For the dog owners, especially bird hunters, who have trouble keeping track of their canine, Garmin has come up with a dog-tracking system. The owner holds the GPS receiver; the dog wears a transmitter. The one receiver can keep track of up to 10 dogs. The range is five miles. The cost is $699. Additional collars are $199.99.

One of the rapidly growing recreational areas is water sports, and in particular kayaking. Hobie is introducing the Mirage inflatable. It deflates into a pack slightly larger than a large suitcase. It is 12 feet long, holds one person and offers a pedal-propelling system. The price is $1,799.

And in the sock market, Thorlo has been making running socks for nearly 30 years and tennis socks for nearly 28 years. Today it makes socks for outdoor use, hunting, winters sports, western wear and casual wear.

This year, Thorlo is a supporter of the three-day event to raise money to fight breast cancer. To go with the three-day event it made a special women's walking sock. It comes in a package of six, and $1 from each sale will be donated to the event.

This, of course, is only a few of the thousands of items shown at this year's show. For a more complete look, visit your outdoor retail store this fall.

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com