LYRA MAG.

GOAL ZERO was one of several OR exhibitors showcasing portable power (lightweight)--- for those on the go...with chargers embedded with enough potential juice for smartphones, tablets, radios, GPS devices etc...via solar panels and wall outlet chargers. No doubt-a handy item to have during a hurricane too. We predict massive sales of these devices-that range in price from $129 for charging up your iPhone...to a multi-piece kit that'll fire up a 32inch TV for 30-35 hours ($1999.99)... http://www.goalzero.com -J. Ecochard_

Outdoor Retailer/SLC and NYC Coming to a garment (or shoe)... near you... Over the few years that we have been reviewing performance wear/gear...what's getting consumers to fork over serious dinero often results from breakthroughs in the materials used...that make the apparel/footwear easier to put on/off, more comfortable- imbued with ergonomic and thermo-physiological functionalities that are key to keeping the wearers protected from the elements, and odor free. All while getting manufactured-from cradle to delivery (as in from dirt to shirt, i.e.)-in a way-that harms our planet less ... and is traceable. At a Concept III / American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)   sponsored seminar, hosted by Emily Walzer of Textile Insight Magazine ,  that kicked things off for us at the most recent OR...several speakers spoke about textile trends, designs and the "payoff" in the performance textile biz. Starting off....was David Parkes-CEO and founde...

Outdoor Retailer/SLC words/images Judith Ecochard The haulers we use to haul around our stuff (on an incline, or not)- are haulers conjured up by those with engineering degrees-we think...or are somewhere on some spatial smart person spectrum. It is truly amazing how the lighter/faster get-up and go hiking/trekking/camping/canoe-ing experiences-created the need for an understanding of anatomical ergonomics--- resulting in so many backpack/portage innovations. From one of the best--- Granite Gear- highlights for Spring 2013: Air Zip Twists-water resistant zippers, ultralight and made of durable Cordura® 30 D Sil-Nylon lots of color options and packaged in a reusable stash packaging-sold in sets of 2...four sizes $28.95-$42.95 Leopard V.C. 46 ($229.95) -lighter streamlined backpack for trekkers-features the ultra-light Vapor Current Suspension System- (removable/upgradable-see below), compatible w/ new accessories (see below)...35lb load rati...

Outdoor Retailer/SLC lots of upper treatments---most popular looks-organized Well Being With Every Step words/images Judith Ecochard heel is cradled--- Motivated by a day on our feet- Orthoaheel -founded by Aussie podiatrist Phillip Vasyli and its related brand-Dr. Andrew Weil Integrated Footwear-were big hits at OR this past August...with its "Aided Motion System"sandals and flip-flops crafted to make one walk balanced and aligned-from the ground up. Cute cute cute---the  stylish uppers atop technical Tri-Planar Motion Control footbeds for stability, realignment and support... good for those who over pronate-or suffer from Plantar Faciitis---re-define how feminine orthotic footwear can really look. INFO:  https://www.orthaheelusa.com

Outdoor Retailer/SLC Consolidated Shoes owns two footwear brands for gals---dimmi -with 100% profits given over to medical causes and research...and the snazzy cool girl kicks of OTBT---that both showed off some colorful, comfy and trendy looks for Spring 2013. Hari Om Slippers-$70 Dimmi---clearly flexible-as seen above-has cute ethnic woven and stripy canvas uppers in solids and prints---on a flexible rubber outsole...great for traveling. ADVENTURE OBLIQUE-sweet criss cross strap upper-$90 Stretch Slipper Off The Beaten Track  aka OTBT---since 2008---has gotten even more stylish with the same irreverent 'tude... love these-the Kipley is a wedge sandal with solid leather upper---with a closed cap toe---work friendly who knw? A wedge heel with forefoot that flexes with your foot Poulsbo-perforated suede pull-on boots...easy and cute $165 Del City moc front...edge in a rope, leather buckle detail $135 embossed leather... ...