Last week I went to my first-ever Outdoor Retailer Expo at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It was held in Minnesota for the first time after many years out West. Although I’m not much of a gear reviewer, I do like gear as much as the next camper/runner/canoeist/cyclist. Here are a few of my favorite things from the show.

Nomaste Plant Based Freeze-Dried Meals 

It was lunch time so I tasted a lot of camp food. This one by Neha Pressers, who’s based in Minneapolis, was by far my favorite. For just a small company just a year and a half old, they’re off to a great start.   (Bowl and Kettle Out of Denver, was also tasty.)

Drye Fan

As a runner who uses bladders from time to time, this product was one I didn’t know I needed, but which is brilliant. As anyone who’s tried to dry a bladder out knows, it is difficult to keep them open or to keep them from getting slimy and moldy. You stick the dry fan in the mouth of the bladder and blow it dry. Perfect for anyone using carb mixes, or even plain water. 

Kul Stool

This, I must say, is pure genius. You take a five-gallon bucket, turn it into a cooler, a backpack with pockets galore. Inventor Joe Higgins says it will keep ice for three days. I can think of so many uses for this: fishing, ice fishing, canoeing, picnicking, short hikes, overnights.

Sven-Saw

Here’s an iconic piece of gear invented in 1961 and unchanged since–because it doesn’t need to be. It folds down to a simple light straight line that goes in your backpack and can cut through just about anything. Anyone who does any sort of serious camping should have one. 

Wenonah Canoe 

Having grown up in Winona, I’m a little biased toward Wenonah Canoes, but luckily for me they also make amazing boats. The one I dream of having, the Minnesota 2, now comes in a new blue color, using a novel vacuum technology that makes it into a hard plastic polyester, which rivals Kevlar in its toughness and lightness. 

Thorson Knife Works & High Pines Knives 

I’m a sucker for knives so it was fun to see the beautiful craft made by both Thorson Knife Works and High Pines Equipment. 

Native Women Run

This is not so much a product but an organization, and a very cool one founded by Verna Volker. It encourages Native women to participate in the sport of running, which most North American tribes have a long tradition of. 

National Marine Sanctuary System 

Another organization I found out about was the National Marine Sanctuaries, of which there are now two in the Great Lakes: the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast Marine Sanctuary and the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. There are two more in the process of designation: one on Lake Erie and one on Lake Ontario. There are also museums to visit in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Alpena, Michigan, that are tied to the sanctuaries.