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Introducing some of the mountain gear of the future I encountered at outdoor exhibitions around the world (Part 2)

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Written by Yasushi Hisatomi

Continuing from last time, I'd like to introduce some interesting items I came across at outdoor gear exhibitions held in Europe and the US in the summer of 2017. Some may say that there aren't many products from major brands, but since most of the items are new products for next season, some can be announced and some cannot, depending on the manufacturer's policy... We hope you understand this

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

Please see here for past exhibition reports that cover the outdoor exhibition

1. Black Diamond

Black Diamond, one of the world's leading climbing gear brands, has launched a wide range of climbing boots, including climbing shoes. They offer a wide range of models, from entry-level to technical, but the Momentum entry model is particularly noteworthy, featuring a knit upper for comfort and breathability. This year, many knit lace-up shoes from other manufacturers have been attracting attention

2. THULE

Swedish brand THULE, which started out as a car carrier manufacturer and has expanded into the outdoor field in recent years, has quickly assembled a highly refined lineup in a short space of time. Next season, they will be launching the "Alltrail" series, a versatile backpack that can be used all year round. The backpacks' attention to ease of use and comfort, such as adjustable back panels and convenient pocket and zipper placement, gives a sense of stability, and above all, their high-quality design is a major attraction that is unmatched

3. The North Face (USA)

TNF, which has been one of the most popular brands in Japan in recent years, not only for mountaineering but also for trail running, has been releasing a series of new shoes in Europe and the US. This model, developed in collaboration with world-renowned runner Rob Krar, not only features a one-piece mesh upper made using pressure-bonding technology and a "Fast Foam" midsole that provides soft cushioning, but is also the brand's lightest model

4. SIERRA DESIGNS

Although it's not widely available in Japan, in the US, CLOUD continues to steadily develop innovative new products such as sleeping bags and tents. The new CLOUD SLEEPING BAG boasts a zipperless design. It's a lightweight and compact sleeping bag for mountaineering, made with 800FP high-quality water-repellent down

5. OXSITIS

This brand was founded in 2008 in France, a country where mountain running is extremely popular, with UTMB being the most prominent. Their hydration backpacks, in particular, are not only fashionable in design but also feature high quality, with an emphasis on functionality required for particularly demanding races, such as being lightweight, durable, and waterproof/water-repellent, based on the concept of being "safe for use in any weather condition or natural environment."

6. Topo Athletic

Vibram FiveFingers The brand aims to create shoes that respect the shape of the foot and enhance the body's natural, intuitive abilities. The MT-2, developed to suit a wide range of runners, was selected as a Best Buy by Runner's World magazine.

7. Smartwool

Smartwool, a global American brand specializing in merino wool base layers, socks, and other products, has recently expanded its lineup to include stylish wool products that are ideal for everyday activities, from light outdoor activities to everyday wear, rather than for serious mountaineering. The new PhD Ultralight series is a running jacket that combines comfort and functionality, with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric in areas like the underarms where heat and sweat are easily released, while the rest of the jacket is water-repellent

8. SOMBRA

We saw a completely new sunshade (canopy) perfect for the beach during the open-air demo on the first day. It's made of stretchy, UV-blocking nylon fabric with four long corners, and the ends are filled with sand to act as anchors. All you have to do is insert two poles into the fabric, making for a very unique and smart design

9. nCamp

This stove's minimalist and stylish design is sure to catch your eye as you walk by. It folds up thin and compact for easy storage, and when unfolded, it's an all-in-one fire pit that lets you enjoy smart and efficient campfire cooking. It's light and compact, and can be used with not only tree branches but also alcohol and solid fuel, making it very user-friendly. The thoughtful details are impressive. Visible in the background is a folding bamboo table that can be stored together with the stove, and its intriguing size makes it just the right size for a bit of solo camping fun

10. Full Windsor

The MUNCHER is a stylish and multi-functional multi-tool from Full Windsor, which aims to create outdoor accessories that combine design and functionality at a high level. Crafted from lightweight titanium, it boasts a simple exterior and packs 10 functions, including a spoon, fork, bottle opener, cord cutter, can opener, and butter knife

For information on outdoor exhibitions around the world and past exhibition reports, please refer to the following

   

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