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We'll introduce some of the mountain tools we've come across at outdoor exhibitions around the world (part 2)

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Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

Continuing from the previous article, we will introduce some interesting items that we encountered at an outdoor gear exhibition held in Europe and the United States in the summer of 2017. There are some people who say that there are few products from major brands, but most of them are new products for next season, so depending on the manufacturer's policy, there are some that can be announced and some that cannot be announced... Please understand what is there.

*Please note that the products introduced below are only planned to be released in each region's market, so it is unclear whether they will be available officially here in Japan.

For past exhibition reports, including what's going on at outdoor exhibitions, please see here

1. Black Diamond

The first mountaineering boots produced by Black Diamond, one of the world's leading climbing gear brands, are climbing shoes. We have a wide range of products, from entry-level to technical models, but the most notable thing is Momentum, an entry-level model with a knit upper that is easy to wear and enhanced breathability. This year, not only these, but many knitted lace-up shoes were attracting attention from other manufacturers.

2. THULE

Sweden's THULE, which began as a car career and has expanded into the outdoor field in recent years, has quickly created a highly-finished lineup despite its short period of time. The "Alltrail" series of highly versatile backpacks that can be used all year round will be launched next season. The back panel with adjustable back length, various pockets and zipper arrangements for easy storage and removal make it easy to use and comfort, making it stable, and most importantly, its high design is a huge appeal.

3. The North Face (USA)

In recent years, TNF, which has been the most popular in Japan not only in mountain climbing but also in the trail running field, has been making a number of new shoes for European and American models. This model, which collaborates with world-renowned runner Rob Krar, not only features a one-piece mesh upper with crimping technology and a "fast foam" midsole that provides soft cushioning, but is also the brand's lightest model.

4. SIERRA DESIGNS

It is not widely available in Japan, but in its home country of America, we continue to develop new products with steady ingenuity, such as sleeping bags and tents. The new CLOUD SLEEPING BAG has a "zipperless" design. What's more, this is a sleeping bag for mountain climbing that is lightweight and compact with a high-quality water-repellent down of 800FP.

5. OXSITIS

This brand was born in 2008 in France, where mountain running is extremely popular, starting with UTMB. In particular, hydration backpacks are fashionable and feature high quality, based on the concept of "using safely in all weather conditions and natural environments," and are characterized by high quality, focusing on the functions required for particularly harsh lace, such as "lightweight", "strength", and "waterproof and water-repellent".

6. Topo Athletic

A brand launched in 2013 by the creator of Vibram FiveFingers The MT-2 was developed to accommodate a wide range of runners, respecting the shape of your feet and creating shoes that enhance the body's natural and intuitive abilities, and was selected as the Best Buy by Runner's World magazine.

7. Smartwool

Smartwool, a global brand of merino wool products from the United States, has recently been offering a lineup of stylish wool products that are ideal for activities from everyday use to light outdoor activities rather than for full-scale climbing. The new PhD Ultra Light series is a running jacket that combines comfort and functionality while providing comfort and functionality with high breathability and sweat absorption in zones such as under the armpits that are prone to heat and sweat release.

8. SOMBRA

I saw this completely new sunshade (canopy) that can be used on the beach, which I saw during the open air demonstration on the first day. The four corners of the nylon fabric, which is stretchy and has UV protection, are long and stretchy, and the tips are filled with sand as an anchor, and all that's left is to stick two poles into the fabric, making it a very unique and smart mechanism.

9. nCamp

This stove has a minimalist and stylish design that will catch your eye while walking, and is an all-in-one bonfire stand that can be folded and stored compactly, and can be expanded to make cooking smartly and efficiently on the campfire. It is light and compact, and can be used not only with tree branches but also with alcohol and solid fuel, making it easy to use, and I'm impressed by the good sense of the care part. What you can see in the back is a folding bamboo table that can be stored together, and the perfect size for a bit of solo camping is what's interesting.

10. Full Windsor

MUNCHER is a stylish and multi-functional multi-tool announced by Full Windsor, aspires to be outdoor accessories that combine design and functionality at a high level. A simple appearance made from lightweight titanium is combined with a total of 10 functions, including a spoon, fork, bottle opener, cord cutter, can opener, and butter knife.

Please also refer to the following for information on outdoor exhibitions around the world and reports on past exhibitions.

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