SALT LAKE CITY - Attending the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is like getting a sneak peek at the shelves of an REI or Dick's Sporting Goods store one year out. An annual trade fair for buyers, product designers, athletes and journalists, the OR show is the world's premier stage for new outdoors gear, gadgets, footwear and apparel. Companies light the fuse on products that don't debut to the public until spring 2008 and beyond.

As a dabbler in a dozen sports, I wanted to see all of it on that second weekend in August, from crushproof cameras to clothing laced with copper. There were tents with outlet plugs, shoes with shock-absorbing treads, tiny GPS units, and wristwatches that track your every move. Of all the finds, these 10 items caught my attention as gear that will be worth the wait.

AIR JACKET

The 3-ounce Helium jacket from Sugoi is among the lightest outerwear tops ever made. Designed for runners and bikers, the feathery polyester piece folds from a stashed handkerchief-size package to a jacket that can keep wind and water at bay ($85; www.sugoi.com; available spring 2008).

SPEED WATCH

The fitness-oriented TraiLeader watch from Johnson Outdoors Inc. combines standard outdoor gauges -- altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer and watch -- with an accelerometer for measurement of distance and speed. The motion-sensing accelerometer, which precisely detects its wearer's movements, provides distances covered and real-time mile-per-hour readings for a runner or hiker heading down the trail ($139.99; www.tech4o.com; available January 2008).

MAP IN HAND

Claiming a reinvention of the handheld GPS unit, Magellan's line of Triton devices features color touch screens, digital compasses, barometers and LED flashlights. The units also can display detailed topographical maps from National Geographic in the detailed 1:24,000 scale. A built-in digital camera and an audio recorder let you capture wayward wilderness moments, including the ability to record and attach audio clips to GPS waypoint files (Triton 2000 model, $499; www.magellangps.com; available autumn 2007).

FIND ME, SPOT

The SPOT Satellite Messenger uses GPS signals and a private satellite network to provide emergency communication in deep wilderness with no cell phone coverage. But unlike most personal locator beacons, which send out a generic emergency signal to summon rescue, the SPOT device transmits one of four message types, including an "I'm Okay" note that is sent with your exact location. There's a "summon emergency responder" mode for rescue; a "request help" signal for friends and family members, and a feature that tracks your location, stores waypoints, then displays your journey live on the Web via Google Maps ($149, plus an annual $99 service fee; www.findmespot.com; available autumn 2007).

FUTURE IS NAU

At an intersection of performance and fashion, Nau has designed laser-cut, welded and glued apparel with corn-based fabrics, wool, canvas and organic cotton. The company's multi-use Acoustic Jacket fits sleekly like a suit coat, although its recycled-polyester face has water repellency and enough durability for use in the outdoors ($165; www.nau.com; available now).

SHOCK SHOES

Among the priciest trail-running shoes ever made, the Carbon Fyre from GoLite Footwear includes large shock-absorbing lugs on the sole and a heel cradle made of carbon fiber. The lightweight shoes are made to protect the foot, stabilize and promote top speed on the trail ($160; www.golite-footwear.com; available March 2008).

CRUSH-PROOF CAMERA

Run over this 6-megapixel digital camera with an SUV, and it keeps on shooting, claims Pioneer Research. The company's SeaLife ECOshot is touted as the world's first truly waterproof and shockproof digital camera, made for scuba diving, mountain biking, climbing and other extreme events. It's waterproof to 75 feet, captures images and motion JPEG video, plus -- as demonstrated at the OR show -- can survive being run over by a truck ($279.95; www.sealife-cameras.com; available now).

GREEN BAG

Almost everything but the zipper on Big Agnes' Skinny Fish sleeping bag is made from recycled material. The Earth-friendly bag, designed for temperatures down to 20 degrees, includes a recycled insulation called Climashield Green and recycled rip-stop nylon for its shell and liner fabrics ($179.95; www.bigagnes.com; available autumn 2007).

HORIZONTAL HYDRATION

Hydrapak's Bantam may look like a fanny pack. But this new take on hydration has a water bladder that lies horizontally across your hips to minimize sloshing while on the go. Made for runners and hikers, it carries 1.5 liters of liquid accessible via a sip hose ($40; www.hydrapak.com; available spring 2008).

TOE HUGGER

Vibram's FiveFingers footwear literally fits like a glove, promoting a barefoot feel with the added advantage of a sticky rubber sole. A new model, the Flow, wraps the foot in neoprene for thermal insulation and protection. Its 2-millimeter-thick EVA foam footbed gives a slight cushioning barrier between your skin and the earth below ($90; www.vibramfivefingers.com; available spring 2008).