“The new retail era has arrived, and its core is consumption driving production in reverse. Only better products and services can better meet customer experience. Product competitiveness largely depends on its early-stage R&D capabilities, which further requires integrated supply chain efforts. We hope to build a platform and introduce the soul of every outdoor/functional product — R&D, materials, design, and other upstream processes — to everyone in the language of the user.”
— Asia Outdoor Exhibition
As a highlight of the 2018 Asia Outdoor Exhibition, the [China’s “CHAIN” Made — Outdoor Industry Supply Chain Theme Event] attracted the attention of numerous exhibition attendees, brand owners, and fashion buyers as soon as it debuted at the venue.
Cutting-edge tech products interpret the smart era
At the exhibition, the [China’s “CHAIN” Made — Outdoor Industry Supply Chain Theme Event] displayed eight cutting-edge tech products selected through online public voting in the premium exhibition area, intuitively showcasing the three major dimensional characteristics of the products: material selection and use, design and functionality, and comfort.
iwarm Smart Temperature Control
The iwarm smart temperature control technology from Suzhou WeiYi Textile Technology Co., Ltd. allows users to stay warm while wearing less in winter. As the softest electric heating solution, iwarm features built-in low-power Bluetooth, G-sensor, and precision sensors, enabling accurate smart temperature control between 38–53°C. It also comes with constant temperature and variable frequency control, and stops working when clothes are removed, offering full smart functionality.
Reviving Heated Underwear
This underwear innovatively uses Tang Xingzi heating technology, which accelerates blood circulation upon contact with human skin to generate heat, increasing temperature by around 3–5°C. Meanwhile, the inner lining incorporates bio-ceramic printing technology that reduces lactic acid secretion, effectively alleviating physical fatigue and improving sleep quality.
Handcrafted Vertical Crossbody Bag
This crossbody bag uses 3D tailoring technology to accurately reflect an arc-shaped curved surface design. The main fabric is DIMENSION-POLYANT’s X-Pac sailcloth, achieving a structured feel while significantly reducing weight. It also features DURAFLEX aluminum-magnesium alloy hardware, YKK #3 waterproof zippers, 1.5mm diameter Dyneema rope, and variable-diameter webbing from Ningbo Fangxiang, all crafted by hand to embody artisan spirit.
Reita Men’s Ski Jacket
The REITA ski jacket fully integrates green and eco-friendly principles in its material selection, design, and craftsmanship. The main material uses natural fiber wool, which offers warmth, breathability, moisture absorption, and moisture resistance, along with renewable eco-friendliness. The lining uses undyed, 100% natural wool wadding, with regionally targeted warmth design based on human anatomy. In terms of craftsmanship, laser cutting and seamless bonding techniques are employed to reduce the use of fabric and sewing thread materials. The design philosophy follows “making environmental protection move.”
Smart Graphene Apparel
The design concept of this garment draws inspiration from nighttime color palettes combined with summer nature, reflecting a leisurely lifestyle attitude. Its purpose is to meet outdoor athletes’ needs for windproofing and warmth in cold weather. The graphene composite fabric has excellent conductivity, emits large amounts of infrared radiation with wavelengths close to those of the human body, and offers strong light-absorbing heat retention and long-lasting insulation.
Safe Swimwear Project for Disabled People
The safe swimwear is designed to meet the swimming needs of high-paraplegia users. It features ergonomic 3D tailoring, a specially designed front chest panel for built-in float blocks, full-side opening leg zippers for easy wear and removal, and safety reflective prints. These features enable users to maintain a comfortable swimming posture and achieve efficient, energy-saving movement.
New Reflective Cloth
In line with the trend of combining outdoor and fashion, the design concept of the new reflective clothing incorporates elements such as digital camouflage, computer language, and starry sky QR codes. It adds visual elements like colorful meteors to enhance the reflective effect. The new material is softer and more durable and wash-resistant, while also providing windproofing, breathability, and enhanced reflective brightness. This greatly improves the safety effectiveness of being seen and seeing others in casual outdoor settings.
Mountain Rescue Clothing
This mountain rescue clothing is not just a runway decoration but a critical piece of workwear designed to save lives in extreme conditions. The fabric is made of GORE-TEX, and the joints and shoulders use CORDURA wear-resistant structures to ensure basic functionality. Considering the complex environments of use, a one-piece coverall design is adopted. To address size fit issues across different body types, elastic adjustment details are incorporated at key body joints.
In addition to on-site outdoor brand exhibitors, distributors, and audience members, the event specifically invited fashion brand guests such as Lafuma, D&X, balabala, jade, and AK club to participate. It also attracted representatives from institutions like the University of Manchester’s National Graphene Institute, South Korea’s Ilshin Group, and RIVERA International Co., Ltd. for consultation and discussions.
Thematic Forums Outline the Industry Landscape
At the 2018 COA Outdoor Summit Forum, the topic “Supply Chain Management and Integration” also sparked lively discussion.
Mr. Li Weigang, founder of the RICO LEE brand, believes that the functional upgrade of equipment products is a long journey, and as the foundation of outdoor products, functionality has permeated every aspect of them. Mr. Li Bo, founder of Fengmi Technology Apparel and representing small and medium-sized supply chains, stated that the supply chain currently faces various challenges. The material end is the source of apparel, and it’s important to educate the public about material knowledge. Mr. Chen Baishun, General Manager of the Apparel Supply Chain at Explorer Group, revealed that domestic attention to the supply chain is still insufficient. During rapid development periods, supply shortages are a common issue. Our task is to create demand, not just uncover it. Brands should make better products to give back to the supply chain.
The internet era has arrived,
and supply chain transformation is underway,
at the 2019 Asia Outdoor Exhibition,
will continue to explore topics in technology, environmental protection, fashion, and innovation with you together.