No 572 - Transform Your Adventures with Sustainable Gear - Pt4

·35 min·3 clips

Bob Cartwright defends his trade show miniseries as essential for learning how to make your outdoor gear last longer in a costly market.

This episode is part four of a five-part miniseries recorded at the UK Outdoor Trade Show, hosted by Bob Cartwright of The Outdoor Station. Cartwright opens by acknowledging that some listeners might find trade show content less exciting but emphasizes its practical value for gear maintenance and sustainability. The first segment features an interview with Thermarest marketing manager Lindsay Morrison, who discusses the company's shift toward comfort-focused products while retaining their lightweight heritage. She introduces the Neo Loft mattress, an 11.7cm thick air mattress with a 4.7 R-value and side rails to prevent rolling, priced at £250 and available January 2025. Morrison also details the Boost 650 sleeping bag, which features a wider rectangular fit, a central 'warm zip' adding 5 degrees of warmth, armholes, and a foot vent, priced at £310. The conversation covers Thermarest's transition to PFAS-free products in line with U.S. regulations and their repair policies, including a limited lifetime warranty and in-house repairs in Cork. Next, Darn Tough international sales manager Joe Nascito explains their sock manufacturing, highlighting a lifetime guarantee, use of recycled nylon and RWS-certified merino wool, and design considerations for different activities like hiking, running, and skiing. The episode then briefly mentions Zambolan boots, noted for their resole-ability and historical use of Vibram soles, with repairs available in the UK through Feet First. The final major segment features Osprey key account manager Matt Haig, who discusses the brand's sustainability journey since 2020, including moving to PFAS-free DWR coatings and using recycled fabrics. Haig introduces the updated Talon and Tempest pack range for spring 2025, lighter and more sustainable with adjustable back systems, and the new Transporter collection for travel and gear carrying. He shares a 15% discount code (outdoors15%) for listeners. The episode wraps with Cartwright encouraging listeners to share the podcast and enjoy the outdoors.

As heard by us

Thermarest socks, durability, and the case for keeping kit in service longer.

Bob Cartwright's part four of the five-part UK Outdoor Trade Show miniseries keeps its attention on practical gear rather than spectacle. The Thermarest stop centers on Lindsay Morrison and a new development that leans a little more toward comfort, with a shape that could also…

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Why you'd press play

You come for sock talk and leave thinking about comfort, durability, and buying gear that lasts.

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