The Big Blue Bear keeps watch over all those who are used to fresh air and big skies as they wander into the processed air, Las Vegas Style carpet and sensory overload at the Denver Conventions Center.
The Outdoor Retailer Snow Show is in full-blown blizzard mode, as all the big brands, media moguls and industry muckety mucks have descended on Denver for a few brisk days of product ogling, flesh pressing and future predicting.
One things became perfectly clear after spending the day walking the show floor, the Outdoor Industry is alive and well.
The booths were impressive, with a fair number of booths sporting full-blown structures, campers, vehicle and various other buildings as the centerpiece of their display.
Still, others used massive inspirational photography to draw attention to the passerby. And if all the fancy lighting, colorful winter gear and stunning attire wasn’t working, the outdoor industry was ready to ply anyone and everyone with an ice cold beer.
The one observation we walked away with is we think the majority of the manufactures must have called each other in the offseason to discuss what everyone will be looking for and what color ways they will buy, as it became super hard to differentiate one puffy jacket from another.
It is a glorious time to be hunting for new skis and the show has us pumped to get away from the Convention Center hotdogs and onto the slopes.
Getting a call before hitting the deep pow at the Fischer Booth. So many good choices to keep your chin warm at the Buff booth. There were oh so many options for gloves, hats and other accessories, but we always loved these Astis mitts. These Majesty planks are available even more delicious looking in person. Patagonia really knows how to do a trade show and make some of our favorite puffies. Even the pups are required to have the appropriate badge. There were a number of vehicles rolled into booths on the show floor, but this one at the MiiR booth is the only one we contemplate hot-wiring and rolling out of Denver. Smith Optics has all the options for your matchy-matchy desires. Black Crows went with a very Hollywood-esque display. There was free beer flowing from almost every booth and if you looked hard enough you might even find yourself a little something to nosh on. We want one of everything Fjällräven Kånken makes. So many colors. So much style. Finding someplace to put your feet up and catch your breath is an art form.
