Outdoor Retailers Convention!

Umber & Ochre's co-owner Kunal Desai invited me to attend this year's Outdoor Retailers' Convention held bi-annually in Salt Lake City.  Featuring exhibitors like adidas, Arc'teryx, Mountain Khaki, Puma, Burton, Quicksilver, North Face & many more, the decision was an easy one for me!  The only trick wound up being that 2:30am wake-up call to catch my shuttle to the Oakland airport...the things we do for fashion

...sometimes I forget it snows in places still

Our first stop was at the brand Kavu.  Kunal was trying to arrange a fabric order, which allowed me some time to check out their collection of plaid flannels.  

Arc'teryx.  The only place that didn't want pictures :,(

Line-up of skis by Black Diamond.  I'm liking the geometric gradients

The climbing wall in a rare moment of solitude

adidas booth featuring the new Terrex line of featherweight jackets.  

Runway fashion show at Mountain Khakis.  The boys from Jackson Hole served as my hosts -- Kunal has a history of selling fabric and finished production garments and was able to arrange for our attendance.  Thanks -- great to meet you, Ned & Noah!

Swatch wall at the trend booths

Hi-lite contrast back pieces on a North Face running jacket

Wall of graphic Ts!  Digging the vintage chateau travel poster aesthetic.

Here to answer your flannel queries

 

Inspiring Salt Palace artwork

Helly Hansen's lining nodules!  The jacket is turned inside-out, so each packet (stuffed with down) targets warmth to the most advantageous points across your back...and you know, it makes you look like a dinosaur!

Single-piece knit top.  Well done New Balance -- might want to tighten up that weave along the side seams though

The Mountain Khaki folks ended the night Friday by setting up a mechanical bull-riding competition!  Neither Kunal nor myself took home a prize, but it was a fun ride none the less