NEWS: A roundup of the most anticipated outdoor gear for the Spring/Summer 2023 season spotted at TRAIL OPEN AIR DEMO 9

Yasushi Hisatomi

3 years ago

On March 31st, the TRAIL OPEN AIR DEMO (TOAD) was held, where visitors could try out the latest mountain gear and trail running equipment from major outdoor manufacturers to small garage brands. This event, which has become a staple of spring, marked its 9th year this year. I had been absent for the past few years due to COVID-19, but this year I was able to participate for the first time in a long while

I visited Nagayama Park Ground in Ome for the first time in several years, and it was bustling with runners of all ages and many families, a level unimaginable since the first event. Looking at the exhibiting brands and the overall trend of the event, it seems like trail running is becoming more prominent every year, and even when there is mountain climbing, it is often mostly speed hiking equipment. Considering the changes since the first event and the current boom, it may be that this is a direct reflection of the popularity of outdoor activities

Enough with the nostalgia, let's take a look at some of the exciting gear we came across at this year's events, including new brands and highly anticipated items

table of contents

2023 season hottest brands and items found at TRAIL OPEN AIR DEMO 9

2023 season hottest brands and items found at TRAIL OPEN AIR DEMO 9

Paagoworks: RUSH 30

It's no exaggeration to say that Paagoworks, one of Japan's leading outdoor manufacturers, has finally released a long-awaited full redesign of its RUSH series of running packs this season. While the most popular models seem to be the 10-20 liter models for trail running, as a fast-packing enthusiast, I'm keeping my eye on the large-capacity 30-liter model. I've been following the first RUSH 28 for three generations, and I still remember the impact it had on me with its unique design back then, including a high center of gravity design that made it comfortable and easy to run in despite its large capacity, and its streamlined, lightweight yet ample, functional storage. The trend toward "wearable, run-friendly" vest-style backpacks has been gaining popularity in recent years, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the latest trends will bring. I'll definitely be reviewing them this year, and I'm already looking forward to it

Rab: Veil 6/Phantom Pull-On/Ionosphere 5

Rab, the British outdoor brand that knows no compromises and strives to create genuine products for genuine people, is unstoppable. Last season saw the Japanese debut of their sleeping bags, mattresses, and alpine packs, and this season they've finally made a full-scale entry into the trail running and fastpacking market. Products like the "Veil" running vest, featuring a mono-mesh chassis for ultralightness, breathability, and a comfortable fit, and the "Phantom Pull-On," a waterproof and breathable pullover shell that weighs an astonishing 90 grams and boasts Rab's signature stylish design, unrestricted movement, and exceptional tailoring for superior mobility (although this was also available last year), combine sophisticated design with cutting-edge technology for a premium build that's hard to believe is a first for Rab

The air mattress "Ionosphere 5," which has been on the market since last fall, is also an interesting model. It's packed with new features, such as Stratus™ insulation and the company's unique reflective film "TILT" inside, which makes it lightweight and highly insulating. Incidentally, this is just my personal feeling, but I'm also pleased that the high-end outdoor brand Rab hasn't seen a significant price increase in recent years. I'm definitely going to be reviewing a lot of Rab items this season

ESS：JAPAN LIMITED Cerakote Series CROSSBLADE NARO

ESS, an eyewear brand based in the lush green state of Idaho overlooking the Rocky Mountains, is something I first learned about through TOAD. However, upon hearing more about it, I discovered that it was an incredible brand

ESS (Eye Safety Systems, Inc.) was founded in 1998 to address the vision problems experienced by many veterans returning from war. Its mission is to "make the world's toughest eyewear." Its products have steadily built a reputation for being used primarily by the U.S. military and special forces, as well as police, firefighting, and rescue teams. Currently, the company is certified by the U.S. Department of Defense as combat eye protection (ballistic eyewear). Recently, the company became a subsidiary of Oakley, and is finally beginning to actively develop products for the sports division

This brand excels in craftsmanship, requiring the highest level of performance in harsh environments, so there's no way the sunglasses they make are mediocre. For example, the high-resolution lenses, which far exceed American Industrial Standards, feature different coatings on both sides: ESS's unique anti-fog coating on the inside to prevent fogging, and a scratch-resistant finish on the outside. Furthermore, the frames are coated with Cerakote, a highly durable paint/coating that meets US MIL-spec standards for rust, corrosion, abrasion, flexibility, impact resistance, solvent resistance, and chemical resistance. Their high specs are so impressive they're practically laughable. It's no wonder athletes like Tsuyoshi Kaburagi and Rui Ueda are supported by them

UltrAspire: Epic XT 2.0/Epic XT 3.0

Like Paagoworks, UltrAspire, a Japanese brand famous for its trail running race vest packs, has been making vest-style backpacks for fastpacking for a long time. Their "Epic XT Series" has been steadily updated, with the release of the "3.0" model this season. While the original 25-liter model was a little undersized for me, the 2.0 model boasts a 30-liter capacity, and the 3.0 model boasts a 35-liter capacity, evolving into a lightweight backpack that can withstand long-term fastpacking. Along with the increased capacity, the backpack also features a roll-top closure, a back frame, and a "Fluidic Holster System" mesh pockets on both sides for ample storage, all of which are carefully tuned for improved comfort and ease of use. As a brand that has always believed in creating products based on the feedback of athletes, it's a reliable choice

Black Diamond：DISTANCE 1500／DISTANCE 22

The headlamp market is hot this year, with fierce development competition constantly keeping pace with the rapid pace of technological evolution. The new headlamp "DISTANCE 1500" in the Distance series is designed for a wide range of activities, from mountain climbing to speed hiking and scrambling. It's revolutionary in many ways, with a maximum instantaneous light output of 1500 lumens, a slim body made possible by the omission of a reflector, and a natural fit to the head. Its release is expected to be after autumn, but we can't wait

The vest-style backpack "Distance" has been highly praised by many users since its release for its lightweight yet comfortable fit, durability, and functionality, and now comes in a 22-liter model (pictured above, far right). The market for large-capacity vest-style backpacks (over 20 liters) is truly prosperous right now

RIG: nohy/tetiva

It's tempting to support small, emerging outdoor brands, but even more so when they're from Japan. The sophisticated outdoor sandals "nohy" and "tetiva" from this new Japanese footwear manufacturer are based on the concept of "thin recovery sandals that can be carried on hikes and worn at the campsite." These are great! I certainly understand the desire to wear recovery sandals to relax at the tent site, and regular recovery sandals tend to be bulky, so this is a perfect fit, making them as thin and compact as possible while still maintaining minimal blood circulation-promoting functionality. They're also designed to be easy to put on and take off. The attention to detail clearly shows that they were made by people who enjoy hiking

Topo Athletic: ULTRAVENTURE 3

This brand, whose name may be unfamiliar to most Japanese people, is a new shoe manufacturer launched in 2013 by Tony Post, the former CEO of Vibram USA, who was involved in the creation of the famous "FiveFingers" and is himself an avid runner and athlete. The company has grown rapidly over the past decade, aiming to create shoes that respect the shape of the foot and maximize natural movement

The third generation of the best-selling Ultraventure series is lighter and offers ample cushioning, a spacious forefoot box, and a secure fit that provides a comfortable, stress-free run for a wide range of runners. It's a luxurious shoe that makes you imagine how great it would be to run in these shoes on a mild ridgeline with a great view

La Sportiva: JACKAL II BOA®

Sportiva, the outdoor shoe manufacturer that remains as aggressive as ever, yet boasts a flawless construction, has released the latest in their "Jackall" series this season, which stands out in both visual impact and performance. This high-end shoe combines the essentials of both speed and long distance running at a high level, featuring a midsole that combines rebound and shock absorption, making it suitable for a variety of terrain and tough situations. Above all, the asymmetrical upper provides a comfortable fit, featuring two BOA lacing systems. This ambitious design allows for precise adjustment of the tightness to suit the situation, overcoming the drawbacks of mechanical shoelaces

BAUERFEIND: GenuTrain (knee support), other sports supports

BAUERFEIND, a German manufacturer of musculoskeletal medical equipment that began making medical compression stockings and continues to operate for nearly 100 years, is also a brand I encountered for the first time. They offer a wide variety of supports for various body parts, from medical to sports, but I was particularly impressed with their "GenuTrain" knee support. While it's a bit pricey, its meticulous and streamlined design, including proprietary silicone padding that precisely and appropriately stabilizes the knee, polyurethane stays that support the joint, and breathable, comfortable knit fabric, makes it truly exceptional. My knees hurt in the summer and my back hurts in the winter, so I couldn't resist trying it out, and I plan to review it soon

OLENO: Ultimate Series

OLENO is a sock brand founded in 2017 in Koryo-cho, Nara Prefecture, a town long known for its sock manufacturing. Their "Ultimate" series of sports socks uses cutting-edge fibers like Cordura fabric, and skilled artisans carefully knit each and every pair using the latest circular knitting machines manufactured by the Italian company Lonati. Introducing a new knitting machine is a life-or-death decision for a factory, and this alone shows that it's not just a casual venture, like "we tried it because outdoor wear is a bit of a trend." There's no way you wouldn't want to try their serious socks