INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FOR CAMPING, WATER PADDLE SPORTS, TAILGATING AND HANGIN’ OUT
Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow, SLC, August 9th
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
There’s usually a light bulb moment from aha-this would make things easier-to product creation and execution.
Fortunately, we saw lots of gear and gadgets at the Outdoor Retailer Tradeshow that more than satisfied a need/niche. In many instances, entire brand collections were spawned from a single genius product.
CRAZY CREEK PRODUCTS
BACKSTORY:
Hailing from New York City for like a NY minute, Rob Hart, Founder and President of Crazy Creek Products has been an enthusiastic outdoorsman his entire life. When asked what gave him the idea to some up with the original Crazy Creek Chair (1987)…he enlightened us:
“...it was a natural laziness for wanting to sit on my ass.”
Not surprisingly, the company’s press release offers an alternative take-ie experiences as an Outward Bound Instructor that caused Hart to realize “he was sorely missing something in his life: a soft, comfortable warm and dry place to which to sit outdoors.”
The first prototype, home grown and sewn, was a rift on the old wooden canoe chair.
THE LATEST PRODUCTS:
The Original Chair™ that now comes with a checkerboard seat option…
is joined by the 24 oz. HexaLite™PowerLounger™. Available in forest green with black trim, the chair’s additional bottom flap can be folded in for an extra-padded seat…or extended for lounging or sleeping (MSRP $56).
Another soon to be bestseller is the Beach Backpack Chair™ that has an attached footrest that’s unique. Easily hauled around with padded backpack straps, the flat-folding chair’s reclining (or upright) back and headrest’s are adjustable- as is the footrest’s height and length from the chair. A secure drink holder and convenient back storage ensure beach bums will have everything close at hand. ($99)
The Mesh Quad Chair ($60) is a fold-up-able sturdy (powder-coated 1.0mm elliptical steel frame with 600D coated polyester fabric) seating option that provides breathable comfort and wicks moisture away. A carrying handle, handy stuff stack and attached drink holder make this chair the anointed one for hot climes.
With college football season set to start - the new Stadium Chair ($36) and Stadium Chair II ($30) coddles Fall Classic goers on bleachers, and those looking to avoid the cheering crowds on river bound canoes and/or boats.
Equipped with quick release buckles for easy setup, the super lightweight Stadium Chair has a closed cell foam seat and back, and folds flat for storage. Plus an elasticized mesh pocket and water bottle holder … and a bottom flap section that can function as an added seat cushion or accessory pocket on SC II- are clever features of these affordable and portable comforts.
“DON’T JUST DO SOMETHING, SIT THERE”
Cool Original Chair™ graphics (fish prints of trout, bass, tie-dye) are eye-catching but it’s Crazy Creek’s high performance materials and construction (non-corrosive rivets, sturdy aluminum seat handles, coated ripstop nylon shells, adjustable straps, etc) that makes these chairs so inviting... and long-lasting with a lifetime warranty.
