2022 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show: Winter Gear To Keep In Mind

On January 26-28, the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show returned to Denver with a toned-down list of vendors looking to showcase the new winter gear they have to offer for the season.

From skis to jackets and stoves to koozies, the OR Snow Show had a bit of everything this year for the winter sports enthusiast.

While the pandemic may have put a bit of a damper on OR compared to pre-pandemic, like OR’s summer show, there was still plenty of gear to check out. The outdoor world converged in Denver for what is still the premier trade show showcasing the latest and greatest innovations in the outdoor recreation world.

We were on-site and rounded up six pieces of gear to keep an eye out for this year.

blue bear with Outdoor Retailer sign in front of Denver Convention Center

The signature blue bear, present at the Denver Convention Center and OR Snow Show. Photo: David Young

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Komperdell – Carbon Air Frame 25 Snowshoes

Best known for its high-quality poles, Komperdell has another claim to fame with the world’s first carbon snowshoes. While Komperdell introduced the snowshoes a few years ago, they have improved on them each year and had them on display at OR this winter.

The ultralight snowshoes are 100 percent carbon and are 50 percent lighter than a conventional snowshoe. In addition, with a hex-grid design on the tail of the snowshoe, snow can easily slide off and through the snowshoe, making it easier to navigate deep powder.

Easy step-in bindings have a quick fastener that makes it easy to get on and off in the field. Moreover, a set of aggressive steel claws are integrated into the hollow core designed frame of the snowshoe, ensuring strong grip and traction.

Starting at $499.95, check out the Komperdell Carbon Air Frame 25.

Read More: Are Two Poles Better Than One? Tips for Using and Choosing Your Pole

Outdoor Retailer: Carbon Air 25 snowshoes on display with Komperdell photo in background

On display at OR, the Carbon Air 25s are made of a hollow-core carbon frame for 50% less weight on the snow. Photo: David Young

Nanga – Level 8 Sleeping Bags

Nanga was started in 1941 in Japan by Akira Yokota. The company’s name comes from the famed Himalayan mountain “Nanga Parbat.” At more than 26,000 feet, it is the ninth tallest mountain globally. With such harsh terrain in mind, Nanga produces some of the warmest down products.

For the OR Snow Show, Nanga unveiled its Level 8 sleeping bag series. It is rated to -4 degrees F (-20 C) as its limit and a 12 degree F (-11 C) comfort rating. The Level 8 series includes an Aurora Light and UDD model, with 950 grams and 1000 grams of goose down from Poland, weighing 1.540 grams and 1670 grams, respectively.

Dubbed its warmest bag, the level 8 series was created in the Nanga Mountain Laboratory (NML). An innovative feature on the Level 8 is the vertical baffles on the backside, designed to fit closer to the body and retain more heat. In addition, the ultra-dry down in the bag is washed twice to help repel water and prevent odor.

Camping in the snow may actually be warm in this next-level sleeping bag.

Starting at $1,000, these sleeping bags are coming soon! In the meantime, learn more about the unique technology part of the Level 8 series.

Read More: Winter Camping Checklist: What To Bring on Your Trip

new winter gear at OR: Nanga 8 sleeping bag on display at booth at Outdoor Retailer

The Nanga Level 8 is perfect for harsh conditions, with -4 degrees F (-20 C) as its limit and a 12 degree F (-11 C) comfort rating. Photo: David Young

Samaya – Samaya2.5 Tent

The Samaya2.5 was nominated for the OR Snow Show Innovation Awards and for good reason. The tent is billed as the lightest four-season tent for 2-3 people ever designed. And the kicker: it only weighs a mere 3 lbs. 7 oz. and a packed volume of 6.2 L.

For any ultralight camper in the backcountry, this tent is a dream come true and a worthy addition to your winter gear. The innovative hexagonal shape provides greater wind resistance, up to 80 miles per hour, and it is more spacious inside too.

The three-layer laminated wall fabric includes a Nanovent membrane. This brand-new membrane provides better waterproofing and breathability at the same time. However, it’s still simple and intuitive to use, and you can assemble it in 3 minutes.

The end result is what Samaya dubs the only four-season tent able to offer lightness, comfort, and performance all in one simple package.

Starting at $1,150, check out the Samaya2.5.

Read More: The Snowshoe and Tent Experience

Samaya pink tent on display at Outdoor Retailer product booth

The innovative hexagonal shape of the Samaya2.5 provides greater wind resistance, up to 80 miles per hour, and is more spacious inside. Photo: David Young

Gobi Heat – Zen Heated Blanket

Gobi Heat is a Fort Collins, CO-based and woman-owned company that is changing the game when it comes to heated jackets, socks, and chairs. We’re keen on their Heated Camping Chair, featured at the OR summer 2021 show. Now they are taking that to the next level with their new winter gear, the Zen Heated Blanket.

Ideal for any backcountry snowshoeing trip or as part of your winter camping checklist, the Zen is battery-powered just like Gobi’s other products. The blanket is made from 100 percent polyester and is 70” by 50”. It weighs just 3.75-pounds and ranges from 116 degrees on low to 136 degrees on high.

The blanket will last for 6 hours on the low setting, 3 1/2 hours on high, or 4 1/2 hours on medium at 127 degrees. Either way, the heated blanket is sure to feel good after a chilly day of snowshoeing. In addition, the blanket compacts down into a bag making it easier to carry with you.

Starting at $249, check out Gobi Heat’s new Zen Heated Blanket!

Read More: Feel the Heat: A Review of Gobi Heat’s Ridge Women’s Heated Hoodie

Gobi Heat product booth at OR snow show winter 2022

Gobi Heat is changing the game in heated apparel with rechargeable battery-powered products. Photo: David Young

Puffin Drinkwear – Puffin Hoodie

After a long day of snowshoeing, you want to sit back and enjoy a nice beverage as a reward for all your hard work. Puffin Drinkware, based in Bend, OR is perfect for the apres. They can dress up your beer or soda with a puffy jacket just like yours.

These creative koozies come in a variety of different colors and styles from puffy jackets to the new sweatshirt style that Puffin showcased at OR Snow Show. Promoting having a good time with friends, the entertaining Koozie fits right in with the snowshoe community.

Starting at $12.95, check out the Puffin Drinkwear selection.

Read More: Drinks for the Apres Snowshoe Experience

new winter gear at OR: close up of Puffin Drinkwear jacket koozies

You can dress up your apres beer with a koozie puffy jacket, sweater, or vest, just like your own. Photo: David Young

Spyderco – C260TI Stovepipe Knife

Any time of year is a good time to have a good knife in your pocket. Based out of Golden, CO, Spyderco shared its new C260 Stovepipe knife as an option for your winter gear.

The cleaver-style knives are having a moment, and Spyderco jumped on board with this new release. In a custom collaboration, the blade is inspired by custom knifemaker David Rydbom’s “Bill the Butcher” design. The 2.78” blade folds out with the distinct oversize hole that Spyderco is so well known for. The blocky knife looks stout and with the CPM 20V super steel, it is just that.

Not having a leading edge can be a benefit when snowshoeing, as it helps ensure you don’t puncture any of your gloves or waterproof coats or pants. In addition, the stonewash finish gives this blade a nice dull appearance that is ideal for use on a snowshoe trip in the backcountry.

Cut up your meat and cheese for lunch, or cut and feather wood for a fire. Whatever you need the Stovepipe is a good new knife to keep on hand.

Starting at $600, and with more knives coming in soon, check out the Stovepipe C260 knife.

Read More: Why it’s Smart to Carry a Knife When Snowshoeing

close up OR product photo of Spyderco Stovepipe C260 knife beige

The 2.78” blade folds out with a distinct oversize hole and is made of CPM 20V super steel. Photo: David Young

Which of these new products are you most looking forward to using this winter as part of your gear? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Read Next: Don’t Miss This Outdoor Gear From the Big Gear Show 2021

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