reporting on Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2015 , the largest outdoor gear trade show in the United States, held annually in Salt Lake City. Now, we're finally here, and we're going to be introducing some of the interesting products we spotted in each category. This is the first installment, and it's all about backpacks. We'll be introducing some noteworthy models we spotted at the event that are scheduled to be released next season (spring 2016 onward). (By the way, please keep in mind that only God knows whether the models introduced here will actually be available in Japanese retail stores.) So, let's get started.
Click here for featured gear in each category of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2015
table of contents
GREGORY
Solar panel x backpack: Solar Backpack Baltoro 75
This wasn't the only "charging" gear on display at this year's exhibition, but solar panels have finally become standard equipment on backpacks! It was developed in full collaboration with GOAL ZERO, a company with which we've been loosely collaborating since last year. The latest model of the company's solar charger, the Nomad 7, is built into the lid of the pack. Using digital gadgets outdoors is becoming the norm these days
GRANITE GEAR
The era of backpack customization has finally arrived: the Lutsen series
Granite Gear, whose founder, also an outdoorsman, has a large fanbase, especially in the ultralight community, thanks to his unique ideas and proven performance. Now, Granite Gear has taken another groundbreaking step! The Lutsen series is the quickest route to achieving the perfect fit—a customized backpack, something everyone has probably thought about at least once. While details are still unknown, this series apparently allows for detailed customization of not only the torso length, but even the hip belt and shoulder strap lengths. The lightweight, breathable polycarbonate frame is also highly refined, and we can't wait until next season to see what kind of model it will be
OSPREY
Expanded AG backpacks: MANTA AG / MIRA AG ・ POCO AG
Osprey's new back panel system, Anti-Gravity, has been met with great surprise and praise in the backpack world this season. The Atoms AG, released last year, features hip and shoulder straps that hug the body for a "zero gravity" feel, something unimaginable with previous backpacks. This year's highlight was the debut of a backpack for day hikes that incorporates the AG system
The new model of the popular POCO child carrier series also uses AG (pictured above). This is great, as the pack has already been well-received for its ease of use
Mountainsmith
Unique combination of split pack and roll top: Lariat 65
While it's rare to see a backpacking lineup from Mountain Smith in Japan, they've made quite a name for themselves in their home country. This large backpack features a roll-top design, waterproof construction, a convenient attack sack on the front, and a stylish design, all of which make it a great choice for both outdoor enthusiasts and backpackers
The Mayhem 35 has been redesigned for improved usability, durability, and style
This is another versatile backpack perfect for both outdoor activities and travel. It's also made of Cordura nylon, making it extremely durable. And best of all, the front access, which can be opened from the top of the backpack to the bottom of the side, looks incredibly convenient, as shown in the photo above
Bergans of Norway
Functional and stylish all-purpose backpack: Helium 40
This backpack from Bergance, a Norwegian comprehensive outdoor manufacturer, is also currently difficult to obtain in Japan. I thought that most fashionable Scandinavian items would have already been introduced to Japan, but I was surprised that such a modern model, with its silhouette and color scheme, hadn't yet made its way to Japan. In addition to this, the 2016 model also has significantly improved functionality. The wide-opening front access, as shown in the photo below, looks very good. I hope that it will be easily available in Japan next year!
