[Event Report] TRAIL OPEN AIR DEMO 2025!

Clothing, Shoes , Backpacks & Gear Column

Monday, April 14, 2025

Event , TOAD

Written by yans

table of contents

From new releases from popular brands to never-before-seen newcomers, this year's must-see event for all mountain gear enthusiasts is being held

From new releases from popular brands to never-before-seen newcomers, this year's must-see event for all mountain gear enthusiasts is being held

Speaking of April, it's the season for air demos! So, we visited TRAIL OPEN AIR DEMO 2025 (hereafter referred to as TOAD) and will share with you what we saw.

https://trailopenairdemo.jp/

I visited just after the start of Day 2 of the two-day event that is held every year. The Tokyo event is held at TCN Sports Park Nagayama (Ome City Nagayama Park General Sports Ground) in Ome, but before it was established here, it was once held closer to the city center.

Since it's basically a trail running event, the main focus is on running! However, I won't be participating in that, but rather will be touring the brand booths that are also being held at the venue. As always, I won't be covering everything! So I'll just be bringing you my own personal picks

SALOMON

Let's start with Salomon, a familiar name at Geargin!

A Garapon lottery will be held for members of Salomon's unique membership program and app, S/PLUS

This is the only place you can get your hands on Salomon goods! This is a rare opportunity and may be held at future events, and it is also a great deal for those who purchase Salomon products in the first place, so there are many benefits to becoming an S/PLUS member. For more information, please visit the official website

S/PLUS website: https://salomon.jp/pages/s-plus

Another great thing about TOAD is that you can try on the shoes!

The best part of TOAD is that you can not only try on the latest shoes you're interested in, but also test ride them. This is not only available at Salomon, but at most shoe brand booths, so it's a great opportunity to try out all kinds of shoes you wouldn't normally be able to try, and it's a great way to find your favorite pair

Official website : https://salomon.jp/

So I went to check out the booths that interested me

ACTIBASE

Next up is Actibase

I personally often see Actibase when I go to events, so I feel like I'm familiar with them, but this was the first time I had the chance to really talk to them

For me, Actibase is strongly associated with backpacks and sacoche bags

The IDbackpack series really catches the eye

There are a lot of apparel items that catch my eye, but one that you're currently recommending is the COOLMAX sucker shirt in the foreground, which is made from a fabric called seersucker, which has a bumpy surface and a smooth feel. The surface certainly has an exquisite three-dimensional feel and a unique presence. And because the seersucker fabric is woven with COOLMAX yarn, it's highly absorbent and quick-drying, yet has a stylish look that makes it perfect for both the city and the mountains! It's a convincing piece.

Actibase is planning to hold a Rogaining event a little further down the line! The last event was a big success, attracting nearly 100 people, and the second one will be held in October. The scale seems to have been upgraded, so if you're interested, keep an eye on Actibase's activities

Official EC site : https://actibase.base.shop/

While the tension builds as the race gradually begins, it's also time to loosen up your body with some warm-up exercises

milestone

Another familiar milestone at Geargin, this season also sees the arrival of a promising new face

Introducing to you by Milestone newcomer Omori, the UP-SWING RAIN HOODY, his ultimate rainwear!

, domestically a breathability of approximately 40,000g/ m² and a water resistance 30,000mm , and features a 20D outer layer and a 7D inner layer, making it waterproof and breathable with a hydrophilic, non-porous membrane. Not only is it highly waterproof, but it's also great for keeping you warm even when wearing it in bad weather and getting drenched in rain! It was developed over a year, including practical trials like a 100-mile race, and is a product that the brand is confident in, making it a truly exceptional piece.

The same rain pants are also available as a set, so there's no room for error. Some colors of the wear were sold out at the event venue! This shows how popular and attention-grabbing it is

The milestone original socks series are stylish, functional, and wallet-friendly. If you're interested, I recommend checking out the original "Tell me! Milestone" site

Tell us! The story behind the development of Milestone's original socks

The collaboration version of the lantern shade has just been released exclusively on the official website and concept store, and unlike the regular version, one side appears to have a Jerry Marquez design.Although it is a limited edition, it will also be available to purchase on the spot at events, which is great.

Speaking of lamps, here's PAAGO WORKS ! The MS-i1 + RUSH Light 2.0. It's an upgraded version of the previous collaboration product, the RUSH Light, and the bag capacity seems to have been significantly increased. Furthermore, a new light is also in development, so we'll have to keep an eye on Milestone's developments.

Official website : https://milestone81.com/

There are also plenty of food and drink booths, which is another highlight of the event

Rab

It seems that Rab has been steadily gaining momentum lately

The new product placed in front of the booth caught my eye! This year's significantly updated ultra-lightweight rainwear, the New Phantom Jacket!

It goes without saying that this is a highly refined rainwear, but what's even more impressive is the ventilation on the inside of the hood, which prevents water from seeping in while allowing air to flow smoothly when in use

This part also doubles as a stuff sack, making it packable! What's more, the hood adjustment drawcord also functions as a tightening function for the sack, which is an amazing system. Rab is truly impressive

The backpacks are also very popular, with this model selling out for the 24th season

The Veil XP series is a completely waterproof, ultra-lightweight pack that was recently featured in Geargin Review

Rab Backpack Review

As mentioned in the review, the shoulder harness is made of a wide, flat monomesh pad. While it doesn't stretch in the vertical or horizontal directions, it does stretch slightly diagonally, which apparently leads to an improved fit. It's a well-thought-out design

Official website : https://rab-equipment.jp/

A photo taken before the start of the DAY 2 race. At the DJ's call, staff carrying flags from each brand create a catwalk

plugflux・LITEWAY/RovvVon/BLISTER WOOL

LITEWAY exhibited backpacks

An exhibition of accessories that can be used for hiking or around town

Another highlight is , a two-chamber whistle and tick remover all in one . Ticks have been around for quite some time, but they're surprisingly everywhere. I've been bitten by them about three times in the mountains, and I've even seen them at campsites, so they're pretty common. I think it's essential to have this kind of item and know proper ways to deal with ticks.

RovyVon is an LED flashlight brand. There are many products that look similar, but the real thing is different. You'll understand the quality once you use it. Be careful not to buy cheap products that will waste your money

BLISTER WOOL is an item that can prevent troublesome chafing and blisters caused by foot rubbing, and is said to be effective in preventing and alleviating the initial symptoms. By tearing the wool into an appropriate size and applying it to the affected area while putting on socks, the wool and socks will become entangled and hold the area in place

PLUGFLUX general website https://www.plugflux.co.jp/view/page/shop

And then the race started first thing in the morning! Everyone's bodies were in great shape and you could see how serious they were

LA SPORTIVA®

Sportiva also offers a variety of shoe fitting and test runs

An event-only sale that everyone will be happy about!

This is the kind of thing you'd buy without thinking

and Calze GM® socks.

Furthermore, the shoes are packed with the latest technology and have many other highlights. PRODIGIO is Sportiva's first new model designed specifically for ultra-trails

And just released on April 4th is the PRODIGIO PRO! This racing shoe is designed specifically for those striving to be the fastest in their competitions. Its cutting-edge Powerwire technology and wrapping system provide a precise fit, improved stability, and powerful energy transfer, providing the boost you need on long trails. Indeed, there are virtually no seams on the upper surface, and the yellow and red areas that look like a pattern are made of Powerwire (TPU fused thread technology), making this shoe a culmination of Sportiva's technology.

Official website : https://www.sportivajapan.com/

THE NORTH FACE

The North Face is a big brand that needs no introduction, and I didn't think there was any need for me to introduce it at this point, but I decided to take the plunge and check it out. Everyone is sure to rely on them, whether they're in the mountains or in the city. They also had the opportunity to try on shoes and test them out, and everyone was wearing them. It also seems they held a TRY ON running event with a special instructor as part of an event within the event.

The Summit Vectiv Pro 3. Launched in spring 2025, this shoe features a five-layer structure featuring VECTIV (a multi-layer sole unit). Each layer has a different structure, and some even incorporate a carbon/hybrid plate, providing high levels of stability and rebound.

The HST Hume 6 is part of The North Face's "High Speed Trail Kit" collection, a lightweight running vest weighing approximately 150g and featuring breathability and packability. It may have been over 10 years ago, but I used The North Face's classic red Martin Wing 6 trail running pack, one of their early trail running packs, and I remember the high quality of their trail running products even back then.

Official website : https://www.goldwin.co.jp/tnf/run/

Then the athletes leave the park and race down the trails

Vibram®

Vibram has once again helped Geargin with offline events. They will be exhibiting at TOAD for the first time!

Vibram (Vibram Special Feature)

Explanation of shoes from various brands that use Vibram soles

I was able to experience this at the Geargin offline event

Experience the difference between the compounds using a special test fixture that allows water to flow through

Furthermore, as part of Vibram's sustainable initiatives, if you are concerned about sole wear or a lack of performance, you can also consult about their sole replacement service. They can also explain the repair application process and introduce you to a Vibram-certified repairer, so I'm hoping to get one done soon. I'm the type of person who likes to wear my favorite pair for as long as possible. By the way, this service is not limited to running shoes! Whether or not resoling is possible is up to you.

Official website : https://www.vibram.com/jp

PAAGO WORKS

Pargo Works' catchphrase is "Pack and Go!"

The RUSH series of trail running packs are masterpieces developed based on feedback from a wide range of users, from top athletes to casual runners. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the RUSH series, and there is a commemorative sticker like this

That 's the RUSH series.

There was a panel explaining the evolutionary lineage, but I didn't realize how many were released

As stated in the statement, Pargo Works' products are intended to stimulate the adventurous spirit and creativity of the user, and each item is multifunctional, but I like the fact that they don't reveal the full extent of their capabilities, leaving room for the user to be slightly tested

And now, the ZENN series has emerged like a new star, creating a buzz everywhere! This innovative backpack features a detachable harness system that allows the main pack and sub-pack to be separated and combined

I went to Hikers Depot, a UL outdoor shop in Tokyo, when it was first unveiled and was surprised by many things

At the Hikers Depot unveiling, the front of the pack and the harness can be separated and combined to form an attack pack!

The key to this separation and combination system is the special buckle, which can be used intuitively with one hand, allowing for smooth transformation

Another hot topic is the limited edition RUSH11R that will be released soon!

The main material is "ALUULA," which is being used for the first time in the Japanese outdoor industry! If you're wondering what ALUULA is, check out this Geargin article

Backpack Review

Designer/CEO Toru Saito. Even though it's a mass production, I feel a certain garage spirit, which I guess is due to Toru's underlying mindset. Pargo Works will continue to run towards its next 10th anniversary.

Official website : https://www.paagoworks.com/

FAVSOL OUTDOOR

FAVSOL OUTDOOR was on display at Pargo's booth

"Attack and protect!" This is a new type of UV care product that seems to place emphasis on preventing a decline in performance due to sunburn in outdoor scenes. I don't use sunscreen at all so I'm not very knowledgeable about it, but it seems that just preventing sunburn can reduce fatigue the next day

It's an oddly shaped stick type that you use by turning the dial at the bottom, and you can feel the smoothness the moment you apply it. It can be used over makeup, which is great for women, and it doesn't smudge or turn white, so it seems to have pretty good performance. They said they'd like men to use it as well as women

Official website : https://favsol.theshop.jp/

TANNUKI

TANNUKI is committed to domestic manufacturing

The first thing that caught my eye was the Andante Cardigan. It's supposed to be a cardigan for the mountains, but it also looks stylish enough to wear in town. It's made of 100% polyester with spring-like fibers, and its greatest feature is that it's both lightweight and stretchy. It's also water-repellent, so it can repel light rain, making it a solid outdoor piece despite its appearance. I love this kind of thing

The Andante Wide Pants are also from the same series. They are made from the same material as the cardigan above, and have the same fabric properties. They have a wide silhouette and can be worn seamlessly both in everyday life and outdoors

Sato Three Fingers Glove

These three-finger mitten-type running gloves are thin and lightweight, and you won't find any other gloves like them anywhere else! The thumb and index finger are exposed. Compared to standard five-finger gloves, these gloves have fewer seams to prevent warm air from escaping, enhancing their thermal insulation. The three-finger design is somewhat reminiscent of an animal's paws

Happy TANNUKI NS T. Despite the indescribably funny and pop graphic, the body is made of a moisture-wicking, quick-drying material using Toray Primeflex yarn, a lightweight synthetic material with high stretchability and UV protection, making it extremely high-tech.

There is information that Tanuki will be holding a big event in May

[Spring TANNUKI Fes 2025]
Date and time: Sunday, May 11, 2025, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho Hall, 5th floor, 1-7-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Admission fee: Free *Optional admission contribution available

For details, https://tannuki.jp/news/601/

Official website : https://tannuki.jp/

That's it for today. I would have liked to visit again as usual, but I would like to end this season's visit to TOAD with some Nana snaps

Mountain King offers the TRAIL BLAZE series, the lightest folding pole in the industry

UJMT was intrigued by the DCF sack with its diagonal zipper.

LEKI is the trekking pole that provides outstanding stability in the mountains

yans

My love for gears has led me to write for Gearzine. I'm a hardcore gear enthusiast who loves modifying and building things, and I also love outdoor events. I'd like to focus on brand exploration and shop reviews