A collection of anticipated gear that you can't wait to be released at the US's largest outdoor gear fair, Outdoor Retailer Summer 2016

Saturday, August 13, 2016

MSR , Salomon , Boreas , ALTRA , Arc'teryx , Patagonia , OSPREY , Hydrapak , MONTANE , BLACK DIAMOND , Outdoor Retailer

Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

Following my first visit last year, I went again this year. The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2016 (hereafter OR) is the world's largest outdoor gear trade fair, held twice a year in summer and winter in Salt Lake City, Utah, bringing together over 1,600 famous and unknown outdoor brands from around the world to unveil the latest gear scheduled for release next season. I outlined in my previous article , I was fortunate enough to be able to cover this monster event, on a scale unimaginable from Japan, for just three days this year, so I'd like to report on it in several installments.

In this first installment, we will introduce a carefully selected selection of noteworthy new products from major global outdoor brands that are familiar to outdoor enthusiasts

As this is an exhibition aimed at the American market, the main focus of this event is undoubtedly North American brands. We have introduced many European brands in our coverage reports ( Part 1 and Part 2 ) from The OutDoor Show, which was held in Germany last month, so if you are interested, please take a look here.

table of contents

1.OSPREY AETHER AG 70 / DURO 15 HYDRATION VEST
2. Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid Jacket
3. Arc'teryx Bora AR 50
4. Black Diamond Headlamps
5. MSR ADVANCE PRO 2 TENT
6. MONTANE VIA RAZOR 15
7. ALTRA King MT
8. SALOMON XA ENDURO
9. HydraPak Trek Kit
10. boreas TAMARACK
Finally ~Next episode preview~

1.OSPREY AETHER AG 70 / DURO 15 HYDRATION VEST

First up is the Osprey booth, which I look forward to every year for its innovative approach and outstandingly stable quality. The classic medium-to-large backpack model, AETHER (the women's model is ARIEL), has been revamped with the introduction of the incredibly comfortable back system "AG (Anti-Gravity) Suspension," which was a big hit last year. While the AG suspension offers excellent breathability and a comfortable fit, I was initially worried that the space in the back would lower the center of gravity, making it unsuitable for carrying heavy loads, but Osprey has proven itself. The system used this time minimizes back depressions while maintaining a moderate fit, making it an evolved version of AG. With new models of large backpacks being released one after another by various brands and competition intensifying, I can't wait for the release!

Another noteworthy model is the new DURO (the women's model is DYNA), a hydration pack optimized for endurance sports like trail running. It comes standard with a hydration system (LT Reservoir) and combines comfort, versatility, convenience, and design. Its high level of innovation and perfection earned it an award at Germany's ODShow, making it by far the most anticipated trail running backpack of the year. Available in 1.5, 6, and 15L sizes, it's perfect for short distances and long trails, so be sure to check it out when it's released!

2. Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid Jacket

Patagonia's Nano-Air series, which has pioneered new ground in active insulation wear that can be worn continuously from activity to rest, is finally adding a new lineup next season. It's called the Nano Air Light Hybrid Jacket. As the name suggests, it uses the same breathable, warm, and stretchy Nano-Air fabric, but by adding a new, highly breathable material to the back and underarms, it achieves even lighter weight and comfort during exercise. It looks super convenient for intense exercise in the fall and winter, making it an essential item that deserves an immediate buy! The hybrid era is here, after all

3. Arc'teryx Bora AR 50

They are always breaking new ground in outdoor gear from a whole new angle, and now they're bringing about a revolution in backpacks for long-distance backpacking!

The Bora AR 50's hip belt not only rotates with the left and right tilt of the body, but also moves up and down depending on the degree of extension of the spine, using RotoGlide (ROTATE + GLIDE) technology. For example, when you bend down to tie your shoelaces or try to climb a slope using your whole body, the back panel follows the extension and contraction of the spine to maintain a good fit and comfort. Yep, just hearing about it is impossible to understand how comfortable it is! Since it's Arc'teryx, I'm sure they've put a lot of thought into it, but it's definitely worth checking out, even though it's hard to imagine

4. Black Diamond Headlamps

Black Diamond has already updated several headlamp models with new formats, but next season will see the entire lineup being revamped, including the high-end Icon, the high-intensity Storm, and the USB-chargeable Revolt. Overall, the lineup offers higher brightness and even smaller dimensions. Also new to the lineup are the ultra-lightweight and compact Jota and the lightweight, multi-functional Ion, which meet the needs of today's trail running and fastpacking

5. MSR ADVANCE PRO 2 TENT

Most tents from American brands are lightweight and made of mesh, making them unsuitable for Japan's humid and snowy climate. Furthermore, there are few models that can be used through the snowy season. Against this backdrop, MSR's new tent is a single-wall, freestanding, two-person, lightweight, four-season tent. The new poles, made from an aluminum composite material, are extremely resilient and durable. Despite its high durability and wind resistance, it offers ample living space at over 110 cm (44 feet) high. The easy-to-set-up hybrid sleeve and hook setup method is also intriguing. I'm personally very interested in this product, as there hasn't been a definitive single-wall product until now

6. MONTANE VIA RAZOR 15

Apologies for the limited number of photos, all from the German Outdoor Show. Montane, a British brand renowned for its lightweight, highly functional, and stylish gear, is focusing its efforts next season on a new lineup of trail running gear (apparel). The VIA RAZOR (CLAW for women) backpack offers high levels of comfort and functionality, while the surrounding elastic drawcords allow for flexible adjustments, such as a net for attaching poles or rain gear, or a compression strap to reduce pack size. Plus, it comes standard with two 500ml flasks that can be stored in the front shoulder straps

7. ALTRA King MT

For trail runners who find their toes hitting the ground when running steep downhill, these shoes may help put an end to that pain. Altra's latest model, the King MT, features an instep strap that temporarily tightens to minimize medial slippage during steep ascents and descents, an interesting feature that may seem obvious but isn't. The 5.5mm thick sole, which is said to be suitable for muddy, wet ground, and mountain trails, is likely perfect for running on Japan's trails

8. SALOMON XA ENDURO

Salomon, a leader in shoes suitable for adventure racing, has evolved its trail running lineup for the next season with a wide range of options. The latest addition to the XA series, the XA ENDURO, is an off-trail running shoe with features optimized for long-distance trails on tough terrain. The renowned SENSIFIT provides a stable fit, minimizing foot movement, while the standard gaiters prevent the intrusion of pebbles, mud, and snow on rough terrain. The highly breathable synthetic fabric features a unique, no-sew construction. The outsole uses the company's proprietary Contagrip technology, which provides excellent grip even on wet and slippery surfaces

9. HydraPak Trek Kit

The annoying thing about hydration packs is that you have to bite the spout and suck to drink water (even when you're tired and breathing heavily). The GEIGER RIG , which uses air pressure to force water out just by biting, has been around for several years, but it's still an excellent product that boasts unparalleled ease of use. Now, Hydrapak has finally released a competing product. The TREK KIT is a simple yet highly functional hydration pack with a body that can be used as both a hydration pack and a water bottle, and a "squeeze bulb" that allows you to add or release internal pressure with a single touch. Given the high quality of the product, I'm definitely considering switching to Hydrapak.

10. boreas TAMARACK

Finally, we have a new lightweight hiking pack from Boreas, a San Francisco backpack manufacturer known for its brilliant idea of packing unique features into a stylish body. This versatile backpacking model still features a highly breathable and cushioned back foam panel, a roll-top closure for flexible size adjustment, and a zippered access to the main compartment. It also features an external cover for attaching gear like a tent or pad, which can be stored at the bottom of the pack when not in use, making it extremely functional (see photo below). It comes in two capacities: 40L and 48L

Finally ~Next episode preview~

This concludes our introduction to the notable outdoor gear for the 2017 season from the famous outdoor brands exhibiting at OR

However, the real fun of OR is yet to come. You can't talk about OR without paying attention to the passionate exhibits of the small garage manufacturers who, hidden in the shadows of these major global outdoor brands, are plotting to one day stand shoulder to shoulder with them. In my next report, I'd like to focus on new outdoor brands from among the exhibitors in the "Pavilion" area, where such outdoor ventures are crammed together! Since I've been busy reporting on the exhibition for the past month or so, I'll be waiting a while before writing my next report, so please look forward to it until then