Coleman Snap ‘N Go Cooler Leads Outdoor Gear Push

The Coleman Snap ‘N Go cooler is already outselling the company's internal projections. This hard-sided container folds to one-third of its original size, addressing the storage challenges associated with traditional rigid coolers while maintaining insulation that retains cold for up to 64 hours. The unit features a leakproof design and self-assembles when lifted. It collapses with a single tug. Scott Barbieri, VP of R&D for Outdoor and Recreation at Coleman, attributes the early sales success to a growing consumer preference for easily transportable gear.

The holiday season has prompted several manufacturers to release equipment focused on efficiency and accessibility. The North Face launched the Universal Wawona 3 tent in collaboration with adaptive athlete Vasu Sojitra. The tent frame utilizes three identical poles, removing the need for color coding that is often ineffective for visually impaired users. A low threshold at the doorway allows wheelchairs to roll inside, and the front vestibule is large enough to store a wheelchair alongside other camping equipment.

Royal Robbins introduced the Salathé Sun Hoodie to offer chemical-free protection against mosquitoes. The garment is constructed from a proprietary tight-weave ripstop fabric. The company reports that the material is roughly 92% effective against mosquito bites in laboratory and field testing. The fabric does not lose effectiveness over time and provides UPF40+ sun protection. This approach offers an alternative to synthetic repellents such as permethrin and Deet, which are commonly used to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

Cascade Designs released the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad, weighing 30 ounces. The pad is made from a stretch knit polyester typically used in apparel rather than standard nylon. This material choice reduces noise and improves comfort. The pad inflates to a thickness of 4.6 inches. When rolled up, it is nearly the size of a one-liter water bottle. Marmot also introduced the Wraptor sleeping bag, which uses dual-flap magnetic closures instead of zippers and includes a foot vent for temperature regulation.

Opinel, a French knife manufacturer, developed the Neo7 Alpine multitool with input from ENSA-certified guides in Chamonix. The tool is designed for use with one gloved hand. It includes a serrated stainless-steel knife for cutting breakcord and a quarter-inch bit holder for ski and snowboard repairs. Francoise Detroyat, Opinel's Marketing Director, stated that the tool focuses on performing essential jobs well rather than attempting to serve every function.

Armedangels created a windbreaker using Tencel Lyocell, a wood-pulp fiber, to replace petroleum-based synthetics. The fabric is tightly woven and treated with a PFAS-free water-repellent finish. Julia Kirschner, Armedangels Impact and Innovation Director, noted that the company believes nature holds the solution to industry problems. The resulting garment is breathable, water-repellent, and does not shed microplastics.

Escape offers a high-flow pressurized water purifier designed for outdoor use. The unit holds 5.25 gallons and filters one liter of water per minute. It removes viruses, bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. American Trench released the Ventile Shell Jacket, made from a cotton weave developed for the British military in 1943. The fabric is densely woven to create a natural barrier when wet. The jacket is manufactured in Clifton, N.J., and features internal seam taping.

Wild Land's Wingman transforms a pickup truck bed into a two-story camping system. The hardshell topper tent includes a transparent PVC skylight, built-in Bluetooth speakers, lighting, and a high-density foam mattress in the sleeping area. Jake Jackson, founder and CEO of distribution partner Cinch Outdoors, described the setup as a blend of a traditional tent and an RV. The system is designed for vehicle-based camping.