New lightweight tents and innovative packs from the German hardware specialists.
One of the more interesting things we saw at this year's KORS trade
show was
VauDe's new
Power Frame tent system, which was released earlier this
year on the new
Power
Odyssee tent.
VaudDe is probably best known for some classic solid tents like the
Hogan and some all-round ultra-light stuff, there was a big gap though,
when it came to lightweight mountain tents, which the new two-person
Power Odyssee is intended to plug.
The Power Frame clips are a neat idea which mix a conventional slide
over clip, with a proper clamping mechanism, so once they're on the
pole, they stay put, reinforcing the pole and making for a stronger,
but lightweight tent. Quoted weight is 2460 grammes, with a minimum of
2050 grammes, which is hellishly light for what's esentially a
free-standing geodesic tent.
The frame is external which also looks dramatic and has, among other
things, a floor which is, it says here, resistant to formic acid from
ants. Price is
£320.
There's also a Power Odyssee XT with extended porch due out in 2010 for
£420.
Not The Scutum UL
Due out in early 2010, chances are that the Scutum UL will
not actually have that name when it appears, can't think why... It's an
ultralightweight, snug-fitting two-person tent with a weight of 1050
grammes. It's lightweight, uses internal bracing for added stability
and has the Power Frame system as well on its single main pole.
VauDe says that it's been wind tunnel tested and, unusually, the
lightweight siliconised flysheet has also been taped along the seams,
which is unusual for silicone, which is hard to stick things to.
Should make an interesting lightweight adventure race and
mountain marathon option. Price is mooted at
£350, new
name to follow...
Pack Attack
VauDe does some interesting stuff with packs and for 2010
has two interesting new alpine rucksacs in its range with some neat
features. The Spline comes in 30 and 40-litre versions and uses a
special ceramic print at bottom and side to increase abrasion
resistance in those areas.
The back panel is moulded neoprene to avoid snow pick-up and another
neat touch is ice axe loops that slide up and down in a chest strap
stylee, to ease use with different lengths of ice tools. The lid is
removable to avoid fouling helmets when looking up in steep terrain.
Prices will be £130 and £110 for 40 and 30-liter
versions respectively.
The other new climbing model is the
Conex
which comes in 35+10, 45+10 and 55+10, another all-round alpine pack,
but with a difference. It incorporate an integrated belay station
sling, so you can use your pack as part of the belay chain when things
get cramped.
The sling's rated at 22 kN and runs through the back system of the
pack. Interesting idea which you can see above. It also has the
Neoprene back and easily stowed compression closures and gear
attachments as well as the abrasion-resistant ceramic print.
VaDe's sealed seam waterproof packs continue in the range in both
climbing and walking form, and there's also new ultra-light packs in
35, 25 and 15 litre guises calle the Rock Ultralight Comfort. The
35-litre version weighs a respectable 980 grammes, the 25 is just 600
grammes.
Nice clean lines and weigh nows. Prices will be £40,
£50 and £60 respectively. Out in 2010.
Most of the above available in early 2010 unless it says otherwise.
More VauDe information at
www.vaude.com
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