2018 has begun, and winter is in full swing. Epic snowfall in the Alps, snowboards and skis are out, waxed and ready to go. So summer may not be on your mind at the moment. Nevertheless, there are some really cool products that are coming onto the market this year which we would love to share with you.
Every year the Outdoor Show in Friedrichshafen in July, is the place where almost every outdoor brand presents the collection for the next spring/summer season to retailers and media. GearLimits was there, of course, and have felt, fitted and tried products. We have spoken to designers, marketers and athletes about the gear coming out.
Like every year, there were a number of products that really impressed us which we have chosen to award the online GearLimits Great Gear Award.
Berghaus | GR20 Storm Jacket
Berghaus has, in collaboration with WL Gore, launched the GR20 Storm jacket, made from the new 3L Gore-Tex Active shell fabric. The GR20 Storm jacket weighs only 277 grams (medium size) and has features such as a hood with simple adjustment from one point, large hand pockets with 3D panel construction for even more ventilation at high effort, and a V-cut hem.
The Berghaus GR20 has a chin guard, YKK AquaGuard water-resistant zippers, and extra strong seams. The GR20 Storm jacket is not only the best breathable 3L Gore-Tex jacket in the world, but it also delivers the top mountain clothing where Berghaus Extrem is known for. We have already been able to try out this jacket in the pouring rain on a glacier and sub-zero high alpine environment (Review is coming up) and were blown away.
Arc’teryx | Konseal FL Approach shoes
The new Arc’teryx Konseal FL Approach shoes are made for the mountains; this technical shoe offers adventurers a balanced walking shoe designed to combine durability, weight, and stability. Guaranteed stability is achieved by a TPU insert reinforced footbed, an increased midsole perimeter, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole.
The Arc’teryx Konseal FL Approach is designed to achieve smooth heel-to-toe handling for the technical field with a heavy backpack load. Lightweight performance of 300 grams per shoe. Also available in a Gore-Tex version.
Rab | Mythic 200 sleeping bag
The Rab Mythic 200 is a tapered mummy sleeping bag made of a lightweight Pertex Quantum 7-denier inner and outer shell, with 900 filled certified responsible and PFC-free water-resistant down filled in the trapezoidal baffles. All trims such as zips and drawstrings are super lightweight without compromising on performance.
The Rab Mythic is available in three different models that correspond to their fill weights in grams and the temperature range; the 200, 400 and 600. The Mythic 200 has a comfort level of 6 degrees Celsius degrees and weighs a little more than a pound.
Osprey | Levity 60 backpack
Osprey Packs introduces the super-ultralight Levity 60 (unisex) for spring 2018. The Levity offers comfort, ventilation, and load capacity. The key to the design of the backpack is the strategic use of high-quality fabrics, lightweight materials with durable outer fabrics to minimise the weight of the pack without compromising durability.
The NanoFly fabric from Osprey integrates polyethylene with an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ripstop and nylon to create a robust and lightweight fabric with a remarkable resistance to water, abrasion, UV rays and chemicals.
MSR | WindBurner Duo Stove
The MSR Windburner Duo Stove is equipped with radiant burner technology and is wind resistant, has a modular design and is ideal for backpackers wanting ultra-efficient performance. The enclosed burner and pressure regulator quickly deliver meals and coffee in challenging conditions that other burners would have trouble with.
The supplied 1.8-liter pot is perfect for two in which all parts can be stored. The MSR Windburner Duo Stove fits all WindBurner cookware and offers a range of cooking options to support different modes of travel.
Patagonia | Micro Puff Hoody
With the Micro Puff, Patagonia claims to have a jacket that offers more heat for its weight than any other jacket that has ever been made. The Micro Puff is outfitted with a patented PlumaFill insulation, labeled by Patagonia as ‘best-down-like synthetic’ ever made.
According to Patagonia PlumaFill has comparable heat/weight, compressibility and feels like down, but then in an ultra-light, durable, stays warm when wet-synthetic garment that does not clump and has no cold spots. The Micro Puff is exceptionally light and has body-mapped, padded baffles in a unique and distinctive design.
Nemo | Helio LX Pressure Shower
The Nemo Helio LX shower is the new, larger version of the Nemo Helio, with a few upgrades. Unlike conventional gravity-fed systems, the Helio systems rest on the ground and are pressurized by their integrated foot pump, which provides excellent water pressure for showering, cleaning dishes or clogging.
The new LX model includes a threaded filler cap with an opening large enough to reach inwards for cleaning. The LX model has a capacity of 22 liters with a 2.1-meter long hose, which delivers 7 to 10 minutes of water pressure.
