ISPO Award Winner 2025: Mammut Eiger Free Pro HS Bib Pants

The concept behind Eiger Free was clear from the start: merge Mammut’s decades of high-alpine experience with the culture and needs of modern freeriding. As Alfred Stoppacher, Eiger & Innovation Lead, explains: “We wanted to build something dedicated to the sport and the community behind it. So we took what we know from creating high-end mountaineering products and shaped it into gear that reflects the freeride culture.”

This approach set the tone for a product aimed not only at protecting freeriders in harsh conditions, but also expressing an attitude shaped by the sport’s aesthetics, environment and mindset.

Traditionally, the Eiger line embodies uncompromising performance. With Eiger Free, design became an equally defining consideration. Senior Designer Apparel Iina Lehto describes this evolution: “Functionality and performance have always defined the Eiger collection. But in Eiger Free, style isn’t an afterthought—it’s also one of the driving forces.”

This influence is evident in the bib silhouette, the wider freeride fit and the clean lines. The aesthetic signals freedom of movement, confidence and a look that belongs on big faces without sacrificing the durability and weather resistance central to Eiger products.

The Eiger Free Pro HS Bib Pants were engineered around longevity and field-servicability which is crucial for freeriders who spend seasons pushing into rugged terrain. Bonded elements were reduced, partial top-stitching increases seam tear strength, logos are embroidered for extended life and Mammut relies exclusively on robust Nr5 YKK Vislon zippers. Every pair includes waterproof self-adhesive repair patches for quick, in-field fixes, empowering riders to extend the life of their gear even far from the valley. These details result in a bib that withstands abrasion, impacts, crampon scuffs and long-term wear while maintaining the high protection level freeriders expect.

The pants use rugged 80d GORE-TEX PRO 3-layer fabric with a recycled nylon face, a solution-dyed backer and a PFAS-free ePE membrane. Reinforced with 400d GORE-TEX PRO fabric at critical zones, the construction delivers maximum abrasion resistance, waterproofness, windproofness and breathability.

For freeriders navigating deep snow, harsh storms or glacial terrain, this shell maintains a stable interior climate while delivering lasting protection. The bib itself uses breathable, stretchy Mammut FlexGuard Active, ensuring comfort and mobility on the ascent—yet durable enough for technical transitions and alpine exposure.

The development process involved three full prototype stages and extensive global field use. Product Manager Apparel Susanne Leutner highlights this process: “The goal was to create products, that reflect the demands of the athletes. For Eiger Free, the amount of testing was on another level. We ran lab tests, tracked performance data with sensors, and refined every detail. But the real difference came from our athletes—who basically lived in the gear all season long.”

Testing spanned North America, Georgia, the Alps, Italy, Switzerland and Norway. Conditions ranged from deep powder to steep technical lines and expedition-style terrain. The pants were repeatedly evaluated for mobility, fit under layers, snow-proofing, durability and big-mountain functionality. Each iteration was sharpened to ensure the final product performs without compromise.

The Eiger Free Pro HS Bib Pants are made in Vietnam at a Fair Wear partner factory. Mammut focuses on durable workmanship—embroidered logos, sewn-in trims, fewer bonded components—to extend product life and reduce waste.

The GORE-TEX PRO ePE membrane is PFAS-free, the backer is solution dyed to reduce water and energy use, and many fabric components are recycled. Every pair comes with repair patches to avoid premature product disposal. Additionally, Mammut offers professional repairs, free replacements for defects even after warranty expiry, and long-term support to maximise product lifespan.

• Highly durable construction with reinforced seams, robust zippers and included repair patches for extended product life

• GORE-TEX PRO ePE 3-layer shell with recycled components providing top-level waterproofness, windproofness and abrasion resistance

• Athlete-tested across multiple continents ensuring proven functionality, mobility and reliability in extreme freeride conditions

• Freeride-oriented silhouette combined with mountaineering performance principles for a modern, style-conscious product

• Strong sustainability approach through PFAS-free membrane, recycled materials, solution-dyed backer and long-term repair service