POPULAR MECHANICS DEBUTS ‘THE LODGE’ EXPERIENCE AND HONORS TOP PRODUCTS AND GEAR AT OUTDOOR RETAILER WINTER SHOW
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (January 11, 2017) – Popular Mechanics, making its third appearance at the Outdoor Retailer show, has reimagined its designated 600-square-foot space (booth #40165) as “The Lodge,” complete with interactive demos and hands-on activities from some of the best makers and entrepreneurs in the country. The magazine brand also announced the winners of its Editors’ Choice Awards from the 2017 winter show, the top market for sports equipment retailers, manufacturers and outdoor industry professionals. Popular Mechanics has chosen eight honorees from among the thousands of outdoor gear, apparel, footwear, and accessories on the show floor.
This season’s Editors’ Choice winners are (in alphabetical order):
Barebones Living Pulaski Axe [$135]: The Pulaski comes in a compact size, perfect for hauling out on adventures. But thanks to the pommel and steel rod running the length of the 21-inch handle, it has the weight and power of a more cumbersome axe. The only problem the Pulaski presents is whether you should keep it handy near your firewood, or displayed like art on your wall.
Campfire Defender [$250]: This uncomplicated yet ingenious kit controls your campfire, letting you keep coals warm overnight, put out a fire, or even protect it from passing rain. Simply stake the tarp over your fire pit and open or close the vent to control the airflow.
Dickies Pro With CORDURA Fabric [Starts at $78]: Workwear icon Dickies partnered with CORDURA to create its Pro collection of three ridiculously tough winter garments with military-grade fabrics. Even better, features like water-resistant insulation and spandex-blend fabric ensure they’re just as functional as they are durable.
Dynafit Rotation 10 Binding [$649]: Dynafit upgraded its previously best-in-class Radical ST 2.0 backcountry binding with updated aluminum components to save 50 grams per binding over the steel-built Radical. But our favorite feature is the notches that center the rotating toe piece to ease stepping in.
North Face Summit L3 Ventrix Hoodie [$280]: Built for all-day adventures, the Ventrix’s flexible insulation features small perforations that stretch open when to move to vent heat. When you stop to catch your breath, the perforations remain closed to keep you warm.
OTTO DesignWorks OTTOLOCK [Starts at $50]: The OTTOLOCK is the lightest bike lock we’ve found that actually deters thieves. The flexible band is made from four layers of stainless steel with Kevlar reinforcement that are impervious to bolt cutters. And the 18-inch version weighs roughly four ounces and packs down to just three inches across.
Spy The Hunt Sunglasses [Starts at $110]: Spy borrowed the best technical details from its cycling and performance shades to create The Hunt. The flat-front, Wayfarer-inspired sunglasses stick to your face, protect your eyes, and look stylish in any situation.
Woolrich Footwear Fully Wooly Lace [$160]: Woolrich’s new winter boot takes full advantage of the brand’s wool prowess, even integrating an insulating wool layer into the midsole to beat back the cold. The seam-sealed boots are also rated to -25F, lined with wool fleece, and feature a wool and suede upper.
In addition to the Editors’ Choice Awards, Popular Mechanics, which is celebrating its 115th anniversary this year, has created an immersive experience on the show floor for the third time. For this season’s show, the magazine has reimagined its designated 600-square-foot space (booth #40165) as “The Lodge,” complete with interactive demos and hands-on activities from some of the best makers and entrepreneurs in the country: Create firewood coasters with Popular Mechanics DIY Editor Timothy Dahl and personalize them with the Dremel maker tool kit, customize a piece of clothing with chain-stitching by the Knickerbocker MFG Co.’s Brian Blakely, make custom leather goods with Dana Glaeser of Slightly Alabama and learn the art of hand stitching and finishing techniques, and perfect your paracord tying skills. Other select brands including Blue Moon, Filson, Jack Rudy, Knob Creek, Pelican, and YETI have been purposefully integrated to bring “The Lodge” experience to life.
“This is our third appearance at the show, which is the ultimate intersection of the outdoors, exploration and adventure,” said Cameron Connors, publisher and chief revenue officer of Popular Mechanics. “Our continued focus on the Maker culture and DIY/self-sufficiency mindset that is spurring on hobbyists and entrepreneurs is very much a core belief for us.”
The Editors’ Choice awards presented at the show were custom-crafted in Brooklyn, NY, by YoungBuk Studio, designed by Popular Mechanics Art Director Michael Sarpy and laser-etched in cedar.
More information on this year’s honorees can be found on Instagram and on the Popular Mechanics website.
Popular Mechanics also awards Editors’ Choice honors at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the SEMA Show, and the National Hardware Show.
ABOUT POPULAR MECHANICS
Popular Mechanics, a 2016 Advertising Age “Magazine of the Year,” empowers readers to navigate the increasingly complex, technological world around us. The magazine, published monthly by Hearst Magazines, inspires, instructs and influences more than 16 million curious readers and more than four million outdoor enthusiasts. Their mindset – the hunger to know, the desire to investigate and learn – drives them to explore, experiment and experience a wide range of interests. Issues engage readers with breakthroughs in the latest innovations in science and technology; educates with informative “how-to” stories on automotive, the home and digital technology; and motivates action with product reviews and comparison tests of the newest equipment and products. Popular Mechanics is also the #1-ranked men’s monthly magazine when it comes to reaching an environmentally conscious audience. The brand is a 21st-century must-read, with a robust website and an award-winning tablet edition. Follow Popular Mechanics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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Contact:
Nathan Christopher, Hearst Magazines
212-649-2582, nchristopher@hearst.com