OR - Glam Canoes, Long Horns, and Booze

August 10th, 2008 Wade

Update: Lynn Hill’s son was found. He was taken to the Lost & Found area. One of the people there said, “Hey, you’re Lynn Hill’s son, she’s a famous climber right?” Her son exclaimed, “I’m the famous climber!” Ahh to be five years old again.

Today I peeped this sweet canoe that could match your kilt nicely I think. And speaking of kilts, it seems that Utilikilt has done well at this show. I’ve seen several dudes wearing these kilts around here. No report on what was under them. And I hope there won’t be.

And interesting fact about the OR show. About 4PM the vendors start breaking out the booze. They lure people to their booths by offering free beer, wine, cheeses, and other assorted gastronomic enticements. Once you are pulled in they do aweful things like make you sign petitions to keep mining and logging from taking all the roadless spaces away… they also do despicable things like give prizes out. I was quite offended and didn’t have anything to do with the whole mess… Okay I got a few beers and a giant plate of cheese. I have to offset that dinner of meatballs two nights ago ya know.

I digress. I also had a nice chat with a guy who plays an Alp Horn pretty well. Not a skill I think many of you can tout.

Gear highlights from today…

• Everybody and their mamma are getting into trail running shoes. So trail runners shouldn’t have any problem over the next few years. There will be so much competition your head will spin when trying to decide what to wear.
• Merrell has alot of great gear coming out in ‘09. Footwear and apparel alike. Judging from this years crop of clothing, you will be able to hit the trail and hit the club in the same shirt… FINALLY. (don’t even think about it, I already bought clubrunning.com)
• High Sierra as well as Lowe Alpine have some sweet adventure travel luggage coming out in Spring ‘09. We’ll be reviewing some of these products before they are released so you can start making some decisions before you shove off for that European vacation you’ve been wanting to take.
• Crumpler is expanding their line with more funky colors and patterns.
• Horny Toad and Patagonia will still be leading the front on sustainable apparel in ‘09 it appears. They both have some very wearable, very mother-earth lovin clothing launching in Spring.

Entry Filed under: Adventure Travel, Backpacking, Gear, Oddities, Outdoor News, Running