A few weeks ago, I spent two days in Denver doing what can only be described as gear speed-dating. I spent 20 minutes with over 40 outdoor brands. It was a revolving door of apparel, skis, jackets and gear for industry-leading and emerging brands.

And while I saw plenty of gear that I’ll be highlighting in future Outdoorista columns, the bigger takeaway wasn’t just about the products — it was where the industry is heading.

Here are the four things I walked away with after two long, gear-filled days.

1) There’s a lot of cool gear out there.

Let’s start with the obvious: the outdoor industry loves a good gadget. Is every new product necessary? Nope. Could some of it seriously upgrade your outdoor game? Absolutely. Here were a few of my favorites:

NEST OUT’s modular power bank allows you to easily swap out lights, fans and charging cables to create a flexible system. It’s no surprise that their clean aesthetic and durable products are part of a Japanese brand. Keep an eye out for Asian-inspired camping products dropping soon.

Then there are products that solve problems you didn’t know you had. Nomadix’s packable towels are quick-drying and sand-resistant, available in numerous fun prints. But their Changing Poncho made me pause. Do I need one? Hmm, yes.

In the summer, I have a favorite river spot near Minturn where I jump in after long runs or bike rides. It’s my personal reset button. The only issue: the awkward parking-lot wardrobe change. Problem solved with this poncho.

And finally, the product got my husband’s approval: the DemerBox’s DB2. For a guy who owns an A/V business and is an audio snob, this rugged speaker, which doubles as a dry box, won his approval. He brought it on a guys’ weekend and reported back that they used the DemerBox instead of the cabins’ sound system because it was that good. When gear guys abandon installed speakers, you know you’re onto something.

2) Women’s gear is finally getting interesting.

For years, women’s outdoor gear followed a predictable formula: shrink it and pink it.

Thankfully, that era is fading. Yes, pink still exists, but it’s used with purpose.

HEAD’s Attack Freestyle Binding adds a bright pop of pink in an unexpected place. Ski bindings have historically been aggressively utilitarian. This one proves they don’t have to be ugly. There’s an updated version coming next winter with added safety features and the same bright pink pop.

There’s new energy at Swany gloves with more color and heritage-inspired products. Their tri-color Calore mitt, with white, rose and burgundy, feels both classic and fresh, standing out from the sea of all-black gloves.

I was swooning over the fits at Mountain Hardware. The spring line nailed the modern outdoor silhouette: cropped, color-blocked wind jackets and tech trail pants with a barrel-leg-like fit. Functional materials, yes, but also something you’d actually want to wear around town.

Marmot leaned into lifestyle-forward outdoor apparel with soft rose, steel blue and moss tones paired with retro heritage logos. Their insulated hoody stood out as an easy layering piece, the kind you could wear under an oversized, fun jacket or on its own on the trail.

On the rare occasion I carry a purse instead of shoving my phone, wallet, keys and kids’ snacks into my jacket pockets, I want something polished but not precious. I have plenty of vintage purses, but I need something that’s tough enough for everyday wear. Thacker NYC’s black neoprene cross-body bag is durable and sleek, with no screaming logos. Exactly what every busy mountain mom needs.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Weintraub

3) Gendered gear isn’t always the answer.

Ironically, just as women’s gear is improving, the idea of gendered gear is becoming less important in certain categories.

In a meeting, the head of marketing at HEAD asked me a simple question: Do skis really need to be gendered?

I thought about it for a moment. My answer: not really.

Skis and snowboards should match your body, your ability and your skiing style — not your gender. Yes, women’s skis are often lighter and narrower, which works well for smaller riders like me. But body types vary wildly, regardless of gender.

The better question for some gear isn’t men’s vs. women’s, it’s: what works best for your body, your strength and your style on the mountain.

The right ski doesn’t care about the topsheet.

4) The outdoors doesn’t have a dress code.

You don’t have to dress the part to belong outside.

When I first started attending outdoor media conferences, I stressed about what to wear. Wearing technical gear outside of the mountains isn’t true to my style. And I’m not going to apologize for that or try and be something that I’m not.

I’ve always believed that clothes are an expression of who you are and my jewelry is a representation of where I’ve been; mementos collected through my travels. I’m not going to dim that light to try to fit in.

You don’t need to dress gorpcore or wear your bike kit to the coffee shop to prove you belong outside. I trail run from my house. I skin after work with a group of women. When it snows mid-week, I sneak out for a quick ski after daycare drop-off. I don’t need to broadcast my stats or wear my gear as a badge of honor to prove I’m part of the mountain lifestyle.

Because the truth is, the outdoors doesn’t have a uniform. Just be kind and be you.