Among the adventure 4×4 rigs and van life setups at Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado last week, several outdoor gear, hardgoods and apparel brands were showcasing new products.
The outdoor brands were exhibiting to cater to the overlanding crowd, with products specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to go dispersed camping and spend quality time outside in their adventure vehicles.
The Daily toured booths featuring outdoor products, including Gathr, Kokopelli, Ignik, Mountain House, Grayl, Kelty, and Helinox.
Gathr Outdoors CVT Klymit Wasatch rooftop tent. Photo by The Daily.
Gathr Outdoor’s CVT Klymit Wasatch Rooftop Tent
Gathr Outdoors acquired Cascadia Vehicle Tents (CVT) in January and is releasing the Wasatch rooftop tent under its Klymit segment.
According to Adrian Frick, project manager for Gathr, this tent is focused on keeping campers dry and comfortable as they sleep. The foam mattress is 3 inches thick and “dual density.”
“It offers a great experience for both side and back sleepers,” Frick said.
Gathr’s research showed that a lot of consumers were buying rooftop tents, and then spending money to add extra mattresses. Frick said this tent eliminates that step.
Gathr touts the 270-degree view the tent provides. It also has a removable rain fly.
“If you’re in the desert camping and you don’t have any rain and weather, you can take the whole fly off and it opens everything up,” Frick said.
Gathr expects to launch the tent in December. The medium size retails at $3,199 and the large at $3,390.
Kokopelli Platte Plus 2-person inflatable kayak. Photo by The Daily.
Kokopelli Platte-Plus 2-Person Inflatable Kayak
Kokopelli Outdoor was showcasing its Platte-Plus 2-person inflatable kayak.
The three-chamber kayak is made with PVC construction with a drop-stitch floor. “Its basically the material of a paddleboard, so it adds rigidity to the boat,” said Susie Wagner, director of sales for Kokopelli.
Four self-bailing holes also dot the floor to help with drainage. The back fin is removable.
The boat comes with two seats that can be adjusted and folded down for a solo kayaking session. The full kit includes two four-piece paddles, a pump, and a carry bag.
The two-piece pack weighs in at almost 32 pounds when fully equipped.
The Platte-Plus was released this year. The one-person version retails for $900 and the two-person for $1,100.
Ignik FireCan Elite. Photo by The Daily.
Ignik FireCan Elite
Ignik’s original fire can came out about two years ago, and this new version is updated with a couple of key changes based on feedback from the overlanding community.
This version is hotter, putting out 55,000 BTUs. It’s also lighter and easier to stow, according to Brian Stevenson, sales representative for Ignik.
The heater is made from stainless steel, which cuts about three pounds of weight from the original.
It runs off of propane, with a regulator similar to one used on home gas grills.
“One of the big benefits is you’re not using a single-use, one-pound green bottle that ends up in the landfill,” Stevenson said. “That’s cash savings over time, but also a lot less waste.”
Ignik was running a special at Overland for $199 for the fire can. It will be available in stores next year and retail at $249.
Mountain House Veggie Chorizo Breakfast Scramble meal. Photo by The Daily.
Mountain House Veggie Chorizo Breakfast Scramble Meal
New for backpacker food brand Mountain House is a push for vegetarian options, including the Veggie Chorizo Breakfast Scramble meal.
The meal is made from a pea-protein-based vegetarian chorizo, with eggs, onions, and peppers, similar to the Breakfast Skillet Mountain House offers.
“It’s just a vegetarian version,” said Zac Gilliland, brand marketer for Mountain House. “Historically we haven’t done a ton of vegetarian, so that’s been nice to add those selections.”
Gilliland said the brand gets asked for more vegetarian options often at events such as Overland Expo. Mountain House will also be releasing a Tikka Masala option in 2024.
The Veggie Chorizo Breakfast Scramble meal retails for $11.50.
Grayl 16.9 ounce Ultra Press Ti Purifier. Photo by The Daily.
Grayl 16.9 Ounce Ultra Press Ti Purifier
Water filtration company Grayl‘s flagship product Geopress got an upgrade in November with a titanium version that can be placed directly on hot coals or a backpacking stove.
“It offers a little bit more multi-use to make coffee and boil water,” said Scott Rolfson, global brand director for Grayl.
The titanium purifier has the same features as the Geopress, with a charcoal filter that the company says removes virus, protozoa, bacteria, particulates, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals.
So far Grayl hasn’t had to refund any products due to denting or other failures in the titanium, according to Rolfson.
The 16.9 ounce bottle has a 2.75 inch base, which works well for putting in backpack pockets and cupholders.
The 16.9 oz Ultra Press Ti Purifier is available now. Retails at $199.
Kelty Fairbank backpack. Photo by The Daily.
Kelty Fairbank Backpack
Outdoor gear brand Kelty is refreshing a classic backpack style with modern features.
The Fairbank model is classically styled like a pack from decades ago but includes features such as hydration bladder compatibility, laptop sleeve pockets, and organization systems for cords and phones. It weighs 2 pounds and has a capacity of 29 liters.
“It’s got throwback branding, but it’s been modernized for today’s digital user,” said Nels Larson, category director for Exxel Outdoors. “It’s feature-rich.”
The Fairbank is part of the Origins Collection.
It retails at $99.95.
Helinox Chair Zero Large. Photo by The Daily.
Helinox Chair Zero L
Helinox‘s new backpacking chair, the Chair Zero L, weighs 1.5 pounds and can support up to 320 pounds.
The main difference between this chair and previous versions is that it sits up a little higher and tilts back slightly more, said Logan Millar, marketing manager for Helinox.
“It’s a great addition to any backpacking kit,” Millar said. “Some people think it’s comfier.”
Millar also pointed out the aluminum poles are thicker and that the chair has more stability.
It retails at $160.
Bart Schaneman can be reached at bart@ordaily.outdoorretailer.com.
