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Outdoor Retailer Summer 23: Accessories
The Outdoor Retailer show made it back to Salt Lake City this June and there were a lot of brands there showing off the latest and greatest products. One of the big categories is always outdoor accessories with a variety of options to improve your time in the outdoors. Here is a look at some of my favorites at the Outdoor Retailer Summer 23: Accessories.
Outdoor Retailer Summer 23: Essentials
The Outdoor Retailer Show made it back to Salt Lake City for its Summer 23 show this June. Many brands showed up with the latest and greatest and I was able to explore the show and check out some of the new offers. Here is a look at some of those products, my Outdoor Retailer Summer 23: Essentials guide.
Sunset at the Salt Flats
Sitting on the edge of Utah’s western border are the Salt Flats. A mysterious and magnificent spot. The land crusted with hard salt that breaks apart easily under your feet. There is really only one way to make something so unique a little more special. That is to spend a sunset at the Salt Flats.
Big Gear Show 23: Snacks
You don’t get a name like Fatman-LittleTrail without knowing (and loving) a thing or two about snacks. For many hikes, the snacks are the best part for me! This year at the Big Gear Show there were several snack companies displaying. The best part, they all had samples! Here is a look at the Big Gear Show 23: Snacks!
Big Gear Show 23: Hikers Favorites
This years Big Gear Show shared space with the (e)Revolution E-bike show and there was a lot of focus on E-bikes. That didn’t mean there wasn’t something for everyone. As a hiker, I was excited to see some cool products for all of the trail seekers out there. Here is a look at the Big Gear Show 23: Hikers Favorites.
Big Gear Show 23: Innovation
One of the best parts about trade shows like the Big Gear Show is seeing all of the new products that are coming out. Some of the innovations are new to the market. Some are just new to me. All of them are a cool way to improve or fix a problem we all have. Here is a look at the Big Gear Show Innovation in 2023.
Big Gear Show 23: Colorado Connections
One of the best parts about having a convention in your town is a chance to find all of the local companies that have made their way to the exhibition floor. This year was no different as I found several companies at the Big Gear Show with Colorado connections. From Bed rolls to cleaning wipes, there are some great new innovative products coming out of my own backyard!
Big Gear Show 23: Fresh Faces
The Big Gear Show made its way to Denver to start off June. The format was different with a brand new location and a shared space with the (E)Revolution show that featured E-Bikes. That wasn’t the only thing that was new in ’23. So many new brands made their way to the demo floor, some companies were only weeks old! I wanted to highlight some of the Big Gear Show 23: Fresh Faces and show you some of the newest products on the market.
Royal Robbins Sustainably Made
The Royal Robbins clothing line comes from a long history of wanting to keep you comfortable in the outdoors while also keeping the process as sustainable as possible. I met with a couple of reps for the company at a trade show and they sent me some nice summer shirts to test out. The problem was the Colorado winter never seemed to end this year! So I spent more time researching the brand than wearing it while I was tucked under blankets away from the cold. What I found was a great story of Royal Robbins. Plus, their sustainability practices in making clothing that is helps to protect the outdoors that the founder loved so much. Finally, it warmed up and I was able to test the shirts! Here is a bit on the clothes and the process that makes Royal Robbins: Sustainably Made.
Review: Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket
The world of Ultralight gear is fascinating. Combing the best of technology with the outdoors to make the time on trail more enjoyable. Ultralight gear can make the difference between a good hike and a great hike. The Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket is an ultralight jacket that uses recycled materials to build a warm and durable jacket for those chilly hikes. Here is my review of the Vario.
Product Review: Adventure Wagon
Van Life is getting more and more popular but not everyone can spend everyday on the road. For those who are looking for the flexibility of “Van Life” but still have to live a real life, the Adventure Wagon is a flexible and highly customizable option. I was allowed to take out the Adventure Wagon for a couple of weekends to put it through its paces and really enjoyed it. Here is my breakdown of the Adventure Wagon van camper.
Product Review: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II
La Sportiva is known for their innovative climbing footwear world wide but I hadn’t had a chance to try them out for hiking. I had heard really good things and finally got a chance to test them myself. I was sent a pair of La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid/Wide cut and put them through their paces. Here is my review of the hikers.
Introducing Chloe Swink and The Swell Media + Marketing
Introducing Chloe-Anne Swink and The Swell Media + Marketing. The outdoor world is full of large spaces, tall mountains, and endless trails. Those large natural arena can also be very small places where friendships can build on every trek. I met Chloe about a year ago at the Outdoor Retailer show and we have kept in touch. We even share a favorite state park in Colorado, Staunton State Park. I have been impressed with her love of the outdoors and her way of showcasing environmental issues with her new website, The Swell Media + Marketing. Now it is time for all of you to meet Chloe-Anne Swink, Outdoor Adventurer as well. Chloe will also be helping me with some product reviews and other writing from a woman’s point of view so I wanted to give a proper welcome!
Mueller State Park Overlooks Loop
Mueller State Park has a ton of different interconnected trails throughout the park with lots of options on where to go. The views alternate between woods, ponds, and peaks depending on what you like to see. Hiking the Mueller State Park Overlooks Loop gives you the best of all the viewing options.
A Mind for Camping
I have spent a lot of time hiking the outdoors the last few years. Almost 750 hours as of this writing. I have logged that time and the steps and miles and have really enjoyed my time. The one thing that was missing was spending a few nights in the outdoors. Not even backpacking but camping of any sort. I did a bit as a kid but as an adult, on this journey, I have stuck to the day hikes. I was just never sure that I had a mind for camping.
Rock Pond and Brook Pond at Mueller SP
Hiking to Rock Pond and Brook Pond at Mueller State Park. Hiking to Rock Pond and Brook Pond at Mueller State Park is a great way to spend a half day at the park. The ponds are a nice reward after a long downhill hike through the woods but don’t forget about coming back up the hill!
McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub – Divide, CO
McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub is located in the town of Divide, Colorado and features wood fired food with an Irish flare. They are also located just down the road from Mueller State Park. Which is a good thing because on my first solo camping trip at Mueller I ran into a snow storm and needed a place to grab some food and warm for a bit. The pub was nice and warm and the staff was super friendly and personable. I really had a good time spending time at McGinty’s.
Fort Union National Monument Overview
On a road trip, I always look for those off the beaten path or less popular places. Don’t get me wrong, I love the big ticket stops like the Grand Canyon as much as the next person but there is something special about some of the smaller attractions. Fort Union National Monument is just one of those attractions.
Hiking Uphill
I love most things about hiking. The views, the smells. The soft breezes and quiet sunny days. Each hike combines so many elements that keep me coming back. That isn’t to say that I love every step of every hike. I like the flat parts, I like the descent but I don’t know that I will ever like uphill hiking.
Fat Man Little Trail
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I am an outdoor enthusiast and outdoor blogger who has written over 500 posts reviewing trails, products, locally owned restaurants, and documenting my experiences on the trail as a hefty hiker. I have also been featured by prominent outdoor brands.
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