Swedish ski and snowboard pole specialist brand KANG has arrived in Japan for the first time!

KANG, a Swedish pole specialist brand, will be launching in Japan for the first time from the 2022-2023 season. The brand will be handled by FULLMARKS, a Scandinavian specialist that has handled many Swedish and Norwegian brands, including HESTRA gloves and NORRØNA and HOUDINI clothing. Let's take a closer look at KANG's brand message and some of its interesting products

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The thoughts behind the creation of the brand

KANG was founded in Sweden in 2014 as a brand specializing in poles with a clear purpose and a sense of mission. With the desire to "enable people to continue skiing forever on the snow-rich mountains that fulfill their passion for powder snow," the brand creates products with the aim of changing people's attitudes towards poles, turning them from disposable gear into more valuable gear

Aiming to be a pioneer in environmentally friendly outdoor gear, KANG's products fully embody the Scandinavian design philosophy based on minimalism, functionality, and sustainability. Sweden is renowned for its craftsmanship, nurtured throughout history by skilled artisans. KANG is also proud of its tradition of craftsmanship, and since the brand's founding, most of its products have been designed and developed in Sweden, with most components sourced locally

When it comes to skiing, poles have always been seen as second to the three-piece set of skis, boots, and bindings. When choosing gear, many people tend to buy poles at the last minute, thinking, "Oh, that reminds me, poles were included," or they may be interested in new models of skis and boots every year and want to get new ones, but haven't bought new poles in years

However, in recent years, as backcountry and touring have become increasingly popular, the role of poles has become increasingly important. This is because the efficiency and comfort of climbing undoubtedly depends on how well the poles function. Furthermore, growing awareness of environmental issues, coupled with interest in sustainability, has brought poles back into the spotlight. Going forward, poles will likely attract more and more attention as an essential piece of gear in the snow scene


Sustainable Collection

The quality and style of bamboo poles are the envy of skiers

Minimalist yet highly functional products made from environmentally friendly materials

Kang poles are made primarily from environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo, leather, flax, recyclable aluminum and plastic. They actively use sustainable materials, pursue minimalist functionality, and are designed and developed to function efficiently in a variety of conditions, both on and off the piste

The collection includes a wide variety of models, such as the extremely environmentally friendly "Baboo Series," which emits 1/50th the CO2 of typical carbon fiber products, the ultra-lightweight "Flax," the "Flax Moose," which won a Gold Winner award at ISPO, the world's largest sporting goods trade fair, and the "Telescopic Monochromatic3PP" and "Telescopic Monochromatic," telescopic poles made from recyclable aluminum. Let's take a closer look at the details of these models


Pick up the hottest items!

Kang Bamboo

The natural texture of bamboo is so beautiful

It can no longer be called a work of art

The poles, with their organic bamboo shafts, are like works of art that you'll fall in love with at first sight. The natural texture of the bamboo seems to encourage a return to the origins of skiing, which is "integration with nature." All materials used are recyclable, ensuring environmental friendliness

The bamboo shaft is twice as strong as the aluminum commonly used for poles, making it highly durable. The unique ergonomic grip feels natural and comfortable in your hand. The strap can be tightened with one hand, eliminating the need to remove gloves in cold weather. The basket is designed to work in both deep snow and hard surfaces, and is slightly softer than standard baskets, allowing for smoother handling in a variety of conditions and is easily replaceable

The six color variations that match the natural bamboo shafts also symbolize the new way of poles that KANG proposes. Based on Scandinavian design and KANG's identity, all details are the same color, and the coloring is made to harmonize with other gear and clothing

Kang Bamboo

color: Green (Black, Orange, Bule, Red, Gray/all 6 colors)
size: 105, 110, 115, 120, 125 cm
material: Organic Bamboo, Recyclable Plastic, Recyclable Polyester, Recyclable Aluminum
weight: 560g
¥18,700

Features
: 100% organic bamboo shaft
, 16-18mm shaft diameter
, one-handed adjustable strap
, ergonomic grip
, 95mm diameter powder basket
, strap made from recyclable polyester
, grip and basket made from recyclable bioplastic
, pole tips made from recyclable aluminum

Kang Bamboo | Green, Black, Orange (top row, from left) Blue, Red, Gray (bottom row, from left)

Flax Moose

The moose leather handle is very stylish

This is a high-end model from KANG, which won a Gold Winner award at ISPO. Every part of the pole is custom-made and developed in collaboration with professional skiers. The moose leather handle is made from sustainable materials, and the grip is a unique, ergonomic design, combining excellent grip with a unique, handmade design

The 22mm shaft is made from a combination of 70% organic flax fiber and 30% carbon fiber for increased durability, and the tip is made from recyclable aluminum. At just 480g, it's incredibly lightweight, more flexible than a 100% carbon fiber pole, and has a lower CO2 footprint

The strap can be tightened with one hand, allowing for convenient handling without removing gloves. The basket is slightly softer than standard baskets, allowing for smooth handling in a variety of conditions, from deep snow to hard surfaces, and is easily replaceable. Attention to detail has been paid to the design

Flax Moose

color: Black (Gray/2 colors in total)
size: 105, 110, 115, 120, 125 cm
material: 70% Flax, 30% Carbon Fiber, Nordic Moose Leather, Recyclable Plastic, Recyclable Polyester, Recyclable Aluminum
weight: 480g
¥30,800

Features
: Handle wrapped in Norwegian moose leather,
ergonomic
, lightweight and durable shaft made of flax fiber and carbon,
thick 21mm shaft diameter
, environmentally friendly powder coating
, one-handed adjustable strap
, 95mm diameter powder basket
, strap made from recyclable polyester
, handle and basket made from recyclable and biodegradable plastic
, pole tips made from recyclable aluminum


Telescopic Monochromatic 3PP

These three-section poles are ideal for backcountry skiing and snowboarding in the winter and touring, and can also be used for trekking in the summer. Their lightweight, easily adjustable design allows them to easily extend and retract, allowing you to quickly switch from hiking to riding. The unique quick locks open and close easily, even while on the move, eliminating the risk of the lock slipping or moving. Plus, the grips on the top of the poles are ideal for adjusting the heel lifters, eliminating the need to reach out

The shaft is made of aluminum tubing divided into three sections - 16mm, 14mm, and 12mm - making it lightweight and durable, while the handle has a non-slip surface and a unique ergonomic design that provides excellent grip and support in any situation. The straps and basket are also extremely user-friendly, just like the two previous models. This model also comes in six colors, just like the Kang Bamboo model. With its stylish appearance and excellent functionality, it's likely to be extremely popular among backcountry skiers

Telescopic Monochromatic 3PP

color: Blue (Black, Green, Gray, Red, Orange/all 6 colors)
size: 3 tiers 100-135 cm
material: Recyclable Aluminum, Recyclable Plastic, Recyclable Polyester
weight: 550g
¥24,200

Features
: 640mm (64cm) storage length;
3-section shaft with 16mm/14mm/12mm diameters
; Recyclable aluminum tubing
; Environmentally friendly powder coating;
One-handed adjustable strap; Ergonomic

; 95mm diameter powder basket
; Strap made
from ; Grip and basket made from recyclable, biodegradable plastic
; Pole tips made from recyclable aluminum

Telescopic Monochromatic 3PP | 6 colors available: Blue, Black, Orange, Red, Gray, Green

Snowboarders and those who want to store their poles more compactly will likely choose the three-section poles, but the series also has a two-section model called the "Telescopic Monochromatic." This would also be a good choice for skiers. Check out the video posted on the official Swedish website


◆Official website/URL: https://www.full-marks.com/kangpoles/

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