"Trail Open Air Demo 5" and "Off The Grid 2019" Report (Part 2) - Summary of 2019's highlights and outdoor gear

Continuing from the previous episode, we will be introducing some of the most popular gear I came across at "Trail Open Air Demo 5" and "Off The Grid 2019" held in Tokyo on April 6th and 7th.

SALMING Trail T5

Salming, a Swedish sports brand that is not familiar to Japan, has long been focusing on the running shoes field, a trail running shoe that won gold at last year's ISPO. The outsole features a Vibram Megagrip, making this a versatile shoe suitable for all-around use, from short to long distances. The stylish design is also quite good. 

Salomon ADVANCED SKIN 5/12

Salomon's latest running backpack, ADVANCED SKIN, is lightweight and stretchy, and the outstanding fit of the reliable SensiFit™ is irresistible. When it comes to racing lineups, the S/LAB series is well known, but there are rumors that this season may be better than the S/LAB series.

ZEROGRAM INYO TIPI Tent

A new shelter has been released from ZEROGRAM, where you can enjoy ultra-light, convenient manufacturing such as tents and gear every time. A set structure of a cone-shaped one-pole tent and inner tent that is easy to set up and highly livable. The outerwear made of lightweight, highly durable nylon fabric and a proven material from the brand, a monofilament inner that is less likely to condense.It is designed to allow two to four people to travel comfortably in the mountains, yet it achieves a decent weight of 750g without an inner layer.

The North Face Ampezzo

The new North Face trail running shoes this season is Ampezzo, which focuses on long-range races. As the clear concept of long distances suggests, it features a midsole that is designed to be cushioned, stable, and lightweight, and is said to have an amazingly excellent shock absorption thanks to MAX CUSHION technology, which has gradually increased reliability for the past two years. We also look forward to the EXTS outsole, which is safe for wet terrain.

UltrAspire EPIC XT

This is the best running pack that has become a hot topic because Kakiuchi, who won last year's TJAR (Trans Japan Alps Race), used a prototype in the actual event. The exquisite size of over 25 liters and the carefully selected back structure provide excellent stability and resistance to shaking. The shoulder pockets on the front are also packed with careful consideration, which can be said to have been designed with the aim of strict lace. This is the best pack category with lots of rivals this season, but I'm really looking forward to seeing the high level of perfection, which can be considered the favorite.

Teton Bros. Tsurugi Lite JKT with Aqua Breath

The lightweight rain shell "Tsurugi Lite JKT" with a distinctive diagonal front zipper has been updated. The basic looks remain the same, but the material has been changed from the previous Polartec Neosell to the new material "Aqua Breath®" developed in collaboration with Toray. Details about this new membrane have not been made public, but I have heard that it is a "highly breathable waterproof and breathable material" that is the same or even better than Neosell. It is only available in some stores, and this is another item that you should not miss secretly this season.

TECNICA ORIGIN

I had already predicted this from the heat-molded trekking boots "FORGE," which repainted the history of mountaineering boots with their shocking debut last season, but I never thought they would come so soon. ORIGIN is the world's first heat-moldable trail running shoe. Not only can some of the shoes be fitted to everyone's feet by heat molding, but as always, the outsole specializing in trail running, developed jointly with Vibram, is also fully equipped with the details. I can't wait for summer!

milestone MS-G1

The momentum of milestone, which is increasing the number of users thanks to the detailed ingenuity and good design and balance that only Japanese-made products can offer, remains unstoppable. Although compact, this latest model is easy to use with enough light of 300 lumens, and clips that can be changed vertically and horizontally, making it easy to use, making it a headlamp or chest or waist lamp, and I have a feeling that it will be extremely easy to use as a side lamp to attach to the main light!

Sunday Afternoons Vantage Point Tracker Cap

A new cap from Sunday Afternoon, a cap and hat brand that offers a wide range of models that are easy to use for outdoor activities and travel. The biggest point is that you can secure your sunglasses through holes attached to both sides. There are also many other useful elements for runners, such as high breathability and reflectors.

#2: Find the most popular brands and items for the 2019 season found at Off The Grid 2019

PaaGo WORKS NINJATENT

Finally, a tent comes from PaaGo WORKS, a Japanese backpack brand! Details are still unknown, but as far as I can see on site, it is a self-supporting two-layer seating that can accommodate about two people. The basics are simple and easy to use, with a wide opening entrance and a trekking pole to increase the livability of the vestibule, and the idea of ​​backpacks is beautifully utilized in tents.

MAXI Titanium Coffee Maker

Lightweight titanium has a sexy texture and design. It's also wonderful that the titanium cup on the left of the photo can be stacked with the coffee maker. The necessary functions fit smartly within a simple structure, which inspires ownership.

Gossamer Gear KUMO Black Camo ver.

Among the UL-type small-volume backpacks that place weight and minimalism above all else, Gossamer Gear is my favorite because of its good balance, ease of use, durability, and design, which is comparable to mass production brands. A black camo version of the KUMO, which was aimed at just the right size for a day trip to a lightweight tent, has been released. I was just sailing a lightweight pack of this size from one end, so I'm sure I'll be able to click it right away.

AMOK Draumr

A new genre of hammock tent developed by the Norwegian design group Amok Equipment. The innovative, patented structure that combines smart setup with luxury that can be used as a bed or chair, first appeared in 2016, and its stability and comfort have been praised by media and users for its ability to be used. He was naturally awarded the award at a global exhibition. I want to go camping alone while lying here all day.

LOCUS GEAR Apollo Tyvek Grande

This isn't particularly new, but it looked so "good" that I took a look! The large, cone-shaped one-pole shelter from LOCUS GEAR, a tent manufacturer that ultra-light hikers around the world admire, thanks to its highly functional and sexy design. Above all, this minimalist and functional appearance is irresistible. The material is a special fabric called Tyvek, which is light, durable, and waterproof and breathable. In addition to its functionality, it also has a unique texture and color. Inside, an inner mesh can be set up as an option, ensuring comfort.