I heard a fascinating rumor at the recent Outdoor Retailer show last month, January 21–24, 2015, in Salt Lake City, UT. About 65 to 95% of the products debuting at the show will never make it to a mountain.   And the industry is happy about that. It means a majority of the market is catering to an emerging outdoorsy lifestyle on the ground in urban and suburban landscapes. In a nutshell, outdoor is mainstream.

I love living the outdoor life, but I’m tied to Manhattan as it’s the media capital of the world and it’s my job to feed news and trends to the media. I can’t help but be reminded of my first article for New York magazine.  I had been cross-country skiing on my roof all winter and couldn’t believe this trend wasn’t catching on. I really thought urban roof-top skiing would take off.

In the summer, New York’s Hudson River is lined with Stand-Up Paddle Boarders balancing on it. In the winter, we’re just trying to get to stay vertical on icy streets. I believe personal ice traction devices are the Stand-Up Paddle Boards of the summer market and I expect to see more mountain-ready personal ice traction devices than designer handbags this Fashion Week.

Speaking of fashion, down coats are today’s furs. Top-quality down coats that will keep you warm in any temperature can cost at least as much as a fur and they last a lifetime. The brands that are growing the most are the ones making the leap from outdoor to downtown like Canada Goose and Implus.

I checked out Outdoor Survival Company luxury down coats. Each one takes a worker a day and a half to make. They provide warmth and water protection while encompassing a sense of style and fit.

Here are some other observations I made at the show that I’d like to try.

I fell in love with Jonathan Paul Eyewear. The brand makes sunglasses that fit over your prescription glasses. 

CEP is the Number One run sock that I think of as the Number One fun sock.  

I slipped a pair of Aetrex Orthotics in my boots and people are noticing my good posture which is Julianna Moore’s favorite beauty tip.

From skiing to shoveling, Kombi gloves is a heartwarming brand of hand-warming gloves.

Tentsile’s ground-breaking, above-ground tree tents open the possibilities for camping anywhere.

Krimson Klover sweaters look like they are made for adventurous women who wear clothes to express their adventurous side, like me!

The original insulated skirt, Skhoop, keeps evolving new cuts as the category gets more company.  

Dylan and True Grit brands get the worn in jeans look to a tee. 

Leki makes sticks that turn hiking into a total body workout that everyone can do. I already use them and I expect to see them on all kinds of trails.

FitterFirst's VariDesk keeps you moving when you can’t make it outside. They get an honorable mention for continuing to make products that help keep us in condition in the home or office so we can be healthy and really have some fun!

Paxis Pax backpacks swing open so you don’t have to take it off to access your stuff.

Body Glide products known for providing a smooth barrier on areas of the body that are prone to painful chaffing, rubbing, burning and irritation hinted at a new SPF product.  

The only apparel brand on the market producing athletic gear sans synthetics, tasc Performance showcased its new MOSOpeak technology, a revolutionary new fabric that has the feel and comfort of an old trusty sweater, mixed with the warmth of a sturdy winter jacket.

I’d wear my Sherpani bags anywhere and I love the company’s values. WF

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Nancy Trent is a writer and speaker, a lifelong health advocate, a globe-trotting trend watcher and the founder and president of Trent & Company, a New York-based marketing communications firm. Trent & Company grew out of Nancy’s personal commitment to helping people live longer and healthier lives.  A former journalist for New York magazine, Nancy has written seven books on healthy lifestyles, serves on the editorial boards of several magazines and travels around the world speaking at conferences and trade shows on trends in the marketplace. She is a recognized expert in PR with more than 30 years of experience creating and managing highly successful campaigns. Nancy can be reached at (212) 966-0024 or through e-mail at nancy@trentandcompany.com.  You may also visit www.trentandcompany.com.

Posted on WholeFoods Magazine Online, 2/17/15