Just when people start thinking all that can be improved has been improved, and that there's nowhere else to go, the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market appears on the scene and spreads out a whole list of new and improved items.

Such was the case this year for the 15,000 or so visitors to the Salt Palace over the four days of the show.

Key words tossed around this year included higher technology, greater comfort, more durability, better performance and more stylish fashions.

This included Bula's Stereohead hats, a range of hats that blend MP3 technology with Peruvian style for ease of listening pleasure while recreating; the SteriPEN Journey LCD, a water purifier that uses ultraviolet rays to destroy disease-causing bacteria and viruses while out in the wilds; and Bluetooth-enabled helmets that answer phones from Smith Optics, which isn't always possible when outdoors.

Hi-Tec, the boot and shoe maker, introduced new waterproof enhancement technology to its shoe line. The process is called "ion-mask." According to Cheryl Rebsamen, P.R./advertising manager, the process works at the molecular level, building ions upon ions, creating an invisible polymer mask that repels oil and water.

It is also a process that is more environmentally friendly since there is no waste and the process is completed at room temperature, which requires less energy.

All of which makes its No. 1 selling hiking shoe, V-Lite Altitude Ultra, lighter, since it eliminates an inner membrane or outer treatment, more breathable and easier to care for.

And, as she pointed out, "Think what this technology could mean to other produces that can be damaged by water, such as cell phones, which when treated could be protected from water damage."

The company also introduced a seamless shoe that is more durable and instantly comfortable. Seams are, after all, points of wear, cause blisters and are points of compromise.

Snowshoeing has been one of the fastest growing outdoor winter activities in recent years. The reasons, said Bruce Barrows, national sales manager for Tubbs Snowshoes, include things like more convenience, lower cost and more interest in outdoor winter activities.

"New bindings, for example, are easier to get in and out of. You can be in or out of a snowshoe in seconds, where it used to take much longer to connect all the straps. This can be a problem when you are trying to get the whole family fitted," he noted.

"And we're starting to see more families becoming involved in snowshoeing. It's much more economical. You can outfit a whole family for what you end up paying for one set of alpine or cross country skis, and you can go anywhere on snowshoes, even out in your own back yard."