I’m just home after a whirlwind three days at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2010 held annually (with a Winter Market in January) in Salt Lake City. More than 1,000 exhibitors show their wares on a massive trade-show floor in some totally tricked-out booths (think ice sculptures, two-level showrooms, lounge-like areas with comfy couches — and plenty of beer at happy hour). The event allows brick-and-mortar, website and catalog retailers to find out what will be on the market in spring 2011, so they can do their planning and merchandise ordering now.

In the coming months I’ll be checking out firsthand some of those products — from apparel to luggage to shoes — that will appear in stores next spring. In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come, as well as some items that you can purchase now:

I’m freakishly excited about all the fabulous women’s clothing items that GoLite will roll out next spring. This brand is best known for its base layers, outer layers and performance apparel for hiking, backpacking and trail running, but it’s certainly going to make its mark next year with a collection of  versatile dresses, skirts, pants and tops for sightseeing, restaurant meals and walks on the beach. Some sample pieces I saw are made out off cocona fabric, created from recycled coconuts shells. (How cool is that?)

One item in the Adventure Travel line that is available now is the Cayambe Reversible Travel Dress, which is oh-so soft and feminine, and ultra versatile, too: spill some wine on one side of the dress? Flip it around and wear the other color on the outside the next night! It also packs quite small and is made from Dri-Move Lite fabric, with important moisture-wicking qualities — great for humid climes.

We cover ExOfficio a lot here at Practical Travel Gear, for good reason: this is a clothing brand that understands traveler’s needs. The company makes apparel that is not only stylish, but offers a ton of features that are so important on the road, like quick-drying or wrinkle-free qualities.

My colleague Tim shared his admiration for ExOfficio underwear last year, and now the brand has released a slightly sexier version for women: the Lacy Lu bikinis, thongs and briefs, plus tank tops and camisoles — all with the same great qualities as its original undies, just with slightly more feminine appeal. Right now the Lacy Lu line is only available at REI, but will be for sale on the ExOfficio website, other online retailers and brick and mortar stores next year.

Also coming this spring from ExOfficio: clothing from the Sol Cool line, made from fabrics that include xylitol, the ingredient found in sugar-free gum that has natural cooling properties (I felt the fabric, and indeed it is subtly cool to the touch).

Another brand we sure do like here at Practical Travel Gear is Briggs & Riley, which makes incredibly durable and classy luggage for the business and leisure traveler. (My Large Shopping Tote continues to make frequent appearances on my travels.) The latest release from Briggs & Riley: BRX, the line for “adventure travelers.” This product is made with lightweight materials and they are soft-sided, with a nifty docking system. See at left, where the Excursion Backpack is attached to an upright roller, for wheeling ease through the airport. If you wanted, you could attach the backpack to a larger piece (say, the 28-inch Rolling Duffle), and still only be charged one fee for a checked bag — clever, huh? The entire 7-piece BRX collection is available now.

This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the products I saw and touched at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. I’ve got loads more to share about new Eureka! tents and sleeping pads, Wallaroo hats, GoLite and Ecco shoes,  Timbuk2 and Eagle Creek luggage, Polarmax base layers and many more pieces of fabulous travel apparel and gear. Stay tuned!