While Outdoor Retailer provides America its first peek at the latest and greatest gear, ISPO provides Europeans a similar showcase of outdoor wares (with a few unique additions). These are ISPO’s 2019 Gold award winners for the Outdoor division.
Every year, European outdoor retailers, suppliers, and media gather in Münich for the largest outdoors show in the world. And each year, a panel of judges picks the best of the best for the ISPO Gold Awards.
These represent the most innovative at the show. It’s worth noting that some of these products are already on the market. Some are not. Inclusions are based on the decisions of the show’s judges, not GearJunkie staff.
For this article, we break down the winners of the Outdoor division. Check out this article for the winners of the Snowsports division.
There are some very cool products for climbing, paddling, camping, and more in this list. Check them out and let us know which you’re excited to try.
Grüezi bag Biopod DownWool Nature
Meet the sleeping bag made entirely from 100-percent-natural materials, “from the packaging down to the last button.” The Grüezi Biopod DownWool Nature sleeping bag sports a 70:30 down/wool fill to keep you warm and adjustable width to keep you comfy.
Airboard Climbing Ultralight SUP Concept
This is the world’s lightest and most packable standup paddleboard — according to Airboard. The ULTRALIGHT Edition SUP includes a patented pump system, drybag, and the brand’s PumpPaddle, designed to generate high pressure with minimal effort.
ICE ROCK Crampons ‘Cougar’
Ten titanium spikes reduce weight and add durability to the ICE ROCK Cougar crampons. Meanwhile, the carbon fiber platform keeps the grams down and prevents snowballing while climbing. And of course, no cutting-edge lightweight crampon would be complete without Dyneema straps, which the Cougar also has.
La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube
The latest — and according to ISPO judges, greatest — in technical mountaineering footwear: La Sportiva’s Olympus Mons Cube. From trekking the Himalayas to crossing the Arctic, the Olympus Mons Cube is designed to be nimble, easy to put on, and warm — all while deflecting water and ice.
Ortlieb Atrack ST 34
ISPO judges saw a category-blurring pack in Ortlieb’s Atrack ST 34. Part trekking pack, part commuter bag, and part travel luggage, the Atrack adapts to user needs with a modular design and interchangeable accessories. And a large, hidden waterproof zipper provides secure access and a wide opening.
QOOL Box
Dial in the temp you want inside your cooler with the QOOL Box. Like many coolers, the Qool Box sports vacuum-insulated construction to provide a thermal barrier. But QOOL offers its own Temperature Elements — calibrated cooling packs — that can keep the cooler’s temperature at desired ranges between -25 and 25 degrees Celsius.
TriEye
TriEye provides a low-profile solution to monitoring what’s behind you when road cycling. Up to now, cyclists have relied on add-on mirrors that stick out from their helmets. But TriEye sunglasses have an integrated mirror that allows riders to see what’s behind with only a slight turn of the head.
Black Yak Mountain Shemagh
Keep the cold air off your face, head, and neck with Black Yak’s integrated Mountain Shemagh. An opening for your eyes and small holes for breathing are the only spots for warm air to sneak out. The Mountain Shemagh covers the head, ears, neck, and upper chest to keep the wearer warm in windy winter conditions.
Black Yak Sindhi
Black Yak doubled up on ISPO honors with its female-specific Sindhi vest. Breathable TruFlow fabric helps regulate heat while down-filled chambers provide warmth. But the real innovation lies in the hidden pop-out, weather-resistant, windproof jacket tucked away in a waist pocket.
ESKA ARKTIS GTX
An inner Gore-Tex glove keeps hands warm and dry while leather grip on the palms adds dexterity in the Eska Arktis GTX. When the weather turns foul, pull the PrimaLoft Cross Core mitten over and zip it shut. And with integrated SEQRID, the Arktis stores all your medical data and emergency contacts, just in case.
Lagoped EVE Jacket & SUPA Pant
Straightforward protection with minimal impact — that’s the key to Lagoped’s ISPO Gold award. The EVE Jacket and SUPA pant provide a waterproof and windproof barrier with vent zips for breathability. But the real story with this kit is that it’s made with recycled fabric and no endocrine disruptors. And it’s made locally (in Europe).
Marmot West Rib Parka
Better fit, more warmth — Marmot’s West Rib parka caught our attention at Outdoor Retailer and it won over judges in Münich, Germany. Synthetic fill on the outside retains warmth when wet. But specially designed, down-filled WarmCube baffles aim trap extra heat and better conform to the wearer than traditional baffles.
Outdoor Research Bitterblaze Gloves
Outdoor Research goes all out with its BitterBlaze gloves. Pittards Oiltac goat leather offers supple durability while Gore-Tex fends off the elements and Aerogel provides a stout thermal barrier.
Vertical-Life Training Log
Dial in a customized climbing routine for your particular gym. Vertical-Life’s Training Log app pairs indoor climbers with training plans designed by professionals, specially catered to climbers’ fitness level and goals. Best of all, the app’s recommendations are based on routes and boulders in linked climbing gyms.
BERG Outdoor GERES ZERO GRAVITY
A new take on the outdoor industry push toward sustainability, BERG Outdoor’s GERES ZERO GRAVITY puffy receives its lightweight profile and water repellency from repurposed, second-grade parachute fabric. Though the fabric doesn’t meet the requirements for skydiving, it retains all the properties necessary for a sturdy jacket. PrimaLoft’s 750 down blend Gold insulation provides eco-friendly fill, and recycled zips complete the “green” build.
Cortazu Recycled Nylon 3-Layer Jacket
Cortazu made a splash at ISPO with what it calls the world’s first three-layer, recycled nylon membrane. Aptly named the Recycled Nylon 3-Layer Jacket, this piece comprises a 100 percent post-industrial waste nylon shell — with stretch. Meanwhile, the backer uses 100 percent recycled materials and a waterless dyeing process. And the whole thing receives a PFC/PFOA-free DWR treatment.
