I made my usual pilgrimage down to Damascus, VA for Trail Days. I used to live inTN, so I've been attending Trail Days for 12-15 years, and it's fun to see what's changed and what's remained. Trail Days is an Appalachian Trail thru-hiking festival.
Missing were some of the cutting edge lightweight folks like Ron from Mountain Laurel Designs, Ron from Six Moons Designs, Glenn & Grant from Gossamer Gear, Gen from Yama Mountain Gear, Rand/Russ/Lee from Trail Designs, Ryan from BPL, & Bob from Big Sky.
Sierra Designs probably had the most new stuff this year (which Andrew Skurka has been highlighting with them in webinars), including their Backcountry Bed Elite, Pack Trench rain jacket, & Tensegrity shelter.
Big Agnes was also there with their Copper Spur and Fly Creek lightweight shelters. This year they showed off the integrated LED lighting in some shelters. You can also buy it separately ($40).
Tato Gear had an interesting alcohol stove, which could be fed while burning via a PP bottle and tube ($35).
LightHeart Gear was back again with her distinctive wedge-shaped shelters and a new poncho. THe poncho still needs to be used with traditional rain gear, but has some benefits.
Eno is another regular attendee, although their hammocks seem to be more for casual use, as compared to the other more technical backpacking hammocks.
Tom Hennessy sells more gear at Trail Days than anyone else. He has provided a side entry option for those that don't prefer his traditional bottom entry.
ButtInASling Hammock Gear was a new face to me.
To be continued…
