Impressions from the July Friedrichshafen Trade Show 2010

20 July 2010

We have just returned from 4 days in the blistering heat of the huge European Trade Fair in Germany, so if you have been trying to contact us since Thursday, appologies for the delay.

What did we see?

Well with 12 halls offering 86,000 sqm of floor space and something in the region of 860 exhibitors with all their assorted goodies, meant that for the few days in the 35C heat, we slogged our way up and down the halls looking (a) for something new, lightweight and innovative and (b) a drink!

The overall impression was the emphasis on fabric development. A whole raft of materials displaying great properties were on display from the Chinese and they were always in discussion with manufacturers we recognised, so I expect this to filter through in the next 2 years.

Jim and Nick from Alpkit were camped on the sports field not far from us and they were explaining the timescale in bringing any of their products to market. Much longer and most costly than you might think! Fair play to them being able to party and do work at the same time! We just flaked!!

Terra Nova had produced the Laser Ultra 1 as an entry to the awards for the show made from Cuben Fibre weighing less than 500g. However no one seemed to notice that they had stitched the fly and not glued it, so therefore I wouldn't give it more than a few nights use before it fell apart. What the jury had to say: "This tent is one of the most innovative products. It is much lighter than any tent ever was before - not only due to improved materials but also through the use of a completely new, exciting material.” Hmmmm

Another award winner was Care Plus, with their Tick Test Kit. This self-diagnosis tick test can be used on a tick bite to detect the presence of Borrelia bacteria. These bacteria can cause Lyme disease, which is a very serious disease. If the test is positive, a doctor can intervene immediately with the appropriate treatment with antibiotics. The main advantage of this test is that you know directly after the tick has bitten you whether or not you require further treatment. We'll be getting some of these in when they are available.

Inov8 won an award for their BareGip 200 shoe and I interviewed Wayne about these and the Evoskin during the show which you'll hear shortly. The bare-grip™ 200 is an off-road running shoe that gives you the feel of running barefoot, but provides very solid support and protection for the foot at the same time. Because it has no mid sole, the natural speed and power of your foot is transferred directly through the shoe. Your foot is closer to the ground and has a stable, low profile in a natural position - this reduces the danger of injury and the runner can actually feel the ground below. What the jury had to say: "It combines all the characteristics that you could want in a good shoe. It is comfortable, fits perfectly, gives great support, dries quickly and is very lightweight - that’s running pleasure at its finest.”

Berghaus used it to launch and whole new range lightweight outdoor clothing and equipment under the banner 'More Thought - Less Weight'. Hmmm these catchy little headings are getting everywhere these days eh? ;-) Anyway, as usual with these brands statements, they were being banded about as being the lightest, featherweight, most durable, functional, breathable jacket/smock. Something we also heard from Montane, OMM and Golite. Confusing? You bet! Anyway, their gear will be arriving spring of next year via Blacks no doubt, as there are all kinds of behind the scene dealings going on there.

Blacks envisage having more than half of the Outdoor Market by 2012, so look out for some very aggressive marketing near you. They are also implementing a 'new' in-store training program, the aim of which is to ensure that eventually all staff are able to demonstrate and deploy an understanding of the outdoor products they sell. Each staff member getting discounts as incentives for passing each segment of the course. What the public will see of this is individual staff members identified as 'experts' in some or all of the four of the key categories! Hey, Blacks, wake up! Here's an idea. Why not employ people with experience and some maturity and forget the texting, self absorbed, talk amongst yourself kids and save yourself the cost? There's plenty around who would love the job I'm sure. Buy, hey, that's big business for you.

We caught up with Silkbody also and found that they have a new distributor, so we will be looking at getting their clothing back in once again. Like everyone, prices had increased but no where as much as we were led to believe. There's also some silk brief type knickers for ladies coming soon too along with silk boxers for us blokes! Ooo luxury!!

Thermarest was interesting. Again interviews were had podcast style, however the key items for me were the new nicely featured quilts at 600g, which can be clipped to another along with NeoAir covers which made for a nicer sleeping surface when using a quilt, plus these will also link air beds together. They also were showing Playtpus specific hydration packs which were designed outwards from the hydration unit. Also there are a new bivi bag or two we see the new version of the Missing Link tent now called The Fast Stash. A two walking pole, roomy, stable, single skin super compact tent, ideal for all kinds of trips and adventure racing.

Of course we saw Golite and they have a new larger rucksack for epic trips and their travel packs looked ideal, if you want to make the most from your carry on luggage!

We also met up with the guys from Evernew and saw the complete range of Titanium goodies in the flesh. I did a fairly detailed interview with them, my first in Japanese, so I hope it will make sense once edited.

The tent village was interesting. Imagine one big hall at the NEC dedicated to just tents? Vaude are launching a new solo version of the Power Lizard called the Power Toki. Same features and naturally lighter. However they also had a new larger tent using the same fabrics, a twin hoop design, called the Power Ferret (Yeah I know…. where DO they get these names from?) which would make a good sub 2kg hiking tent for a couple of people.

However really, there was nothing unique anywhere. There was a even split between those using the lighter 20 denier fabrics and the traditional heavier fabrics, but of course this was reflected in the final prices when they hit the High Street. There were certainly more 'teepee' shaped tents than ever before. But they were for more family camping, or social camping and in the right weather they would be really cool. Great for getting kids excited about the outdoors.

I've got about a dozen interviews to compile, so I'll start on those now and they should be up soon.

Back to it.

Bob and Rose

Terra Nova Ultra a 'stitched' Cuben Fibre tent

Quilts that link together from Thermarest

Clare Maxted from Trail does the all terrain course for fun!

More News

"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness"

30 August 2010

Can you feel it?

The chill has certainly hit us this week and I'm sure everyone all over the UK has felt the same. There's also that early morning smell, that tinge on the nose which tells you Autumn is very definitely here.

Getting a taste for Old Bob!

16 August 2010

It came a complete surprise to find there was a half decent beer entitled 'Old Bob' on the shelves, when visiting the supermarket these last few weeks. Well I thought, the least I can do is support the brand as best I can and so every week the trolley seems to be getting heavier for some reason. Anyway I need to build my strength of course, as more and more boxes of stuff have arrived from Evernew, including ....

Huston we have a problem. The Pigeon has landed!

8 August 2010

Now I like birds. Rose likes birds as well, and we are more than happy when they drop by, sing a bit and cheer up our little lives in our office. So far so good!

Sometimes, Racing Pigeons, those sleek, aerodynamic, athletes of the air, drop by for a breather as they sprint from distant random fields, to wherever their home may be. They stay for a couple of days, we feed them a bit of grain, they have a nice long soak in our bird bath, and then .. they're off, usually without so much as a thank you.

Impressions from the July Friedrichshafen Trade Show 2010

20 July 2010

We have just returned from 4 days in the blistering heat of the huge European Trade Fair in Germany, so if you have been trying to contact us since Thursday, appologies for the delay.

So.

What did we see?

28/6/10

28 June 2010

I just can't keep up with her!

Yes once again, Rose has done another Triathlon this last hot and sticky weekend, the podcast is below and images above.

What am I to do if she gets hooked?

Bob and Rose

24/6/10

24 June 2010

A Cunning Plan?

Whilst bivvying on top of Midsummers Hill on Midsummer Night the other day and watching the sun go down, only to pop it's head up again a few hours later, Rose and I had a chat about experimenting with some technology and doing some live interactive demos on the internet!

So I thought I would write this note and see what feedback we get. The idea is as follows;

9/6/10

9 June 2010

Evernew Has Landed!!

We are pleased to say that following the Evernew / Backpackinglight announcement of a few weeks ago, the first batch of Titanium Pots and Pans have arrived, along with the new Titanium Burner, DX Stand and Trivet.

2/6/10

2 June 2010

Almost half way through!

Fiddling with the diary this last week has brought it home to us that we are getting to the mid point of the year, which seems to be racing by quicker than ever before. Reading up on all those TGOC blogs and hearing about the antics, pleasures and pains of the walk, has brought it home to us more so.

28/5/10

28 May 2010

The horror of it all.

Yes, it has to be faced once again the sad and depressing news. It comes as a shock to most first time walkers, and the heavy depression of it all begins to grow at Braemar and steadily increases every step of the way to the East Coast.

21/5/10

21 May 2010

Have Camera Will Travel!!

Finally got out and started some product videos. Here's the first one to enjoy which hopefully explains more about the Shangri-La 3 and some of its features.

Have a nice BBQ'tastic weekend everyone!!

Bob and Rose

14/5/10

14 May 2010

Need an excuse to take a break?

Then read on, here's the list of bloggers doing the TGO Challenge this year who I believe are hoping to comunicate with the rest of us office based Jonnies, just what a great time they are all having without us. Subject to signal strength, how tired they are and no doubt ... the beer!

Jealous? Hmm perhaps slightly ...

Go on, you know you want to share their trip ....

13/5/10

13 May 2010

And they're off!

As of Friday the 14th some 300 TGO Challengers will be departing from somewhere on the West coast of Scotland to walk the 200 miles to somewhere on the East coast. Not a race, merely an extended jaunt across some of the most magnificent unmarked land in the world. On route they will suffer hardships, overcome obstacles and weave in and out of the landscape making fellow walking friends as they go, who will hold a special place in their heart for life.

Such is the joy of the TGOC and Rose and I are sad to be missing it this year. The first year I did it in 2004 I carried over 20kg (see photo) and by the end of it, with countless blisters bleeding on my feet, knew there must be a lighter way to do this stupid hobby.

29/4/10

29 April 2010

"And in the green underwood and cover,
blossom by blossom the Spring begins"

With appologies to Algernon Swinburne, a great creative quote which describes the pure pleasure the explosion of colour and greenery brings to our lives after a dull, and seemingly endless dreary Winter.

So last weekend was the Backpackers Club AGM, held this year at Bath Racecourse and we were all very lucky to have glorious sunshine to accompany the many conversations with friendly folk, who came to try on and stroke lovingly, the Titanium and Golite goodies we had on display.

15/4/10

15 April 2010

We have an official announcement to make!

Well, haven't I had fun today?

If there's one thing a boy likes to play with it is fire and toys, especially Titanium toys!

This is the first official announcement that we have been approached by the well known and respected Titanium Outdoor Gear Manufacture Evernew in Japan, to be their UK commercial partner for retailing their high quality range of goods in the UK.

8/4/10

8 April 2010

Backpackers Club Meet

I forgot to mention yesterday in the news blog that if anyone is around in the South West, on the Saturday the 24th April and would like to see some of the lightweight gear we (and others) sell, then why not pop along to the Bath Racecourse to the Backpackers Club Lightweight Show between 10 and 3pm. Entry is free!

7/4/10

7 April 2010

How Do You Eat Yours?

With a flurry of chocolate and a walk in daylight (at last), Easter seems to have rushed by in haze of family socials and even, a little sunshine. Perish the thought!

27/3/10

27 March 2010

The Outdoors Show - NEC

Just got back from The Outdoors Show and have released the first podcast in the series, which will be of interest I'm sure.

19/3/10

19 March 2010

Terribly Sad News

It is with great sadness that I share the following news with you. I heard this morning that fellow podcaster and outdoor enthusiast Gary Mittelholtz of Doing Stuff Outdoors had died of a heart attack while out cross country skiing with friends last Saturday.

8/3/10

8 March 2010

March ... Already?

March is here already and the weather is starting to inspire us and our customers to emerge like butterflies from the dark little boxes we call home and stretch our legs once again, out into the fresh chilled and Spring like outdoors.

Daffodils are showing their faces, Snowdrops are popping up everywhere and Primroses are joining the Pussy Willows and Catkins in reminding us of this super time of year.

All of a sudden, there appears to be loads of gardening work to do. Hedges to be pruned, the Rose and Black Current bushes need attention and the twigs and sticks of last week, are now dotted with buds all over. And the grass, when did that suddenly grow?

28/2/10

24 February 2010

Welcome to the new website!

There may not be heaps of changes on the front end, but there certainly have been plenty in the back room, where I have been pounding the keyboard and editing images galore these last few weeks!

18/2/10

18 February 2010

I don't believe it - Snowing Again!!

Yes snowing hard again today and we now are under 10 inches, so there might be a couple of days delay in getting parcels out, sorry!

16/2/10

16 February 2010

Ever had one of those days?

Monday morning is our busiest day of the week. There's a weekend of orders to view, print and act upon. There's also piles of emails from people seeking advice, suggestions or help. Plus there's lots of general outdoor chat and gossip.

10/2/10

10 February 2010

"Think of us as graceful Swans!"

The general impression one has, when looking at a website like ours, is that it must be an easy job. You set it up, press 'go' and sit back and take the orders. However as we now enter our fifth year of operation, I think we can safely say, things aren't sometimes as simple as they may seem!

19/1/10

19 January 2010

" I am sailing ... I am sailing ..."

Latest update from Golite is that the boat is on the water and the new 2010 Golite stock will be here in the next week or so.


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