Backpacking Trade Shows

[bozeman]

Any tradeshows in the Southeast where companies like Exo, Stone Glacier, Kifaru etc have display booths to try product on?

Thanks!

 

[Kotaman]

Lots of pack companies at the Sheep Show in Reno.

 

[philos]

I wish there was such an event. Plenty of trade shows in Southeast but most that I know of focus on fishing or bird hunting or high end guided hunts. Give the population base numbers in Southeast US it is a bit surprising. North Carolina, Georgia and Florida are in the top 10 population wise.
There are a number of folks from the Southeast that use outdoor gear at home and when traveling out west. Perhaps the NRA show will be back around these parts in 1-2 years.

 

[bozeman]

Maybe SCI in Dallas?

 

[Kotaman]

I should read...I thought you said SW...Sorry...

 

[maninthemaze]

Living east of the Mississippi definitely has it's drawbacks. Most of the gear I purchase is sight unseen.

Just my 2 cents and worth the price charged.

 

[wesfromky]

ATA is probably your best best, but that isn't open to the general public and it is in Indianapolis, so not really the SE.

 

[1signguy]

It would seem like the pack makers should have a couple frames in each size to send out for demo/test fitting... maybe they do? Heck- charge the shipping each way to a prospective customer and then apply that to a purchase of X amount or more should they buy...
I know I was little hesitant to spend $800 on my first Kifaru site unseen. Easier to buy after the first cause I knew they fit me...
I would call the brands you are interested in and see what they will do... or get their return policy and send back if it’s not right...

 

[WV Mountaineer]

It goes unnoticed but, there are a lot of hunters in the east that hunt big areas, walk for miles to get in and out, and pack their game, their gear, and themselves out. Loads like this often get into the 70-80 pound range and in my case, cover several miles of rugged and, very, Very, VERY steep terrain. There would be a good market here. I know the farm hunters might not need these things. I don't use it when I hunt in areas where I can drag my stuff in and out. But, after finally getting to use it this season, I will never go into the wilderness areas around here without a pack capable of hauling everything I use and need, plus my game out. I'm not the only one who feels that way either. So, to any of you pack companies, preferably Kifaru, I'll gladly join the "prostaff" if asked. And represent your interests well here in the east. God Bless