SGB 1408

VO LU M E 47 I I S S U E 8

AUG UST 2014

2015

THE SHOW ISSUE Staying Hydrated • Fishing Kayaks Popularity Backpacking Gear “Lighter and Faster” Sleek and Rugged Multisport and Hiking Shoes Trail Running Shoes Deliver

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Volume 47 I Issue 8

August 2014

Publisher & Editor In Chief James Hartford james@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302 Senior Business Editor Thomas J. Ryan tryan@sportsonesource.com 917.375.4699

VP Business Development / East Barry Gauthier barry@sportsonesource.com 774.553.5312

Chief Information Officer Mark Fine mark@sportsonesource.com 561.615.0240

Contributing Editors Scott Boulbol Fernando J. Delgado William F. Kendy Charlie Lunan

VP Business Development / West Barry Schrimsher bschrimsher@sportsonesource.com 503.784.6267

Director, Business Operations Renee DeDios rdedios@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302

VP Business Development & Market Insights Neil Schwartz neil@sportsonesource.com 561.692.6722

Advertising Sales Account Managers Buz Keenan Northeast buz@sportsonesource.com 201.887.5112

Editorial & Creative Director Teresa Hartford teresa@sportsonesource.com

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VP Retail Solutions Andy Annunziata andynunz@sportsonesource.com Sales & Marketing Coordinator 860.620.9045 Ryan Sullivan Director, Client Solutions rsullivan@sportsonesource.com Catherine Smith 303.997.7302 catherine@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302 Circulation & Subscriptions subs@sportsonesource.com Director, Market Research 704.987.3450 Bethany Ehlert Cooner bcooner@sportsonesource.com 303.997.7302

Katie O'Donohue Southeast/Midwest katieo@sportsonesource.com 828.244.3043

SGB, Copyright 2014 is a trademark of SportsOneSource, LLC. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed by the authors and contributors to SGB are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. SGB is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Articles appearing in SGB many not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher.

SGB, Volume 47, Issue 8, (USPS 457-390; ISSN 1548-7407) is published monthly by SportsOneSource, LLC., 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450. Subscription rates: one year $79 (U.S. funds) in the U.S. and its possessions; Canada and Mexico $119 (U.S. funds); all other foreign delivery $199 (U.S. funds). Printed in the U.S.A. Periodical postage paid at Charlotte, NC and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to SGB, 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28203; 704.987.3450.

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N RGIZ D :: SPRING 2015 SPORTSONESOURCE.COM

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AUGUST 2014

THE SHOW ISSUE GIVING BACK 10 Trek / PeopleForBikes Trek, a founding member of PeopleForBikes, helps propel the movement for better cycling worldwide starting with the voices of world-class athletes.

BEST PRACTICES 12 Time to Reflect Before attending your next trade show, evaluate your business and what your goals are before showtime.

14 Adventure Travel Growth in the Adventure Travel Market has risen more than 65 percent with no signs of slowing down.

FEATURES 24 Staying Hydrated to Stay Fit A spring 2015 look-ahead to the newest hydration products reveals consumers value simplicity.

32 CamelBak CamelBak enters the housewares market with its new water filtration system.

18 Big Boy Kayaks Fifteen years after the first fishing specific kayak hit the market, the category is now the most important - and profitable - for many manufacturers in the industry.

46 Backpacking Gear Trends For spring 2015, "Lighter and Faster" takes on a whole new meaning.

54 Hikers Get Faster Multisport and hiking shoes fuse sleek styling with rugged technology for spring, 2015.

36 Trail Runners Look for Adventure The Trail category meets the needs of runners for spring 2015 looking to do more than just pound the pavement.

This page: Kayaking Kenai Peninsula, Alaska Photo courtesy Michael DeYoung

4 AUGUST 2014

On the cover photo courtesy Austin Adventure Travel

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Brand

Strength Report 2014 Overview & Information

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onsumers in 2014 continue their post-recessionary behavior by placing the greatest importance on quality of product when purchasing footwear, apparel, and equipment to support their active lifestyle. Quality of product continues to be the highest rated factor influencing consumer’s purchase of all three categories. Consumers have a strong preference to pay more for quality and receive the benefit of its longer use.

Consumers rely on their own personal experience with brands, placing greater importance in 2014 on their knowledge and trust of certain brands than they did in 2011. Fewer consumers are influenced by price, which continues to drop in importance over time, and is surpassed in influence by innovation/technology in 2014. Consumers want product that

enhances their activities, allows them to perform better, and gives them an edge over the competition or their own personal best. In the current environment where social media apps such as Strava continue to play an increased role in the way in which an active consumer participates in sporting activities, the return to the brands is an increased trust factor from the consumer and the subsequent benefits that go along with it.

Nearly half of all active consumers believe a brand’s environmental initiatives are important in 2014, which is a substantial rise from 2011. Consumers place a high

expectation on the brands that they trust to also be focused on minimizing their environmental impact.

These observations are highlighted in this year’s Brand Strength Report, which summarizes the bi-annual consumer survey conducted by The SportsOneSource Group to measure consumer awareness, attitude, and intent to purchase active lifestyle product from specific brands. The Brand Strength Report was expanded in 2014 to include sports and outdoor equipment and consumers were also asked to offer their feedback on an expanded brand list.

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Brand Strength Reports Measure how consumers feel about the brands they are buying and using. Includes specific brand-by-brand rating system to determine Brand Strength Index.

Brand Strength Report – Active Lifestyle Consumer Measures Active Lifestyle brands among consumers who purchased sports or outdoor footwear/apparel in the past year.

Release Dates: June 2014 and June 2016 Brand Strength Report Specialty Outdoor* Consumer Measures Outdoor and Active Lifestyle brands among specialty outdoor* consumers.

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Brand Strength Report Sportsman’s Consumer Measures Sportsman’s and Active Lifestyle brands among hunt and fish consumers.

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Brand Strength Index

The Brand Strength Index is an indicator of how consumers view brands. The Index was built on a formula that measures both aided and unaided awareness, brand purchases, and the intent to purchase the brand again.

The greatest indicator of a Brand’s Strength is the consumer’s unwillingness to compromise on a brand.

Aided/Unaided Brand Awareness

These sections assess the brands that consumers are aware of either unaided or aided.

Brand Purchasing

This section assesses the brands that respondents mentioned purchasing in the last year, both overall and by demographic. Conversion rates were also calculated as a percentage of respondents that indicated purchasing a particular brand in the past year.

Influences On Footwear/Apparel Equipment Purchasing

These sections define the factors which drive consumers to make either a footwear, apparel or equipment purchase. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of a list of factors when making either a footwear, apparel, or equipment purchase. Each section examines respondents by detailed demographic equipment groupings.

Footwear/Apparel/Equipment Ratings By Attribute

These sections assess the strengths and weaknesses of brands with regard to their footwear and apparel products. For each brand, respondents mentioned purchasing in the past year, they were asked to rate the footwear, apparel, and/or equipment products purchased.

Brand Specific Details

These sections analyze the individual respondents that mentioned purchasing each brand. Questions range from the reasoning behind purchasing a particular brand to a rating for certain aspects of a brand’s footwear, apparel or equipment products. Brand reports range from three to five pages depending upon which products each brand produces.

Purchasing Habits

This section assesses the purchasing habits of respondents when purchasing for themselves or their children. Questions range from how much do you spend on average purchases to future purchase plans.

8 AUGUST 2014

All versions of the Brand Strength Report provide Brand Awareness levels by specific demographic segments.

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PeopleForBikes is grateful for the active support of pro bike racers. Trek Factory Racing—one of the 18 top-tier professional squads that is part of the global UCI World Tour—has stepped up big-time for this year’s Tour de France (and the balance of the season) by putting the PeopleForBikes logo prominently on the sides of their team jerseys.

I G I V I N G B AC K

TREK/PEOPLE FOR BIKES

By Scott Boulbol

"A strong, united group of people for bikes can effectively influence government policies and spending, and help assure bike riding conditions that are safer and better for everyone. We are honored that Trek and Trek Factory Racing are supporting us.

Tim Blumenthal, President PeopleForBikes

10 AUGUST 2014

f you watched the Tour de France through the month of July, you may have noticed something new on the jerseys of the Trek Factory Racing (TFR) team – a small logo and a few words that have had a huge effect on cycling in the U.S. Just under the arms of the Trek riders, down the side of their jerseys, is a small red, white and blue logo with a smiley face made out of a bicycle, and the words PeopleForBikes (PFB). For the first time ever, the TFR athletes were sporting this logo during a European race – the world’s largest bike race and one of the greatest sporting spectacles anywhere. And they will continue to rock the logo for the remainder of the season, which will include the third of the Grand Tours, the Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain).

PeopleForBikes, in their own words, “is the movement to make riding better for everyone. By collaborating with millions of individual riders, businesses, community leaders, and elected officials, we’re uniting people to create a powerful, united voice for bicycling and its benefits.”

In other words, they are a bike advocacy group helping make American roads, paths and trails safer and more accessible to bikes and cyclists of all kinds. And they’re doing just that. According to their website, since their inception PFB has: secured federal funding to build more than 29,000 U.S. bike lanes, paths, and trails; awarded more than $10 million in grants; helped increase cycling in U.S. cities 85 percent since 2001.

And that’s a cause a legendary bike company like Trek holds dear as well. “Trek and Trek Factory Racing want the bike riding experience to improve for everyone, everywhere,” said Trek’s senior vice president Joe Vadeboncoeur. “PeopleForBikes is a leading organization that inspires this change. Trek was a founding member of PeopleForBikes (then known as Bikes Belong) 15 years ago and continues to be a proud supporter. It is an honor to help propel this movement for better cycling worldwide – starting

with the voices of our world-class athletes.”

Trek’s involvement at Le Tour is the culmination of a major outreach program for PFB in which they’re trying to sign up 1 million people by the end of 2014. They’re currently at over 800,000, Trek’s Senior Vice President and this sponsorship Joe Vadeboncoeur will hopefully help put them over the top.

There’s no need to “join” per se, simply provide their names in support of safe riding. This can be done on its website: peopleforbikes.org.

“While the challenges and opportunities for bicycling vary around the globe, the benefits are universal,” said President of PeopleForBikes Tim Blumenthal. “A strong, united group of people for bikes can effectively influence government policies and spending, and help assure bike riding conditions that are safer and better for everyone. We are honored that Trek and Trek Factory Racing are supporting us big-time as we embark on this new chapter of our mission.”

Brandon Buth, Trek’s Advocacy Manager, added, “Trek Factory Racing is partnering with PeopleForBikes for one clear, simple reason: to unite 1 million individual supporters of cycling. We’re confident

that reaching the 1 million supporter milestone will give cycling an unprecedented amount of credibility, clout, and momentum.”

While some teams have sported the logos in the U.S. over the last three years, this is the first time the program will be sent overseas – and to a major event with such an illustrious team.

It also marks the first time a pro team has donated sponsorship space to a cycling non-profit.

And this is certainly no token act – on the contrary it’s a highly valuable sponsorship.

President of While wearing this little logo may not seem like PeopleForBikes much on the surface, this prime, TV-cameraTim Blumenthal friendly space on a professional team’s jerseys can, in Trek’s words, effect “millions!” Especially a team with such international stars as Fabian Cancellara, Andy and Frank Schleck, and American upand-comer Matthew Busche.

Plus the riders are volunteering to tweet, talk and text their support for the non-profit. So when you see a Trek racer chatting up some other pro in the peloton, he just may be plugging PFB, which hopefully will then spread the good word to a whole new audience.

“Trek encourages all professional racing teams, as well as bike riders of all types and abilities, to International star Fabian Cancellara adopt PeopleForBikes’ mission to make the world supports the PeopleForBikes’ mission to make the world a better place to a better place to ride. Be heard. Join the moveride. ment today Buth added.” ■

JOIN PEOPLEFORBIKES + TREK FACTORY RACING IN MAKING RIDING BETTER FOR EVERYONE.

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B E S T P R AC T I C E S

Time to Reflect

By William F. Kendy

R

egardless of what segment of the sporting goods industry you serve there likely is a trade show for you. There is the ICAST (fishing) show, the Athletic Dealers of America Expo, the Outdoor Retailer Show, the Shot Show (firearms), distributor shows and more.

Attending trade shows gives you the opportunity to talk to manufacturers, reps and fellow retailers, seeing new and interesting products, maybe doing some buying, attending seminars and getting business accomplished. Schedules can be brutal and it makes for long days.

While your days spent attending a trade show may be totally booked, this is the perfect time to bounce new ideas, get advice and do some simple market and business research.

Before you can do that you need to devote a portion of your workday prior to whatever show you are attending to reflect on your business. If you don’t think you have time to think about your business, then you are missing out and not running your business the right way. Make a daily sales appointment with yourself, put your telephone calls on hold and tell your staff you can’t be disturbed for at least a half hour…and stick to it.

In the writing business reporters are taught to write articles based on the who, what, when, where, why and how formula. It is helpful to consider these six “honest serving men” when you evaluate your business.

If you have a written business plan, it is time to take it out of the drawer and update it.

A business plan solves the issue of if you don’t know where you are going; any road will take you there. It is a living, breathing document and a roadmap whose purpose is to help keep you on the right track in order to reach your objectives and goals. It does no good if it is just gathering dust.

Ask yourself some tough questions and here is a suggestion as to where to start. Who are you and what exactly do you do? What ancillary services do you offer like bicycle repair, gunsmithing, shooting range opportunities, special training or excursions or any ancillary customized extension and how do those services affect your revenue streams?

12 AUGUST 2014

Before you get into the nitty-gritty of self-analysis you should do the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis.

1. Strengths: What do you do really well that gives your business an advantage over others?

2. Weaknesses: What are the characteristics that place your business at a competitive disadvantage?

3. Opportunities: What are the areas or elements in the marketplace that your business could exploit to its advantage?

4. Threats: What are the things that could cause trouble for your business?

When you do a SWOT analysis you have to be brutally honest and it is a good idea for you to recruit an objective source that has knowledge of your industry and the market. Taking it a step further you

should “mystery shop” your own store.

For a SWOT analysis to be truly relevant, you need to analyze your major competitors. What are they excelling at and where are they falling short? What markets are they ignoring, what services aren’t they providing, how are they pricing, promoting and merchandising, how well are they selling and how is their service? What can you capitalize on? Again, send in an anonymous shopper.

Who are your primary customers and what are their demographics? Is your main customer men age 25 to 49, women ages 8 to 49 or people ages 18 to 34? Do you know if they are married, do they have children, what their average education

levels are and what their ethnic background is? Which segment of your customer base spends the most money and what other niches make sense for you to try to capture?

What is the potential?

What are the sizes of your primary and secondary marketing? Are those markets growing or shrinking? Is the composition of those markets shifting? Have you done a zip code check of customers to find out how far they, on an average, drive to do business with you? Have you asked them? Who are your major competitors in your market area? How many “boxes” do you compete with in your primary trading area?

In terms of competition, as a specialty sporting goods retailer there is nothing we sell that people really need to survive. They don’t need to ski, fish, hunt, run, play golf or tennis, backpack, kayak or other recreational endeavors and the competition encompasses any business who is competing for their discretionary dollar and time. That encompasses computers, video games, woodworking, scrapbooking, and a whole host of things.

What other segments make sense for you to try to capture and what is the potential?

Is the universe large enough to make the effort worthwhile?

What is your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)? A USP is a specific characteristic (s) that makes your store that makes your business special and differentiates it from the competition.

Examples of well known USP’s are: The milk chocolate melts in your mouth, not in your hand, M & Ms; A diamond is forever, DeBeers; You get fresh, hot pizza delivered to your door in 30 minutes or less or it's free, Dominos Pizza and We're number two. We try harder, Avis.

Establishing your USP is important because knowing it gives your prospects a clear-cut reason to do business with you.

Furthermore, if you don’t know what makes your store better than the rest of the pack how are you going to know how to position yourself in the marketplace and the minds of your customers and prospects?

Where do you stand on your marketing, advertising and promotion programs? Do you have a legitimate, written advertising budget and media plan or do you schedule your advertising based on a Wild A Guess (WAG).

Have you tested to see what if your advertising is actually working or are you just repeating the same old same old? Have you monitored what media your direct competition is utilizing? Have you addressed how you are going to incorporate social media and cause marketing in your overall marketing mix?

It’s all about knowing where you are at, where you want to go, how you’re going to get there and your timelines.

Even though your plate may be full when you attend a trade show, armed with the information from your assessment and questions, you have the opportunity to interface with a wealth of sources at one time that can help you go forward all in one place. You can talk to fellow retailers and find out what direction they are going, how they handled (or are handling) some of the issues and challenges that you are faced with and get some honest feedback. You can also interface with manufacturers and distributor reps to get their read on product and dealer support and talk to industry personnel to find out where the industry is going.

Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, said, “Whatever the mind of man can conceive, it can achieve.” With the results from your SWOT analysis and the questions you need answered, opportunities to be explored and the knowledge of where you want to go, trade shows provide you the forum to learn and get real time insight and answers but only if you know what you don’t know and have your mind open to receive. It also demonstrates that you’ve joined the select cadre of top retailers who realize that to be successful they have to work on their business instead of in it. ■

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B E S T P R AC T I C E S

Adventure Travel

By William F. Kendy

In order to maintain our sanity we all need to take a vacation. That may mean traveling to a theme park, taking a cruise, booking a golf trip, lying on a beach, sightseeing or just goofing around the house. We all need some time off every once in a while to recharge our batteries.

Package vacations or guided tours are nothing new. A person can go pretty much anywhere at any time and all are designed to fit interests, wants, needs and budgets.

For those adventurous souls who have a passion for a specific outdoor activity, sport or even are into a social cause, there is “adventure travel”.

Whether a person is a hiker/trecker, biker, backpacker, fisherman, hunter or into “active sports” like skiing (even “Heli Skiing”) or snowboarding there are very cool things to do.

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) serves more than 900 members in 80 countries worldwide and monitors and researches the adventure travel industry.

14 AUGUST 2014

As defined by the ATTA if a trip involves two of the following three characteristics it is an adventure travel excursion. Those characteristics are: Connection with Nature • Interaction with Culture • A Physical Activity.

ATTA partnered with The George Washington University to conduct the ATTA Adventure Tourism Market Study; which was published in late 2013. The survey measured the outbound activity of North America, South America and Europe travelers. These areas account for approximately 70 percent of the world’s international departures.

The study notes that adventure travelers were classified solely based on the activity they engaged in, not on the degree of difficulty or risk of their participation in that activity.

Taking it a step further the study broke down adventure trips into three segments: soft, hard or non-adventure.

Soft adventure trips include hiking, kayaking, rafting, hunting, fishing, volunteer tourism and archaeological expeditions.

Hard adventures cover caving, climbing, kite surfing, trekking, heli-skiing and paragliding.

Non-adventure trips encompass things like cultural activities, getting to know the locals, walking tours or visiting historical sites. The survey focused on soft and hard trips.

The Study Revealed: »»

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Growth in the adventure travel market has grown 65 percent since 2009.

The estimated value of the global outbound adventure travel market was approximately $263 billion, excluding airfare.

Sales of related gear, apparel and accessories for trips was estimated at $82 billion, which means that adventure travelers spent more than $345 billion on their excursions.

Adventure travelers are younger than non-adventure travelers, with an average age of 36.

The average length of a soft adventure trip was ten days in 2012 compared to eight days in 2009.

The top five brands recognized by adventure travelers were Timberland, 65 percent; Quicksilver, 44 percent; GoreTex, 35 percent; North Face, 34 percent; and Salomon, 25 percent.

From a demographic perspective, the majority of adventure travelers are male, 57 percent, and single/never married, 48 percent compared to 43 percent currently married. Thirty seven percent of them have a four-year degree and the average income is $46,800.

traditional way,” said Chesak. “In additional we see an increase in intergenerational travel where matures want to be included in these trips.”

“The adventure travel industry is growing very quickly and it is one of the fastest growing segments in the market place,” said REI Adventure Manager of Program Development and Operations Justin Wood. “We’ve offered travel opportunities and services for over 28 years as a co-op member benefit and it is an easy way for members to get away and enjoy the outdoors.”

According to Wood part of the reason the REI outdoor adventure category is expanding is because taking an adventure trip is more than just loading up your bike and picking up a pack or fishing rod and heading out. It can be complicated. Having one source to deal with that organizes the trip, provides a guide and handles the logistics and details can help participants have an adventure that is more immersive, matched to meet their physical and skill level and culturally rich without a lot of hassle.

“In the 80’s we saw a groundswell of interest for us to offer trips appealing to a wide range of age groups, skill levels and interests looking for outdoor experiences,” said Wood. “In response, we offer a wide range of trips that focus on outdoor interests for all age groups, including kids, parents, grandparents, families at different levels all over the world.”

Who Is Going Where and Doing What?

“We’ve found that North Americans like to go to South America and Europeans like to go to Africa,” said ATTA North America/Oceania Executive Director Chris ‘Chez’ Chesak.

“Namibia is now a top choice for travelers who traditionally would have gone to South Africa,” said Chesak. “Chile is getting a lot of interest. It is safe, has a great infrastructure, good economy and offers a diversity of adventures from fly fishing to alpine skiing and mountain climbing.”

“In North America Quebec is very popular offering fantastic polar bear and other wildlife watching and other outdoor-related activities,” added Chesak. “Destinations like the Galapagos Islands are popular and provide a level of comfort.”

While Chesak said that the boomers are still the heart of the adventure travel market, partly because they have the time and income to devote to adventure trips, more millennials and matures are entering the market.

“We’re finding that millinneals want to have life experiences and are not as concerned as other generations about doing things in the

SUP Tour of Marco Island Photo courtesy Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau

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What’s Hot at REI?

“Boomers are generally well traveled and are now going to Europe, Latin America, American national parks and places like Patagonia and the Galapagos Islands and want to get off the beaten path,” said Wood. “Generation Xs and younger people seem to be into multi-activity trips that include things like mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, skiing, backpacking, hiking and trekking, and biking and touring that offer blended action in different destinations but yet are affordable.”

“Paddle sports, whitewater programs and even snowshoeing are generating a lot of interest,” said Wood.

Not all adventure travel is based on high physical action endeavors. While those trips are technically classified by ATTA as “non-adventure” trips they still are in the adventure travel category and draw interest. For those people who want an outdoor experience and have an affinity for a social cause, REI offers volunteer travel programs.

“We offer programs for those people interested in volunteerism and are interested in having a personal meaningful trip,” said Wood. “We offer trail and habitat restorations’ programs in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Yosemite, Torres del Paine in Chili and Mach Picchu in Peru.”

Loen Lake in Fjord, Norway Photo courtesy Adventure Travel Trade Associates and Terje Rakke

Hunt and Fish

Through Cabala’s Outdoor Adventures Program a customer can book fishing and hunting excursions in North America, Africa, South America and Europe. They cover the waterfront from fishing for halibut and salmon in Alaska to shooting doves and ducks in Mexico to hunting red stag in New Zealand.

Cabala’s can put a customer in touch with a guide, book the trip and, through their in-house travel agency, help secure transportation.

In addition, for hunters, the Cabela’s “TAGS” program offers assistance in securing the appropriate licenses from states and other countries.

Not all adventure trips need to involve extensive travel or multiple days. L.L. Bean offers an array of fly fishing, shooting, biking, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities. Most of their outings are only one day long and within driving distance but still offer customers the opportunity to learn more about their sport, use some of the equipment they own and have fun.

“Our adventure trips exist primarily as a branding tool and a way to empower people and get them into the outdoors and allow them to successfully use products,” said L.L. Bean spokesperson Mac McKeever. “We put about 100,000 people through our programs every year.”

Some of the L.L. Bean events are free with most available at a moderate price. Their “Discovery” programs are basic day-long introductory courses covering subjects like sporting clays shooting, kayaking, paddleboarding, fly fishing and even snowshoeing.

L.B. Bean does offer multi-day trips that blend a couple of different interests including their bike and paddleboard trip, island kayak and camping outing and bike and paddleboard trips.

16 AUGUST 2014

That blending of interests in adventure trips can take on some different wrinkles.

While it sounds like a combination of opposites, extreme skiers and snowboarders are embracing flyfishing.

“Extreme athletes get the rush by coming off the side of a mountain and then relax and chill out in nature in a different emotional way by fly fishing,” said Chesak. “That type of trip appeals to the members of the younger generation who want an action and wilderness type experience and have an appetite for a wide range of adventures.”

Austin Adventures is a 40-year-old travel agency in Billings, MT that specializes in luxury adventure travel vacations worldwide. Their vacations range from hiking, biking, paddling, wine tasting, safaris and multi-sport options all tailored to small groups with a six-person for each guide ratio.

“We are a small group of active adventure lovers and we offer all inclusive luxury adventure packages,” said President and Founder Dan Austin. “We offer trips for adults and family trips that are custom built around different physical capabilities and interests.”

Over the years, Austin has seen a change in the traditional vacation concept and a steady increase in the awareness of adventure travel.

“We are seeing a tendency for less and less people wanting to take a cruise or sit on a beach under an umbrella and drink maitais,” said Austin. “They want to move around and burn calories, do different things, and have different experiences.”

To that end Austin also offers multi-sport getaways. For example, you can spend six days in Yellowstone hiking, biking, horseback riding and rafting or seven days in the Arenal rainforest in Costa Rica hiking, rafting, birding and surfing.

“We have been offering multi-sport packages since 1995,” said Austin. “In a six day trip we may incorporate hiking, rafting, biking and touring to make sure there is something for everyone.”

“We’ve found that outdoor adventures are a good way for us to project and differentiate our brand in action and it offers us the opportunity to talk the talk and walk the walk," said McKeever. ■

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Big Boy Kayaks Fifteen years after the first fishing specific kayaks emerged, the category has become the most important and profitable category for many boat manufacturers and shows no signs of slowing down.

By Charlie Lunan

18 AUGUST 2014

W

hile stand-up paddleboards have stolen the limelight and growing space at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market the last three years, it has also obscured where a lot of money is being made by the industry these days: kayak fishing.

That certainly was not the case at last month’s ICAST show in Orlando, FL, where kayaks were ubiquitous and the Old Town Predator XL was named not only the best boat at the show but the best overall product. It marked the third time since 2009 that a kayak had snagged the coveted award.

America’s largest makers of rotomolded kayaks say fishing kayaks continue to be their fastest growing and most lucrative segment.

“Overall kayak fishing is arguably the fastest growing segment in kayaking and that is likely to continue for some time to come,” said Bill Medlin, CEO for Bill Medlin, Legacy Paddlesports, which CEO Legacy created its Native Watercraft Paddlesports brand to cater to fishermen.

“We are experiencing most of our growth in the pedal driven models (Propel series).

Growth in that category has been in the mid-double digits for us.“ Kayak fishing was the fourth fastest growing of 43 outdoor activities from 2011 through 2013, according to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). Based on consumer surveys conducted in early 2014, OIA’s Outdoor Recreation Participation Report 2014 estimates 1.8 million people participated in kayak fishing in 2013 for a three year growth rate of 20 percent. Only Adventure Racing, Triathlon (Non-Traditional/Off-road) and SUP grew more.

SPORTSONESOURCE.COM

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Company (GOP) for three years, according to Bittu Ali, who buys paddlesports for the Raleigh, NC-based retailer. GOP began selling its first fishing kayaks at the turn of the century when Old Town introduced the sit-inside Predator model, Ocean Kayak brought its Caper Angler and Scrambler to market and Walden launched its Cuda Angler. But sales of fishing kayaks and gear have picked up in recent years at the company’s eight stores.

Big Spenders

AT last month’s ICAST show in Orlando, FL, the Old Town Predator XL was named not only the best boat at the show but the best overall product. It marked the third time since 2009 that a kayak had snagged the coveted award.

The Era Of Big Boy Kayaks

But to appreciate the importance of kayak fishing, one has to look beyond participation numbers and understand the fisherman, who behaves very differently than the core customer many paddlesports dealers built their business on.

“The fisherman is looking for three things; stability, comfort and the ability to customize their boat,” noted Bill Kelly, group vice president/Watercraft and Outdoor Gear at Johnson Outdoors, which makes fishing kayaks under its Ocean Kayak and Old Town brands. “These guys are decking these boats out and it's not unusual for 50 percent of boat sales to be in accessories.

So if they are buying a $1,200 boat, they could put $600 into accessories.”

The Old Town Predator, for example, comes standard with a Minn Kota trolling motor that can be controlled from a console and hands-free navigation.

Roland Jimenez, who handles public relations for kayak importer FeelFree U.S., LLC said anglers have created a market for "big boy kayaks. They want to sit in that boat and know it’s not going to flip with all their gear and it will be safe when they land that fish,” said Jimenez, former marketing director for Austin Canoe & Kayak. “Some people don't mind buying a boat that is heavier and slower.”

When fully rigged with a Mirage drive system, hatches, mounting surfaces and rudder controls, Hobie’s best-selling Pro Angler kayaks weigh in at a hefty 138 pounds and sell for $2,800, or about four times the cost of top selling recreational kayaks. That’s before installing any of the Minn Kota trolling motors, Humminbird fish finders or other marine electronics gizmos made by Johnson Outdoors and other marine electronics vendors. That’s not exactly the light and fast aesthetic of a backcountry enthusiast. Yet pointof-sale data from OIA VantagePoint indicates that the Hobie Pro Angler 14 and 12 are among the best selling kayaks in the United States when measured by dollars.

Hobie Pro Anglers, which sell for more than $2,500, have been the number one selling kayak model at Great Outdoor Provision

20 AUGUST 2014

“We’re seeing a different demographic come into the shop over the past three years,” said Ali. “In the past, we saw paddlers looking at kayaks for fishing. While we still see those folks and cater to them, we’re increasingly seeing anglers looking at lightweight, inexpensive, portable boats for fishing. Fishing enthusiasts are accustomed to $25,000 plus price tags for fishing-specific power boats. Such customers don’t view a fully loaded $2,500 fishing kayak with apprehension.”

This helps explain why Hobie saw little impact on its Pro Angler sales in the wake of the last recession, said Vice President of Sales Ruth Triglia.

“It seemed for every customer who was holding back on their purchases, there was another who was deciding a fishing kayak was a great value in lieu of a more expensive power boat or vacation,” Triglia said.

The observation gels with findings from the 2014 edition of The SportsOneSource Group’s Brand Strength Report, which found that quality of product continues to be the highest rated factor influencing active outdoor consumer’s purchase of outdoor gear.

The latest report found that the influence of price continued to drop in consumers’ purchasing decisions and was eclipsed by their perception of innovation and technology.

Active outdoor consumers, the study found, want product that enhances their activities, allows them to perform better, and gives them an edge over the competition or their

Point-of-sale data from OIA VantagePoint indicates that the Hobie Pro Angler 14 and 12 are among the best selling kayaks in the United States when measured by dollars.

The Growing Tournament Circuit

own personal best. In the case of fishing, that translates to boats that can carry more than 500 pounds and are equipped with hands-free pedal drive systems, comfortable seating and lots of places to attach gadgets.

Since the major kayak makers launched their first fishing specific models, paddlesports’ brands have steadily ramped up their investment in product development and marketing. In addition to designing more boats from the ground up for fishing, most major kayak brands and dealers now sponsor professional anglers and kayak fishing tournaments. Hobie Fishing, for instance, is the title sponsor for the Inshore Fishing Association’s (IFA) Kayak Fishing Tour, which runs 10 tournaments along the Intra-Coastal Waterway between April and October. IFA limits its tournaments to one day and keeps entry and membership fees low to promote participation in catchand-release tournament fishing. This year, Hobie designated a couple of the tournaments as qualifying events for the 2014 Hobie Fishing World Championship, which will take place in Amsterdam in The Netherlands in October.

Carolina paddlesports dealers GOP and Get:Outdoors, both of which trace their paddlesports roots to recreational and whitewater paddling, now host monthly meetings for the North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association, which was founded in 2008.

In early June, kayak maker Wilderness Systems named a record 36 professional anglers to its 2014 Pro Staff as part of a more aggressive assault on the kayak fishing market. The brand, which is owned by Confluence Outdoor, hired four regional managers to oversee the anglers and promote the sport.

“By investing in the expansion of our carefully screened Pro Staff, we can, as a brand, cover more tournaments, host more retail demos and clinics, provide more first-hand product insight to inform design plans, and most importantly, have a larger ambassador group to help edu-

Brand

Strength Report 2014 Fast Facts FISHING KAYAKS »»

»»

»»

»»

Quality of product continues to be the highest rated factor influencing the active outdoor consumer’s purchase of outdoor gear.

The influence of price drops in the consumers purchasing decisions and is eclipsed by their perception of innovation and technology.

The active outdoor consumer wants product that enhances their activities, allows them to perform better, and gives them an edge over the competition or their own personal best.

The active outdoor consumer wants a boat that can carry more than 500 pounds and is equipped with a hands-free pedal drive system, comfortable seating and places to attach multiple gadgets.

To order the Brand Strength Report or to customize your personal report, contact Bethany Cooner, Director Market Research The SportsOneSource Group 303.997.7302 x7107 or BSR@SportsOneSource.com

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“Forty million fishing licenses were sold in the United States last year,” said Rechner. “Forty million is a lot of customers. We've captured attention of the fishing segment and see the boom lasting for quite a while longer.”

While kayak fishing has caught on in Australia and South Africa, Rechner noted it remains underdeveloped in Europe, where rules about where and how people can fish are more restrictive.

Fishermen’s penchant for gear also creates opportunities for Confluence Outdoor’s Harmony and Bomber Gear brands to expand into new accessories and apparel categories.

“We are in complete agreement that fishing is an opportunity we have yet to capture fully,” Rechner said. “We’ll see a lot of excitement around that at OR.” Fishing brands certainly see an opportunity. Cabela’s, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Berkley and Gulp! have all joined Hobie to support the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour. What remains to be seen is how many legacy paddlesports dealers will seize the opportunity or cede it to specialty fishing shops.

“We, as an industry, really need to understand that there is a whole new customer base coming in,” said Johnson Outdoor’s Kelly. “If dealers are not getting on board and talking their language they are going to miss out on a huge opportunity.” ■

Confluence CEO Sue Rechner

cate new anglers and foster the growth of this sport,” said Evan Lyendecker, marketing manager for Wilderness Systems.

Just Getting Started

In a recent interview with The B.O.S.S. Report, Confluence CEO Sue Rechner confirmed kayak fishing remains one of the biggest growth opportunities facing the company.

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Staying Hydrated to Stay Fit A look-ahead to the newest hydration products reveals that while innovation is always important, consumers value simplicity more than ever before.

By Fernando J. Delgado

N

o matter the circumstances, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts will always need to stay hydrated. Whether out on a hike, riding a bike or going on a run, water is essential to perform the activities we love. In 2015, retailers can count on state-of-the art water bottles, hydration systems and packs to deliver that ever-so-essential beverage to consumers – as well as dependable sales. According to pointof-sale data compiled by SportScanInfo, hydration year-todate (YTD) as of July 5 is up 2.7 percent in units sold and up 4 percent in total dollars. The Water Bottles category has seen solid growth, up 5 percent year-to-date in both units and dollars.

Water is the most essential, basic of human elements so not surprisingly, hydration solutions are designed to be as efficient and immediate as possible. Manufacturers have started to answer the call to adapt products to the shape of the human body to ensure the best possible balance of performance and comfort. Above all, getting that precious fluid

24 AUGUST 2014

into the body as quickly as possible is the name of the hydration game. As a result, anatomic design has come to the fore of product development for hydration products that will be available in Spring 2015 particularly for runners.

“We continue to see increasing demand on the consumer level for smarter and better-fitting ways to carry water, and the rise of anatomic design continues to be incredibly important to the running community,” observed Jim Frazier. “So that means if you’re wearing your water, whether it’s on your back or around your waist, that the solutions really fit well with the human anatomy and aren’t impinging on running efficiency and running gait.

People are looking beyond a simple bladder solution, and are pushing the manufacturers for better solutions that balance the way that you wear water.

Consumers want water that works really well with the human form, and that’s also easily accessible, whether it’s on the front, back or side. The same is true for waist packs. Consumer demands for smart solutions that work well with the human body are what’s moving the market right now. That’s a great evolution for us as a community of providers.”

Despite the latest innovations in design and technologies in hydration products, consumers are demanding simplicity more than ever before.

“We’re seeing more of a return to simplicity for lifestyle hydration solutions,” noted Frazier.

“Simple, non-complex solutions are sexy, and people like them. That’s important, because whether it’s a Nathan solution or another provider’s solution, complex solutions aren’t working as well for our community.”

The move towards simplicity has also affected the color of water bottles and other hydration products. Ashley Doran, national sales director at Vapur, has seen bright colors give way to a more basic color palette. “We’ve noticed a trend towards the more rugged and masculine colors that we have, and a more simplified bottle,” said Doran. “Originally our bright, fun, crazy patterns were all the rage. Now we’re definitely seeing a lot more sales in our Eclipse line, which is just a matte finish, solid bottle. It seems that, overall, there are still a lot of bright colors out there; but within our product line, the muted colors are definitely the most popular right now. People are really just looking for something that’s a little more simplistic.”

After outdoor enthusiasts and athletes have solved how to carry their water thanks to various hydration solutions such as bottles, vests, hip packs and waist packs, they are also now starting to have concerns with keeping the temperature of their water regulated. As such, insulation is gaining traction within the category. “We’re seeing that there’s interest in the thermal side,” said Liza Milijasevic, public relations and marketing, Polar Bottle. “That’s been a huge area for Polar Bottle in the past – having very high-functioning insulation for cold. But we’re also starting to develop products that have insulation for warm and hot temperatures. That extends it into the hunting and finishing markets for when people want to have a hot drink in the morning before they set out or even on an early morning hike. That’s a key technology area that we’re looking at closely and starting to incorporate into our 2015 products.”

Vapur’s Doran has also noticed a growing demand for insulated bottles. “One question that we get asked about is insulation,” stated Doran.

“I was recently at the X-Games in Texas, and with the Texas heat and humidity, everyone was wanting an insulated bottle. We’re seeing a lot of trends towards that.”

Nathan Firestorm Photo courtesy Nathan

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The demand for clean water remains important for hydration systems. “The other thing from consumers that we’re seeing from a trend standpoint – and trend is driven by consumer demand – is that they’re really into solutions that are more flexible for bottles that are cleaner-tasting,” said Nathan Sports’ Frazier. “Stepping away from older plastics into more taste-free plastics has become important.

The ability to regulate the water you consume is essential.”

A look at the newest lines of hydration products that will be available from leading manufacturers for 2015 reveals a new degree of innovation, efficiency and simplicity.

Amphipod, specializing in minimalist trail and road running product solutions, has developed hundreds of quick-access hydrations products. One key new item for 2015 is the RunLight Xtech Custom Hydration System. Feather light and multi-functional, the RunLight Xtech provides quick and Amphipod RunLight Xtech single-handed fluid Custom Hydration System access due in large part to an intuitive squeeze-release design that allows runners to get to their hydration immediately. A breathable and bounce-free belt has the capability to add storage pouches and additional bottles as needed.

Chicago, IL-based Avex is a growing force, despite only having entered the market a few years ago. Thanks to a philosophy centered on innovation and impactful performance, Avex has developed Autoseal and Autospout technologies, which prevent spills and leaks and keep the user’s attention on the activity at hand. Next year will bring two key new items, among others, from the brand. Avex's Brazos Autoseal Bottle, $20, uses its patented Autoseal lid technology, which automatically seals between drinks to eliminate Avex Brazos spills and leaks. The 24 oz.-capacity bottle Autoseal Bottle delivers convenience, performance and style with the help of double wall insulation to keep drinks cold longer and prevents condensation.

Avex will also introduce the MixFit Shaker Bottle, $10, for 2015. The bottle is BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher safe and engineered for easy mixing and Avex MixFit Shaker Bottle cleaning. It has a leak proof lid and uses a weighted mixer to reduce clumps and build up.

CamelBak's Podium Ice Bottle, $25, was recently updated and reintroduced to its Podium line. The bottle will surely be a standout item for 2015. Featuring Jet Valve technology, a higher flow rate, an easier-to-clean cap and more flexible bottle walls, the Podium Ice is constructed with aerogel insulation that helps keep water cold four times longer than traditional sports bottles. The redesigned Jet Valve is a cutting-edge technological feature, as the self-sealing valve

26 AUGUST 2014

now features a larger nozzle diameter that offers a higher flow rate. The Podium Ice is also made with TruTast polypropylene with HydroGaurd for a taste-free bottle that inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Snowboard and luggage leader Dakine offers several new hydration systems for 2015. Dakine's Men's Hot Laps 1.5L Hip Pack, $35, is highlighted by a deployable side water bottle pocket and a breathable air mesh back panel.

CamelBak Other specs of note include grippy mesh Podium Ice on the waist belt, internal fleece lining, Bottle Dakine Hot Laps 1.5L Hip Pack mesh pockets and a reflective logo.

Dakine’s Nomad 18L Hydration Pack, $135 with Reservoir $105, is brimming with features and functionality. The Nomad has a 100 oz / 3L Shape-Loc hydration reservoir with a Plug-N-Play disconnect, along with breathable ergonomic shoulder straps, armor carry straps, internal organizer pockets, a removable waist belt, and a magnetic hydration hose clip, among other features. A new addition to the pack is a high flow Blaster bite valve.

On the women’s bike side, Dakine will have the 6L Womens Shuttle, $65. The Shuttle includes a 70 oz. / 2L Shape-Loc hydration reservoir with a fixed hose, and like the Nomad, has a new high flow Blaster bite valve. The backpack has breathable air mesh back Dakine Nomad 18L Hydration Pack and 6L Womens Shuttle panel and shoulder straps, a fleece sunglass pocket, a removable waist belt, a magnetic hydration hose clip, and a reflective logo.

Gregory Mountain Products was founded in 1977

by Wayne Gregory, who designed his first pack at age 14 as part of a Boy Scout project. That heritage of resourcefulness and love of the outdoors remains central to Gregory’s 2015 line. Gregory’s Baltoro 75 Pack has improved functionality within the feature set, increased pack volume and an updated suspension. It boasts the Sidekick pack, an internal hydration reservoir compartment that doubles as an ultra-light removable daypack for summit bids or quick trips. Other hydration features include a hideaway water Gregory Mountain Products bottle pocket with bungee Baltoro 75 Pack to secure bottles, and a hydration sleeve and side easy-to-feed ports for a hose.

Gregory will also have hydration packs at the ready for 2015, led by the Tempo and Pace lines. The Tempo 8L, 5L and 3L for men and the Pace 8L, 5L, and 3L for women all utilize the patented Wraptor stabilizer technology for a gender-specific fit that eliminates pack bounce.

Improved harness ergonomics help eliminate interference Gregory Mountain Products with arm swing, while softer, next-to-skin materials reduce Tempo 5L

chafe and irritation. Deeper and wider accessory pockets provide better access to electronics and a new hose management system using a magnetic harness clip improves hydration efficiency. A WeatherShield pocket also provides water and sweat protection for mobile devices. Both the Tempo and Pace series range from $100 for the 3L pack to $150 Gregory Mountain Products for the 8L pack.

Pace 5L High Sierra is a brand synonymous with outdoor adventure. Founded in 1978 and acquired by Samsonite International SA in 2012, the brand continues to offer value and innovation in its products, and hydration proves to be no exception. For 2015, High Sierra is introducing a new water bottle collection that includes the Stuff-N-Go Bag In A Bottle packs for $25. Available in a 15L daypack and 18L sport duffel, the bags are sold inside the new 1,000ml water bottle, giving outdoor High Sierra enthusiasts everything they need in Stuff-N-Go Bag In A Bottle one small and convenient package.

The High Sierra 15L Pack consists of a main compartment with a gusseted drawstring cinch closure, and features dual poly mesh side pockets that hold 1000ml bottles (one 1000ml bottle is included). The daypack has lightweight air mesh shoulder straps and adjustable bottom panel compression straps making transport safe and easy. It also has an internal hydration resHigh Sierra Duffel ervoir clip and an exit port for a tube (the reservoir is not included). The Duffel, meanwhile, has an 18L capacity and a main compartment with a large, zippered opening. A single fabric side pocket holds a 1000ml bottle (one 1000ml bottle included), while ease of portability is made possible by a large, adjustable over-shoulder webbing strap and dual top webbing carry handles.

Nathan’s focus on hydration for runners can be seen in several 2015 offerings, led by innovative race vests and lightweight handhelds.

Nathan's VaporAir, $150, is the brand's lightest-weight men's race vest in the Vapor Series, answering consumer demand for efficient, comfortable anatomic design. The Vapor Air is equipped with a 2L bladder with quick release valve, as Nathan VaporAir

SPORTSONESOURCE.COM

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well as two easy-access front bottle pockets. The women’s counterpart is the VaporAiress, also $150. Designed specifically to fit the female form, the VaporAiress utilizes overthe-shoulder load lifters to keep water and gear close to the body for maximum nobounce comfort. It is constructed of body-mapped, Nathan VaporAiress breathable materials for comfort, and, just as the VaporAir, is equipped with a 2L bladder with quick-release valve and two front bottle pockets.

Another new vest for 2015 is the Firestorm, $85, for cyclists and runners. A versatile, lightweight solution to carry water on the back, Nathan’s Firestorm is also highlighted by strategically placed, onboard storage for key essentials. Equipped with a 2L bladder with quick-release valve, the vest includes an organizer pocket with a key ring clip inside the upper back pocket, a slide-adjustable chest strap for placement and bounce-free ride, and large side stretch mesh stash pockets.

Nathan’s VaporMax Plus, $35, is a lightweight handheld option that carries fluid effortlessly thanks to its ergo-friendly bottle shape and integrated hand strap. A new Blast Valve Cap keeps fluid secure in-hand, on a run, and in the runner’s bag during transport, offering a quick burst of fluid when open and prevents leaking when closed. The bottle’s fully adjustable, chafe-free hand strap enables grip-free running, while an expandable zippered pocket and Nathan front and internal stash pockets makes the VaporVaporMax Plus Max Plus extremely portable and handy.

The brand will also be offering new waist paks in 2015, including the innovative VaporElite2, $60. Made for the ultimate trail run, the VaporElite2 includes two 22 oz / 650 mL VaporMax Bottles with Blast Valve Caps, providing enough hydration for multi-hour efforts. The pak’s Nathan combination of zippered and VaporElite2 mesh pockets and an external shock cord system provide ample storage spaces. A convenient HydroGauge gives visibility to the fluid level, keeping runners constantly informed about their essential water supply.

“There’s been a huge new emphasis on ‘Made in the USA’, particularly in the water bottle category,” shared Polar Bottle’s Milijasevic. “We recently conducted research of our own to see how important that was to consumers, and we were stunned to find that 74 percent [of respondents] said it was either extremely important or important to them. There’s a level of quality, and a perception of supporting the economy that consumers are increasingly moving

28 AUGUST 2014

towards - and retailers have been as well. We’re getting a lot of interest from new retailers because we’re one of the few made-in-the-USA water bottles out there.”

Reflecting the demand for U.S.-made products, Polar Bottle will have the Star Spangled 24oz. Water Bottle, $12, available in 2015. It features an insulating layer between two walls of plastic, keeping liquids cool twice as long as other water bottles. The "Made in the USA" message on this bottle is a result of the company's commitment to manufacture stateside.

Polar Bottle’s Ergo Bottle, $15, is a prime example of insulation technology, as the bottle/cup hybrid is capable Polar Bottle Star of transporting both cold and warm liquids. As Spangled 24oz. a key feature of the Ergo, Polar Bottle also deWater Bottle veloped a patented Half-Twist technology that eliminates cap removal to drink. “That was a way of having a cup-bottle hybrid where you’re able to have a drink-through cap which is also fully sealable,” said Milijasevic. “So you get all the benefits in a bottle in terms of portability and sealability, but you also get that ability to drink as from a glass without taking a lid off and screwing it on again.”

Milijasevic also noted that Polar Bottle has seen a huge interPolar Bottle Ergo est in its custom bottles. “We’re one of the few companies that Bottle can deliver and all-over custom design that is actually inside the bottle,” she said. Polar Bottle achieves such a design in their custom bottles by protecting logos with a translucent layer, and the company has introduced the custom “Be Prepared Collection”, which is officially licensed by the Boy Scouts of America.

Since 1985, Boulder, CO-based Ultimate Direction has emphasized innovation in hydration. After nearly thirty years of shaping and impacting the hydration category, the brand will focus on state-of-the-art materials and design in addition to lightweight performance in its line of hydration packs, water belts, and handhelds. New for Spring 2015 is Ultimate Direction’s Fastpack 30, $174. Designed to provide all the storage and features necessary, the Fastpack 30 is a streamlined backpack ideal for minimalist adventures. In addition to wide shoulder straps for comfort, the left shoulder strap of the pack features a front-mounted water Ultimate Direction Fastpack 30 bottle pocket while the right shoulder strap offers a large, zippered pocket for food and other essentials.

On the waist pack side, the brand has four new models currently available as part of its Access line, including the Access 20, $45.

Ultimate Direction’s Access 20, in addition to the other three models (the Access 10, Access 10 Plus and Access 20 Plus), features a semiflexible bottle cage with TPU backing for easy bottle access and a secure friction fit. The Access 20 comes with a 20-ounce UD bottle with Kicker Valve, as well as a smart phonecompatible pocket with bungee straps for Ultimate Direction added storage.

Access 20

WHAT’S YOUR HYDRATION PLAN?

The #1 selling hydration brand* in running specialty stores is also available at progressive outdoor specialty stores.

Your customers are already using Nathan products – is your store getting your share of this growing business?

Visit Nathan at Outdoor Retailer!

Stop by booth 39177 to explore our programs and products – all designed to drive hydration category growth in your store.

RUN STRONGER. RUN LONGER. nathansports.com SPORTSONESOURCE.COM

* Leisure Trends™ hydration category market research, 2014

29

and the most extreme sports. It is lighter and easier to hold than regular rigid bottles, and it folds flat when empty allowing it to go anywhere and making it a favorite of both urban and outdoor runners. It also features an integrated SuperCap that allows for more efficient drinking. The Eclipse Anti-Bottle is distinguished by a matte finish for a soft touch despite a tough exterior. Manufactured in the

Vapur Element and Eclipse

U.S., the Eclipse also includes the SuperCap, which is easy to open while also providing a tight seal. With a 1L capacity, this anti-bottle is BPA free and designed to withstand everyday use and regular cleaning.

Vapur’s Doran noted that filtration is gaining momentum within the hydration category. Transporting water is one thing, but getting it at its natural source is a different endeavor entirely.

“We’re also seeing a trend in the filtration category,” said Doran. “People are looking for something that suits their lifestyle of backpacking and going on backcounVapur’s 2.0 Microfilter try adventures. And so they want something really easy to be able to use the water in the streams when they’re out there. That’s why our Microfilter has been a big hit.” Vapur’s 2.0 Microfilter, $70, will be available for 2015 and is an excellent filtration solution, as it removes 99.99 percent of waterborn bacteria. ■

SPORTSCANINFO FAST FACT Photo courtesy Nathan

California-based Vapur continues to emphasize portability in hydration. Central to the brand’s mission is the Anti-Bottle, a handheld reusable bottle with a collapsible design that makes it easy to roll, fold or flatten when empty. Vapur’s 2015 line will include the Element, $12, and the Eclipse, $14. The Element Anti-Bottle, available in 0.7 and 1.0 liter high capacity sizes, is a performance water bottle designed for running, climbing

30 AUGUST 2014

According to point-of-sale data compiled by SportScanInfo, hydration year-to-date as of July 5 is up 2.7 percent in units sold and up 4 percent in total dollars. The Water Bottles category has seen solid growth, up 5 percent year-to-date in both units and dollars.

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CamelBak Enters Housewares Market as it Celebrates 25 Years of Hydration

By Fernando J. Delgado

CamelBak Enters Housewares Market as it Celebrates 25 Years of Hydration

By Fernando J. Delgado

F

or Petaluma, CA-based CamelBak, 2014 is a landmark year. Not only is the outdoors equipment manufacturer celebrating its 25th anniversary, but it also recently entered the housewares market with the launch of its new water filtration solution, the Relay Water Filtration Pitcher. Keeping true to its mission of reinventing and changing the way people hydrate and perform, CamelBak has developed an innovative product that anyone can keep in their refrigerator.

The Relay, listing at $37, leverages a double filtration system to reduce chlorine, taste and odor in water. The BPA-free pitcher’s Double Filter Technology allows the user to filter at the speed of their faucet, filtering water a first time during filling cycle and a second time during pouring. It has an ergonomic handle design which pours up to 10 cups of water, and it does not have a filling reservoir, giving the user more space for filtered water.

According to tests conducted by an independent third-party laboratory against NSF/ANSI Standard 42, the Relay removes 97 percent of chlorine from incoming water for at least 80 gallons of water (on average 4 months’ use at one full pitcher per day). Meanwhile, a filtration speed test conducted by Pace Analytical showed that, on average, the elapsed time from the flow of a water source to the completion of treatment for 10 cups of water using the Relay was 46.57 seconds. By comparison, a Brita pitcher took an average of 851.27 seconds to filter the same amount of water.

Sally McCoy, CEO and president of CamleBak Products, spoke with SGB and shared how the company’s vision led to the conception of the Relay. “We want to reinvent and recreate the way people hydrate and perform,” said McCoy. “That’s really what [CamelBak founder] Michael Eidson was doing when

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he stuck an IV bag into a tube sock and inserted that into his bike jersey as the first CamelBak. And we get to partner with everybody from Special Ops to people who are looking to improve their lifestyle, to triathletes, to really the whole range. And everybody is interested in health and hydration. We all know it makes us perform better.

“If you’re dehydrated, it’s been wellcatalogued now that your performance is off – both your mental performance and your physical performance. So part of our approach is, ‘How do we improve that?’ One of the things we realized is that people were filling up their reservoirs or their water bottles with filtered water.”

CamelBak noticed that most consumers didn’t have filtration systems that were quick enough to meet their hydration needs in the midst of busy athletic and everyday lifestyle schedules. “You’d filter three liters and you’d be waiting 30 minutes,” McCoy continued. “We saw that as an opportunity. We also saw that people were putting filtered water in their water bottles to go to the office, and it was helping them drink more. And that fits into our vision, which is to make single-use disposable waters obsolete. If

Drink To Your Health with the Camelbak Relay Filtration System Photo courtesy CamelBak

we’re supporting reusable containers for hydration, then we want to think that problem all the way through. So that led us to look at the category, and while we certainly didn’t create the category, we thought that there were some enhancements we could make to improve the category. hat was the inspiration for going into the category to begin with.”

According to McCoy, CamelBak originally started working on the Relay concept about five years ago, with much of the development behind the product taking place over the past three years.

“Part of what we know is that people drink bottled water because of its taste and convenience, so we really feel that Relay was affecting convenience because it was going to be faster and easier,” she said. “And it affects taste, because not only does it filter out for taste and odor, but people also keep it in their refrigerator, so the water’s colder. Americans generally like cold water, and associate that with clean taste.”

The R&D team at CamelBak spent a great deal of time and effort looking into the needs and demands of the people who would seek the benefits of the filtration pitcher, as well as simultaneously developing an innovative technology.

“We did a lot consumer research,” recalled McCoy. “We looked into what people thought, what they wanted, and what was going to make their life easier. We also had to work on a lot of filtration development, and had to conceive the process of double filtration and how that would work. And of course, we had to develop the pitcher itself. So a lot went into the product.”

CamelBak also had the task of branching out into a vast housewares market. Despite being a leading hydration solutions provider in the bike, outdoor, winter, watersports, and military/tactical segments for 25 years, the company is much newer to the filtration game within hydration. The Relay was a chance to bring a new product not only to its loyal customers, but millions more potentially new users. CamelBak embarked on creating a message and transmitting it to a new audience. “Of course, the communication is also important,” stated McCoy. “It’s not like we’re wellknown in filtration, although we had launched our Groove water bottle and filtration several years earlier. That was our first foray into that sort of filtration, even though we have done actual microbiological filtration for the military. It was an extension of our knowledge in hydration, and it was a culmination of hard work to develop something that didn’t exist before.”

Since timing can be everything for a key product launch at any company, the big question is: Why enter a new market now?

McCoy asserts that CamelBak’s entry into housewares was a natural extension of the company’s mission. And in the end, it’s all

34 AUGUST 2014

about hydration and helping people drink better water. “We’ve made ourselves hydration experts,” she said. “We work with scientists, we work with trainers that work with the most elite athletes, we work with the military, and we even work with a dietician for everyday people. CamelBak is about hydration. And so for us, it’s not like we said, ‘We’re going to go into the housewares market.’ We’re really focused on our consumer. And for the most hardcore of our consumers, the taste of water’s not great all the time. So for our CamelBak consumers, whether they’re civilian or military, it’s a way to help them drink more water. The health and sustainability aspects are two real keys that help us drive our business – health meaning we all want to perform better and be more hydrated. It just happens to be sold in some houseware places, but I think people in general are super interested in how they can feel better and have more energy.”

The development process behind the Relay provided the leadership at CamelBak with valuable lessons and experiences that can also be applied to product launches throughout the sporting goods industry at large.“It might sound trite, but it’s true that we’re always learning,” said McCoy. “In this case, we were super-focused on the consumer. And the consumer is very broad-ranging. In this marketplace, they can range from someone who’s not active at all to active people who are looking for filtered water. For us, we listened really carefully to what consumers thought they wanted from our product. And we conceived of ways to help deliver that. I think we’re in the process of doing that in the sporting goods category. And in outdoor, and in bike, and in military, we do that same process. For us, it was a big challenge to have it not as narrowly defined. So we probably did more research and spent more time on the Relay. It was really fun for us.

“We’re promoting a healthy lifestyle - whether we identify with outdoor, or bike, or any other segments. We’re interested in people that want to be healthy and active. So this expands our consumer arena for that.” ■

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S pring 2 0 1 5

Trail Runners Look for Adventure Forget the quiet trek through the woods; trail runners are heading to the races.

By Thomas J. Ryan

A

diverse range of race events - from ultra runs to mud, obstacle and other fun runs – are providing a boost to the trail running category. Some of the events represent a grueling step on the performance side versus the marathon while others are more social in nature. But to footwear vendors, they underscore that people are looking for unique running experiences.

“People are looking to do something different than the road,” said Golden Harper, founder and brand manager at Altra. “They want something exciting. They want something fun. If they’re going to pay for a race, they want an experience.”

But the experience can vary wildly. Ultramarathons typically cover 50 to 100 miles and often present severe course obstacles, such as inclement weather, elevation change, or rugged terrain.

They can also include 24-hour races, and multiday races of 1,000 miles or even longer.

Todd Lewis, global product director, footwear at Montrail, Sorel and Columbia, believes the popularity of ultraruns mimic the appeal of marathons in the 70s. “Nobody did ultraruns 10 or 15 years ago,” observed Lewis. “But now it’s becoming something like, ‘This is what I do. I would rather do this than run a marathon.’”

Ted Fitzpatrick, director of product marketing at Reebok, said people are increasingly drawn to obstacle races such as the Spartan Race because of the challenge as well as the camaraderie. “The consumer is younger and not your traditional everyday jogger,” added Fitzpatrick. “They like to express themselves through the community and digital, which is why a good portion of our marketing is laser-focused on where this consumer spends their time - at the event and online.”

Evan Wert, president of Icebug USA, sees a big jump from road racing and running to more off trail, obstacle course racing, and fun events like mud runs. Also growing in popularity is orienteering, a running challenge that requires navigational skills and tools, such as a map and compass, to navigate from point to point.

“People are looking for new challenges and also they want to stop pounding the pavement,” said Wert. “These new events offer a fun way to get outside, challenge yourself and also get a better all

SPORTSONESOURCE.COM Photo courtesy Mizuno

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over workout. We are also seeing the rise of more types of trail triathlons mixing mountain biking, trail running and lake swimming. In Sweden we are seeing a new sport emerge called SwimRun. This combines swimming and running without taking your shoes off.”

In its annual report, Running USA estimated the country now has more than 35 non-traditional or themed running series that include mud, color, foam, electric, zombie and even ugly sweater runs. Not necessarily competitive, participants are doing these races for fun, camaraderie, and sometimes teamwork.

Jonathon Lantz, president of La Sportiva N.A., believes the mud runs and adventure runs have brought “a new consumer to the trail market” but he also believes a “big influx” of customers are coming to trail from the hiking category. The day hiker prefers the lightweight and flexible design of the trail runner.

“As more people are going lighter and faster they are shying away from traditional hiking boots and they are using trail running shoes for their hiking endeavors,” said Lantz.

Beyond addressing the light & fast trend, innovation stories are also helping the category with both the maximalism trend, driven by Hoka One One, as well as interesting takes on grip and drainage.

Not to say the trail running category isn’t a challenge. The category remains small next to road running and crowded with both road and outdoor footwear vendors attacking the category. In the 90s, the category benefited from a lifestyle trend marked by the popularity of the all-terrain 800 series from New Balance but the fashion boost today is missing. For mud runs, many participants are just using their old road running shoes. While potentially attracting newcomers to running, many participants in ‘fun runs’ tend to only do the one-off event. From a design standpoint, the trail category also demands much more variety than just meeting the needs of those pounding the pavement.

In developing its trail models, Asics plays up lighter weight, seamless upper construction, and full ground contact. But the big difference between the three trail models for Spring 2015 is the outsole thread tailored to the surfaces of the shoes that each will be asked to brave, according to Brice Newton, senior product manager running footwear at Asics America.

The GEL-FujiRunnagade, $100, is designed for rainy areas of the country but it’s also built to handle mud runs or extreme obstacle races. It features a fully gusseted upper that keeps the shoe secure while preventing dirt and debris from getting in.

Water-resistant closed mesh makes post-race clean up easy. It also features a deeplug pattern to grip in mud pits and water release drainage ports.

For more rocky geographies such as the Rocky Mountain States, the GELFujiAttack 4, $110, boasts an aggressive, trail-specific outsole and a Rock Protection Plate as well as a Discrete Eyelet construction on the upper for an adaptive, secure and comfortable fit.

Finally, the lightweight GEL-FujiPro, $120, is designed to handle hard-packed dirt and “still provides traction but it’s much flatter,” said Newton.

Asics has a strong foothold in trail at run specialty stores and Newton describes the category as a “small niche” business for the brand. But it appeals to Asics because

Asics GEL-FujiRunnagade and GEL-FujiAttack 4

38 AUGUST 2014

Photo courtesy Brooks

it helps the brand reach an often-younger audience beyond its core roadrunners.

“If you look at all the obstacle and mud runs, the participants are coming from all different sports,” said Newton.

“We’re seeing football, basketball and baseball players doing it, and softball players, for instance from the ladies’ side. And we don’t make football or baseball shoes so it gives us an opportunity to expose our brand to that customer. And many of the races are social rather than competitive. They don’t care about how fast they’re doing it; they just want to get through it. So it’s an opportunity to introduce new customers to our brand and tell our story.”

Brooks is offering a major update in the Cascadia 10, $120.

To improve the adaptability of the shoe, Brooks decoupled the outsole around the pivots to maximize function and allow the pivots to activate more readily. The fit of the upper was also improved by adding free-floating webbing on the medial side and a TPU saddle on the lateral side – both working together to provide a locked-in fit. Soft, pliable materials are also used throughout with a virtually seamless upper construction. The only stitching is in the heel and u-throat for durability.

“Over the past decade, the Cascadia has set itself apart from the market and has been the leader in trail running because of its technical trail features combined with Brooks’ heritage and its ability to work for a large variety of people,” said Brooks Footwear Merchandising Associate Kira Harrison. “It is important to us to always maintain the essence of this shoe while adding new technologies that improve the fit and ride. The update this season focuses on enhancing the Cascadia’s key offerings - protection and adaptability, traction and a locked-in fit and comfort.”

Building on its successful launch this year, New Balance is providing a quick update with the Leadville 1210v2 retailing at $125. The last is modified in the forefoot based on research New Balance conducted around how ultra runners’ feet swell New Balance Leadville 1210v2

Brooks Cascadia

over a 100-mile run. The sock liner is 3mm thicker than the original version, a new upper provides a softer feel and secure fit, and the toe protection is enhanced. But the overall changes were minimal with the shoe retaining the responsive ride of N2 and REVlite cushioning, the durable traction of a Vibram outsole, and the protection of a gusseted tongue that denies dirt and debris. “There wasn’t a whole lot to fix,” said Claire Wood, senior product manager at New Balance. “The Leadville made a lot of noise for us in its first year.”

After a four-year absence, the 101, retailing at $90, returns with the same tooling but modernized materials. Delivering a minimal feel in an all-terrain outsole, it offers no-sew mesh upper overlays, New Balance’s Rock Stop buffer for added forefoot protection, interlocking Sure-Laces, and an Acteva Lite midsole for comfort on long mileage runs.

Wood said New Balance continues to have a multi-pronged approach to trail. For hardcore ultra runners, it has the 1210 shoe. For the “lightweight, feel faster on the trail” runner, it’s working on a new 910. In July, it debuted the Fresh Foam Trail and continues to support the Minimus trail for those runners still looking for the minimal experience on the trail. NB plans to play up its Leadville sponsorship more over the next year.

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“Our focus is on the performance end and exploring, for instance, how the shoe performs at 50 miles,” said Wood. “But it’s interesting to see how some of these hardcore trail races are developing and shows like America Ninja Warrior arriving. At its core, it’s performance run.”

Fresh off winning the Runner’s World’s Editor’s Choice Award in the Trail Category (Peregrine 4), Saucony is showing a new Peregrine 5 featuring an outsole with deeper multi-directional lugs on a wide range of off-road terrain, both on ascent and descent.

Co-molded External Saucony Peregrine 5 Bedrock Outsole plates in the midfoot and forefoot are engineered with nylon mesh, reducing weight and providing “great flexibility but also protecting you from any rocks, roots and other debris,” said Patrick O'Malley, SVP of global product at Saucony. A new rubberized toe tip adds another level of durability and protection.

The Peregrine continues to feature a 4mm offset, allowing the foot to move naturally and uninhibited while increasing the runner’s proprioception and balance over tricky trails. Welded overlays eliminate the amount of stitching in the shoe “and allows you to make it lighter but it also allows you to conform to the foot and hold the foot into place,” said O'Malley.

O'Malley said trail running is important to Saucony in Europe, where it’s a bigger category than the U.S. In the run specialty channel in the U.S., it’s a small overall category, “but it’s an important one because in certain spots of the country, it’s really relevant. It also allows us to have a different design DNA and it’s a different challenge for us, which we appreciate.”

While Mizuno’s focus in the U.S. in trail had been on the Wave Ascend, the push is broadening with the introduction of the Wave Kazan, $120, and Wave Hayate, $110.

The Wave Kazan derives its name from the Samurai battle Mizuno Wave Kazan standard of “Furin Kazan,” and Wave Hayate translating to “move as swift as the wind, stay as silent as the forest, attack as fierce as fire, and be as undefeatable as the mountain,” according to Doug Smiley, business unit manager, running footwear at Mizuno USA. It features a Concave Wave to cradle and stabilize the heel at landing, a midfoot X-Groove to enable greater independent movement of the heel and forefoot to deliver more support and traction, and an X-Stud for multi-directional grip on uneven terrain and adverse conditions. The striking upper design was

40 AUGUST 2014

Photo courtesy Mizuno

“Move as swift as the wind, Stay as silent as the forest, Attack as fierce as fire, and be as Undefeatable as the mountain.” - Mizuno’s Wave Kazan derives its name from this Samurai battle standard.

patterned after topography and Japanese rock gardens. “The Kazan is more of a direct evolution of the Wave Ascend,” said Smiley. “So it’s more versatile, more adaptable and ultra protective. It can go anywhere from a three-mile trail run on a hard packed trail to Michael Aish, our sponsored athlete, covering the recent Western States 100.”

Like the Kazan, the Hayate features an X-lug outsole that grips in all directions and the U4ic midsole for cushioning and stability. But it’s slightly more lower to the ground with a 9mm ramp and lighter at nine ounces versus the Kazan’s 9.5 ounces added Smiley, “This is going to be a faster, speedier trail shoe.” Overall, Smiley said Mizuno is evolving its trail offerings to match the many different experiences runners look for.

“The trail is an addictive experience,” said Smiley. “You can reach a point where the conscious world disappears. You can’t really experience that when you’re running down the street and there are stoplights and cars. But when you’re on a trail in nature, two hours can go by and you don’t even know you’re running out there.”

For Spring 2015, Adidas will continue to focus on its all-terrain (ATR) line, which is specifically designed to function on and off the trail. “Even as more people transition to the trails, the bulk of these people still do a large portion of their training on roads and other less technical terrain,” said Chris Brewer, running specialty category manager for Adidas America. “Adidas understands that not everyone has the ability and/or desire to have multiple running shoes for multiple surfaces.”

Its established and award-winning Energy Boost, and Glide Boost models arrive in an ATR version for the road and trail hybrid runner. The Energy Boost 2 ATR, $160, offers an elevated secondary Techfit print layer for increased protection while still providing optimum fit, control and comfort. The Supernova Glide Boost ATR, MSRP $130, offers an all seasons, weather-resistant Climaheat upper for protection from the elements. Both benefit from Adidas’ Boost cushioning for energy return.

“Our Boost midsoles provide unmatched energy return and superior cushioning as well as being significantly more temperature resistant than standard midsole materials,” said Brewer.

“This means that whether on technical trails, roads, or anything in between, the runner gets the amazing experience of Boost. Additionally the ATR models are paired with Adidas’ Traxion web outsole lugs which are biomechanically designed to work with Boost to grip the surface Adidas Energy Boost 2 ATR and where traction is needed.”

Supernova Glide Boost ATR At Reebok, the All Terrain Super 2.0, retailing for $120, is updated with Terrain Skin technology to provide the obstacle course enthusiast and competitive racer with an ultra-thin layer of protection designed to prevent water and mud retention, improve midfoot durability, and make the shoe easy to clean. Additionally, the 2015 model adds a speed lace for a more secure fit in all conditions.

Built specifically for the demanding needs of obstacle course racing, the All Terrain Super 2.0 is built with 360 degrees of traction, but the elements of running through mud, climbing rope, and hurling yourself over an 8’ wall dictate other features that are just as critical. “As a result, drainage is key which is why we engineered our H20 Drain upper technology,” said Fitzpatrick. “We also built toe picks on the front of the shoe to make scaling walls easier and midfoot teeth on the bottom for rope climbing. These somewhat small elements result in superior performance, making the shoe a must-have for the obstacle race enthusiast. When the consumer sees the shoe in action, pumping out water there, is a an ‘a-ha’ moment that made us quickly realize we solved a problem that no one was addressing for an emerging and growing consumer base.”

Building on the traction the brand is seeing in its mountain running category in recent years, La Sportiva is introducing the

Reebok All Terrain Super 2.0

Helios SR, $125, and the Mutant, $130. The Helios SR is an 8.5 ounce, 2mm drop shoe that utilizes FriXion XF sticky rubber on the forefoot and FriXion AT rubber on the heel.

An Endurance Platform Rock Guard in the forefoot provides additional protection from rocks and roots. At 11.3 ounces and a 12mm drop, the Mutant is one of the most cushioned shoes in the La Sportiva line but also an aggressive, neutral trail shoe with a sticky toothed outsole. A Spyral tongue provides a customized fit and the Fusiongate lacing system uses high frequency welding reinforcements for a soft, supportive lacing harness.

“We are seeing people really trending toward technical trail shoes again,” said Lantz. “As we all can see cushion is back in a big way. People have come full circle and they are reappreciating the protection of a true trail shoe. On that note, the consumer is looking La Sportiva Helios SR and Mutant for protection and cushioning without sacrificing the lightweight feel that everyone found during the minimalist trend.”

From Ecco, the Biom Trail FL combines a natural running feel with grippy outsoles and rugged construction. It features an engineered sole profile specific for trail running with Ecco Biom Trail FL a wider point in the forefoot for-off- and on-road traction and stability. The shoe is designed with gender specific heel-to-toe-drop specifications (7mm for men’s, 6mm for women’s), promoting a forefoot running style. “With this latest advancement, we’re capitalizing on the success of the Biom Ultra Quest multisport shoe and incorporating what we learned from our Better Running Lab experiments,” said Andrzej “Bartie” Bikowski, lead designer. “We have achieved an ideal blend of flexibility, cushioning and support that will make you wish every run was just a bit longer.

Bonded uppers create a glove-like fit while polyurethane insoles feature printed silicon traction elements to stop the foot from sliding. A Kevlar mudguard and heel cap provides lightweight protection. The Biom Trail FL available in textile for $150 and yak nubuck leather for $170.

Vasque’s two trail models – the Trail Bender SST, Vasque Trail $140, and the Pendulum II, $120 - are both designed Bender SST to rack up the miles on the trail. “The trend towards maximum cushioning makes sense for running long on trails, yet we know others prefer a middle path with just enough cushioning and protection,” explained

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Brian Hall, director of product development at Vasque footwear. “Our Spring 2015 line delivers versatile options to suit a variety of endurance runners.”

The Trail Bender SST is a maximalist trail runner with EVA pods and a 4mm PU foam footbed that molds to a runner’s foot. The bonded static air mesh upper and lacing system holds the foot securely, allowing a runner to adeptly navigate the most technical trails. A Vasque Morpheus outsole, with its stability and multi-directional lateral lugs that assist with balance and traction, ensures runners stay upright no matter what the terrain.

The Pendulum II has the same basic tooling as its popular predecessor but performance updates make it a lighter, faster, more technical trail runner. A bonded upper eliminates issues such as hot spots and blisters and the Pendulum II’s midsole is designed to completely Vasque Pendulum conform to a runner’s foot for fit. The Pendulum II also comes in a Gore-Tex version, $150. It's ideal for trail runners looking for a shoe that falls in the middle between maximalist and minimalist.

After more than three years of product development and field-testing, Icebug is introducing the Zeal Trail Shoe, featuring the Swedish brand’s newly developed ‘HGMS2’ technology. Short for ‘Holy Grail Midsole Soft and Stable’, the HGMS2’s midsole design provides a stable; soft heel grip combined with side and underfoot protection. The HGMS2 is also made with two different densities for maximum feel, comfort and protection, but in a lightweight package. The Icebug Zeal Trail Zeal features a light, durable nylon upper and a Shoe new lacing system for a close fit.

The Zeal is available with two different outsoles: the Olx, $185, with 16 carbide steel studs and a tread pattern for control on the trail, and the RB9X, for $170, that features Icebug’s exclusive rubber compound and lug pattern for all around feel on wet or dry surfaces.

Wert said Icebug is finding trail runners looking for shoes that are built for the trail, not just made to look like it. “We see the demand for light, fast, stable and protection as important for those looking to really enjoy their runs on the trail,” said Wert. “We also see a very strong trend towards both OCR (obstacle course racing) and orienteering that is impacting design.”

The North Face is introducing the Ultra Cardiac, $110. Named for Cardiac Hill at the top of the famous Dipsea Trail, the Ultra Cardiac was designed to stand up to tough ascents and steep descents. Developed with numerous insights provided by Tim Olson, the ultra trail mountain runner, the shoe was created to handle a wide variety of terrain. “It provides great cushioning in a lower profile than a lot of other styles in running right now,” said Product Manager Mark Magruder. ”The medial sidewall is built up to provide a The North Face wide platform that will keep your mechanics in Ultra Cardiac and Ultra TRII check on longer runs and the wide forefoot allows the foot to splay out naturally.”

Also from The North Face, the Ultra TRII, $110, features a featherweight ripstop upper and glove-like fit. It comes complete with the Ultra Series suite of technology, including a full-length, road-to-trail Vibram Outsole, FlashDry Upper and Cradle Guide midsole platform; the Ultra TRII is engineered for traction and balance.

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“Our athletes challenged us to push the limits as far as we could go with weight while keeping the same ride and traction they've come to love,” said Magruder. “The North Face inspired ripstop fabric fit the bill for this upper to provide a snug fit with no extra frills or unnecessary materials.” The outsole came from a study The North Face did on traction. Added Magruder, “We found that more surface contact provided better traction for a variety of terrain as opposed to big deep lugs.

The outsole was designed with UTMB in mind where you're running cobblestone road to tech trail and insane weather changes.”

Altra Superior 2

Altra has a major update with the Superior 2, $110, a fast trail shoe that plays up an aggressive, sticky outsole and a slimmed-down EVA to save weight. One unique attribute is its removable stone guard “so if you’re on nasty terrain, you put it in. If you’re on easy steps, you take it out,” said Harper. It also features a mesh upper that keeps feet dry.

Another update is the Olympus 1.5, $135, which Harper said saw a “huge” response in its introduction, especially from ultra runners. He claims it’s the first foot-shaped, max-cushioned, zero-drop shoe available with the extra-cushioning “helping to keep feet from getting beat up.” Altra’s open-toe box also continues to stand out as a “huge deal” for many runners. The update is virtually identical to its predecessor with a little more traction added to the outsole.

Harper said Altra continues to build a loyal following among ultra runners with the popularity of the Paradigm and Lone Peak as well as the Superior and Olympus. Shoe counts conducted by the company show close to 30 percent of participants at ultra marathons are wearing Altra.

Hoka One One is unveiling the Challenger ATR, $130, complementing the lightweight, Hoka One One smooth-riding characteristics Challenger ATR of the Clifton with a more aggressive outsole, and increased support in the upper to create an all-terrain shoe for varied surfaces. Early Meta-Rocker

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geometry provides a fluid, efficient ride and independent rubber pods provide stability on uneven terrain for the runner who values versatility in their running shoe.

“As with our award-winning road model, the Clifton and the Challenger ATR offers a very good cushioning-to-weight ratio, but with the benefit of added traction for the trail," said Hoka’s President Jim Van Dine. "Based on the incredibly positive response we received with regards to the Clifton, it was natural to take that platform and adjust it for runners who also run on the trail.”

Montrail is revamping its entire line, including its two biggest models in the Bajada II, $135, and Mountain Masochist III, $125, according Montrail to Lewis.

Bajada II With seamless midfoot frame construction and a Fluidfoam midsole, the Bajada II is built for both flexibility and support. Lewis noted that all the plastic has been removed to reduce weight while no-sew construction creates a close-foot fit. A print-mix with rubber over the top gives it more support and abrasion resistance. Lewis added, ‘It’s a little lighter this season and a little closer to the foot fit but still really breathable.”

The Masochist’s design is “freshened up a bit,” and gets lighter with some metal taken out of the D-ring fastener. It also adds Fluidframe midsole technology that uses three different densities for sturdy support that remains flexible. The core features - including a rugged outsole and adjustable fit in the webbing on the upper – remain intact.

For more of a lightweight play, the FluidFlex ST, $95, adds a “little more structure to the popular Fluidflex. Deep flex grooves in the FluMontrail FluidFlex ST idfoam midsole increase the FluidFlex ST’s flexibility while abrasion-resistant overlay materials support and protect the mid- and forefoot. Added Lewis, “It’s a great trail product but it’s flexible and has a great ride and you’re able to take it on the road as well.”

Montrail will also upgrade its rugged, outdoor product with Columbia’s Outdry waterproof, breathable technology, and is also adding a stability model to its Fluidfeel road series.

On the marketing front, Montrail will pay more homage to its trail running heritage.

While Montrail will continue to support its athletes and the elite races, “we don’t want to exclude a lot of others who are into trail running and just enjoying the trail.” As such, marketing will focus on “inviting people to get off the road,” said Lewis. One tagline is: “Treadmill beats nothing, a road beats a treadmill, a trail beats a road, nothing beats the trail.” Added Lewis, “Everybody’s favorite run is a trail run so we’re going to talk more about that from a brand perspective.”

Expanding its line of fast and light trail running shoes, Merrell is introducing the All Out Collection, which features a flexible underfoot wrap that mobilizes the arch. The design activates the body’s most natural form by creating continuous ground contact for increased mobility and efficiency.

Other key design features include the UniFly Impact Protection of ultra-resilient, strategically-placed foam pads that provide a soft landing by dispersing impact and allowing for stable takeoff and protection. A circular design in the M Select Grip outsole rubber allows each lug to move independently, providing multi-directional contact and increased surface area for a stable and connected ride. A new Merrell All HyperWrap fit system locks the foot in place to enOut Peak hance stability and agility.

For mountain pursuits, the All Out Peak, $130, sports 24mm of cushioning for a soft but connected ride on the trail. A Vibram outsole with 6mm lug depth offers ample traction to ascend and descend

44 AUGUST 2014

confidently. Total stack height is 32mm and drop is 6mm. A GoreTex version is also available at a suggested price of $160. To go the distance on rugged terrain, the All Out Charge, $120, features 20mm of cushioning and a Vibram outsole with 5mm lug depth. Total stack height is 27mm with a 6mm drop.

Part of its CityTrail concept, Salomon is introducing the XScream 3D, $125, which plays up a multi surface grip and a responsive ride. The upper features Salomon’s well-known Sensifit and Quicklace system for strong foothold and comfort. Add Endofit and a seamless upper, and X-Scream 3D feels great on the feet, even without socks. Under the foot, X-Scream 3D uses a 3D Ride midsole that proSalomon vides enough cushioning for X-Scream 3D hard surfaces, with flex and rolling for an even stride.

Completing the package is Salomon’s Contagrip Outsole, with multi-density compound and varying chevrons to ensure grip on hard or loose surfaces, and long wear on pavement.

“One of the most interesting parts of running on trails is the varied landscapes and surface conditions. It adds a challenge and it’s fun,” explained Pete Cameron, product line manager for Salomon Trail Running Footwear. “We’ve taken this same idea of changing terrain and surfaces, and expressed it for a more urban environment. The shoes need to fit precisely to hold the foot for agile movements, and grip on varied surfaces, but they also need the cushioning and ride for running on pavement.”

At ToPo Athletic, the new Runventure, $110, features plating protection without sacrificing ground feel and traction across a variety of terrain.

“From a performance standpoint, we were overwhelmed with the compliments that we received in response to our MT model – people were blown away by how we were able to design a ToPo Athletic platform that performed Runventure equally well on road and trail,” said Tony Post, ToPo’s CEO. “A large part of this is credited to the three-density foam we use, which we’ve used in our new Runventure trail running model as well.”

From an aesthetics standpoint, the Runventure plays up a more adventurous color scheme. Added Post, “We experimented with more sophisticated, tasteful uses of color pop and color blocking, such as our women’s model, which is bright red with black design accents.”

Overall, Post said trail running shoes have improved from being “notoriously known for being stiff and clunky in the past,” Merrell All Out Charge

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resulting in a lot of bruised feet. But he suspected the infatuation with stack height and cushioning will eventually settle more in the middle.

“We believe trail runners are really looking for shoes that hit that sweet spot where the platform is flexible and responsive enough for the varied terrain but with the right amount of underfoot protection,” said Post. “Aesthetically, we’re seeing the same migration towards bright, rich hues and unconventional color pairings that we saw with road shoes.”

Oboz is coming out with three Trailsport styles that combine trail running and hiking, a scrambling activity Josh Fairchilds, Oboz’s VP of development, describes as "ruckOboz ing." Fairchilds said the collecEmerald tion’s "go-fast, low profile design Peak balances weight savings with crucial foot protection and trailworthy grip."

Common features of the three shoes include Hyalite outsole design that offers aggressive traction from 4mm deep lugs yet flexes naturally and has a light feel for the ground. Single piece mesh uppers provide a custom feel and fit while a breathable mesh and unlined forefoot promotes airflow. Other features include a light, compressed EVA Super Skin (ESS) plate for forefoot protection, a dual density EVA midsole, and a BFIT Essential insole.

For women, the Emerald Peak, $110, supports the foot with a structural cage of welded TPU. A neoprene mini-collar makes for sock-free comOboz Sundog and Palisade fort and helps keep trail debris out of the shoe. For men, the Sundog, $100, keeps it simple with a basic mesh upper that conforms readily to the foot.

Synthetic leather bolsters durability and protection of the toe, heel and midfoot areas. The men’s Palisade, $110, has welded TPU overlays that add structural support to the mesh upper. ■

RUN

IRONMAN® SPECTRUM PRO Blister free from the bottom-up, enhanced with a touch of Merino wool.

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S pring 2 0 1 5

Backpacking Gear Trends "Lighter and Faster" plus A Whole Lot More

By Scott Boulbol

I

t seems at every Outdoor Retailer show the key words in the backpacking/camping realm (and many others, too!) are “lighter and faster.”

Saving weight and improving design so the user can ultimately go faster and/or longer with less effort is always at the forefront of the key trends in backpacking, and understandably so. But other novel ideas also abound for Spring 2015.

We looked at the key trends in the three big categories: tents, backpacks and sleeping bags. Yes, lighter and faster was on every brand’s list, but there were also some other very compelling stories that will grab attention at this summer’s show, whether the broadening of recent trends or new innovations. In tents, for instance, a few years back there was a novel idea to focus on a different kind of “light:” built-in lighting. Some brands are now using this idea in backpacking tents. Another biggie is minimal-pole designs – not just for weight savings but also easier use and more living space.

With sleeping bags, while treated or “waterproof ” down has been around a while, it is now hard to find a down bag that isn’t treated somehow. There are numerous treated down options on the market to choose from – all offering some combination of quicker drying times, better performance in wet conditions, and even improved loft – and we’re seeing big growth in treated down/synthetic combo bags. The designs of these bags also continues to move away from the traditional rectangular or mummy styles, toward more moveable, comfortable and warmer configurations. People simply aren’t designed the same, and different areas of the body require different things, so bags with innovative foot boxes, contoured sides, flexible zones, varied insulation zones, etc., are becoming the new norm.

46 AUGUST 2014

Of course all of that gear needs a place to ride, and backpacks are getting better at organizing the loads while growing ever lighter and sleeker. And they’re doing so much more comfortably than ever – again not just for the generic consumer, but for real people in various shapes and sizes. Creative fit and suspension designs are changing the way packs fit and perform – from onbody adjustments to separate compartments, articulated movements, to maximum airflow. As materials continue to get stronger, lighter and often more flexible and waterproof, pack makers can create innovative designs that have increased functionality over previous iterations, with much sleeker designs and less extraneous parts and materials.

Tents Tent makers have made huge strides in recent years to bring the comforts of home to the outdoors, by way of increasing headspace, more vertical walls, better ventilation and storage, and easier setup. And some have even figured out ways to improve lighting inside the tent, without considerable weight gain or cumbersome electronics. While this already exists for car camping, albeit still on a small scale, Big Agnes has managed to bring it into the backpacking realm with its new Mtnglo line.

“We’ve wanted to integrate tents and lighting for a long time, but it wasn’t until now that the technology had progressed

Big Agnes Copper Spur 2

enough for us to provide an effective, lightweight solution with minimal cost increases,” said Bill Gamber, co-founder and president. “By adding lighting and power to our products, we’re bringing technology into the outdoors to deliver a whole new level of functionality, convenience and comfort.”

The Copper Spur 2, (90”x50/42”x42, 3.3lbs, $450), and Tumble 3 ,

(93”x73”x46”, 5.3lbs, $300) - along with other backpacking and car camping offerings, from one- to six-person - feature the Mtnglo lighting. This is achieved by integrating a thin strip of LED lights along the seams at the top of the tents. The strips are powered by three AAA batteries and turned on/off with an integrated light switch. Both offer over nine feet of vestibule space and feature extremely light carry weights. The Cooper Spur sports a silicone- and polyurethanetreated floor and fly for added waterproofing and strength, and the Tumble features a1200mm polyurethane coating.

At just over seven pounds, it’s not necessarily a backpacking-specific tent, we also have to include the new Wenzel Ridgeline 3-Person Tent, (84”x84”x50”, $80), with Light Reflect technology, it just might be worth the extra load. An Wenzel Ridgeline 3-Person Tent

innovative adjustable storage loft at the top of this freestanding, dome-style tent holds a flashlight, headlamp or small lantern pointing up. The light is then redirected across the tent from reflective panels on the dome. The ridgeline also features a D-shaped door with zip window cover, plus four-panel mesh roof and rear window for visibility and venting. A seam-sealed rain fly keeps the moisture out.

Natural light – weather from sun or stars – is also a key feature in today’s tent designs.

While eschewing electronic lighting, many manufacturers are focusing more on huge mesh windows and roof panels for the views and the venting. And hightension pole designs, often with ultralight and strong carbon poles, help provide

maximum floor space and headroom.

Brooks-Range Mountaineering (BRM) offers two tents that exemplify these ideas. While the freestanding Tension 30, (86”x50”x40”, 2.6lbs, $460), and Tension 40, (94”x62” x42”, 3.5lbs, $420), were actually recently released, BRM still Brooks-Range Mountaineering Tension 30

considers them a key product in its Spring 2015 lineup. The two- and three-person tents, respectively, achieve their svelte weights through an almost entirely mesh upper with two aluminum and one carbon pole, made more secure by a 2mm cord attached at the seams. But if the weather turns, a fully taped rain fly offers top-tobottom coverage, with each offering 6.6 feet of vestibule space, and an innovative “gutter” that flows water away from the zipper for less drip on entry.

Untraditional designs using high tension and offering better views are also key in Sierra Designs new Tensegrity Elite tents.

"For decades, backpackers have had little choice but to rely on overbuilt and underperforming tents. We realize there is a better way out there and we are reimagining the way we live in the backcountry,” said VP and Brand Manager Michael Glavin.

Using only two trekking poles, one included pole, and seven stakes to pull everything tight, these tarp tents are light and sturdy with plenty of interior space.

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The one-person model, (88"x30"x44", $400), weighs a mere 1.8 pounds, and the two-person, (88”x 50”x41”, $490), is only 2.1 pounds.

The unique design provides more space at the top than at the bottom, and a large drop door with awning makes for dry viewing and entering. Instead of vestibules, Sierra Designs tents use what they call a “gear closet” on each side, with interior or exterior access, and these can be rolled up for better views.

The North Face gets in the mix as well, with their Triarch 3, (88”x68”x47”, 4.8lbss, $490), also new for Spring 2015. This threeperson offering looks like a combination of their trademark geodesic dome shaping with a big-top tent in the middle, and almost entirely made of mesh for maximum viewing and ventilation. The creative five-pole design is freestanding and offers two large vertical D-shaped doors and good headroom in the center. Lighter colored mesh panels also improve privacy without inhibiting view. And the silicone-treated rainfly has multiple configurations so you can finetune breathability.

The North Face Triarch 3

Also featuring different fly configurations is the new Shifter 2, (83”x54”x 36”, 5.8lbss, $200), from Mountain Hardwear, which is also available in a three-person version. These dome style, freestanding tents both allow for different fly configurations depending on needs: Position the entry side of the “U-Turn” fly over the nylon door for better wind and weather protection; or position it over the mesh door for improved ventilation and visibility. The other side of the fly features a smaller vestibule that’s squared off at the bottom, for dry pack storage.

Scenery and comfort may be a nice bonus, but both Bergans and Hilleberg have focused more on maximizing protection from the elements while increasing strength and livable space, and decreasing weight.

Mountain Hardwear Shifter 2

Hilleberg’s President Petra Hilleberg said, “Although Hilleberg has never really been a ‘trend-driven’ company – since their ultimate goal is to make the best quality tents available – they do continue to listen to the market and strive to make their tents lightweight yet strong enough to withstand the harshest of conditions.”

One way to do that is by using traditional “tunnel” designs – long popular in Europe, and seeing a resurgence in the U.S. These structures offer more vertical walls and livable space, plus easy setup compared to many dome tents, as well as excellent vestibule space. And while not freestanding, they’re quite stable when staked and in the proper alignment from the wind.

Hilleberg’s Enan, (84”x 37”x 37”, 2.5lbs, $625), three-season solo tent is a prime example for Spring 2015. At 2.5lbs the single-pole, non-freestanding design is certainly ultralight, but a triple coating of silicone on both sides also ensures it is extremely waterproof and very strong. To achieve this they developed a new Kerlon 600 material. “Our goal was to create a solo three-season tent that was both as light as possible but that also matched our principles of strength,” said founder Bo Hilleberg. “We are quite happy with the result.” The tunnel shape also offers front-to-back ventilation with mesh panels at both ends even with the rain fly in place.

Hilleberg Enan

Bergan’s of Norway Rondane

Bergan’s of Norway also knows a thing or two about protection from the elements, and their Spring 2015 Rondane line has two, three, and four-person offerings with excellent combinations of weight and function. The all-season, threeperson tent, (63”x91”x31”, $600), weighs a very respectable 7.6 pounds but still offers a whopping 28 square feet of vestibule space. The inner tent is suspended from a silicone-coated ripstop nylon outer tent for easy pitching and excellent weather protection. And two hightensile aluminum poles offer this non-freestanding tunnel tent added stability.

Sleeping Bags “Waterproof ” or “treated” down – traditional down feathers treated for improved water repellency – have been around for a few years, but now, with more options available, almost all down bags feature some type of treated down. So, since wet weather is no longer a deterrent to down bags, they’re beginning to make inroads into synthetics previous territory. Nick Brown from Nikwax – a leading provider of treated down – explained: “For really extremely wet conditions, synthetics remain a good choice. But hydrophobic down definitely extends the range of conditions in which you can use down, and

48 AUGUST 2014

even will enhance performance in extreme cold where condensation often compromises down.”

In short, added Brown, this is how it works. “Down loses all of its elasticity when it absorbs a lot of water and simply collapses, losing its insulating capacity. By reducing the ability of the down to absorb water, we make the down perform much better in humid and wet conditions.”

Therm-a-rest, who uses Nikwax’s Hydrophobic Down exclusively, has redesigned its entire Spring 2015 down line to include this product. And wet-weather performance isn’t the only reason they chose this product. Nikwax is following a growing trend in Europe to steer away from fluorocarbon and PFC-based treatments, and substituting a water-based, non-FC or PFC treatment.

They are the only company to do so in the U.S. They say these are safer, healthier alternatives, especially considering the proximity of the down to the user.

Therm-a-rest Antares HD

One of their flagship bags for Spring 2015 is the Antares HD, (1.9lbs, $500), featuring its Thermacapture reflective lining, plus a sewn-through, insulated bottom, and 750 plus treated down fill.

It also features another recent trend – fitted straps through which a Therm-a-rest (or other) pad slides into place, to stay put no matter how much you toss and turn.

While not entirely new, Big Agnes has redesigned its best-selling Lost Ranger 15° sleeping bag, (3lb, $280), for 2015. They say the improvements mean added comfort and warmth. The 650-fill Downtek – their version of treated down – bag is updated with a new contour that widens the space in the shoulders and knees for side sleepers, who are being catered to increasingly in the camping world, rather than only designing for back sleepers with the traditional mummy style. And new tapers in the footbox help retain heat, they said.

Big Agnes Drift 0-Degree

The new Drift 0-Degree Bag, (2.7lbs, $630), features 850-fill DownTek treated down, and 15D nylon keeps the weight-towarmth ratio at the highest level possible. It also features flow construction which they say keeps the down from shifting within the bag. It’s also available in 45, 30, 15, 0, and -10-degree options.

Combining the best of synthetic insulation and their treated Dridown, the Kelty Dualist 20 Sleeping Bag, (3.2lb, $159), provides backpackers a more affordable bag that still offers the protection and compressibility of down. The treated down, which has better water repellency than synthetic, is layered just below the shell where outside moisture is an issue. Then Kelty Thermapro synthetic is placed under it, Dualist 20 just above the liner. This design, also available in 0- and 35-degree models, gives the best combination of heat retention and protection from moisture, they say, while weighing in 20 percent less than full-synthetic with 40 percent better compression.

But non-traditional doesn’t just mean shape. Another trend we’ve seen over the years, that is very strong for Spring 2015, is untraditional sleeping bags and/or bedding setups. Bags that zipper

open to become blankets for warmer weather (or as an additional layer in cold weather). Two-in-one systems, with removable liners, can double as warm weather bags. Sierra Designs’ Backcountry Bed Elite, (1.6lbs, $519), is a good example. Building on their popular Backcountry Bed, the new Elite threeseason model uses 850-fill Dridown and better materials in the shell and liner. It features a completely zipperless design, with an oval entry/exit opening on the top, an integrated comforter, and arm/hand sleeves. A hands-free foot vent allows the user to slide his/her feet in or out of the bag easily just by bending legs.

“This design allows you to sleep like you would at home – on your back, side or stomach – without getting tangled up in the bag,” added Glavin.

The North Face will also offer alternative bags in Spring 2015. Their super light, synthetic fill Ocelot, (1.5lbs, $99), has two uses: As an overbag it will add warmth to the main sleeping bag, or on its own as a summer weight bag. It features Heatseeker Pro cutstaple insulation and includes a full wraparound footbox zipper that allows it to lay flat like a blanket.

50 AUGUST 2014

It also packs down to about the size of a liter bottle.

On the other end of the temperature spectrum is The North Face Inferno -40 Sleeping Bag, (3.9lbs, $730). This longstanding bag has been rebuilt this season to keep up with the current trends. It features 800-fill treated down, a wider cut to allow users more comfort and to wear more layers inside the bag in the extreme conditions for which it is meant, and a trapezoidal footbox. Plus a new center zip means easier access, while the full draft collar and tube help prevent heat loss, and a rectangular side baffle prevents down migration. It’s also available in -20 and 0-degree models.

The North Face Ocelot and Inferno -40 Sleeping Bag

Backpacks Especially in the backpack category, lighter and faster is always the big trend. But along with that, we see vendors making packs more comfortable and adjustable

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with articulated movements, on-body adjustments, and always-improving moisture management. The days of the millions of straps hanging from every corner of the pack have been replaced by sleeker and more focused straps and pockets, and all the while improving storage intuitiveness with separate compartments for specific items.

Always among the best value in the biz, High Sierra will debute the Tech II Series internal frame packs at Outdoor Retailer. The key pack in the line will be the Lightning 35, (35L, 3.8lbs, $119), also available in a women’s model. Like many in the industry now, these versatile multi-day packs use a new air-mesh fabric on the suspended Airflow back panel, shoulder straps and waist belt. They say this has more surface texture to wick moisture and reduce perspiration. The pack also features aluminum tubing, cord zipper pulls, integrated stretch mesh front pockets for quick access, and a pivoting hip belt with two pockets.

Better known for Alpine packs, Mammut offers a crossover design with its Spring 2015 Trion Pro 50, (50L, 3.7lbs, $200), for backpackers who may also want to bag a peak on High Sierra Lightning 35 their journey. It’s plenty tough, with durable triple ripstop nylon fabric, and also has a fully removable and floating top lid and removable hipbelt. The large front pocket is designed for crampons but could also house a shovel, or extra clothing. But the key feature is the large zippered opening in the back, near the lumbar area, that allows access from either side to any part of the pack without spilling the contents.

If you add their Neon Speed Pack, (15L, 1lb, $80), into the Trion you’ve got a perfect summit pack to bag the peak. This unisex 15L pack stows into its own pocket for easy storage inside a larger pack. It’s based on the same footprint as their minimal trail-running packs, but with a more durable fabric for sliding around in the rocks. Plus an expandable front panel will hold a helmet, etc.

While not quite large enough for more than a Mammut Trion single overnight, and released in 2014, Camelbak’s Pro 50 Alpine Lumbar line is still worth a mention, thanks to its hydration storage. The Pursuit 24, (24L, 2.5lbs, $150), features an innovative lumbar-based hydration pocket – a first in the industry they say – which focuses the water weight on the hips rather than the shoulders. It holds a 3L bladder, with 21L of storage remaining, but features enough compression mesh and straps to carry some additional gear externally.

Suspended external mesh keeps the air flowing, and a pocketed hip belt holds it all in place.

Camelbak Pursuit 24 And Camelbak also offers a combination summit bag/hydration sleeve in their Arete, (16L, 10oz, $165), athough it’s a carryover product. This ultralight pack houses a 2L Camelbak hydration bladder when in a pack, and expands to Arete

52 AUGUST 2014

hold 16L worth of necessities for a quick day trip or summit.

Women’s-specific designs also continue to gain strength, and Mountain Hardwear’s Ozonic 58 women’s-specific pack, (58L, 3.4lbs, $260), has all the latest features plus a guaranteed waterproof outdry construction. They say it’s been rain-room tested for over 12 hours to back up the claim. Customizable women’sspecific suspension ensures the fit, and venting channels allow for airflow across the back. The top pocket flips for either maximum weather protection, or easier access to its contents. The Ozonic is also available in men’s 50L and 65L versions.

For a woman’s longest adventures, Gregory offers its new Deva 80, (80L, 5.1lbs, $350), their largest all-season women’s pack.

Thanks to the women’s‑specific Response A3, Gregory said the Deva 80 can haul loads of up to 60 pounds over long distances comfortably. Each size offers three harness sizes and five hip belt options for 15 different configurations. And there’s room for everything with its roomy interior, plus two side-mounted, zipper gear pockets, dual hip-belt pockets, and U-zip front or top access.

The line also includes 70L and

Gregory Deva 80 and Stout 65

60L, plus a men’s version, (called Baltoro), in 75L and 65L models.

Gregory will also offer the Stout 65, (65L, 3.7lbs, $200), as a lighter, more versatile option. They suggest it can be used just as well on the trail as it can on the road as a travel pack.

The Trailflex suspension – a lighter version of the Response A3 system from their Baltoro/Deva line – keeps the load on the lumbar area.

It also features a clever removable daypack, that doubles as a hydration sleeve inside the main compartment, for a side trip, and dual hip-belt pockets and water bottle Gregory Amber sleeves. The line also includes 75L, 45L and 35L models, and the women’s Amber version comes in 70L, 60L, 44L, and 34L. ■

Polartec® is a registered trademark of Polartec, LLC. ©Polartec 2014

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Each year we honor the supreme designers and fabric diviners who use Polartec® fabrics to create ingenious products that are truly Like Magic. Every APEX winner is presented the coveted Malden statue, an industry award unlike any on this world.

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S pring 2 0 1 5

Hikers Get

Faster

Spring’s multisport and hiking shoes fuse sleek styling with rugged tech features.

By Thomas J. Ryan

L

ighter, lower profile and aggressive styling continues to drive the hiking category for Spring 2015. “The trend in hiking is moving fast on the trails and using lighter footwear is essential,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva.

Overall, boot buyers are looking for versatility and the lightweight, flexibility they get from their athletic shoes but they are also looking for protection, breathability, comfort and waterproof attributes that they’ve come to expect from their athletic shoes.

“In general, hikers want what they have always wanted, the best performing, lightest weight, most reasonable-priced products that look awesome,” added Yahn Lebo, Wolverine’s product line manager.

Joanna Tomasino, Mammut’s category manager softgoods and footwear, sees an upswing in the hiking category overall as more people look to get outside whether it’s for a quick morning walk or an all day hike. Said Tomasino, “Consumers are also getting more savvy and are pushing manufacturers to create technical yet lightweight products which will keep them happy, healthy and safe in any environment.”

Mark Mathews, director of summer product development, Scarpa North America, agreed, “While it seems pretty clear that the trend in backpacking continues to be shorter trips and lighter pack weights, people still need good-quality, supportive footwear to accomplish their objectives.“ Bogs is among the brands seeing a benefit from people looking to use hikers for everyday use. “The technical hikers these days are primarily being bought by true gear-heads,” said Kelly Wallrich, Bogs’ VP of product. “What we are seeing a lot of is hiking footwear becoming more of a lifestyle product.

There is a sort of hybrid happening. A technical hiker with the right design is becoming a universal, everyday shoe. People like the comfort and stability of this true hiker so they are starting to wear it as an everyday shoe as long as the design looks good.”

54 AUGUST 2014

Overall, the category is expected to continue to expand with continued interest in more weekend hiking or "done in a day" style hiking. Said Greg Thomsen, managing director, Adidas Outdoor U.S., “We see a younger generation in their early twenties, having a growing interest in hiking and outdoor sports. Health, fitness and fun is a top priority for this demographic."

For Spring 2015, Arc’teryx’s has given a lot of attention to its upcoming arrival into the footwear category. The eight shoe styles for men and women - separated into low-cut approach shoes (Alpha FL) and mid-cut hiking and light trekking boots (Bora Mid) - all share Arc’teryx’s Adaptive Fit technology, featuring separately manufactured inner and outer shoes that work together for the best fit-adaptability, breathability and weather protecArc’teryx’ tion.

Alpha2 FL and In the top-of-the-line Bora2 Mid styles, the Alpha2 FL, $270, and Bora2 Mid, $320, the liners are completely removable and interchangeable for improved wash and dry-ability and to extend the use and climate adaptability of the shoes. The durable outer shell is made from a seamless one piece upper that is laminated from four layers of technical, hydrophobic materials. A large breathable woven PU coated nylon yarn insert area allows for air exchange while increasing durability.

Each product line is equipped with an activity-specific exclusive Arc’teryx Vibram sole. A cushioned EVA midsole moves freely in the heel to provide secure and flexible treading.

Ecco Biom Terrain Photo courtesy Ecco

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Shaped individually for every size available, three-dimensional rubber components protect heel and toe areas from rock contact.

“We have a rich history of thinking beyond current materials and construction and everything about these shoes revels the Arc’teryx genetic code of understanding what a product needs to be at its most essential level,” said Federico Sbrissa, Arc’teryx’s footwear product line manager. “By incorporating techniques like lamination, we developed shoes that offer unprecedented durability, comfort and precision performance in the most breathable mountain footwear construction on the market.”

Across brands, however, a notable launch is Gore-Tex’s Surround technology, which is being rolled by La Sportiva, Mammut, Scarpa and others.

The centerpiece of the new technology is a special construction under the foot.

Sweat can escape through the Gore-Tex laminate positioned in the underside of the shoe into the open structure of the “spacer” – and from there out of the shoe via side ventilation outlets. The unique construction keeps feet drier because the sweat produced by your feet – about one third of sweat glands are on the soles of the feet – is transported away from feet faster. Dry feet enhance a sense of well-being and prevent rubbing and painful foot blisters from occurring.

Mammut is utilzing the technolgy in its Comfort High GTX Surround Boot, $199, that comes in two styles for both men and women in a high- and low- cut version.

“Developed closely with our partners at Gore, this technology will introduce a truly comfortable waterproof and breathable hiking boot to Mammut the market which will achieve a more optimal microComfort High GTX Surround climate, less risk of blisters and a noticeable improveBoot ment of overall foot comfort,” said Tomasino.

Additional ventilation in the Comfort High GTX Surround is provided by an air-permeable layer between the wedge and insole, which also offers comfortable cushioning. The lightweight hiking boot also features board lasting; Mammut’s patented Rolling Concept; a Hybrid Shell that provides shape and stability; an IP EVA wedge with elevated cushioning and integrated arch support; and a protective liquid rubber toe cap. The new Sonar comfort sole by Gripex features multi-directional lugs and two different rubber hardnesses for grip on any terrain.

Tomasino believes the trend in hiking footwear begins to mimic the trail running category - as more hikers seek footwear that allows their feet to remain in a more natural position while providing enhanced cushioning without added bulk or weight.

Tomasino added, “Our new Comfort Hiking series accomplishes this and more by incorporating features such as a comfort last with more room in the forefoot, an IP EVA wedge for added cushioning and using lightweight upper materials like our breathable and durable ripstop nylon mesh hybrid shell design.”

From La Sportiva, the Core High GTX, $180, and the Primer Low GTX, $160, also use the new Gore-Tex Surround Technology. “The La Sportiva breathability of Gore-Tex Surround technology is Primer Low GTX really impressive for waterproof footwear and when we combine it with La Sportiva’s craftsmanship and attention to detail, the result is some of the highest performance shoes we’ve ever offered,” said Lantz.

Both boots feature innovative nano-cell technology in the upper that wraps the foot in protection while allowing maximum breathability and waterproof protection. STB Technology stabilizes the foot by wrapping the midsole and unifying it with the upper for a locked-down fit.

La Sportiva likes to view its hiking models as 50 percent mountain running, 25 percent approach and 25 percent mountain boot in their design elements.

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La Sportiva Primer Low GTX

Photo courtesy Ecco

“Both styles use the Gore Surround technology and they are lightweight hiking boots that have aggressive traction but they feel like a trail runner under foot,” added Lantz. “All synthetic, waterproof and highly breathable; the Core GTX and Primer GTX all sport Vibram soles and our new Nano cell upper technology. This is a TPU Grid directly injected into the mesh upper to provide structural integrity while allowing maximum breathability. You can hike in them, you can run in them and you can go all day in them and be protected and comfortable.”

Adidas Outdoor is introducAdidas ing the Terrex Scope High GTX, Outdoor $200, a mid-cut approach shoe Terrex Scope High GTX featuring a Stealth rubber outsole for grip and control over wet and rocky terrain. It also features a Gore-Tex membrane, an adiPrene insert for comfort and shock absorption, a neoprene collar for comfort and protection, and a molded Ortholite sockliner.

Hiking has been one of Adidas Outdoor’s fastest-growing categories since its relaunch, with its Fast X GTX standing out as a strong seller. “Overall hikers are looking for comfort, light weight and performance and of course, maximum grip,” said Thomsen. “Our general product focus is on style, protection, performance technology and value.”

Asolo will introduce the Magix, $120, designed for the Asolo Magix hiker who needs the torsional support and durability of a boot but wants the freedom of a lightweight low top shoe. “We saw a demand for a low top shoe that still offers the support, protection and durability of a hiking boot,” said Henry Barber, Asolo’s head of sales. “The Magix is our answer to that need.

The Schoeller upper provides incredible durability without adding weight, and we use an Asoflex lasting board to provide appropriate flex and torsional stability in uneven terrain. The PU heel insert and micro-porous rubber insole offer shock absorption for all day walking in the mountains, but, at only two lbs. per pair and with a low cut design, customers experience a new freedom of movement.”

Bogs’ new Bend Hiking Boot, $130, offers a lightweight, Bogs Bend Hiking Boot breathable option for the trail.

It’s crafted with nubuck leather and breathable mesh as well as Bogs’ Max-Wick and DuraFresh to move sweat away and keep

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odor at bay. With Rebound in the outsole, hikers can be assured of lasting comfort. “People are looking for comfort, stability and traction,” said Wallrich. “Depending on their environment they are also looking for waterproof and breathability.”

With consumers wanting more usage from their boots, including for more casual purposes, Lowa is offering a DLX version in core models such as Renegade GTX Mid for men, $250.

It features all the same comforts as the original Renegade with optically enhanced textured full grain leather, gummy colored sole, waxed laces and metal Gore-Tex logo. Said Peter Sachs, general manager for Lowa Boots, “While many of these shoes will be used for hiking, today's customer does want to look good. This is evidenced by not just the boots, but also jackets, packs and so on which are all made with colors reflecting current fashion trends.”

For women, the Ferrox GTX Mid, $195, returns with a new fashion-forward color palette. It features a lightweight synthetic upper, Lowa’s injected PU sole technology and Monowrap construction for support and stability, a Gore-Tex lining, and a NXT sole for traction and durability. It’s constructed on a women's specific last.

Sachs said color is a big part of the story in Lowa’s outdoor fitness speed hiking models with the Ferrox as well as the Innox. Added Sachs, “These shoes need to reflect the athletic inspirations and not look like another ‘brown’ hiking boot. They can absolutely be worn on the trail and they can absolutely be worn with a pair of jeans at the martini bar or with a pair of Lululemon tights on a fitness walk outside and out of the gym.”

From Merrell, the Capra collection of hiking shoes and boots are built for steep ascents and rocky trails. A scrambling design is nimble with a Vibram MegaGrip outsole inspired by the dexterity of the mountain goat, offering climber-like traction in extreme conditions - wet or dry. A Merrell UniFly midsole is tapered with deep cushioning in the heel and thinner cushioning in the toes for greater feel and agility. Lace-to-toe design moves with the foot while providing stability for ascents and descents.

For men and women, the collection is available in the Capra Mid Sport Gore-Tex, $190, and low-cut Capra Sport Gore-Tex, $160. The, Capra Sport, $130, is a low-cut version with a synthetic leather and mesh upper.

"When we talk about the trail, it means so much more than just a destination. It's our inspiration,” said Martin Dean, creative director at Merrell. “We look up to nature and hold it as our creative muse because nature holds all the answers to the problems we aim to solve with the products we create.”

Keen has a major update in the Targhee II Mid–TAC, $135. A notable change includes replacing the leather underplays with an ultra-durable and lightweight synthetic that saves a little over an ounce of weight on a men's 9. Other features include a Keen.

Dry waterproof, breathable membrane; a removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed; torsion stability ESS shank; dualdensity compression molded EVA midsole; and 4mm multi-direction lugs. “We’re always looking for ways to improve, even on

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Lowa Renegade GTX Mid

Merrell Capra Mid Sport Gore-Tex

Merrell Capra Sport

Keen Targhee II Mid–TAC

The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX

Columbia Sportswear Ventralia

styles that are fan favorites,” said Keen’s Outdoor Business Unit Director Jeff Dill.

Dill said the hiking category has been “growing rapidly” for Keen in recent years. “Fit and function will always rule the day for more serious hikers,” said Dill. “But if you can provide that plus an element of protection plus being lightweight, then you have a winner. It tends to be on a sliding scale depending on the athlete and length of the hike, but some combo of all the above is important.”

The North Face will unveil its men’s Hedgehog Fastpack GTX, $120. The lightweight, waterproof hiker travels fast with the support of a Cradle Guide midsole, a durable Vibram outsole, and a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane. “This is the relaunch of an iconic style,” said The North Face’s Footwear Director Carey Platto. “We kept that out of the market for the year of 2014 and that’s a tough decision as a brand because it’s perennially our strongest seller.

But we dried it up. Demand was slowing and it was dated, so we needed to refresh it and bring it into our modern aesthetic.

So not only do we launch the Hedgehog Fastpack in Spring 2015, but we expand Hedgehog into a five shoe collection.”

Columbia Sportswear’s Spring line is anchored by the Vent collection. “The original Drainmaker, introduced in Spring 2011, was a hybrid water shoe that quickly became our most successful and best-selling style,” said Todd Lewis, product director, Columbia Sportswear.

“But, customers told us that the product benefit was larger than drainability, larger than water. They told us the larger benefit was venting and warm-weather comfort. We listened and have expanded the collection beyond Drain to Vent, and in the process have added dozens of new styles in varying silhouettes.”

The Vent Trail collection is led by the Ventralia, $90, which uses vent channels that are strategically placed for airflow and lightweight cushioning to handle any trail with support and comfort. The Ventralia features Omni-Grip, multidirectional traction on the sole. “We’ve taken breathability to an extreme by

Columbia Sportswear Megavent

Timberland Earthkeepers Gorham Chukka and low Waterproof

offering a sockliner with strategically-placed vents and an upper that features two panels of open mesh,” said Lewis. “With all that airflow, the Ventralia has surprising stability and support on trail, thanks to EVA strobe in the heel for torsional rigidity.

The Megavent, $105, has an incredibly ventilated upper and a unique, patented Techlite midsole design that moves air with every step. The lightweight shoe is bonded with rubber supports to provide superior stability and traction on all surfaces. “Simply put, this is the most ridiculously versatile footwear in the outdoor industry,” said Lewis. “Our customers will be able to easily spot our iconic vented soles on the wall in their favorite store and on the feet of their active friends and neighbors.”

Addressing performance hikers’ need for an agile, versatile shoe for fast hiking, Vasque is introducing the Inhaler Collection, $120, $140 with Gore-Tex. Built upon an Equalizer Last with an athletic EVA midsole, the lightweight Inhaler collection includes Vasque’s most breathable performance hikers which feature a structural ventilation of mesh, perforated foam and airpermeable toe and heel counters for maximum air flow. The combination of the Vasque exclusive Vibram Pneumatic outsole and Megagrip rubber gives hikers significant traction over a variety of terrain while still providing comfort and protection, so they can move quickly along the trail with confidence.

Vasque Inhaler “The Inhaler Collection fills a Collection niche in the performance hiking category that has been missing,” stated Brian Hall, Vasque’s director of product development.

“We’ve taken what we have

learned from long distance thru-hikers and applied it to a shoe that we expect to be as popular for them as it will for day hikers and those going out for weekend excursions.” The mid-version, Inhaler GTX, $160, is only available with GoreVasque Inhaler Collection

Tex and comes in two colors for men and two for women. The Inhaler Low is available in a Gore-Tex, $140, and non-GoreTex version, $120.

Seeking lightweight and versatility, Hall said hikers are looking for a blend of the athletic features of trail running shoes with stability attributes of more traditional hiking boots. “Vasque is adding Vibram sticky rubber compounds to our Spring 2015 Performance Hiking line adding more traction in a wider variety of terrain,” said Hall. “Overall, we see the hiking category as very healthy.”

At Timberland, the Earthkeepers Gorham Chukka Waterproof, $130, is a

trail-capable chukka that merges a casual silhouette with a 100-percent Vibram EcoStep rubber outsole for traction on any surface. Premium full-grain waterproof leather from a Silver-rated tannery and waterproof membrane keep feet dry, and a removable Anti-Fatigue technology footbed provides all-day comfort and support. It also comes in a low waterproof version for $120.

“We’ve seen the lifestyle trend really take off in the outdoor world over the past few seasons,” said Gregg Duffy, senior director, outdoor performance at Timberland. “Now we're seeing outdoor beginning to find its way into the more urban settings. Consumers are looking for function with style in their footwear and todays Timberland offers much more than just rugged functionality.

Style, craftsmanship and versatility takes consumers from the office, to the café, to the trail and can handle whatever their outdoor experience calls for.”

From Oboz, the suede-leather Teewinot, $120, features a new outsole with sticky rubber - the first time for Oboz - and 4mm lugs. Overlasted construction encapsulates the midsole and adds support and comfort. It also features Oboz’ BFit Deluxe insole – heralded by

Oboz Teewinot

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many retailers as equal to aftermarket insoles. Josh Fairchilds, Oboz’s VP of development, said hiking continues to be a healthy category for the brand.

“Yes, the economy is improving, but people are still seeking high value in their footwear purchases,” said Fairchilds.

“Though they are accepting higher price points, they expect more for their money and I think we have succeeded in delivering on that proposition in great fitting products that endure and perform. Color is important in the hiking category but you also have to first hit the mark on materials and function."

At Scarpa, the R-evolution GTX, $239, ushers Scarpa’s unique Scarpa Sock-Fit technology into the R-evolution backpacking category. “CustomGTX ers continue to seek out products with which they can do more with less - less weight, less bulk and less complications,” said Mathews. “We are addressing this with a design concept we call Scarpa Sock-Fit. By replacing a traditional tongue construction with stretch materials, we have reduced weight and bulk, and at the same time enhanced fit and comfort.”

First unveiled in a boot Scarpa designed with climber Ueli Oxygen GTX Steck, Sock-Fit reduces bulk and improves precision using a stretchy Schoeller softshell instead of a traditional tongue.

A multi-sport shoe for trail and travel, the Oxygen GTX, $189, blends Scarpa’s Sock-Fit construction with Gore-Tex Surround technology that allows the shoe to breathe through the footbed, not just the upper. “Hikers are looking for a versatile, durable product that fits well, and performs on and off the trail,” added Mathews. “And product that looks good, too!”

At Wolverine, the Fletcher Mid Fx, $100, features waterWolverine Fletcher proof full grain leather and Mid Fx fabric upper as well as a moisture managing mesh with a waterproof breathable membrane lining to ensure feet stay dry and comfortable. A polyurethane abrasion resistant toe-bumper offers toe protection, and a rubber lug outsole provides reliable traction on a variety of terrains. A removable EVA footbed and compression molded EVA midsole cushions and supports.

“The consumer we built the Fletcher for wants features like waterproofing but, for our brand, isn't willing to spend a lot of money on an expensive waterproof/breathable membrane in a hiker,” said Lebo.“That same consumer needs us to deliver

60 AUGUST 2014

the right aesthetics but may not be the first adopter of a new design concept.

Once those guard rails were in place, the Fletcher started to take shape to be a $100 mid-waterproof hiker for a moderately athletic guy.”

Five Ten is partnering with Gore-Tex to produce a waterproof version of the brand’s best-selling Camp Four Mid GTX, $210, and Camp Four GTX, $180.

The new trail shoes have a synthetic upper with a Gore-Tex membrane for breathability and waterproofness, plus a stabilizing TPU heel cup, Ortholite sock liner to fight moisture and discourage bacteria, and deep Stealth S1 lugs for soft ground penetration.

Five Ten Camp Four Mid GTX and Camp Four GTX

“The trend that is continuing is people moving away from bulky, heavy leather hiking boots, and looking for lighter, more breathable high-performance synthetic or leather-blend models,” said Laura Sanders, director of U.S. sales and global marketing. “We have addressed demands for dry-in-a-night materials, but see consumer demand for all-season shoes that not only don’t soak up moisture, but repel it.”

Five Ten is also introducing the Catburgler, $95, a multi-sport shoe designed for people who want to be fast, light and stable on mixed terrain.

The models, available in both men’s and women’s specific models, utilizes Five Five Ten Catburgler

Ten’s super-sticky Stealth HF rubber.

Said Sanders, “This shoe was tested by our athletes who live for adventure - sometimes publicly on shows like American Ninja and The Great Race.”

At Salomon, the updated Quest 4D 2 GTX, $230, retains the predecessor's strong stability and grip, with a more ergonomic tongue for improved comfort, laces that stay tied better and fresh design details. Includes a non- marking Contagrip outsole, Gore-Tex membrane, waterproof bootie lining, molded EVA midsole, and Salomon's 4D Advanced Chassis to help control flex, reduce ankle strain, enhance stability and protect feet from rough terrain.

Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX and S-Lab X Alp Carbon GTX

Also from Salomon, the S-Lab X Alp Carbon GTX, $300, with a low-cut and lighter Carbon Edging Chasis, is built for speed-oriented, professional mountaineers during ridge ascents, easy climbing sections and glacier crossings.

It also features an integrated gaiter, great flexibility and grip while being crampon compatible. Anne Deroulede, product line manager for Salomon footwear, remarked, “We’ve had more than 40 testers and dozens of prototypes for over two years, and finally we have the ultimate shoe for the new generation of mountaineers.”

Muck Boots will introduce the Peak Hardcore, $200, a versatile hiking boot comprised of full grain crazy horse leather with an insulating

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neoprene bootie. Rated at –40 degrees, the Peak Hardcore is waterproof, lightweight, and has an aggressive outsole that works well on all types of hiking terrain.

“The trends we are seeing in the hiking category are versatility,” said Sean O'Brien, global director of retail footwear for Honeywell, Muck Boots’ parent. “The other trend in hiking is using new, lightweight materials. Muck Boots uses their signature neoprene material to provide maximum comfort, warmth and waterproof protection.”

Ecco will show an update to its Biom Terrain Light Hiker, $230.

The boot offers a yak flexible leather upper and new lacing pattern for an even better fit. Weighing only 555g (men’s size 41) and 455g (women’s size 37), the boot features a PU midsole and rubber outsole with specialized lugs for traction over a wide range of conditions.

Biom Terrain represents a slimmer, more athletic alternative to the Biom Hike, the first in a new generation of boots that allows the foot to move as nature intended with its anatomical footbed. Other core features include a Gore-Tex membrane, a direct-injected midsole a rubber ankle insert cushioning for an athletic fit, rounded heel and forefoot to promote a natural stride, a reinforced toe cap,and scratch-resistant Kevlar for extra protection.

“We believe that form follows function, which means you need shoes that really fit to your feet, especially when it comes to performance products,” said Ejnar Truelsen, chief designer, Ecco.

“BIOM Terrain inspires you to explore the back country through its low-to-the-ground construction and anatomical footbed that balance comfort and stability.”

Hi-Tec Sports is introducing its Altitude Lite Hiking Boot Hi-Tec Sports Altitude Lite series, $90 men’s/women’s, $85, Hiking Boot kids. The hiker combines waterproof suede and nylon mesh in a durable, breathable upper.

The Dri-Tec waterproof, breathable membrane keeps feet dry from inside and outside the boot, while a nylon shank supports the foot on uneven terrain. I-shield technology repels dirt and water. An OrthoLite sockliner cushions the foot. A Ghille lacing system snugs down securely for uphill and downhill foothold. Fashionable color pops and outdoor styling run across styles with two colorways for men and women, and three colors for kids.

“Hikers are looking for versatility and lightness in a boot or shoe that can perform a number of functions from day hiking to dog walking to casual wear,” said Ian Little, marketing manager, HiTec Sports USA. “Hi-Tec has a range of products that are technical yet just as suitable for the urban environment, or yard work.“ ■ Muck Boots Peak Hardcore

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CALENDAR For full year calendar go to sportsonesource.com/events

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AUGUST 3-5

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