TRAIL OPEN AIR DEMO 5 (TOAD5), a well-known event where you can casually try out trail running and mountain climbing equipment, was held again this year in Ome
This time of year coincides with the release of new products for the year, so of course I'm excited to see what each brand will be pushing this year, but it's also a rare opportunity in Japan to discover new brands that I've never heard of before, and for me it's quickly becoming an event that I can't miss every year
Meanwhile, "Off The Grid 2019," a rapidly growing exhibition focusing on garage brands such as ultralight hiking and camping, was also held in Machida City, and this year, it was once again bustling with people lining up before the event even opened in search of limited edition goods that could only be purchased there
This year, the two events were held on the same day, which was unusual, so OGZ made the fool of covering both events in one day
I took a quick tour under the clear blue sky, my neck burning with the sun, and here I've compiled a list of the notable new arrivals this season
table of contents
- #1: 2019 Hottest Brands and Items Found at TRAIL OPEN AIR DEMO 5
- La Sportiva BUSHIDO 2
- RaidLight REVOLUTIV SHOES
- MERRELL MTL CIRRUS／MOMENTOUS
- Black Diamond Distance 15
- Evernew Focoup
- GORE WEAR GORE® R7 GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ Trail Hooded Jacket
- PaaGo WORKS RUSH series
- NATHAN VaporKrar 2.0
- Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0
- SKINS A400 COMPRESSION
- RxL Wild Wool Socks
- ULTRA LUNCH Bivouacration
#1: 2019 Hottest Brands and Items Found at TRAIL OPEN AIR DEMO 5
La Sportiva BUSHIDO 2
Sportiva, a long-established Italian mountain shoe brand that releases a ton of new products every year, has updated their BUSHIDO, a well-known speed trail running shoe that meets the demands of athletes. While retaining the benefits of lightness and stability, the new midsole is said to provide even greater responsiveness and rebound, so expectations are high
RaidLight REVOLUTIV SHOES
The popular French trail running brand Raidlite has released a completely redesigned shoe that's sure to grab your attention. This flagship model features a two-layer upper that improves fit and keeps out pebbles and other debris. The lug pattern provides a firm grip and is less likely to clog, making it ideal for tough conditions and a perfect match for Japan's trails
MERRELL MTL CIRRUS／MOMENTOUS
Merrell's new trail running shoes are also noteworthy. Both use Vibram Megagrip, so you can be sure of their grip. The MTL Cirrus (pictured right) is designed for speed and was created based on feedback from ambassadors, while the Momentus (pictured left) is designed for long distances with stable landings and cushioning. I'm looking forward to both
Black Diamond Distance 15
This season, I'm personally into vest-style backpacks around 20L. The challenge of maintaining stability while running, while also providing storage capacity and convenience for long trips, seems to be a new challenge for modern backpack craftsmen, and I feel like we've seen some interesting new designs from various brands recently. This model is not only interesting in its approach to climbing packs, as is typical of Black Diamond, but it also looks great. I'll definitely try it this year
Evernew Focoup
At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary cutlery set consisting of a spoon and fork (a so-called spork). What Evernew focused on was not the texture of the wood, but the curve of the spoon, which fits perfectly around the edge of the cooker. When washing dishes in the mountains, you don't use water but wipe them off with paper towels, but you tend to desperately scrape off any leftover food with the spoon first to make it easier to wipe off, a common mountaineering experience. This is an idea that could only come from someone who knows this, and I would like to continue to keep an eye on this brand
GORE WEAR GORE® R7 GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ Trail Hooded Jacket
This is the first time that Gore-Tex, a material manufacturer, has exhibited its own original apparel brand. While the lineup, which was previously centered around cycling, has now expanded to include a number of interesting running models. The standout feature of this model is the coloring. While other brands are developing GORE-TEX SHAKEDRY™ jackets in solid black and look similar, GORE WEAR is the only brand that is currently able to produce colored models. I see, that's how it is. This is a brand to keep an eye on
PaaGo WORKS RUSH series
The RUSH series (pictured here is the new 5R), a "trail running pack for Japanese people" developed by PaaGo WORKS, a Japanese outdoor brand, is highly trusted by runners for its ease of use, and I personally use the 28L model for speed hiking. It's been given a long-awaited makeover this season. From the comfort of the back to the ease of use, including the pockets, various improvements have been made, and I can't wait to get my hands on it
NATHAN VaporKrar 2.0
This updated race vest, developed in collaboration with world-renowned endurance runner Rob Krar, is a must-have. Its lightweight construction and stretchy fabric provide a superior fit. The pockets have been repositioned for improved accessibility, making this a highly sought-after pack
Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0
You may have seen Vibram's five-finger shoes before, known for their "feeling more like being barefoot than barefoot." You might be thinking, "Why now?", but I was surprised to see that they were exhibiting for the first time, and that the lineup had become so incredible. The model pictured is a trail running model that uses MegaGrip. It's designed to balance the flexibility you expect from FiveFingers with protection to protect your feet from uneven ground, which piqued my interest. Incidentally, the lineup also includes nearly 20 other models, including hiking models
SKINS A400 COMPRESSION
SKINS' flagship model, the A400, not only features a unique dynamic, graduated compression function, but also meticulously maps different fabrics based on the latest ergonomics to provide stability during intense exercise and support for extended periods of time. What's surprising is that it's designed with unique patterning for both men and women. This was born from research that shows that men and women need different support due to differences in their skeletal and muscular structures. When I hear about something like this, I just can't help but want to try it out
RxL Wild Wool Socks
Takeda Legwear, the creator of the separate 3D socks, has released a new model that blends Merino wool, which is comfortable but lacks durability, with durable Cordura nylon. Even Shogo Mochizuki, four-time consecutive winner of the TJAR (Trans Japan Alps Race), has given his stamp of approval to this high-quality model, and we can't wait to see what it's like
ULTRA LUNCH Bivouacration
This bivouac ration was developed by ULTRA LUNCH, a vegan food manufacturer and caterer, to provide safe and satisfying meals for those on a mountain escaping as a hobby. Each serving is over 400 calories, and it's healthy for vegans. And yet, it's easy to prepare—just two minutes in boiling water. It truly is the "new standard for mountain meals." It comes in four flavors: the spicy "Tomato Kick," the refreshing and heart-warming "Hotter Than Curry," the fragrant "Porcini Cream," and the Japanese-inspired "Nori Chazuke."
