[Part 1] A summary of the future outdoor gear we encountered at the largest outdoor gear fair in Europe, "OutDoor Friedrichshafen 2016"
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
The OutDoor Show Friedrichshafen is a comprehensive exhibition of outdoor equipment held every July in Friedrichshafen, a quiet town facing Lake Constance near the German border
I mentioned in a previous article the event outline : Nearly 1,000 manufacturers, including some of the world's top brands, gathered in a hall the size of 12 soccer fields to unveil the latest gear due to debut in spring 2017. It was a vibrant four-day event that gave a glimpse into the future of the outdoor industry, and it's one that all outdoor fans can't miss. As it's a European event, there's inevitably little information in English, so it's difficult to find out about the event in Japan, but this year I was finally able to witness it with my own eyes.
So, over the next few posts, I'd like to share with you some of the latest gear I discovered while walking around the venue, which was filled with heat, sausages, and beer, over the course of three days, as well as some interesting brands that are hard to find in Japan
In this first report, we will introduce the top 10 latest and most noteworthy gear that we came across on site
This time, we have mainly selected European brands, as they are based in Europe. For brands from North America, please wait until August when we will feature Outdoor Retailer 2016, an outdoor trade fair for the American market to be held in Salt Lake City, USA!
table of contents
1. PETZL REACTIK+
Petzl, a French manufacturer of climbing gear and headlamps, has finally integrated its latest headlamp with Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone, allowing you to fully control the lamp remotely using the MyPetzl Light mobile app. Not only can you adjust brightness and view the remaining burn time, but you can also set the lighting mode to suit your activity and send simple messages as light signals in emergencies. It's more like a computer than a light
2. OMM AVA Jacket
The AETHER JACKET, an ultra-lightweight rain jacket made with 3-layer eVent technology, has been updated with separate models for men and women. The women's AVA Jacket, which won this year's Industry Award, attracted attention throughout the event. While retaining its previous hallmarks of light weight (200g), supple comfort, and high breathability, the latest update offers a variety of improvements to comfort while on the move, including an improved hood, adjustable cuff closures that allow for flexible cuff tightening depending on the situation, and an improved waist drawcord to prevent the jacket from rolling up. Of course, the women's model is cut to fit the female body type, making it more accessible to a wider range of users than ever before. Honestly, I can't wait!
3. MAMMUT Rainspeed Ultralight HS Jacket
The specs are just too sharp! This jacket is designed specifically for trail running and mountain marathons, and is packed with technology to deliver instant performance. The GORE-TEX (waterproof and breathable membrane) is exposed on the surfaceOnly one layer ofThis ultimate racing model is constructed with only two layers: a waterproof and breathable membrane and a lining, maximizing the waterproof and breathable performance of the membrane, but without any durable treatments like DWR. Ultrasonic welding of the fabric allows for minimal seam tape, resulting in an ultra-lightweight 115g
4. Raidlight RESPONSIV 20L Vest
The latest vest-style backpack from French trail running gear brand Raidlite is an ambitious product that incorporates innovative technologies in many ways. First and foremost, the innovative materials and construction stand out, including lightweight and durable nylon laser-cutting, heat-sealed flat seams, and a 3D mesh back panel that allows for efficient ventilation. The underarm straps with Boa® closures ensure a secure fit, and the four front shoulder pockets are well thought out for ease of use, providing enough storage for all the energy you need for the race. Furthermore, it weighs an astonishing 245g for a 20L capacity, making this a pack with a flawless design that's sure to impress
5. Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket
I was really surprised! First of all, it looks and feels almost as stretchy as a softshell, making it extremely easy to move around in. Despite this, its performance is almost on par with that of full-fledged rainwear. What's more, it weighs a light 320g, which is simply astonishing. The secret is the proprietary Proflex waterproof and breathable fabric, which is also stretchy. It seems that rain shells are about to move on from the battle of being lightest to the next level. But still, how far will rainwear have to evolve before we're satisfied?
6. THULE Guidepost 75
The latest large backpack from this Swedish bag manufacturer, known only to those in the know, hits the spot and is a wonderfully well-made masterpiece. While it's an upgrade from an existing model, it still retains its original feature of flexible size customization. It also features a side zipper for interior access, a canopy that can be used as a 28L attack pack, and an attachment that can store a mobile charger and connect a cord to the solar panel on the back of the pack, making it a truly futuristic mountain climbing backpack with cutting-edge usability. What's even more impressive is that it's not just functional, but also incredibly easy to carry. The back frame and hip belt design efficiently distribute the load to your hips, allowing for comfort and stability that can withstand any weight
7. Dachstein Spursinn EVO
Looking at this colorful design and unique specifications, it's hard to imagine anyone in Japan would recognize Dachstein, the long-established Austrian brand once known for its ski boots. When I first visited the booth, I didn't even realize it: "Dach...a new style-focused brand?" I can't read German (though it seems to be sold at some BEAMS stores in Japan). Surprisingly, the brand is still going strong in Europe. While they've discontinued ski boots, they've recently expanded their lineup of outdoor shoes, from lifestyle to trekking. All of their products are characterized by exceptional design, and these latest approach shoes feature unique and appealing features, including a custom Vibram sole and a minimalist, snug-fitting knit ankle
8. LA SPORTIVA Akyra
What I felt during this interview was the excitement of the trail running market in Europe, especially in France and Italy. There are so many specialized trail running brands, which I found strange in Japan, but coming here, it's easy to see why a long-established mountaineering shoe manufacturer like Sportiva is focusing on trail running shoes. The latest model, the Akyra, is a mountain running shoe with improved protection, suitable for more challenging, long-distance trails. It features a unique sole structure inspired by the geometric shapes of origami, providing excellent cushioning
9. Komperdell Stiletto
For the past few years, the two most common ways to adjust the length of trekking poles have been to "tighten by turning" or "tighten with a lever." In 2017, Austrian company KOMPERDELL introduced a completely new opening and closing system in its latest STILETTO series. The process is incredibly simple: just press the green button on top. This means you can instantly adjust the length with one hand while walking, eliminating the hassle of having to adjust the length every time you go up and down a lot of stairs. It's a small but significant improvement! It will greatly reduce stress while hiking
10. MORAKNIV Eldris
Last but not least, we have a stylish and practical pocket knife from Morakniv, a Swedish knife manufacturer with over 100 years of history. Made from TPE material, it features a comfortable grip, a sharp and durable blade that has been traditionally passed down through the hands of artisans, a spine that can be used to sharpen a fire starter, and a hole at the bottom for a convenient neck strap. The minimalist Scandinavian design combines reliable quality and ample functionality with a tasteful color scheme that's truly charming. While classic knives like the good old Opinel are great, the appeal of this modern style is hard to resist!
For inquiries, please contact Amplage International Co., Ltd. TEL: 072-728-2781
Summary: Continue in Part 2!
Above, we have narrowed down the list of 10 items from among the countless noteworthy items. Of course, there are still many more interesting gears that we have not introduced. This time, we have mostly focused on brands that are officially distributed in Japan, but we also came across many brands that have never been seen in Japan, so we will talk about those on another occasion. Furthermore, there are some items that were not included due to publishing permission issues (we are still negotiating), and we would like to introduce those on another occasion if possible
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