Travel Gear Blog News 08/06/2010

Hammocks have come a long way since pre-Columbian natives in South America wove together sheets from the bark of a Hamack tree and strung them up between two poles. Hammocks today are stylishly designed and scientifically engineered.

The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market will barrel to a screeching halt on Friday but not before some innovative and unique products are introduced to retailers and consumers.

Marketing departments rarely dip into metaphysics when promoting a product. But with its new Tree Hugger 32, an eco-minded backpack design, The North Face touts “good karma” as an attribute alongside pack capacity and compression straps.

If your canine companion is the light of your life, you will welcome Ruff Wear’s Track Jacket ($27.99), which can make Spot more visible — and safer — when out and about.

Many of us have a device that plays mp3s. But to sit in your hotel room with small sound-emitting plugs pounding your ear drums is not always the best way to spend an evening.

Today is the last day of this summer's Outdoor Retailer show. Stand-up paddle-boarding continues to be the hot new sport, while the major theme in footwear is still less is more:

The Teva Forge Pro is a multi-sport shoe that boasts technical features such as aggressive lugs on the outersole and an external heel counter meant for stability.

Don't feel like paying the airline to check your bag? Neither do I. The solution? Pack less and carry it all on board.

The Gear Junkie gives us a peek at some of the swag on display under the big roof in Utah's Summer Outdoor Retailer Show

Coleman’s 100-Quart Xtreme Wheeled Cooler ($99.99) has extra-thick insulation that can keep ice frozen and cold things cold for up to five days in 90-degree heat