as the kids get bigger. Bunkbed cots take away one person of floor space, opening it up for gear, getting dressed, and just more airiness. Disc-O Bed have already sent me a Kid-O Bunk to test out and the kids just love it - can't wait to take it camping!
Up next, Olympia: I'm a fan of this company; their RG850 flashlight has been my go-to for several years now - super bright, easily rechargeable, and feels good in the hand. I'd recommend it to anyone. For Hell Hike And Raft, they provided the Solar Battery SB5500, a versatile battery bank that can be charged via the sun or USB and is ready when you need it. Relatively compact and light, it folds in half to protect the solar panels when not in use.
A miracle booth? Jabra: long time readers know that I have never found earbuds that stay in my ears when I move, so of course I was skeptical about these as well, but the booth rep worked with various configurations until we found one that felt like it was in there pretty well. They sent me a pair of the new Sport Coach (intelligent audio coaching optimized for cross training and indoor workouts, sweat and weather proof) - I'll give them a thorough testing and let you know how things go - fingers crossed!
Making me excited about cycling in the rain, Showers Pass: a smaller company out of Oregon, they make well-designed and attractive cycling apparel that is meant to keep you riding year-round. I'll be working with them to test that, especially in winter, so keep an eye out for forthcoming reviews. They also have adorable kids' gear that should keep the little ones happy in inclement weather.
After this last appointment, I had just enough time to train it back to the hotel, check-in, clean up a bit, then head out for the Momentum Media PR media night (ah, the glamorous life of a blogger). An amazing dinner from Black's Sliders, beer from Epic Brewing, and whiskey sours made by the good folks at Stanley meant this was a very pleasant evening indeed hobnobbing with Momentum clients Stanley, Mammut, Petzl, Bogs, Teva, Napier Outdoors, Proof Eyewear, and Sea To Summit. Hoping that some business partnerships are forthcoming.
FaceTiming the family on the way home was the perfect way to end the day and it was off to bed to get rested for Day 2!
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