Unfortunately, each year brings a massive number of new products for the outdoors enthusiast to choose from and, to be frank, there is far too much of it for the average walker, climber or mountain biker to understand, let alone try out. Because there are so many jackets, boots, rucsacs and other obvious gear, essentials for survival and navigation (two of the cornerstones of good practice in the hills) are often overlooked.

The omission of some of these less obvious, but potentially crucial, product categories is something that we’ll attempt to put right by identifying a couple of key developments in the areas of personal survival equipment and maps and compasses. A feature of both product types is that, despite their lack of technology led sales buzz, both brand owners and consumers seem to have taken renewed interest. While the appeal of the ‘alpha male’ survival gear might be self-evident, it’s probably harder to explain the continued interest in paper, folding maps and liquid filled compasses. However, the extraordinary truth is that, whilst every walker seems to proudly sport the latest GPS unit these days, sales of traditional navigation tools are on the increase. Indeed, according to the second biggest online retailer of Ordnance Survey Maps, Above and Beyond, sales are steadily growing.

Who would have expected that, in 2011, a compass from the Swedish company, Silva, would still be regarded as an essential purchase for anyone venturing onto the hills. A tool that many of us associate with childhood is an outdoor essential, with the Expedition 4 remaining the best seller after many years. Perhaps more unexpected is that Silva are evolving their product range and 2011 sees some significant launches.

Because of the wide range of uses that a compass has to satify, Silva has normally launched products that meet differing user requirements. Yet, for 2011, their approach has been to apply a conceptual treatment to a range of 3 products aimed at very different users by stripping back any visual clutter and using contrast colour elements to aid understanding. The Expedition S, for example, combines the features necessary for the serious user, such as GPS scales, clinometer and mirror sighting, with very simple visual communication.

On the personal survival front, it’s difficult to argue that the Bear Grylls brand has not energised a part of the market that has long had a slightly “geeky/survivalist/crusty” image. Gerbers launch of a small range of genuine survival products, including a firestarter and a survival pack, has introduced these niche products to a much wider audience. This is especially true of the Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife that, in a knife market with plenty of options, has been a best seller for many survival websites since its recent launch.

It is easy for manufacturers of outdoor gear to focus all their attention on developing new products in the core segments such as boots and waterproofs. Thankfully, 2011 has shown that they are also investing in essential, niche equipment that keep all climbers, walkers and outdoors enthusiasts safer.

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