We start this special round up with Gayle E Bird and her posting "The Outdoor Show"

A good time was had at the show - however that was mainly due to meeting lots
 of new people, whose musings I've read at length, and having a good old chat
for the best part of 3 hours.

As for the show itself, I found it a disappointing compared to my
experience three years ago.

Stef writes all about "Our OSOS08 Weekend".

Meanwhile I wandered off to find the Alpkit stand and try to buy the Hunka bivy bag that I had fondled so keenly at the 2007 show. Sadly they were out of stock, so I had a gander at the latest incarnation of the Gourdon (the “20“, complete with mesh pockets and bungee attachments) - I was tempted, but could only justify getting one if I parted with the “25? that I was already carrying.

Charles aka Gyrovagus wrote "OS Outdoors Show - Roundup".

there were even fewer retailer stands this year and more brand led stands. While this gives a better understanding of the range of the various brands, it limits diversity. In particular, for someone interested in lightweight gear it means less chance to see products from suppliers across the pond that a retailer might be able to source. It looks as though the way forward is independent smaller scale events, such as at the Backpackers Club AGM.

"OS outdoors show '08" sees George give his views on the show.

As usual these seems to a lack of genuine backpacking equipment but there were the usual mixed bag of high-end equipment (sat-nav's, digital mapping) to the lower end stuff from people like Regetta and Yeomans.

I did have a play with the pacer poles and although they did seems to work and feel different I`m not sure I would pay the price for a set of poles, I think I`ll stick to my Leki's. On the subject of Leki's I couldn't find one place selling a rubber tip for a pole.

We finish this round up with John Hee and his "NEC Outdoor Show - Final Thoughts".

Either way how will that influence the 2008 visitor to return in future years? After previous attendances I wasn't hugely expectant that backpacking/camping interests would be very well represented. But continued dilution of the content, alongside reduced retail opportunities for the general public cannot continue to draw in the repeat visit that such an affair will need to continue into the future.

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