Outdoor Retailer show spurs innovation

SALT LAKE CITY — It used to be that outdoor gear consisted of a lot of flannel and heavy boots.

Not anymore.

With thousands of outdoor enthusiasts gathering in Salt Lake City for the annual Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show to show off the latest and greatest in outdoor equipment, the old conventional thinking on outdoor gear is just that — old.

Now, there's as much high-tech gadgetry and science-lab research on the floor as there is good, old-fashioned fleece.

The drive for innovation never ends and this year's show is, again, hosting a competition — "Project OR" — to see who can come up with the best new ideas for an ever-growing population of outdoor enthusiasts.

"The Project OR challenge is rooted in education and innovation. It allows designers to redefine the status quo in the industry and uses technology and science to influence consumers' lives," Jeff Gunia, global marketing manager for 3M — the presenting sponsor for Project OR — said. "That's what 3M has done for more than 100 years, and that's why we're excited to be part of Project OR."

Several companies have signed on to provide materials and technology for students entering the competition.

The exhibit will be displayed on the main floor of the Salt Palace Convention Center, where thousands of buyers, retailers, designers and manufacturers will check out the ideas and undoubtedly have their future endeavors influenced.

The trade show begins today and runs through Sunday.

Hyperbola, a soft-shell fabric company that is a supporting sponsor for Project OR, sees the competition as a vital part of the industry.

"Project OR helps increase suppliers' visibility to exhibiting brands and adds new life and creativity to the industry," Hyperbola's Jenny Cho said. "We see Project OR as a great opportunity to show how Hyperbola products bring out designers' boldest concepts and add to the outdoor winter apparel story."

The new designs and technology have advanced the industry in ways few imagined a decade ago.