A summary of interesting gear I came across at OR Summer 2015 - Clothing and shoes edition -
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
our report on Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2015 , the largest outdoor gear trade show in the United States, held annually in Salt Lake City . This time, we'll be introducing some of the hottest outdoor apparel and shoes. As always, the details may change before the event, and it's unclear when they will be available in Japan. So, let's get started.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2015 Click here to see the highlighted gear for each category
berghaus
The world's lightest waterproof jacket, full-zip version: VapourLight Hyper Jacket
Last winter, the Vaporlite Hyper Smock 2.0, an ultra-lightweight waterproof outerwear that won numerous European awards for its incredible lightness and thinness of approximately 67g, will now be released in a full-zip version. This version utilizes an even more advanced version of HydroShell Hyper, the world's lightest waterproof and breathable material, and even the full-zip version weighs in at just 100g, a surprising advancement. Cross-country and mountain marathons are popular in the UK, where brands like Rab, Montane, and OMM compete fiercely for lightweight, high-performance waterproof jackets
DUCKWORTH
100% Made in America with Premium Merino Wool: Merino Wool Polo
Montana grown, USA spun, knit, and sewn. DUCKWORTH is a particularly noteworthy brand among the Made In The USA brands that are becoming a major trend in the US these days, with everything from sheep farming to spinning and manufacturing being done domestically. I've been curious about them since last year, and finally got to see them in person. I was convinced by the soft, handmade feel and stylish colors and silhouettes. Starting next season, the lineup will include polo shirts that can be worn everyday, like the one pictured. Incidentally, it seems that they are only available in a limited number of stores .
Farm to Feet
Farm to Feet Socks with the producer's face on them!
Another emerging outdoor brand, Farm to Feet from North Carolina, is committed to 100% American production, from materials to manufacturing. Not only do they offer unique patterns and colors that are unusual for outdoor socks, but they also feature photos of the producers on the packaging tags, making a refreshingly bold statement about their high quality and reliability. It's always great to see them constantly trying new and unconventional things. Their new Damascus socks are said to be comfortable hiking socks with enhanced breathability, cushioning, and just the right amount of support for your feet, so I'm looking forward to seeing them not only for their appearance but also for what's inside
GARMONT
The company's first mid-cut boots for fast hiking: TRAIL BEAST MID GTX
Quoted from the pamphlet
Riding the remarkable momentum of the fast hiking boom of recent years, European alpine boot manufacturers have been introducing lightweight, multi-functional hiking boots one after another, and now a long-established Italian manufacturer has finally joined the race. Garmont is one of my favorite manufacturers, combining tradition and innovation, and offering reliable quality by incorporating robustness and advanced technology into beautiful designs. The new Trail Beast is on the heavy side at 540g, but its add (Anatomically Directed Design) technology, developed for alpine boots, promises a well-balanced design with optimal fit, shock absorption, and body stability
HI-TEC
Fast Hike: Fast hiking boots with the latest Vibram soles
While not particularly well-known in Japan, Hi-Tec has a long history as a sports shoe manufacturer, starting out in the 1970s in the UK with squash shoes RollinGait System , offering comfort and agility. This technology features a subtle curve in the sole from heel to toe, allowing for a smoother landing and lift-off. Apparently, only a few companies, including Hi-Tec, will be carrying this technology next season.
Salewa
Tire manufacturer Michelin enters full-scale sole development: ULTRA TRAIN
Born in Munich and raised in Italy, Salewa is an outdoor manufacturer with a penchant for innovation and eccentric fashion. This season's news is a collaboration with tire manufacturer Michelin. Just look at this tire-like outsole (pictured below). It's so impactful it's almost laughable! The combination of shallow, fine grooves and vertically curved grooves, along with a proprietary material, supposedly provides incredible grip and stability. While the details are still unknown, it's exciting
Vibram's latest sole provides outstanding ease of walking and versatility: HIKE ROLLER MID GTX
Another noteworthy item is the HIKE ROLLER MID GTX, a fast hiking boot that utilizes Vibram's latest RollinGait System sole, as mentioned above, making it an all-around choice for everything from regular trails to rocky terrain. The low-cut model has already major media outlets and exhibitions , proving its high level of perfection. Combining a sophisticated design with a light weight of just 435g, this mid-cut model is a shoe you might even wear every day around town all the way to the peaks of the Alps. High expectations!
A summary of interesting gear I came across at OR Summer 2015 - Backpack edition -
We will be participating in the 2015 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, one of the world's largest outdoor gear fairs!
A summary of interesting gear I came across at OR Summer 2015 - Tents, Sleeping Bags, Mats Edition -
[This year too] I'm going to "Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2016," one of the world's largest outdoor gear fairs.