Headed outside? Here are the 10 best new, improved and handy products for outdoor living from the 2022 Outdoor Retailer Show.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
Ignik Gas Growler Deluxe
Time to part ways with all those environmentally unsound single-use green propane canistersand replace them with Ignik’s Refillable Five-Pound Tank.
It’s shaped like a mini barbecue-grill tank, with a rugged carrying case that makes it easy to pack in your car, RV or boat — and it’s Department of Transportation (DOT) compliant for doing just that. It comes with a four-foot hose that attaches to any heater or stove compatible with single-use propane bottles.
Nordic-Step Cross-Country Ski Adaptors
Tom Iverson of Oregon has solved an age-old problem for casual cross-country skiers. His Nordic-Step Universal Shoe Harnesses lets you use your hiking or snow boots as ski boots with any pair of cross-country skis.
“Old Nordic skis can be dusted off and used by an entire household,” he says. That’s convenient for growing children, owners or renters of winter vacation homes, skiers with a large shoe size, and those of us who like to occasionally play in the snow. Choose three-pin or NNN style.
Gobi Terrain Heated Camping Chair
Whether camping or tailgating on a chilly day, Gobi’s Heated Chairs add a touch of indulgence and help you stay comfortable longer. It’s based on conductive-thread technology, winding through two heat zones and with three heat settings.
The battery lasts up to nine hours on low, or four-and-a-half on high. Chairs are rated to 300 pounds, come in four colors and include a phone-charging port, cup holder and carrying bag. Gobi also makes heated jackets, baselayers, gloves and socks.
Karmik Outdoor Gear Recovery Decals
Whatever item you’re apt to lose, slap a Karmik Sticky Decal on it. When someone finds it, they can scan the QR code to reunite you with your lost outdoor gear.
The founders of Karmik say the program works because of the “inherent goodness of those in our outdoor recreation communities.” They also steer clear of single-use plastics in their packaging, source materials through American companies and support various conservation organizations. Decals come in a few shapes and visibilities.
Gear Hugger Multipurpose Lubricant
Touted as the world’s first plant-based all-in-one spray lubricant, Gear Hugger Lubricant is non-toxic and safe around kids and pets. We’ve tested it and believe it’s on equal footing with the most popular multipurpose lubricant.
Made from biodegradable renewable materials, it’s a forward-thinking alternative to the 2.5 billion gallons of petroleum-based lubricants sold in the U.S. every year that harm marine life. It’s available on their website in single bottles as well as three- and 12-packs.
Hot Bento Lunchbox
Ten minutes before you want to eat, just press a button and the battery-powered Hot Bento Lunchbox will heat up your meal.
The creators say they wanted to empower people to pack nutritious meals, even to places without access to a power supply. Think jobsites, school, boat outings and road trips. The box is rechargeable, spill-proof and nonstick for easy cleaning. They also offer an optional insulated cooler carry bag and a three-in-one utensil.
Noso Clothing Patches
It’s not that I’m incapable of sewing on a patch to repair my favorite pair of hiking pants; I just never actually get around to doing it. Noso Patches cater to our busy lifestyles by making an easy stick-on repair that can be set permanently with a hair dryer or some sunshine.
Chose from plain tactical colors or express yourself with avocados, National Parks, flowers, flags, cute animals and even Supreme Court icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Field Company Skillets
It sounds illogical that one of our top innovative picks would be an old-school cast-iron skillet. But Field Company just made our favorite cookware more versatile for camp and regular kitchens.
The Field Company No. 8 Cast Iron Pan weighs 4.3 pounds, about 26 percent lighter than other brands, so you can lift it comfortably with one hand. Made from recycled iron, it also features a vintage-style smooth inside for a more luxurious nonstick surface.
It’s a premium skillet, so it’s pricey. But noting the future generations who will inherit it and extrapolating the cost over time helps justify the investment.
LifeStraw Mission Water Filter
Water potability isn’t a given whether you’re camping, working on a jobsite or cleaning up after a natural disaster. The LifeStraw Mission Hanging Water Filter provides three gallons of water an hour that’s free from viruses, bacteria, parasites, dirt and sand. It is also BPA free and a great way to cut down on single-use plastic bottles.
The manufacturer says the filter should purify about 4,700 gallons before needing replacement. The purchase supports the company’s efforts to provide safe water for communities around the world.
Foothill Fuels Bio-White Gas
Another bio-friendly product, Foothill Fuel’s Bio-White Gas is a high-performance camping fuel made from refined vegetable and agricultural waste oil. It can be used in any liquid-fuel compatible stove.
It contains a similar energy density to petroleum-based white gas with equal cold-weather performance, ease of lighting, boiling time, stove upkeep and combustion rate. The ingredients are sourced in the U.S. It’s only found in select stores in the Northeast, but we hope it will become more widely available before long.
