The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2015, one of the world's largest outdoor gear trade shows, is just two days away (to be precise, the outdoor exhibition starts tomorrow), and today we'd like to share with you some of the highlights and trends of new products that have already been reported, as well as a look at the situation in Salt Lake City just before the event begins
*Quoted from Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2015 – Special ORD Day Zero Edition
table of contents
Backpack
While there has been a trend in recent years to pursue "lighter weight," it appears that companies are gradually beginning to reassess other features that are traditionally required of backpacks
For example , Mountainsmith
We took the entire concept of a backpack apart and rebuilt it from scratch
He said that starting in 2016, the company will be announcing a new Mayhem series that incorporates new materials and is aimed at beginners as well as overnight camping and trekking .
Patagonia also announced the theme for 2016.
"Improve everything" to create a core lineup that allows for a wider range of activities
, launching a new series of multi-functional backpacks .
Furthermore, in terms of functionality, backpacks are becoming more "wearable" gear, and there is a trend towards improved breathability and comfort, just like apparel
Osprey highly praised , released this year . The "Anti-Gravity Suspension" technology uses an innovative technology that distributes the weight evenly, providing a comfortable fit from the shoulders to the waist, just like clothing. It is said that the baby carriers
Granite Gear , known for its UL backpacks, announcing a new series that incorporates more comfort and adjustable features, and Black Diamond's popular Speed series being revamped with improved comfort around the back. Overall, as someone with a comfort fetish for backpacks, my expectations are only growing.
Performance Wear
This year's outdoor wear trends are not much different from last year, with the same trend toward breathability, durability, and lightness. Furthermore, these are not just for workouts; they can also be worn daily as a manifestation of a healthy, essential lifestyle. The need for highly functional clothing that doesn't sacrifice style (e.g., yoga wear) is growing every year. This major American trend known as "athleisure," like the continuing running boom, is likely to continue to influence the entire outdoor business in 2016 and beyond
Footwear
Last year, "comfort" was one of the themes, as exemplified by trekking shoes (boots) made with GORE-TEX Sorround, but this year's trends are "sleek" and "strong." This is said to be influenced by the popularity of activities in the United States, such as "CrossFit," "ultrarunning," and "American Ninja Warrior (the American version of SASUKE)," which challenge the limits of explosive power and endurance in harsh conditions. One manufacturer says that footwear in 2016 will be simpler, pursuing "traction," "friction," and "lightweight," eliminating all unnecessary elements that maximize performance
This trend towards simple, essential functionality does not contradict the larger American trend of returning to minimalist, essential elements, as mentioned in the clothing section, and in that sense, it is said that this trend will continue
tent
The traditional evolution of technical tents, which aim to make them lighter without compromising their livability and durability, has not stopped. However, while tents have traditionally been required to be functional enough to withstand harsh conditions (and not die), the recent trend toward more "design" and "comfort at parties" seems to be accelerating, albeit gradually, as tents are used more "socially." Simply put, this is a response to the growing global culture of festivals and campers. A prime example of this is the "glowing tent" released by Big Agnes last year. This year, we're seeing similar advancements from several manufacturers
Salt Lake City just before...is it really okay to be here?
I've been in Salt Lake City for two days, having traveled from New York to Chicago to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park to San Francisco, and I was surprised to find it quieter than any other American city I've been to. The photo below shows Gateway, the newest mall in the city's downtown, in the middle of the afternoon. There was no one there..
It must be because it's Sunday! And of course the highlight of this town is in winter, so it's like this in summer, it's the same as a ski resort town in Japan...!
There was a sort of crowd at the bar, so I felt a bit relieved. In fact, I've had a lot of trouble with transportation and hotels since coming to this city, so I just can't seem to get used to it. I thought I was used to it, but now I'm wondering, "Am I really okay?" I'll try to get back on track starting tomorrow. Well, next time I'll finally tell you about the real thing!
Related reading
