Outdoor Retailer: Gear we’re watching

At Shoulders of Giants, our goal is to bring you the best gear we can find that compliments the lifestyle of our adventurous audience. Whatever your sport of choice, we know there are a few things you need around you at all times. 

That was the lens we took to the year’s biggest winter outdoor gear event: the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. Here’s what we found there.

For the drinkers: DrinksTanks growlers

Drinking beer counts as hydrating… right?

The guys at DrinksTanks think so. Their leakprook growlers are made of 18/8 stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulated, and made here in the U.S.A. They’re guaranteed to keep your beer, soda, or kombucha cold and carbonated for 24 hours. It can also keep hot liquids hot for about 12 hours.

A 64-ounce growler from DrinksTanks sells online for $69.

For the paranoid: The Otto Lock

Just because you’re paranoid don’t mean they’re not after your stuff.

But the Otto Lock will stop them—and it won’t weigh you down. This convenient lightweight lock rolls up to fit in your pocket, but it’s strong as all hell. Kevlar-reinforced steel is layered inside the lock’s cinching bolt, preventing most cutters from getting through. And because it winches tight, the Otto Lock leaves little room for thieves to wiggle in bolt cutters or wiggle out loose items.

Oh… and it’s made here in the U.S. The Otto Lock is available for pre-order now. Locks come in three sizes, and start at $50.

For your Main(e) man: Flowfold wallets and bags

At Flowfold, its right in their tagline: “Minimalist gear for the everyday adventurer.” Isn’t that who we are? Every day is an adventure right?

That’s why we really loved Flowfold. It starts with their perspective and translates to their innovative, lightweight duffels. The inspiration for their materials comes from founder Charlie Friedman’s leather wallet falling apart while working for a sail loft on Main’s coast. From scrap sailcloth material and a need for a new wallet, he sewed himself a new one. Then he made one for his friends. And then…you get the picture.

Flowfold’s wallets and bags are all made from those same lightweight, durable materials. Also, guess what? Made right here again in the U.S. of A. All of the company’s products can be purchased online.

For wizards: The Hydralight

The Hydralight won the show’s innovation category, and it’s not hard to see why. The flashlight gets its electricity from… water. That’s right.

The Australian team behind the Hydralight has created a reusable cell that can be recharged just by dipping it in some water.  requires simply a dip in some water to recharge it. But don’t throw out your AAAs just yet… it’s only available in the Hydralight flashlight for now.

For the snugglers: the HellaGood Adventure Blanket

Lastly, there’s the adventure blanket from Washington’s Belmont Blankets. This is a product that just makes for great eye candy on social media—and frankly, we think everyone should have one.

The blankets are waterproof, durable, washable, and comfortable. You can use them inside to keep the dog hair off the bed or take them with you to wrap yourself up or toss on the ground for a picnic. It’s quite simple. No frills. But it’s a comfort item that we think provides that romantic connection to the outdoors.

We love it. You will too. The HellaGood blanket sells online for $150.00.

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Is there a new piece of gear you’ve had your eye on? Email us at [email protected] to let us know!