ISPO Gold Awards 2022: Euros Crown Outdoor Product Winners

These are the ISPO’s 2022 award winners, which feature the all-around best-of-the-best gear out there.

Once again, European outdoor retailers, suppliers, and media gathered in Munich to see the judges’ picks for the best outdoor gear at the 2022 ISPO Awards. But this year, the renowned trade show underwent a few changes.

In light of marketing and supply challenges, officials said, ISPO Munich permanently moved from January to November. And, thanks to the show’s renewed focus on sustainability, consumers should anticipate seeing more products that emphasize the environment.

Furthermore, judges awarded winners across multiple categories throughout the year, all culminating at a final presentation in Munich. And, in case you missed the previous ISPO Award recipients, you can view them here for 2020, 2019, and 2018.

ISPO Munich 2022 Winners: The Highlights

Below are the winning products from ISPO’s four rounds of judging throughout the year. Categories include Equipment, Clothing, Shoes, and Sports Equipment.

Scroll to the bottom for the list of final winners added at the Munich show.

Equipment

Ultimatefit Ski Boot Liner

Ultimatefit claims it revolutionized ski boot liners by creating one with heat-moldable ankle pads. According to ISPO judges, these pads fit your ankle bones and create an “unprecedented heel bucket.”

The underlying purpose is a ski boot liner that’s both more responsive and more comfortable.

Judge’s statement: “Fit is key if you want a ski boot that performs. These liners [can] be fitted precisely in race or performance shells. Their design speaks through the heel section, tongue and toe box speaks for themselves.”

Why it won:

• A liner that fits the foot, not the shell
• More precision without compromising comfort
• More toe room and greater ankle support
• Snug sensation without an uncomfortable vise-like grip

Key data:

• RRP: €375 ($387)
• Size: 215-315
• Available: Mid-2022

COROS VERTIX 2 with Innovative Location Determination

The COROS VERTIX 2 multisport touchscreen watch features a tracking system that is designed to track various sports including running, cycling, hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and many more.

Its smartwatch technology states that it can accurately track you doing it all by utilizing its five main satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS). It also claims to have continuous tracking for up to 50 hours, a battery life of up to 240 hours, and free worldwide TOPO maps in color.

Judge’s statement: “Another huge GPS watch?! For small wrists, no-go? The body is large in the dial, but the cut is still so that even with my narrow wrist a super fit is possible. It is also super light and flat, which again puts the size into perspective. The monster feature is the positioning and battery life. Brilliant for outdoors.”

Why it won:

• COROS Training Hub based on EvoLab
• COROS’ own operating system
• Simultaneous dual-frequency GPS connectivity
• Training plans from top athletes
• Rolling firmware updates for new and existing products
• Free worldwide TOPO maps in color
• Battery life up to 240 hours

Key data:

• Retail price: €700 ($700)
• Battery life: 140 hours (Standard Full GPS); 240 hours (UltraMax GPS)
• Weight: 91 g
• Display size: 1.4″ touchscreen
• Available: Since August 2021

Greenholds Climbing Holds

Greenholds developed a sustainable method of indoor climbing.

The climbing grips for the Greenholds are composed of recyclable material. The grips are praised for their incredible grip, durability, and robustness.

Judge’s statement: “By using only recycled material, valuable resources are saved. The possibility of returning used grips and benefiting from a price advantage certainly motivates environmentally conscious, sustainable rethinking in climbing and bouldering gyms. The grips are robust and also haptically well solved. Great durable and sustainable approach.”

Why it won:

• Lightweight
• Recyclable
• Recycled
• UV protection

Key data:

• RRP: €25 ($26)
• Available: Q4 2022

Safeback SBX Avalanche Safety System

The SBX Avalanche Safety System developed by Safeback allows users to actively breathe while trapped beneath avalanche debris.

The system says it weighs 480 g with batteries and is activated with a handle that allows up to 90 minutes of breathing time.

Judge’s statement: “In an avalanche situation, it often comes down to minutes. The Safeback SBX system extends this rescue window for the buried victim and thus the chance of survival. An important innovation for the backcountry.”

Why it won:

• Higher chance of survival in case of an avalanche burial
• Innovative system without mouthpiece
• Small and light
• Secure fastening in the backpack and on its straps
• Works even in freezing sub-zero temperatures and in compact snow

Key data:

• Retail price: €600-800 ($623-830), depending on the certified backpack model and features
• Control unit size: 147 x 107 x 48 mm; hose length: 495 mm
• Weight: 480 g
• Available: 2023/2024 winter season

LiTRIC Avalanche Airbag System

This award-winning avalanche airbag system by LiTRIC was designed by the two mountain sports brands: ORTOVOX and Arc’teryx.

Together, they created an avalanche airbag system that’s deemed lightweight with an electric system powered by a lithium-ion battery.

The system claims to weigh under 1,100 g and can be activated at least twice within a 60-hour timeframe on just one single charge.

Judge’s statement: “Electric airbag systems are becoming increasingly popular and, with the new LiTRIC system from ORTOVOX and Arc’teryx, increasingly lightweight. The low overall weight of this avalanche backpack and the possibility of attaching different backpack sizes to the airbag unit via zipper convinced us as a jury.”

Why it won:

• Lightweight: the LiTRIC system weighs only 1,080 g
• An innovative electric system without cartridges
• Charged within 25 minutes
• Two releases are possible within 60 hours and are suitable for multiday tours
• LiTRIC airbag system is climate-neutral and PFC-free; manufactured in Bavaria, Germany

Key data:

• MSRP: from €1,100 ($1,143)
• System weight LiTRIC: approx. 1,080 g (excluding backpack weight)
• Airbag volume: 150 L
• Permissible operating temperature: -30 to 45 degrees Celsius
• Product lifetime: 50 activations
• Available: Since October 2022

Hard Goods

DOUBLEDECK Snowboards

DOUBLEDECK designed a snowboard with bow construction that claims better power transmission and virtually eliminates canting.

It also claims that snowboarding can be beginner-friendly thanks to the innovative design and new technology.

Judge’s statement: “DOUBLEDECK has rethought the classic snowboard. The at-first-sight unusual bow construction stands for innovative technology. It has the potential to make snowboarding easier for beginners and better for experienced riders.”

Why it won:

• Early entry: fast learning success for snowboard beginners
• Improved carving performance for advanced users
• Better freestyle characteristics: support during takeoff
• High and precise power transmission due to the elevated binding position

Key data:

• Price: €899 ($928)
• Product range: boards for women and men in different lengths
• Available: September 2023

WNDR Alpine Intention 108 Freeride Skis

WNDR Alpine designs eco-friendly skis with a bio-based algae wall and core, as well as a recycled spiral plate.

The Alpine Intention 108 Freeride Skis also tout innovations intended to boost damping while being lighter and more durable.

Judge’s statement: “WNDR uses biotechnology (bio-manufacturing via fermentation), materials science, and waste reclamation to create products that achieve greater on-snow performance, fewer petroleum inputs, and less waste output than traditional ski construction. Their Intention 108 completely changes the narrative around the performance of sustainable products.”

Why it won:

• A more sustainable freeride ski thanks to bio-manufacturing
• Reduced environmental impact without sacrificing freeride performance
• Improved damping and binding retention strength
• Eliminating resins to bind the sidewall and core of the ski
• Reduced weight while maintaining torsional rigidity

Key data:

• RRP: €811 ($837)
• Algal polyurethane (foam and cast), 6%, Utah, USA
• Aspen, 24%, Michigan, USA
• Fiberglass, 21%, Utah, USA
• Bio-based supersap resin, 18%, Utah, USA
• Polyethylene base material, 8%, Austria
• Size: 164, 170, 176, 182, 188, 194 cm
• Available: Since July 2022

kommit Bike Towing System

Kommit created a tow system for the convenience of families with children. This easy-to-use towing system attaches under the saddle without any tools. Just pull out its retractable system when needed and attach the loop at the end of the bike’s handlebars.

Judge’s statement: “Kommit is a clever solution for all parents who want to go on a bike tour with their children. No problem if the power fails or the slope is too steep. Once attached to the saddle, the tow rope can simply be hooked onto the handlebars and the fun continues. An automatic pulley ensures that the tow rope is always neatly stowed away.”

Why it won:

• Light and small
• Easy to assemble and operate
• High-quality materials

Key data:

• Pricing: Varies by location
• Drawstring length: 2 m
• Recommended draw weight: 90 kg
• Available: Since 2021

Samaya Radical1: The Minimalist Four-Season Shelter

Samaya developed a four-season tent using a bio-based, waterproof material.

This four-season shelter claims to pack down to a 2L bag, weighs 655 g, and is made to withstand alpine extremes.

Judge’s statement: “For mountain sports enthusiasts who are on tour with light luggage and attach importance to low weight and small pack size in their equipment, this tent is the perfect fit.”

Why it won:

• Lightweight
• Compression: only 2 L in volume once packed
• Breathable walls: 40,000 g/m2/24h
• Eco-friendly: made from bio-based Dyneema composite fabric (walls and floor) and recycled plastic pegs
• Waterproof walls and floor: 20,000 mm

Key data:

• Price: €1,500 ($1,548)
• Lightweight: only 655 grams
• Color: White
• Dimensions: 200 x 70  x 90 cm
• Available: Since June 2022

Turbat Ultar Down Sleeping Bag

Turbat, a company from Ukraine, created a sleeping bag that’s water-resistant and has a variety of down cell sizes, shapes, and orientations that are proportionally filled with 850 FP down, claiming to give it a high level of thermal performance.

Judge’s statement: “The clever course of the zippers with the practical addition to open the sleeping bag from the knees separately, it allows, for example, before sleeping still have enough room to move without freezing through the open places. Due to the small pack size, it can be taken well on long trips, space-saving. Top warming, great insulation performance at low weight.”

Why it won:

• Lightweight 
• Water repellent and warming
• Easy closing and opening usability
• Compression
• Footwall can be opened

Key data:

• MSRP: €330 ($342)
• Available: Since March 2022

Apparel

Berghaus MTN Guide Hyper Alpha Jacket

The Berghaus MTN Guide Hyper Alpha Jacket has three layers that offer comfort, waterproof breathability (50,000 g/m2/24h), and light insulation.

The jacket touts its high level of durability and strong intensity for fast-moving technical excursions.

Judge’s statement: “Sometimes, the struggle is real, when it comes to deciding whether to take another layer of insulation or not, especially if it’s wet and temperatures are just in-between. The MTN Guide Hyper Alpha Jacket impressively solves this problem by creating a new category of a lightweight shell with a hint of bonded insulation.”

Why it won:

• Extremely thin rain jacket with bonded insulation
• Saves an extra layer
• Durable and timeless design
• Using PFC-free, OEKO-TEX, and Bluesign-certified materials
• Light to wear and small to pack

Key data:

• RRP: €300 ($312)
• Hydroshell Elite
• Woven ripstop 6D DWR
• 3 L TY
• 12,000 mm water column
• 50,000 g/m2/24h breathability
• Polartec Alpha
• Regular fit
• Size: XS-XXL
• Colors: Red-black and gray-anthracite

SCARPA Phantom 8000 Thermic HD

The Phantom 8000 Thermic HD boot by SCARPA is a boot with high-closing gaiters that makes claims to be thermally regulating, lightweight, quick-drying, and made with recycled materials like Primaloft Gold insulation.

Judge’s statement: “A thoughtful choice and combination of materials makes climbing the highest mountains and moving in freezing conditions more comfortable with these mountain boots. In addition, the cleverly integrated thermal system allows you to keep your feet warm at the touch of a button and thus maintain performance for longer. A robust and professional solution for ambitious mountaineers.”

Why it won:

• Thermal regulating
• Lightweight
• Quick dry
• Recycled materials like Primaloft Gold insulation
• Easy usability

Key data:

• RRP: €1,299 ($1,349)
• Available: October 2023

Lé Bent Cody Towsend & Elyse Saugstad Pro Series Zero Cushion Snow Sock

Lé Bent, an Australian brand, collaborated with professional American skiers Cody Towsend and Elyse Saugstad to develop an ultra-lightweight snow sock made of merino wool and bamboo fibers.

The sock claims to be a warm addition for all of your cold-weather excursions. Lé Bent’s snow sock is equipped with semi-compression and silicone grips in the heels and upper welt.

Judge’s statement: “It’s hard to evolve a product like a sock, but Lé Bent has done it! The silicone grips, mesh inserts, and comfortable softness really won us over.”

Why it won:

• Mesh panels for greater temperature regulation
• Silicone strips to prevent slipping
• Moisture-regulating and breathable
• Quick drying and antibacterial
• Lightweight
• Light compression
• Heat regulating

Key data:

• Price: $38
• Size: S-XL

Patagonia Untracked Bib Pants

Another environmentally conscious addition is Patagonia’s first-ever eco-friendly bib pants.

This bib is made with 100% recycled material and claims a “supple built-for-movement design for big backcountry days in even the most unrelenting conditions.”

Judge’s statement: “Freeriders in particular will appreciate the advantages of bib pants. It will please all environmentally conscious winter sports enthusiasts that this technical garment is now available in recycled, PFC-free material.”

Why it won:

• First-ever GORE-TEX ePE snow bib pants
• Made with 100% recycled fabric
• Lightweight
• Eco-friendly
• Abrasion resistant

Key data:

• Price: €700 ($729)
• Extra RECCO reflectors for added safety
• Made for backcountry freeride, ski, and snowboard, for men and women.
• Available: October 2023

Helly Hansen’s Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Jacket

With the third iteration of its well-known Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Jacket, which uses recycled “Ocean Bound” material, Helly Hansen seems to have hit its stride.

This jacket states that it’s functional (breathable, waterproof, and windproof), while also made of recycled materials.

Judge’s statement: “The issue of sustainability often only occurs in small series. But only if the bestsellers are changed, too, there will be a positive effect. Helly Hansen left the comfort zone and changed a bestseller. That deserves an award.”

Why it won:

• Breathable
• Waterproof
• Windproof
• Recycled
• Environmentally responsible

Key data:

• Price: Unknown
• Fit: Regular fit 
• Available sizes: Men’s S-2XL, women’s XS-XL
• Available: March 2023

Rab Mythic G Jacket

Rab raved about the time and money spent on researching and developing the Mythic G Jacket. This jacket claims to be 13% lighter than previous versions while still containing 10% more down.

It features ultralightweight 1,000-fill power down fill with a titanium TILT lining for added heat retention.

Judge’s statement: “Rab certainly knows how to master insulation to a tee. Extremely warm, extremely light, and at the same time super durable and packable: This jacket is for alpinists that count every gram and want all the warmth they can get without a weight penalty. The Mythic G is still smartly designed and packed with all the features you wouldn’t want to miss. An extra bonus for female alpinists is definitely the women’s specific fit.”

(Read our related review of the Rab Mythic Ultra Jacket.)

Why it won:

• TILT technology reflects body heat back and maintains breathability
• Extremely warm and light
• Weather-resistant, durable, and packable
• Women’s specific fit

Key data:

• RRP: €550 ($573)
• 7D Atmos nylon ripstop (23 gsm) with fluorocarbon-free DWR
• 7D ripstop nylon with Thermo Ionic Lining Technology (TILT) (23 gsm)
• 1,000FP European Goose Down Insulation
• Size: Men’s S-XXL, women’s 8-16
• Colors: Orion blue, Cloud, black
• Jacket weight: 277 g/9.8 oz (size men’s M); 252.5 g/8.9 oz (size women’s 10)
• Available: October 2023

Footwear

WINQS Zerofly Running Shoe

A nearly entirely bio-based running shoe has been developed by WINQS. It uses recycled materials or wood pulp. Its abrasion-resistant outsole is made of GeckoGrip hybrid rubber, which was developed with Michelin from rubber waste.

Aside from being eco-friendly, this shoe offers a 360 Wrap System that claims a better fit for reduced slipping or pressure points.

Judge’s statement: “The WINQS Zerofly is the best proof that performance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. The skillful selection of sustainable materials, the running characteristics, and the design of the Zerofly are simply a joy to wear. With this shoe, you’re always one step ahead in all kinds of ways — 100% performance, 0% carbon footprint. And at an absolutely fair price — for runners and the environment.”

Why it won:

• Well thought out, very comprehensive sustainability concept
• Use of bio-based and/or recycled materials
• Focused on real performance, not a fashion shoe
• Aesthetically appealing, mature product makes you want more

Key data:

• Price: €170 ($177)
• Smart 360 Wrap System
• Colors: Star White, Midnight Black, Pacific Green
• Available sizes: Women’s EU 36 2/3-41 1/3, Men’s EU 41 1/3-48
• Weight: 232 g (US 10)
• Outsole: GeckoGrip
• Midsole: RNEW PEBAX
• Insole: Bloom
• Upper: Recycled knit

Merrell MTL Thermo Rogue 4 Winter Hiking Boots

Merrell took its hiking shoes to the next level by creating the Thermo Rogue 4 winter hiking boot. The insulation of this mid-cut boot was developed in the style of the US space agency’s spacesuits.

Its technical features include warming layers, lightweight construction, quick drying, and waterproof and windproof capabilities.

Judge’s statement: “This is the kind of shoe modern hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are looking for in winter — athletic and durable winter hiking boots. The MTL Thermo Rogue 4 also provides the best possible sure-footedness, warm and dry feet, and compact, lightweight construction. Despite the lightweight construction, robustly designed. That is contemporary and ensures a longer life.”

Why it won:

• SOLARCORE technology
• Vibram XS Trek EVO, Arctic Grip, and Traction Lug
• Lightweight
• Waterproof and windproof
• Quick dry

Key Specs:

• RRP: €280 ($290)
• Available: Q3 2023

Fischer ONE and TWO Alpine Ski Boots for Kids

These Fischer ONE and Fischer TWO kids’ alpine ski boots are said to be lightweight and include Velcro fastening, a waterproof gaiter, and a non-slip GripWalk sole with side handles that work to make it simpler for children to pull them on.

Judge’s statement: “With the two children’s ski boots ONE and TWO from Fischer, the innovative overall concept has convinced me. A truly child-friendly ski boot that offers the little one’s optimum support and makes the often tedious putting on and taking off of ski boots much easier for kids and parents.”

Why it won:

• Velcro fastener instead of buckles for enough hold yet child-friendly handling
• Two side straps for easy pulling up
• Inner boot adaptable to fast-growing feet
• Non-slip GripWalk sole
• Waterproof, warm, and robust gaiter with zipper

Key data:

• MSRP: Fischer ONE, €100 ($105); Fischer TWO, €110 ($115)
• Sizes: Fischer ONE, 15.5-17.5; Fischer TWO, 18.5-20.5
• Weight: 400 g (Fischer ONE), 415 g (Fischer TWO)
• Available: Since Fall 2022

Round 4: All Winners