“Excuse me, excuse me,” he said breathlessly. “A photographer is needed downstairs!” As one hustled away with him, we could hear the winded waiter explaining: “I replica Omega 95 1177.75 watch need a picture of me and Val Kilmer!” —Elizabeth HightowerCAPTIONS: The RMI crowd at the Peace Ranch in Basalt, Colorado, top. Amory Lovins and Tom Friedman in conversation, bottom. Both images courtesy Jay KlinghornRocky Mountain Insitute.The summer Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, held this week from August 9th to the 12th, is now in full-swing. Its quite a spectacle: parties, seminars, press conferences, book signings, film premieres, etc.
But the main attraction, of course, is the gear. Hundreds of companies debut their new SpringSummer 2008 product lines. As with the last two days, Ill once again spend most of today weaving in and out of booths, getting the scoop on the latest boats, tents, bags, packs, and hiking and running shoes. Last night, sandwiched in between a Canoe replica Omega 2918.50.83 watch and Kayak-sponsored kayak tug-o-war (held in the shows indoors paddling tank) and a Roots concert (sponsored by Jansport), among many, many other events, we had our annual Gear of the Year party, at which we officially recognized the companies who crafted winning gear from our SpringSummer 2007 Buyers Guide.
Last nights event was a bit more special than most, as it also doubled as our 30th Anniversary Party. But, as with the show, the spotlight was still the gear. I had the unlucky responsibility of actually having to announce some of the awards. That was the low point for me—lets just say Im no Dane Cook. The high point: how loud the rowdy replica Omega 4641.30.32 watch crew of Minnesota-based Granite Gear cheered when their backpack, the Nimbus Meridian, flashed on the big screen. Id love to tell you more about the event, but my first appointment of the day is about to begin. Plus, I hear theres a very cool portable coffee press designed by a couple of engineers from Stanford, and Im in some desperate need of some more caffeine. —Sam Moulton
