Industry: Mountaineering/Climbing
Aiming high
What will be the big trends in the mountaineering and climbing industries over the next 12 months? David Pittman spoke to those in the know to find out.
T
ent brand Force Ten’s product manager Martin Jones makes no bones about what he believes will drive the mountaineering and climbing markets in 2011.
“The exploration for something unique and inspiring which offers users a clear solution to their gear needs is vital to product development,” he says.
“Increasingly, consumers are seeking products that are more relevant to them and have been designed around functionality and ease of use to enhance their outdoor experience.” Distributor Bramwell International’s owner Alastair Bramwell is more specific with where he sees innovation coming through He says: “Product development will still be driven by lightweight materials but with a reference to durability. Gone are the days where super lightweight is the be all and end all. Innovation in fit will also continue to drive product development with specific narrow and wide fittings becoming even more important in the marketplace."
Mountain Boot Company sales director Glyn Padgett says, for footwear at least, this will mean making products faster and lighter. Padgett says: “Innovation will lead product development on making footwear products lighter and faster. Consumers also want comfort out of the box, and better performance, such as shock absorption if they are spending a day on a hill.”
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www.sgboutdoor.co.uk
GoLite international general manager Mark Flanagan says: “Take backpacks, where we’re looking to do the same with smaller styles. Think making 60 litres the new 80 litres.
“And clothing will have to become lighter but with a full specification list, such as a full zip, zipped hand pockets or adjustable hoods.” Jones also notes the importance of weight in future industry developments, saying: “Weight will be the key issue in technical gear going forward and the drive for more durable and more affordable products will continue over the next months as well.”
Haglöfs UK country manager Peter Rostron says: “New fabric developments will be important: Gore, Polartec and GE are all introducing new fabrics or membranes. The fabrics coupled with the weather will drive consumer demand. There has to be a reason to buy for the consumer, so cold weather or wet weather is the trigger.
“Right now we need a wet year as shell as a category is under pressure whereas insulation, whether that be down filled or synthetic, is growing at a fast rate due to the cold weather. It is
also a fashion trend on the high street that certain outdoor brands have felt the benefit from.”
Padgett agrees that the weather has been a key factor in recent years in improving trade in the outdoor industry, saying: “The weather over the last three winters has been amazing and shown consumers that they can be confident of investing in outdoor products, as they will get some use out of them.”
With increasing use, so comes an increased demand on performance and quality, according to Rostron.
“From the consumers’ point of view, they need to feel that if they buy the product they are getting an improvement in performance. So is it
Mark Flanagan - GoLite
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