The OS Outdoors Show Advertorial

How about a list of who's going to the show this year?

I can't make it this year but it looks like some of the exhibitors have been listening to last years feedback and there is quite a bit of gear for sale at the show.

Posted: 27/03/2009 at 14:28

Hmmmm. Got there at 10am walked around it by 10.30, did a few interviews and home again by 2pm!

One very small hall, padded out with activity/chill out areas, narrow pathways, full of people with free tickets, making it look much busier than it was.

I would say 40% destination stands, 20% activity stands, 40% stands selling something.

Companies selling direct with various clearance Alpkit, Paramo, Trek Mates, ASI (Aku/Leki) Regatta and Keela.

Usual freindly faces, in Cicerone, Shewee etc, and the smaller talks were packed to the gills, with the Paddy Dillons of this world (Even if he does hate tarps!). The bigger names didn't have the same attraction.

So £8 to park and £17 to get in, is it worth it?

If you have a family (and can afford it) it would be ideal for them to experience, climbing walls, arial runways, surfing, diving, bushcraft activites etc. Or perhaps if you are looking for new walking destinations to visit, there was something.

However, if you are an avid outdoors person with a wide range of experience and past the 'newbie' stand, then I think you might be dissapointed.

How did others find it?

PS: Great to see the Squeezebox Stove in the flesh. It made the trip for me!

Posted: 27/03/2009 at 16:19

I enjoyed it,but I haven't been for a few years.

I saw 3 of the cicerone talks which were excellent. Paddy was brilliant in his lightweight talk, after I got over the shock of the 3kg tent! (it wasn't really in case anyones wondering).

Other highlights included colab, some really great ideas, it was hard to choose who to vote for.Some interesting stoves in the alpkit work in progress section.

 It was great to get a good look at and try the satmap and garmin Oregon. I was really dissapointed with the satmap, very slow at scrolling and generally drawing the maps . The Oregon was excellent but the map prices are just rediculous. I was taking a good look at the garmin as I workmaking touch screen apps for devices like these. It was a very good user interface.

 There were a few bargains too, from Paramo and Cicerone among others. I got a show special lightweight version of the mountain vent pullon (only available in green or pink).

However its not the kind of event I'd go to every year, this year I'm being a little contrarian and taking advantage of events like these being quieter due to the economic situation. 

Posted: 27/03/2009 at 19:25