Sustainable jackets, ultra-light mountain boots and smart gadgets against insect bites - the international sports trade fair ISPO once again presented the latest trends and technologies in the industry at the beginning of February. Although the ISPO 2021 could not take place as a large trade show in Munich due to corona, but only as an online event, the best innovations were once again honored with the ISPO Award this year. The coveted award is considered a renowned seal of quality in the sporting goods industry for innovation, quality and functionality. We present this year's winners to you.
The 250 products submitted were evaluated by an international jury consisting of athletes, designers, retailers, journalists and consumers. The ISPO Awards 2021 were presented in several categories within the four segments Snowsports, Outdoor, Running & Fitness and Urban Life. The best product within a category receives the Gold Winner award. From the group of Gold Winners, the overall best product in each segment is then chosen as Product of the Year. Particularly sustainable ideas are also awarded the Sustainability Achievement.
In the following, we present the Gold Winners 2021 of the Outdoor segment in more detail:
Product of the Year: Nordic Expedition Down Jacket by Haglöfs
The Product of the Year in the Outdoor segment comes from the Swedish brand Haglöfs. The Nordic Expedition Down Jacket is made for adventurers. Thanks to the hydrophobic down insulation, the jacket keeps you dry and warm for a long time, even in extreme cold, wet and humid conditions.
In addition, the combination of graphene and down insulation ensures that moisture can escape while heat loss is reduced to almost zero. At 850 grams in size L, the Nordic Expedition Down Jacket also offers a good warmth-to-weight ratio. The integrated straps also provide additional safety and functionality.
The Nordic Expedition Down Jacket is expected to be available from August 2021 for around 750 euros.
Baselayer: Drynamo Merino ECO LS Crew Baselayer by adidas TERREX x Megmeister
The long-sleeved Drynamo Merino ECO LS Crew Baselayer by adidas TERREX x Megmeister convinced the jury with its material combination of merino wool and recycled synthetic yarns.
The seamless knitting technique and thanks to body mapping comfortable and figure-hugging fit provide better moisture management and optimized temperature regulation. With good ventilation, plenty of comfort and freedom of movement, the baselayer is also ideal for training and competition.
The Drynamo Merino ECO LS Crew Baselayer by adidas TERREX x Megmeister is expected to go on sale in autumn 2021 for 120 euros.
Insulation jackets: Biosmock by Finisterre
The Biosmock by Finisterre is an innovative iso-layer. Whether worn as a mid-layer or on its own, the versatile insulation jacket is a faithful companion for all outdoor adventures. It is not only windproof and water-repellent, but also particularly sustainable. The PFC-free outer shell is biodegradable and the wool filling comes from sustainable sheep farming. Additionally, the wool helps regulate body temperature and inhibit odors.
"This is the leading example of the Circular Economy in performance apparel. A practical insulation layer that uses the most advanced PrimaLoft BIO technology combined with HDWool wadding to create comfort in almost every condition", was the verdict of jury member Charles Ross, specialist in performance sportswear design.
Finisterre's Biosmock Insulation Jacket will be available from fall 2021 and is expected to cost around €225.
>> You can find a large selection of insulation jackets at SportFits
Outdoor Jackets: Odin Infinity Insulated Jacket by Helly Hansen
The Odin Infinity Insulated Jacket from Helly Hansen was awarded the Sustainability Achievement for its sustainability. Thanks to its sophisticated blend of materials, the warm performance winter jacket is durably waterproof and breathable even without additional chemical treatment.
The insulation is the more environmentally friendly Lifaloft, which reduces CO2 emissions by almost half compared to conventional materials. The jacket is also hard-wearing and durable, providing reliable protection even in the toughest conditions. The Odin Infinity combines performance, durability and sustainability, making it the perfect companion for your next mountain trip.
The Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Insulated Jacket is expected to hit the market in August 2021 for 750 euros.
Rain Jackets: Rakaposhi Jacket by Ternua
The Rakaposhi Jacket by Ternua is an alpine jacket for mountaineers and climbers with many clever details. The soft Aerobrane membrane made from recycled material from Schoeller is particularly breathable, but at the same time provides excellent protection from wind and weather. The jacket has an ergonomic cut and is very flexible thanks to 4-way stretch. Thus, it offers optimal freedom of movement on the mountain.
The jacket's three-layer fabric is also recyclable and has a PFC-free DWR impregnation and the bluesign seal. The combination of ergonomic design, perfect weather protection and soft feel make the Rakaposhi Jacket an ideal companion for all alpine activities.
The Rakaposhi Jacket will be available in stores as a men's and women's model from October 2021. The expected price is 499,95 Euro.
Backpacks: Free Rider from Ortovox
The Gold Winner in the Outdoor category Backpacks & Bags is the Free Rider from Ortovox. As a backcountry backpack, it offers control and support even in extreme situations on the mountain thanks to its ergonomic fit and flat flex belt.
A back protector, which is attached inside, provides additional protection. Equipment such as ropes, ice axes or a helmet net can be attached to the loops. Even skis can be strapped on. This makes the backpack ideal for skiers and freeriders, too.
The Free Rider from Ortovox will be available in various sizes from October 2021 and is expected to cost between 160 and 180 euros, depending on the size.
Ortovox was also able to win with no less than three products in the snowsports segment. >> These are the ISPO Award winners 2021 in the winter sports segment
Trekking & Camping equipment: heat_it by Kamedi
Small, light and practical against annoying insect bites is heat_it by Kamedi. The smart gadget is connected to the charging port of the smartphone and enables a quick treatment of insect bites through heat (see video). The brief heating of the skin area relieves the itching and pain.
Treatment duration and temperature can be individually set via the associated app. The small medical device can be easily attached to a backpack or keychain. Batteries are not necessary. Heat_it is developed and produced in Karlsruhe.
Heat_it by Kamedi is already available for iOs and Android smartphones and costs 29.95 euros as an Android version, for Apple 39.95 euros.
Climbing gear: Alp Race by C.A.M.P
Weighing just 68 grams, the Gold Winner in the outdoor category climbing equipment. The Alp Race climbing harness from Italian manufacturer C.A.M.P. is extremely lightweight and packed no bigger than a wallet.
The combination of breathable nylon monofilament and abrasion-resistant polyethylene also makes the climbing harness the ideal companion for ski touring racers. Both the hip belt and the leg straps and elastic cords are individually adjustable.
The Alp Race climbing harness from C.A.M.P. is expected to be on sale in September 2021 for around 55 euros.
>> Here you will find a large selection of climbing harnesses
Climbing equipment: Climbax from Mammut
If you want to analyse your training or compare yourself with friends, Climbax from Mammut provides the right equipment. The climbing tracker records numerous movement data via two wristbands and an associated app, such as height gain or differences between the right and left arm.
The collected data can then be documented and analyzed in the app. The tracker is particularly suitable for active sport climbers on the wall.
The Climbax tracker from Mammut is scheduled to go on sale in the summer of 2021.
>> Climbing equipment at fair prices can be found in our online shop
Mountaineering boots: Ortles Couloir Boot by Salewa
At only 725 grams, the Ortles Couloir Boot from Salewa is the lightest, fully crampon-compatible mountaineering boot in its class. The high-end mountain boot is thus an absolute lightweight that is suitable for mountaineering and ice climbing. The construction of the boot was inspired by the touring ski boot category.
A carbon frame with a hinged joint provides stiffness but also flexibility. To keep your feet warm, the Ortles Couloir is equipped with a warm inner boot and an elastic outer gaiter with a waterproof membrane. With less weight, the mountaineering boot also offers more grip and comfort.
The Ortles Couloir Boot from Salewa will likely be available in September 2021 for 800 euros.
Tents: Assaut2 Ultra from Samaya
With the Assaut2 Ultra, Samaya offers a lightweight tent for high alpine adventures. The double-layer Dyneema® fabric and its carbon poles provide the necessary robustness, while the ePTFE membrane makes the tent particularly waterproof with a water column of 20,000 mm.
Also thanks to its compact pack size and a weight of only 980 grams, the Assaut2 Ultra is perfect for alpine expeditions.
The Assaut2 Ultra by Samaya will be available in stores from February 2021 for 1,600 euros.
>> You can also find a large selection of tents and tent accessories in our online shop
Tents: Tepui Foothill from Thule
Another Gold Winner in the category tents is the Tepui Foothil from Thule. The foldable roof tent offers space for two people, but thanks to telescopic poles it can also be set up and taken down easily by one person. The tent can be mounted on both sides of the car.
Packed together, the Tepui Foothill only takes up half of the car roof. This leaves enough space on the roof to transport additional luggage or sports equipment such as canoes. Practical: The cover of the folded tent can be used as a wide, waterproof rain cover.
The Tepui Foothill from Thule is expected to be available from April 2021. The roof tent is supposed to cost 1,699 euros.
>> The tent is set? You can find high quality sleeping bags and mats at SportFits