This is the Ultra Train GTX. It incorporates a Michelin outsole which combines Michelin’s two best performing mountain bike tires. Obviously, it’s available in all Black.
The Trek Tail was inspired by the Firetail but they’ve opened the toe box up a bit. This urban hiker features Nubuck leather but no waterproof lining.
Petzl has introduced the TOUR, an ultralightweight new climbing harness. It weighs 200 grams, even with an integrated belay loop, and can be dined without lifting your feet off the ground. The coloring helps out as well. The dark color goes to the outside and lighter tone toward the inside.
If that isn’t light enough, the new ALTITUDE is 150 grams lighter. This weight savings is due to the fused frame technology consisting of leg loops and waist that incorporate infused Dyneema. This thing is amazing.
Petzl has unveiled their first aluminum crampon, the LEOPARD (front) and man, is it light at 330 grams. It is available with Flexlock or Leverlock FIL attachment which weighs 369 grams. The IRVIS (rear) is a hybrid design with a steel toe for durability. It weighs 460 or 495 grams depending in the attachment system.
Additionally, all of Petzl’s carabiners now feature an I-frame construction which is lighter.
They also offer QR codes for PPE inspection.
The TIBLOCK now has an integrated plastic spring head which forces the teeth to properly set on the rope. The old version could sheath the rope if improperly seated.
Princeton Tec is upgrading their headlamps for 2016. For example, the APEX is bumping up to 330 lumens from 275.
Also, the AMP 1 is doubling from 45 to 90 lumens and the AMP 3.5 is going from 100 to 170 lumens.
However, they’ve also introduced the new T1 and T2 which is handheld light rich with features. Both offer 250 lumens with the smaller of the two offering a 1:15 of regulated light and the larger, with more juice at 3:30 of regulated light. Regulated light means that it is consistent until the battery is dead. It is designed to fit universal light mounts for weapons and has a strike bezel as well as a deep carry clip to keep the light out of sight when carried in your pocket.
Hammock maker Grand Trunk has introduced Kryptek Highlander, Yeti and Typhon to their line.
I know these are wild looking but they are Vibram’s Furokishi footwear. The name comes from the Japanese word “to wrap and carry items with cloth” and that’s exactly what these do. Stretchable wraps extend off of the Vibram rubber sole to secure the fit with Velcro. This high top model is boot height but there are mid and low variants as well. The high top is lined with fleece for cold weather wear.
eu.vibram.com/en/products/furoshiki-black
Granite Gear introduced the 223 Pack at Summer OR as an in house development. Since then, they’ve gone into production of this American Made Pack for a Japanese distributor. They’ve also refined the design slightly by taking out some of the extra labor steps and better integrating the back panel into the design.
Made from 500D Cordura, it’s a 26liter pack that weighs in at 1lbs 13oz. The 223 also integrates a roll top closure which is a feature I really like. Hopefully, an American distributor will pick it up as well.
Selk’Bag offers sleeping bags you can wear as a garment, complete with arms and legs. They’re also great for sleeping. While they’ve offered eat he tines in the past, this year they are introducing two models in the RealTree Xtra Camo pattern.
The Pursuit model is the lighter of the two and the Instinct will perform down to 21 Deg F. Both use a water resistant micro fiber face fabric to keep the noise down and for comfort. Also, both models are sized M-XXL.
Lifestraw is introducing the new Steel model at this Outdoor Retailer.
The Steel removes 99.9999% of bacteria and Protozoa for up to 265 gallons. The straw design allows you to drink directly from a water source. What’s more, they added an activated carbon filter which pre filters the water which also removes taste and chemicals. Not only is the new steel case more durable, it’s also recyclable.
