Continuing from the previous article, we will be reporting on the events of "The OutDoor Show Friedrichshafen," a comprehensive outdoor equipment exhibition held in Germany in July. The second report continues to feature the latest feature on the latest popular gear from brands that are familiar to Japan. Let's go straight away!
table of contents
1. Vibram Furoshiki
Vibram is extremely trusted by enthusiasts around the world in the field of outdoor shoe outsoles (parts that come into contact with the ground), but it may not be well known that it is also developing unique final products (shoes) including the shoes Five Fingers One of them, Furoshiki, which debuted in 2015, is a shoe that is literally "envelope" and worn in a way that anyone Japanese would understand. Next season, new colorful colors will be released with designs of ethnic patterns from around the world.
We were able to hear directly from Mr. Hashimoto (title photo), the designer who developed this item locally. It is obvious that human feet vary in size and shape, but is there any shoe that overturns this common sense and fits any person's feet? One answer to that question is the idea of "wearing in a wrap." This has created an innovation in which the shoes themselves can flexibly respond to differences in fine sizes and foot shapes, and the smallest sizes can be used to fit many people.
In addition to Furoshiki, Hashimoto also explores the act of "walking" not only ergonomically but also from various historical and ethnographic perspectives, and is constantly conceiving new ideas of footwear while trialling and erroring the concept. I can't wait for that new release, but I'd like to hear about it in detail one day!
2. VAUDE Brentour
VAUDE is considered a rather plain brand that is not well known in Japan for its non-backpacks, but in its home country of Germany it is a comprehensive outdoor brand that supplies not only backpacks but also sleeping bags, tents, shoes, and apparel. Even just a single backpack is available in a wide variety of models, from everyday use to bikes and mountain climbing. The most notable thing was the Brentour (45+10L), a lightweight and comfortable backpack for speed hiking, which is currently popular all over the world. High ventilation due to the airflow structure on the back is not uncommon these days, but it uses AEROFLEX X+, which is designed to increase ventilation and not to impair the load balance under heavy loads, making it more versatile. One of the unique charms is that it is an eco-friendly product that is considerate of the natural environment that the brand is working on as a whole.
3. HOUDINI Wooler Houdi
HOUDINI is a Swedish company that continues to create outdoor wear that is full of functional beauty, packed with outstanding comfort and mobility in a simple and stylish design. Next season, you should also check out the Air 2 Air Jacket (center of the photo), a windshell that will surely be useful for everyday running and descent wear, but what you should not miss is the Wooler Houdi, a high-performance parka made from New Zealand merino wool (just before the photo). Despite being 100% wool, the lining is made of a grid-like braided material, allowing air to travel back and forth through the gaps in the lattice. This makes it possible to take advantage of the supple texture and comfort that are characteristic of merino wool, while improving breathability and quick drying properties, achieving a high level of ease of use.
4. GARMONT DRAGONTAIL N.AIR.G
Garmont is my personal favorite brand, from Italy, with its innovative design and advanced technology that provides sturdy and stable walking performance (particularly the heel hold is so comfortable that no brand can imitate). Last year, despite suffering a bankruptcy, he made a great comeback. This is the latest in Garmont's Dragon Tail series of approach shoes that have been in operation for 15 years, and offers grip and stability that is designed to take place on technical, complex terrain to the rocks, while also providing lightweight, highly breathable, and waterproof performance with Gore-Tex, making it ideal for light hiking. As usual, the sophisticated design makes this a very versatile pair that can be worn as everyday wear.
5. EXPED SKYLINE・TRAVERSE
EXPED started with a Swiss couple's honeymoon to the great Canadian Nature (9 months!). Over the past 20 years since the production of tents, we have expanded our range of areas, including sleeping bags, mats, and bags, and have continued to create original gear in each category. I had known that I had been making backpacks for a while, but I had not been able to get a chance to find a chance, so this time I came across a very interesting model called the SKYLINE and TRAVERSE lightweight, multifunctional hiking backpacks. The back system is the most notable thing. You can create a space on your back to use the airflow method that is currently popular, or you can use it in close contact with your back.
This model is very ideas and easy to use, making it ideal for a variety of occasions and uses, such as airflow when you want to walk lightly in the hot summer season or when wearing light equipment, and keep it close to the actions of heavy luggage in the winter or in heavy luggage. There are a wide variety of sizes, including 15L and 25L (SKYLINE) and 35L and 40L (TRAVERSE).
6. LEKI Micro Trail Vario
Apparently, trail running popularity in Europe is real, with almost all major brands offering a lineup specializing in trail running. Meanwhile, LEKI, one of the world's top trekking pole brands, appears to have started a full-scale trail running series in 2017. Unlike trekking poles, the Micro Trail Vario focuses on lighter weight than durability, with the easy-to-grip cork grip and the strap part that is less likely to sway even with intense movements, and the strap can be attached and detached from the pole with just one touch. This allows you to quickly fold the pole to get into a position where you can run, and it also includes more specialized functions for running. Of course, if you have a lightweight luggage, it's not a problem for fast packing or speed hiking.
Import and seller in Japan: Caravan Co., Ltd.
7. Salewa Multi Track Trail Running Shoe
Salewa is still making an impact with its original design, but the new trail running shoes are compatible with a wide range of complex terrain, and are literally all-in-one, multitrack compatible models that can be used for everything from hiking to running to bikes. The outsole is made by Michelan, who has recently begun supplying various brands and has the impression that they are working hard. Looking at the sole pattern, it's similar to my personal favorite Montrail Bajada, and the style, which is studded with fine cubes from various angles, can be imagined to have a stable grip. It weighs 270g, which is quite light.
8. Nordisk Lofoten 1 ULW
The record for the world's smallest and lightest double-wall tent has been repainted once again. The Loften 1 ULW is a single-person tent that is double walled but is incredibly light at 490g. Not only that, the pack size is 11 x 22 cm, which is about a size larger than a 500ml plastic bottle. When you go inside, your head gets caught on the sky while sitting cross-legged, so it's just barely possible to live in, but it's quite possible if you don't have to be scared of insect attacks because it's not much different from tarps or zerts.
9. Dynafit Alpine Pro
Speaking of DYNAFIT, it is a brand that invented the "TLT binding," which is currently a favorite of backcountry skiers around the world, and it is probably a brand known only in the world of winter sports, but DYNAFIT has been fully expanding into summer outdoor activities that have gradually warmed up over the past few years.
The covers a wide range of categories, from apparel to shoes, backpacks, poles, and various accessories, in various genres, including alpine running, speed mountaineering and lifestyle. The Alpine Pro, a low-cut shoe perfect for speed mountaineering, was particularly noteworthy.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole boasts high grip, a high stability and cushioning midsole, and curved soles that keep you from getting into your feet from walking, and the Ballistic Bumper that absorbs shocks on your toes allow for stable driving on any terrain. Plus, the Rubber Tension on the heels provides a good fit and support. The CARBON SHIELD offers strong resistance to sharp impacts, and performance and comfort are pursued in a subtle way, so you can't help but hope for it.
10. LIGHT MY FIRE Add-a-Twist
Swedish outdoor accessories brands known for their beautiful designs, have released stylish and functional small items storage. A large, medium, or small container set that is vertically long and can be connected to easily store in a backpack. As shown in the photo below, if you have multiple sets, you can connect them anywhere. Each container has a double structure, waterproof and sealed seal, and is resistant to impact, and can hold anything from food to first aid items, batteries, and other gadgets. The drawback is that it's a bit heavy, but it's sure to make packing easier.
