[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 outdoor goods exhibition held every July in Friedrichshafen, a quiet town facing Lake Boden near the German border.
As mentioned in a previous article about the event . Nearly 1,000 manufacturers, including world-leading brands, will gather in the halls of 12 soccer fields and unveil the latest gear that is scheduled to debut in spring 2017, making this an event that all outdoor fans should not miss. As it is a European event, there is little information in English, so it was difficult to find out about this event when you are in Japan, but this year I was finally able to see it with this eye.
So, starting here, I would like to share several posts and introduce the latest gear I discovered after walking around the venue full of heat, sausages and beer over three days, as well as interesting brands that are rare in Japan.
The first report introduces the top 10 latest featured gears that I've encountered locally.
In addition, since we are basically going to have a chance to do so, we are choosing from European brands that are our home. For brands from the North American continent, please wait until the special feature on Outdoor Retailer 2016, an outdoor trade fair for the American market, to be held in Salt Lake City, USA in August!
table of contents
1. PETZL REACTIK+
Petzl, a long-established climbing gear and headlamps founded in France, has finally been linked to smartphones via Bluetooth, and the mobile app "MyPetzl Light" allows you to control the lamp perfectly remotely. Adjusting the brightness on your smartphone, displaying the remaining illumination time is of course a computer itself, setting the illumination mode to suit your activity, and in an emergency, you can send simple messages using light signals to send them, making them more like a computer than a lighting system.
2. OMM AVA Jacket
The AETHER JACKET ultra-lightweight rain jacket made with three-layer eVent has been updated to be used for both men and women. The AVA Jacket for women was also attracting attention throughout the event, winning this year's Industry Award. While inheriting the previously characterized features of this lightweight (200g) supple comfort and high breathability, the current upgrade has improved comfort when you are on the move in a variety of ways, including improved hoods, cuffs and closures that allow you to freely tighten the cuffs according to the situation, and improved drawstrings with a waist that is difficult to roll up. Of course, women's models are cut to suit the female body shape, making them easier to accept by a wider range of users than ever before. Honestly I can't wait for this!
3. MAMMUT Rainspeed Ultralight HS Jacket
Anyway, the specs are too sharp! A jacket that is specialized for trail running and mountain marathons, and is made with all the skills infused for instant performance. GORE-TEX (waterproof and breathable membrane) exposed on the surfaceOnly one layer ofThe ultimate lace model is made up of only two layers of lining, which maximizes the waterproof and breathable performance of the membrane, but does not take into consideration any durability such as DWR. The fabric welded using ultrasonic technology allows for minimal seam tape, making it extremely lightweight at 115g.
4. Raidlight RESPONSIV 20L Vest
The latest vest backpack from French trail running gear brand Raid Light is an ambitious product that incorporates innovative technology in many ways. First, there are noticeable innovations in materials and composition, such as laser cutting of lightweight, durable nylon, heat-compression bonding of flat seams, and 3D mesh back panels that allow for efficient ventilation. The underarm straps with the Boa closure are not easy to loosen, and the four shoulder pockets on the front are sufficient to store the energy needed for lace, making them easy to use. Furthermore, the pack weighs 245g for a capacity of 20L, making it surprisingly light, making it a pack that is extremely enjoyable because it has no gaps.
5. Rab Kinetic Plus Jacket
I was really surprised by this! First of all, it looks and feels almost like a soft shell and is very stretchy and very easy to move around in. Despite this, the performance is almost the same as full-fledged rainwear. Plus, it weighs 320g, which is light enough, so I can't help but be amazed. The secret is Proflex, a uniquely developed waterproof and breathable fabric with elasticity. I have a feeling that it is about time for Rainshell to move on to the next stage, as it is only a light battle. However, how far will rainwear evolve to make it feel better?
6. THULE Guidepost 75
The latest large backpack from a comprehensive bag manufacturer known only to Sweden, was a wonderful and highly complete masterpiece that was over-reachable in the itchy areas. Although it is an upgrade from an existing model, the original feature of the flexible size customization function is still in place. In addition, this is a truly future traverse backpack that is easy to use, with a side zipper that allows access to the interior, a canopy that can also be used as a 28L attack backpack, an attachment that stores a mobile charger and allows you to attach a cord connected to the solar panel installed on the back of the pack. What's even more wonderful is that it's not only functional but also ease of carrying. The back frame and hip belt structure allow you to transfer loads to your waist without waste, making it comfortable and stable to withstand no matter how much weight it is.
7. Dachstein Spursinn EVO
With this colorful design and eccentric specification, it is unlikely that anyone could have thought that this was "Dahstein," a long-established Austrian brand known in Japan for ski boots and other products. When I first visited this booth, I had no idea, "Duck... a new brand that emphasizes style?" I can't read German (in fact, it seems that some of the Japanese products are available on BEAMS). Surprisingly, they are still in full bloom in Europe, and although they have stopped using ski boots, they have recently been offering a wide range of outdoor shoes, from lifestyle to trekking. All of these shoes are characterized by extremely high designs, and these latest approach shoes have attractive features from a unique perspective, such as Vibram's custom-made sole and ankles made from minimal, excellent fit knit fabric.
8. LA SPORTIVA Akari
What I noticed during this interview was the excitement in the trail running markets in Europe, especially France and Italy. There were so many brands specializing in trail running that I was surprised in Japan, but when I came here I can see why long-established mountain climbing boot manufacturers like Sportiva are putting a lot of effort into trail running shoes. The latest model Akyra is a mountain running shoe that improves protection performance and is suitable for harsher, longer-distance trails. It uses a unique sole structure that is inspired by origami geometric shapes, providing high cushioning.
9. KOMPERDELL Stiletto
Recently, two mainstream trekking pole length adjustments have been made: "turn and tighten" or "tighten with a lever." In 2017, Austrian KOMPERDELL proposes a completely new opening and closing system with its latest STILETTO series. The method is quite simple: just press the green button at the top. In other words, you can instantly adjust it with one hand while walking, and it's no longer a hassle to change the length every time in places where there are continuous climbs and descents. It's a small, but this is a huge advance! It will greatly reduce stress while hiking.
10. MORAKNIV Eldris
Finally, we have a stylish and convenient pocket knife from Morakniv, a knife manufacturer in Scandinavian Sweden that has been in business for over 100 years. A grip made of TPE material and easy to grip, a grip with a sharp and durable blade that has been traditionally handed down by craftsmen's hands, a back that can be used to sharpen the fire starter, and a neck strap hole open at the bottom for easy carrying. The solid quality, sufficient functionality, and stylish coloring are condensed into a minimalist Scandinavian design that is typical of Scandinavians, making it wonderful. A classic knife like a good old opinel is good, but it's hard to throw away the charm of this modern style!
Contact: Amulage International Co., Ltd. TEL: 072-728-2781
Summary: Continue with Part 2!
This is an introduction to 10 items that are narrowed down to the limit from countless popular items. Of course, there are still many interesting gear that we'll introduce to you that aren't beautiful. This time, most of the brands were officially distributed in Japan, but I have come across many brands that I have never actually seen in Japan, so I'll look at them next time. Furthermore, there are actually some that have not been posted due to permission to publish (still under negotiation), and if possible, I would like to introduce them on the next opportunity.
