Innovative outdoor gadgets

Here is a list of some of my favorite products from the Outdoor Retailer Show.

HydraTrack Pro

Any athlete knows that dehydration is the enemy. Poor hydration can lead to poor performance, loss of muscle strength, inefficient oxygen consumption, a lack of endurance and just an overall diminished physical ability. Living in the desert, those of us who love to play outside know all too well the difficulties of staying hydrated.

Acumen Inc. has created a pedometer that stores a person's vitals and then allows them to monitor air temperature, humidity and heart rate (as well as distance) and then accurately gauge fluid loss during physical activity. With rechargeable batteries, this lightweight gizmo does just about everything but cook dinner.

Available at www.acumeninc.com

EcoUsable filtered water bottles.

OK, it's just a water bottle, but anyone who does anything physical at all knows a bottle of water is your lifeline. As outdoor enthusiasts try to be more conscious of their impact on the environment, plastic water bottles are becoming taboo. Not only does EcoUsable have a line of stainless steel water bottles, but the bottles have a filter that allows users to fill the bottles with water from almost any source. Run out of water on a hike? You can fill it in a river or stream, as the filter will keep you safe.

Available at info@ecousable.com

SkirtSports

I was slow to come around to this trend, but I am a complete skirt enthusiast now that I've tried them. SkirtSports is the original sport skirt designer, and it is staying at the forefront of the trend with seriously attractive but unbelievably comfortable designs. The skirts cost a bit more than running shorts, but they look so much better!

Available at skirtsports.com

Eton Microlink FR160

This company has a whole line of amazing self-powered radios, but this little hand-held number is my favorite. It is an AM radio, weather radio with flashlight, solar power and cell phone charger. It also comes is several colors and is as durable as you'd need it to be on those runs/hikes/camping trips.

Available at www.etoncorp.com

Santiki Skirts