UKC

OutDoor Friedrichshafen 2015: UKC Report

© Jack Geldard

It was that time of year again, when the outdoor industry assembles across 12 gigantic halls in a small German town for an intense 5 days of networking, beer-drinking, Currywurst-eating and most importantly - showcasing the hottest products for 2015/16. At OutDoor Friedrichshafen 2015, our 5-strong troupe saw it all - from cams weighing virtually nothing, retro-coloured trousers, crack gloves and hydrophobic down. Gear geeks beware: make space in your gear cupboards for what looks to be an exciting variety of new and innovative products!

Natalie and Jack check out the new Solution Harness from Black Diamond  © Alan James
Natalie and Jack check out the new Solution Harness from Black Diamond
© Alan James

Over the next few weeks we will be publishing video interviews and photos with brand representatives, who talked us through the key features of their favourite new items. 

Whether you're looking for new shoes, the lightest harness or the best camping equipment, we hope our videos will give you a helping in hand in choosing what to save up for...

Featuring just under 1,000 exhibitors, the atmosphere at the event was bustling, with a healthy mixture of big business and social events. Other highlights included lectures, BBQ's, slacklining and games of 'spot the famous climber' as they attended the show with their sponsors.

A staggering 39 OutDoor Industry Awards were presented at the show, including 9 Gold Awards. One that caught our eye was the initiative 'Gift Your Gear' founded by Sarah Howcroft. It is a system 'by the industry for the industry' in which donated outdoor clothing and equipment is given to community organisations, youth groups and charities working with young people in the outdoors, with the additional aim of inspiring future generations to get outdoors and do more to look after the environment. 

Keep an eye out for our product videos over the next while. Here are some photos to keep you going in the meantime...

Chris Lines shows off some new shoes to Natalie Berry at the Berghaus stand  © Jack Geldard
Chris Lines shows off some new shoes to Natalie Berry at the Berghaus stand
© Jack Geldard

Natalie Berry catches up with German bouldering stars Jan Hojer and Jule Wurm at the Mammut stand  © Jack Geldard
Natalie Berry catches up with German bouldering stars Jan Hojer and Jule Wurm at the Mammut stand
© Jack Geldard

The very light Black Diamond Camalots seemed to go down well...  © Jack Geldard
The very light Black Diamond Camalots seemed to go down well...
© Jack Geldard

photo
Jack Geldard looks at the new Primus Lite +
© Alan James

photo
DMM celebrate winning an OutDoor Industry Award for their Pivot belay device
© Jack Geldard

photo
Jack Geldard tries out the Splitter Glove from Outdoor Research
© Alan James

photo
Dave Kassel from Five Ten showing the new Stonemaster entry level rock shoe
© Jack Geldard

The new Jannu Jacket from Sherpa, presented by Peter Rostron  © Alan James
The new Jannu Jacket from Sherpa, presented by Peter Rostron
© Alan James

Natalie checks out the new gear from the Climbing Technology stand  © Alan James
Natalie checks out the new gear from the Climbing Technology stand
© Alan James




22 Jul, 2015
Can I review the new OR crack gloves please!?!?! How cool do they look!? :)
I'm sure we can arrange something Toby :-) Never did I think I'd see the day when we could publish a 'Crack Glove Comparative Review', but with three different ones on the market it would be worthwhile (if not just to freak out the traditionalists).
22 Jul, 2015
i think that would be a great review! the Ocun are brilliant
22 Jul, 2015
Yeah, that could be fun. I've been using the singing rock ones for years but they are starting to get rather dog-eared I've got a bunch of "classic" HVS and E1 hand and fist cracks around my newly adopted home area (The Vice (E1 5b)!) waiting for me to test them on. :)
22 Jul, 2015
The BD rep is so ~dreamy~ Just look at his smile.
More Comments

Product News at UKC presents climbing, walking and mountaineering equipment posts that will be of interest to our readers. Please feel free to comment about the post and products on the associated thread.
Loading Notifications...
Facebook Twitter Copy Email