The OutDoor trade fair that is preparing to take place in Friedrichshafen from 15-18 July is Europe’s leading outdoor trade show, focusing specifically on outdoor equipment, such as backpacks, tents, mats, sleeping bags and stoves.

These products might only account for a fifth of all outdoor sales, but their new features and new technology inspires outdoor fans. As equipment continues to get ever lighter and smaller, all the latest new products will be on display at this year’s exhibition.

OutDoor is home of the prestigious OutDoor Awards and a place, where new products are internationally debuted, and innovations are presented. Some 100 international premieres are scheduled for this year’s edition of the show.

Outdoor equipment

Apparel generates over half of all outdoor turnover. Footwear is responsible for one quarter, while tents, mats, packs and bags, sleeping bags, stoves and cooking accessories, climbing hardware and safety equipment, electronic outdoor devices and other accessories account for just a fifth.

However, it is hardware and equipment that sets outdoor retail apart, organisers believe. Equipment requires more specialist advice than any other category, and equipment innovations inspire outdoor fans more than anything else, according to Messe Friedrichshafen.

Martin Wiesmann, Director of Bach, the small specialist backpack company, explained why he feels the outdoor industry thrives on these types of innovations: “Our product development is based on small improvements and feedback from real-life testing.” He describes this affinity with technology as “slow food”, arguing that it creates opportunities within the industry, “where large numbers of people eat fast food, there’s also room for slow food.”

Innovations on display

This summer in Friedrichshafen the Japanese company Montbell is exhibiting its UL Dome Shelter, a tent that weighs only as much as two cans of drink and can even be pitched free-standing. Marmot has the sleeping bag to match – its new Helium sleeping bag has an 800+ down fill and weighs just 935 grams (Comfort temperature down to -9°C).

Alistaire MacGregor, marketing manager at English lightweight specialist Original Mountain Marathon (OMM), is enthusiastic about the company’s Half-Sleeping Bag, which attaches to an accompanying down jacket. It’s highly functional, highly technical and highly specialised, according to the manufacturer.

Steffen Santor from Faltboot.de is also confident about his new origami boot, the Nortik Fold 4.2 sea kayak that is unique in that it can be assembled in three minutes, by unfolding it – and because once folded back together, it’s so compact it can be stored under a bed.

www.outdoor-show.com