043: Trends in Backpacking

Today on The First 40 Miles, learn about the upcoming trends in backpacking gear. Then, on The SUMMIT Gear Review, the headlamp that illuminates without a lot of complicated button pushing. Next, the Backpack Hack of the week will show you how to sleep like a baby. Then, we’ll wrap up the show with very little humor and a bit of trail wisdom. Show Notes: Episode 043 Opening * About Outdoor Retailer 2015 * In Salt Lake City at the Salt Palace and Pavillions * Retail buyers, Media, Manufacturers all in one place * Learned a lot about upcoming gear, new features, and trends * Great ideas that fuel The First 40 Miles for months to come The Top 5 Trends at Outdoor Retailer Show High Quality Food on the Trail * Organic, Ancient Grains, Superfoods, Grass–Fed Beef, Real Food * Creative, Exotic, Flavors * More outdoor brands going into the food business Adjustable Torsos on Packs * Means that fixed torso length is becoming maybe a thing of the past. * It also means that packs will be more re-sellable, since size doesn’t matter * Thule will come out with adjustable torso packs Outdoor Gear vs Outdoor Lifestyle * Nearly every established brand has created a line of lifestyle gear * This gear is for two types of people: Brand Loyalists +People Who Want to Look Like Outdoors People * Beware of lifestyle gear, because it may not have the technical specifications that will make it good for all your backpacking adventures * Lightweight and performance materials are often sacrificed for looks Tons of Vintage Design Influences * Some of these brands have been around for long enough that they have designs that are cool again. * The designs from 40 years ago now have been updated with performance fabrics Gear and Food for Four Legged Backpackers * People want to bring their dogs on trips for companionship and safety * Meal replacement bars just for dogs * Dog packs, lightweight gear, shoes, just for dogs * Rabbit jerky (with the hair) just for dogs SUMMIT Gear Review™: UCO Comfort-Fit Headlamp (A-120) Structure * Neoprene head band, so it’s comfortable without sacrificing weight * The battery pack is in the back, in a slim little pocket * Has a simple band around the head, with not cross band over the skull. * No slipping issues * The lens is on the front and there’s a stylized ziz-zag wire to the back * UCO did a great job with styling, giving faux leather, and canvas look * UCO, est. 1971, had a fun time giving this that heritage throwback look * Again, technical gear with a fun vintage feel Utility * Light can be tilted down, to almost a 90 degree angle, not quite. * If you twist the light to the right, you feel a click: RED Night Vision Light * Twist to the left and you get a dim light that can go up to 120 lumens * It goes seamlessly from dim to bright…and it starts out dim so you don’t ruin your night vision. * At max light output it glows 120 lumens Mass * 3.6 ounces or 101 grams Maintenance * 3 AAA batteries * The case that holds the batteries is within a little canvas pouch * Velcro type closure on it is the newer style of hook and loop which is a lot less likely to snag your nice performance clothing or wool base layers Investment * $39.99 * The step down from that, is $29.99 for the UCO Comfort Fit (A-45) only 45 lumens Trial Head lamp for dummies: simple to use, comfortable, lightweight, well-designed, and it does what I need it to do. Shine. Backpack Hack of the Week™: Dollar Store Fleece Blanket My simple solution, was to wrap my full stuff sack in a Dollar Store fleece blanket. You can find these on the baby aisle, and they’re the perfect size.