[Notice] Contributed to "Fast Packing 2016"
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
I contributed an article about sleeping bags and lightweight backpacks to "Fastpacking 2016 (SAN-EI MOOK RUN+TRAIL Special Edition)" published by San-ei Shobo and released today (7/27)!
This is my second time writing for another publication, following my first contribution as Outdoor Gearzine to Sanei Shobo's "RUN+TRAIL Vol. 17." This time, I'm covering two topics: how to choose a sleeping bag and recommended models for beginners , and lightweight backpacks recommended for beginners to safely get started with fastpacking . The article is actually a re-edited version of articles published on this site about "How to Choose a Sleeping Bag" and "Recommended Lightweight Backpacks." To be honest, the content may not resonate directly with fastpacking enthusiasts, and may be familiar to those who visit this site. I was hesitant about this when I was approached, but I decided to include it, as it's a meaningful piece for beginners.
Lightness is a great asset when it comes to enjoying fastpacking, but it's also true that experience, knowledge, technique, and physical strength are essential to make up for what's lost through that lightness. These aren't things you can acquire overnight; I think they require gradual adjustment over time, as you go into the mountains. For this reason, I personally feel it's a bit of a stretch to recommend the same stripped-down gear as experts to beginner mountain climbers. With that in mind, this magazine focuses on lightweight, high-quality products for beginners, rather than ultralight, bare-bones models or niche garage-brand models. However, as a site, we'll be featuring and reviewing such cutting-edge gear in the future, so please look forward to it
In addition to the articles contributed by this site, the magazine is packed with useful information for even seasoned fastpackers, including mountaineering reports by fastpacking experts, actual equipment lists, introductions to garage manufacturers that create unique, one-of-a-kind gear, and unique shops across the country that sell ultralight gear. Personally, I'd say this article is the highlight. I Fujita-san of tent manufacturer Shelt , and I still vividly remember the extraordinary story of how he got from scratch to where he is today through trial and error. I'd been planning to interview him for Outdoor Gearzine someday, so when I saw his interview, I was blown away. The magazine is packed with people who exude a level of passion that's rare these days. And, as always, the photos are fantastic.
Not only is this book practical for those who are already interested in fastpacking, but it's also one of the few sources of information that can provide current information on this new hiking style that is now widespread around the world. All outdoor enthusiasts across the country should definitely pick up a copy and read it!
Related reading
[Notice] Contributed to "RUN+TRAIL Vol. 20 (October 2016 issue)"
[Notice] Contributed to "RUN+TRAIL Vol.17 (April 2016 issue)"
[This year too] I'm going to "Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2016," one of the world's largest outdoor gear fairs.
[Part 2] Summary of the future outdoor gear we encountered at the largest outdoor gear fair in Europe, "OutDoor Friedrichshafen 2016"