I just wanted to put Trail Days 2010 on people's calendars. It's held in Damascus, VA May 14-16 (weekend after Mother's Day). It's timed to coincide when most of the AT thru-hikers will be in the area, although many hitch north & south to attend.

http://www.traildays.us/photos.html

There are lots of cottage gear and national brand gear manufacturers exhibiting. Here is a partial list, but unfortunately it looks like GG, GoLite, and BPL won't be there...


SIX MOON DESIGNS
HENNESSY HAMMOCKS
JACKS R BETTER, LLC
SPEER HAMMOCKS
ANTI-GRAVITY GEAR
VARGO
MOUNTAIN LAUREL DESIGNS
APPALACHIAN PAGES GUIDE BOOK
APPY TRAILS LLC
CEDAR TREE INDUSTRY
EAGLES NEST OUTFITTERS
ENERTIA TRAIL FOODS
FLAGLER FILMS
NEMO EQUIPMENT
SWEET SPRINGS HAMMOCK
THE OUTFITTERS AT HARPERS FERRY
WARBONNET OUTDOORS
APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVACY
ADVENTURE DAMASCUS
GREGORY MTN PRODUCTS
GRANITE GEAR
ETOWAH OUTFITTERS
LEKI
BACKPACKER MAGAZINE
BIG SKY INTL
BIG AGNES
MOUNTAIN HARDWARE
OSPREY
OUTDOOR RESEARCH
PRINCETON TEC
THERMAREST PADS

Here is some information from the 2007 Trail Days.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=6283

Tom

Edited by TomClark on 03/14/2010 09:47:39 MDT.

I can't go (again). I have a wedding (not mine).

U going?

Edited by joegeib on 03/14/2010 21:06:21 MDT.

Joe,
Sorry to hear it, it would have been a fun trip. I do plan to go to Trail Days. It'd be great to catch up with other BPL memebers while there.
Tom

Just wanted to remind folks that Trail Days will held this weekend in Damascus, VA. Hope to see some of you there.
Tom

I talked to Grant tonight. Gossamer Gear will be there!


MLD will be there Friday late morning.

Tom,

When are you going? For the day or overnight? Camping or where are you staying?

Take care,

Doug

I'm driving from PA, and expect to arrive late Thrus night. I'm camping in tent city. I'll be down there with my 7 yr. old son, so say hello if you see us. We'll be using a light blue 2-man Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight tent.

What are your plans, Doug?

Looking forward to seeing what new stuff MLD & GG have.
Tom

Not sure yet, might just drive down for the day. I'll say hello if I see you!

GG - There.

SMD - Not there.

Hey Ron,

Will you be at your 'booth' for most of Saturday? Would love to finally meet you!

So, do the cottage manufacturers actually sell gear, or only display their new products?

Travis,
They sell gear, but have lots of tents...ah, I mean TARPS on display. You can buy stuff sacks, shoes, socks, alcohol stoves (Caldera Cones), hammocks, quilts, etc. Of course, they don't have their whole stock, but MLD usually has a good selection. It's a great time to try things on or crawl in to check for headroom.
Tom

......and the list of "official" folks on the list above, doesn't count all the others that are there somewhat unofficially. For example....a bunch of us are cramming in with AGG....Trail Designs, Evernew, and a few others!

Rand :-)