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
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
I went again this year, following my first appearance last year. Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2016 (OR) is the world's largest outdoor gear fair held twice a summer and winter in Salt Lake City, Utah, and attracts over 1,600 famous and unknown outdoor brands from around the world, and the latest gear scheduled for release next season will be unveiled for the first time. introduced the outline in my previous article , I was gratefully able to cover a monster event on a scale that would be hard to imagine from Japan for only three days this year, so I would like to report on the events in several parts in the future.
In the first episode, we will introduce carefully selected new products from world-renowned major 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 a North American brand. Many European brands have been featured in Part 1 and Part 2 for The OutDoor Show held in Germany last month
table of contents
1. OSPREY AETHER AG 70 / DURO 15 HYDRATION VEST
First of all, the Osprey booth is a place where you can't wait to see its innovative approach and excellent stability every year. AETHER, a classic medium to large backpack model (ARIEL), has been renewed with the introduction of the extremely comfortable rear system "AG (Anti Gravity) suspension," which was a huge hit last year. Although the AG suspension has excellent breathability and fit, I was worried for a moment that it would be inappropriate for heavy loads as the space on the back lowers the center of gravity back, but as expected of Osprey, it was an Osprey. The system used this time is an evolved AG, so to speak, with minimal dents on the back and a moderate adhesion. With new models from various brands of large backpacks being released one after another, competition has intensified, so I can't wait to see them now!
Another popular model is DURO, a new hydration pack optimized for endurance sports such as trail running (DYNA is the female model). Hydration (LT Lezavoir) is standard equipment, and combines comfort, multifunctionality, convenience and design, and has won an award at German ODShow for its high level of innovation and perfection, making it a major hit for next year's trail running backpack. The sizes are 1.5, 6, and 15L, and cover from short distances to long trails, so you can check them out without hesitation when they're released!
2. Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid Jacket
Patagonia's Nano-Air series, which can be said to have broken new ground for active insulation wear that can be worn from action to rest, will finally add a new lineup next season. It's called Nano Air Light Hybrid Jacket. As the name suggests, in addition to the Nano-Air fabric, which combines traditional breathability, heat retention and stretchability, and by placing a new material that is highly breathable from the back to the underarms, it achieves even more lightweight and comfort during exercise. It seems to be super useful for intense exercise in autumn and winter, and this is also an important item that can be purchased immediately! However, the times are hybrid.
3. Arc'teryx Bora AR 50
They are constantly breaking new ground in outdoor gear from an other dimension, but now they're innovating with a backpack for long distance backpacking! ?
The Bora AR 50's hip belt uses RotoGlide (ROTATE + GLIDE) technology, which not only rotates to the left and right tilt of your body, but also moves up and down depending on how your spine is extended. For example, whether you bend over to tie your shoelaces or try to climb a slope using your whole body, the back panel firmly follows the extension and contraction of your spine to maintain a comfortable fit. Yes, I don't really understand how comfortable it is just listening! Since it's about Arc'teryx, I'm sure there are many things to consider, but it's important to check it out in the sense that it's hard to imagine.
4. Black Diamond Headlamp
Several black diamond headlamp models have already been remodeled to new formats, but next season the entire lineup will be renewed, including high-end models Icon, high-illuminated storm, and USB-charged revolts. Overall, it is becoming even more illuminated and even smaller. Other completely new lineups include items that meet the recent needs of trail running and fast packing, such as the ultra-lightweight compact model Iota and the lightweight multi-function model Aeon.
5. MSR ADVANCE PRO 2 TENT
Most of the tents put out by American brands are mesh and lightweight, so they are not suitable for Japan, where there are heavy and humid and snowy seasons, and to be honest, there were few models that could be used until the snowy season. MSR's new tent is a lightweight, single-wall, self-supporting, two-person lightweight four-season tent. The new pole made from synthetic aluminum is extremely elastic and durable. Despite its high durability and wind resistance, it is also interesting to find the rich living space (44 feet) over 110cm tall, and the hybrid setup method of sleeves and hooks that are easy to set up, and since there has never been a deciding factor for a single wall up to now, I have been paying a lot of attention to it.
6. MONTANE VIA RAZOR 15
Sorry about the photos from the German Outdoor Show. Next season, British brand MONTANE, which is well-known for its lightweight, highly functional, and highly designed gear, is focusing on a new lineup of gear (wear) for trail running. VIA RAZOR (CLAW for women) backpacks are basically highly comfortable and functional, but the elastic drawcords surrounding them can be used as a net for attaching poles, rain gear, etc., or compression to reduce the pack size, allowing you to adjust them freely. Plus, two 500ml flask bottles are standard equipment, which can be stored in the shoulder strap on the front.
7. ALTRA King MT
Trail runners who inevitably get hurt when they run downhill and get hurt when they run on a steep descent, these shoes may be the ones toes to say goodbye to the pain. Altra's latest King MT has an interesting feature that you might have thought of but never thought of as thinking about, that it has a strap on the instep, and can be temporarily tightened during sudden ups and downs to minimize displacement on the inside. The thick-soled 5.5mm sole, which is also suitable for mud, wet ground, and mountain trails, is probably perfect for riding on Japanese trails.
8. SALOMON XA ENDURO
Salomon has a long day of shoes suitable for adventure races, but next season, it has evolved with a wide range of trail running lineups. The latest XA series XA ENDURO is an off-trail running shoe with features optimized for long-distance trails over hard terrain. The SENSIFIT, which is well-known for its stable fit, reduces foot shaking inside, and the standard gaitor prevents the intrusion of pebbles, mud, snow, etc. on rough terrain. The highly breathable synthetic fabric has a unique structure without sewing. The outsole uses a unique contaglip, which boasts a strong grip on wet and slippery ground.
9. HydraPak Trek Kit
The troublesome thing about hydration is that you have to chew on the mouth and inhale when drinking water (even though you're tired and breathing hard). GEIGER RIG brings out the water with great force just by chewing, has been released several years since its release, is an excellent product that is still unique and easy to use. However, Hydra Pack has finally released a counter-competent product. TREK KIT is a simple and highly functional hydration pack with a body that can be used for both hydration and water bottles, and a "squeeze bulb" that allows you to add and release internal pressure with just one touch. The quality of the product is high on the Hydra Pack, so I'm fully prepared to switch to it.
10. boreas TAMARACK
Finally, we have a new lightweight hiking pack from Boreas, a San Francisco backpack manufacturer with an amazing idea of packing unique features into a stylish body. A versatile backpacking model with a back foam panel that is still breathable and cushioned, a flexible roll top closure that allows for flexible size adjustment, and a zipper that allows access to the main compartment. Furthermore, it is possible to attach a cover to attach gear such as tents and pads to the outside, allowing you to normally store them at the bottom of the pack, making them extremely functional (photo below). There are two types of capacity: 40L and 48L.
Finally, next episode preview
This is an introduction to famous outdoor brands exhibiting at OR to feature outdoor gear for the 2017 season.
However, in fact, the real joy of OR is now. The OR cannot speak without paying attention to the passionate displays of small garage makers who are hiding behind these global major outdoor brands and planning to one day stand shoulder to shoulder. Next time, I would like to report on new outdoor brands from among the exhibitors in the Pavilion area, a place filled with outdoor ventures! As the gear reviews have been stagnant in the past month and the exhibition reports, we plan to make this a report a little while longer, but please look forward to it.
