Subzero temps, moisture, crashes – winter can be brutal not just for outdoor enthusiasts, but for their smart devices too. Whether you’re carving down the slopes, gliding through cross-country trails, or climbing uphill on a ski tour, smartwatches, trackers, and smartphones are always along for the ride — and often pushed to their limits.
“Especially while skiing or snowboarding, devices often fail because of moisture and freezing temperatures,” explains Aaron Weyrauch, owner of the repair service that bears his name and partner of insurance provider Wertgarantie. “The batteries are usually the first to give up once the temperature drops below zero. Moisture and cold together – that’s pure poison for any smartwatch or phone.”
One of the most common mistakes? Storing devices in the wrong place. Many wear their gadgets on the outside of a jacket sleeve or clipped to their pants for easy access. But that’s exactly where they take the biggest hit from wind, snow, and falls. “I always recommend keeping your device in the inner pocket of your jacket,” says Weyrauch. “It’s better protected from cold, moisture, and impact there.”
For anyone who spends hours on skis or long days in the mountains, that small habit makes a big difference. Warmth, body proximity, and less condensation go a long way in extending the life of sensitive electronics.
Even when temperatures are on your side, power supply remains the weakest link. The battery determines how long your smartwatch or tracker stays alive — and it’s also the component most likely to fail.
“I always tell customers: never let the battery fully discharge, and don’t keep it constantly charged above 80 percent,” explains repair expert Aaron Weyrauch. “Many manufacturers now limit maximum charge automatically, because it significantly extends the battery’s lifespan.”
But charging habits aren’t the only thing that matter. Many users only bring out their trackers seasonally — for winter vacations or specific training sessions. “If a device sits unused in a drawer for six months, the battery will eventually die,” says Weyrauch. “Charging it once a month is enough to prevent that.”
These small routines contribute to a bigger picture — the circular economy. Taking care of your devices means fewer repairs, and when repairs are needed, many can be done cost-effectively. That keeps valuable electronics in circulation and reduces resource waste.
“The ability to repair a device is one of the most effective levers to reduce environmental impact and extend a product’s life cycle,” emphasizes Konrad Lehmann, Board Member of the specialist insurer Wertgarantie. “As a cornerstone of a functioning circular economy, repair services help extend the lifespan of electronics and household devices and minimize environmental harm from disposal — including the loss of valuable raw materials.”
That’s why Wertgarantie actively supports repair services for electronic devices such as smartwatches and smartphones, helping ensure they stay in use longer rather than ending up as e-waste.
What many people underestimate: wearables don’t just suffer from crashes or moisture, but from improper cleaning, too. Connectors, charging ports, and sensors are extremely sensitive to dust and grime. “Never clean contacts with metal tools or cotton swabs — you’ll either tear something off or cause a short circuit right away,” warns Weyrauch. “Compressed air works best, even from a simple spray can. It can save you a lot of trouble — and expensive repairs.”
The repair specialist also sees plenty of avoidable damage in winter mountain biking. “Many riders use mounts made for city bikes, not for downhill or subzero conditions,” he explains. “When a phone takes off across the asphalt, we can spot that kind of impact right away in the repair process.”
Despite all precautions, accidents happen — and heading to a repair shop is often the most sustainable choice. A professional repair extends the lifespan of your tech and saves valuable resources. “With proper care and a bit of mindfulness, most devices can last much longer,” says Weyrauch. “And when something does break, repairing it is almost always more sustainable than buying new.”
Fittingly, Wertgarantie recently published a study titled ‘Repair Instead of Replace’, revealing that many consumers avoid repairs out of fear of high costs — a choice that harms the environment when it leads to unnecessary new purchases. According to the study, Germany alone generates roughly 355,871 tons of electronic waste every year (that’s 8.6 kg per household), as many devices are discarded rather than repaired. Even more striking: consumers drastically underestimate the problem, assuming an average of just 52,000 tons annually.
The takeaway is clear: building ecological awareness is key. Protect your wearables, and you’re protecting the planet — while staying smart, sustainable, and connected for longer.
About Wertgarantie
Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Hanover, Wertgarantie is a specialist insurance provider offering tailored coverage for electronics, household appliances, bicycles, and e-bikes. Today, more than 8.4 million customers across Europe trust the company’s expertise and service. With its guiding principle “Repair, Don’t Replace,” Wertgarantie champions sustainability, customer focus, and a strong partner network within the specialty retail sector.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Wertgarantie offers customized protection plans designed for life beyond the pavement. In addition to wearables, outdoor gear such as cameras or other tech devices can also be insured. When damage occurs, Wertgarantie ensures quick and professional repairs — either through certified partner workshops or via its convenient online dealer and repair search tool.
It happens in a heartbeat: a curb edge, a slick carpet of leaves, or a rogue tree root—any road or trail runner needs total focus. One misstep and you’re suddenly on the ground. In the best-case scenario you’re left with a few scrapes that heal quickly. What most athletes forget to factor in beforehand is the smart tech they carry—and the risk of a total loss for smartwatch, smartphone, and the rest.
That loss can be a real dilemma. Price aside, today’s workouts rely on far more than lap times. Road runners track split pace and HRV; trail runners depend on offline topo maps, weather alerts, and live tracking for friends. If that device fails, the long run can end without navigation or an emergency call option.
A cracked display or a bruised battery pack, however, doesn’t automatically mean buying new. Specialist repair shops now swap out screens, seals, and battery cells in hours instead of weeks. A replacement screen for a multisport watch rarely tops €120, while a new premium model can easily cost four to five times that. And failures happen fast. “Devices break pretty quickly when they hit the ground hard,” notes Aaron Weyrauch, CEO of Weyrauch Repair—one of Wertgarantie’s authorized service partners. His numbers favor repair: seven out of ten smartwatches can be economically rescued because the main board and sensor stack are usually unharmed.
Every repair saves both money and the planet. Discarding consumer electronics that could still be fixed has heavy environmental consequences: according to a recent Wertgarantie study, Germany generates about 356,000 metric tons of e-waste each year because broken devices are scrapped instead of repaired—roughly 9 kg per household. Producing replacement devices adds around 2 million t of CO₂-equivalent emissions. Yet 77 percent of consumers opt against repair—often because the device seems “too old” or the quoted cost feels high. If the national repair rate rose by just one quarter, Germany could cut roughly 90,000 t of e-waste every year.
Repairing also extends a product’s life cycle and preserves its material value: sapphire glass, titanium housings—resources that don’t need to be mined again. Professional workshops provide six- to twelve-month warranties on replacement parts, reducing risk and building trust. At the same time, a secondary market for certified-refurbished wearables is emerging, giving newcomers a sustainable gateway into data-driven training. In short, repairs make the circular economy tangible.
That’s where Wertgarantie steps in, covering repair costs when accidents happen. With its “3-for-2 Complete Protection” offer, athletes can insure three devices—such as smartwatches or fitness trackers—against cracked screens, water damage, mishandling, and technical faults while paying for coverage on only two. Claim online, and you’re directed to one of about 2,400 partner workshops in Germany and Austria, achieving a 98 percent match rate for convenient, local repairs.
Good to know: Beyond potential repairs, your sustainability score rises when a battery lasts for the long haul. That comes down to day-to-day handling—often right at the wall outlet. “I always advise, and most manufacturers now agree, to stop charging at 80 percent and to avoid deep discharge. Many athletes use their trackers only in season, then leave them sitting for half a year. A full top-up once a month is enough; otherwise the cell dies and can’t be revived,” explains Aaron Weyrauch.
Hot-weather runners should grab power banks with thermal cut-off and park devices in the shade during breaks: overheating burns through charge cycles. “On long outings in direct sun, the gear overheats and the battery suffers. Take the phone out of the sun now and then—that’s crucial,” Weyrauch adds. Lithium-ion cells dislike cold just as much, so in winter the phone belongs in an inner pocket, never the outer shell. For off-season storage: leave about 50 percent charge, switch to airplane mode, and “wake” the unit every four weeks. Brief, moderate fast-charging is fine; hours of trickle-charging overnight strain the chemistry. Follow these steps and the battery can last five years or more—turning your wearable into a long-term training partner rather than disposable tech.
Sweat, dust, and rain are constant companions for runners. Regular upkeep wards off corrosion and connection failures. “Cotton swabs are tricky here,” warns Weyrauch. “Compressed air is best—no metal tools, no Q-tips.” A quick burst after each workout blows salt crystals out of sensor gaps. Anyone eyeing a trail marathon should first clean the seals and check the rubber plugs on charging ports. With these care routines—and the right coverage for your electronics—you can head into summer trail runs and the fall marathon season with a lot less to worry about.
Wertgarantie is a specialist insurer based in Hanover, Germany, founded in 1963. The company provides tailored coverage for electronics, household appliances, bikes, and e-bikes. Today, over 8.4 million customers across Europe rely on its services. Built on the philosophy of “repair instead of replace,” Wertgarantie stands for sustainability, customer focus, and a strong partner network in the specialist retail channel.
For outdoor sports, Wertgarantie offers customized protection plans. In addition to wearables, coverage extends to outdoor tech like action cameras or digital gadgets. Once damage is reported, devices are repaired either through partner workshops or by using the online dealer and repair locator.
Whether it’s gravel, road, or mountain biking – what once was a minimalist sport has become a high-tech experience. And it’s not just about the bikes themselves. Today’s cyclists carry more than just a helmet and gloves: GPS units, action cams, smartwatches, and smartphones have become essential tools – for navigation, performance tracking, or documenting the ride.
But what if your tech fails – or worse, gets damaged mid-ride?
It’s a valid concern. Especially when things get rough on the trail, it becomes clear that many of these devices aren’t built for the rigors of real-world outdoor use – let alone the pounding of downhill trails, gravel descents, or a crash at high speed on the road.
“Plenty of mountain bikers mount their phones directly to the handlebars – but the brackets used often aren’t designed for aggressive off-road riding,” says Aaron Weyrauch, CEO of Weyrauch Repair, a certified repair partner of Wertgarantie. Even among dedicated recreational riders, equipment isn’t always aligned with actual demands out on the trail.
“Dedicated bike nav systems are becoming rare – most riders rely on their phones with apps like Komoot,” Weyrauch explains. “The problem is that phones often come loose, hit the ground hard – and are immediately damaged.” On rough terrain or uneven surfaces, one sharp jolt or sudden stop is sometimes all it takes.
Damage is also common in road cycling: “Road cyclists typically carry their phones in their jersey pockets – but in the event of a fall or even a sharp evasive maneuver, the phone can slip out and go flying,” says Weyrauch. “Smartwatches are frequent casualties too.” Today’s multisport watches are packed with sensors and open interfaces, but they’re not always up to the task when it comes to impact, moisture, or crashes.
When a tech device gets damaged, having a reliable insurance partner on your side makes a big difference. Wertgarantie takes a stand against throwaway culture with its “repair over replace” policy – and covers repair costs when things go wrong. “Whenever possible and economically viable, repairs are always prioritized. If a repair isn’t feasible, a replacement device of equal type and quality will be provided. And if neither option applies, the customer receives a predefined reimbursement for a new purchase,” explains Jenifer Rahmani, Head of Customer Service at Wertgarantie.
In Germany and Austria alone, more than 2,300 workshops are listed in the brand’s free online repair locator. With a 98% match rate, finding a nearby service partner is straightforward and fast.
Repair costs typically cover diagnostics, spare parts, and actual repair time. For common issues – such as cracked displays or worn-out batteries – fixed-rate pricing applies. More complex damage is calculated individually based on labor and materials needed.
The entire process is streamlined and digital: “Everything begins with a digital repair request – submitted by the retailer, insurer, or directly by the customer,” says Aaron Weyrauch from Weyrauch Repair. “The device is then evaluated in one of our certified workshops. Depending on the diagnosis, we proceed with repair, replacement, or report back to the insurer. Transparency, fast turnaround, and real-time status updates are standard for us.”
Additional support comes via the TechManager app from Wertgarantie. Users can report damage or theft in just a few clicks, track the repair status, and rely on a fully digital, transparent workflow. “With the TechManager, users always have full visibility over their devices and insurance coverage,” says Sönke Kopp, Head of Mobile App Solutions at Wertgarantie.
A smart protection solution for digital gear – and for a worry-free biking experience.
Repairing a product doesn’t just extend its lifespan – it also conserves resources, reduces electronic waste, and is often more affordable than buying a replacement. Especially when it comes to high-value devices, repair is not only a financially sound option but also the more sustainable choice.
On top of that, personal settings, stored data, and individual usage habits remain intact – a benefit that a replacement device rarely offers.
By focusing on the real needs of today’s athletes and outdoor users, Wertgarantie delivers a repair-first approach that is both practical and future-ready. Because true sustainability doesn’t start with recycling – it starts with repair.
Wertgarantie is a specialist insurer based in Hanover, Germany, founded in 1963. The company provides tailored coverage for electronics, household appliances, bikes, and e-bikes. Today, over 8.4 million customers across Europe rely on its services. Built on the philosophy of “repair instead of replace,” Wertgarantie stands for sustainability, customer focus, and a strong partner network in the specialist retail channel.
For outdoor sports, Wertgarantie offers customized protection plans. In addition to wearables, coverage extends to outdoor tech like action cameras or digital gadgets. Once damage is reported, devices are repaired either through partner workshops or by using the online dealer and repair locator.
Outdoor clothing is no longer just for extreme mountain tours or multi-day trekking adventures. Today's consumers have diverse interests and lead active, spontaneous lives, so they need clothing that is as versatile as possible and can accompany them on all their adventures. The boundaries between everyday life, leisure, and the outdoors are becoming increasingly blurred, and traditional activity categories are losing their significance. Alongside clothing for demanding outdoor enthusiasts in extreme conditions, today's consumers need clothing that can adapt to any situation: functional, reliable and suitable for everyday use. Whether it's a city commute, a microadventure or a multi-day hike, function meets lifestyle!
In the Spring/Summer 2026 season, Marmot is putting this mindset at the heart of its collection, setting new standards for the brand with greater versatility and comfort. Leading the way is the evolution of the best-selling PreCip line, first launched over 25 years ago, which has undergone continuous development ever since. The previous best-selling PreCip Eco jacket has been replaced by the PreCip EVO, while the PreCip Eco Pro — one of the brand's best-selling rain jackets — has been replaced by the PreCip EVO Pro. The latter is now lighter and is made from 3-layer NanoPro™. Thanks to an additional integrated chest pocket and more comfortable, lowered hand pockets, it is also more versatile. A brand new highlight offering unbeatable value for money is the PreCip EVO Flex Jacket, which Marmot has added to its range. Combining waterproof, breathable weather protection with high wearing comfort, it is made from 2.5-layer NanoPro™ material consisting of 100% recycled polyester ripstop with mechanical stretch for maximum freedom of movement. Matching rain pants, which are also available in full-zip versions and different lengths, complete the line.
Click here for the PreCip Evo Flex Jacket from Marmot
Marmot also has innovations in store for sleeping bags and is keeping a close eye on changing customer needs. One example is the Wraptor series, which is made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop. Marmot has dispensed with zippers and used magnetic closures instead to allow for more comfort and flexibility in different sleeping positions. The sleeping bags are available in different lengths and with down or synthetic fillings. Marmot has also developed the HiberNest series, which is equally comfortable and versatile, but with a zipper. The zipper runs along the entire foot box, providing additional ventilation and allowing you to walk around in the sleeping bag. The spacious design provides ample freedom of movement while sleeping.
Marmot's new Trailfin tent, available for two or three people, is a new solution for outdoor enthusiasts who like to travel light and compact when trekking or bike packing. Short aluminum poles ensure a smaller pack size for this freestanding tent, which has two entrances and a tent packaging that features external attachment straps to secure it to a bike.
Want to find out more about what's new at Marmot? Jan Schapmann, Managing Director of Marmot, explains in an interview what the new brand direction is all about, why classic activity categories no longer make sense today, and which product highlights the brand is launching for the SS26 season.
Jan Schapmann: The brand orientation is not entirely new. We carried out a comprehensive consumer analysis for our 50th anniversary and discovered that there are very loyal Marmot consumers and that they know exactly what Marmot stands for. What is new is that we are much more focused in our product development and our consumer approach because we know which of our brand values are perfectly in line with consumer expectations. For example, the durability of our products has always been important to us - and customers as well as retailers appreciate this and rely on it. Our sub-claim “Tested. Worn. Loved.” expresses this relationship with the longstanding favorite product.
Of course, our consumers' expectations and the way they use our products have changed over time and we address this in our Brand Guide. We don't (just) develop our collections for ourselves but focus on the consumer. You can also see this in our campaigns. It's about the people and their experiences and that hasn't changed in 50 years. However, we wanted to look ahead and asked ourselves what role the Marmot brand will play in our consumers' lives in the future. 18 months ago we appointed a new Global General Manager for Marmot, Jon Graden. Jon has questioned all our “business basics”, especially around collection development and the Go-to-Market process. What do we know, and what do we only think we know because that's how it's always been? With this attitude, “Know what you don't know”, we have brought a new dynamic to the entire team and the brand.
Our consumers and customers trust Marmot and our products when it comes to functionality, performance, innovation and sustainability. Nothing has changed in this respect. However, the demand is more and more to buy a versatile and timeless product to build up a relationship over many years and many outdoor adventures. People who are active outdoors today are often much more versatile than in the past and are always open to new experiences. That's why we don't pigeonhole our consumers into activity categories, but are just as open and flexible in our product development as our consumers are in their use. We have therefore placed great emphasis on the color palette and versatility of our products. Innovation and sustainability have always been part of our brand pillars; our customers expect this and it is firmly anchored in every step of the collection development.
Our PreCip collection has been setting standards for 25 years when it comes to the waterproof/breathable category in the sub €200 price range. To further improve the collection, we have perfectly combined the two basic requirements of functionality and comfort.
We have developed the material of the EVO Jacket so that it is significantly softer, making it more comfortable to wear without compromising performance. New is the 2.5-layer EVO Flex Jacket, which offers a high degree of mechanical stretch. In addition to comfort, this also contributes to the versatility of the jacket and pant.
In the 3-layer PreCip EVO Pro, we have revised the feature set with additional pockets. In addition to the versatility of the construction, the focus here is on the durability of our 3-layer material, which is also very comfortable and not as crunchy as other 3-layer laminates.
First and foremost, we used our consumer insights to see how the activities and expectations of outdoor users have developed. While our raw materials team evaluated all materials in terms of functionality and ecologically sustainable alternatives, the design team scrutinized each feature to determine whether it offers real added value to the user or whether there are better alternatives.
In doing so, we worked with global teams with diverse backgrounds and expertise and questioned “old beliefs”. A good example is the new PreCip EVO collection. We have made bold decisions, such as leaving out the underarm zippers on the EVO Jacket. In combination with the new material, this offers much better comfort. For this target group, the breathability and climate regulation without the additional zippers is completely sufficient. With the EVO Flex and EVO Pro, however, ventilation is a feature that is useful and important for the target group.
Our target group makes conscious, long-term purchasing decisions. Since all of our products already offer a high level of functionality, it was mainly about creating colors and color combinations that are interesting but not limited to one or two seasons. In doing so, we have addressed a consumer need that is also very important for our retail partners.
Colors like Thunderhead, discreetly combined with Honey Glaze, stimulate consumers to buy because the colors are new. However, the combinations are neutral and timeless and are not perceived as an old collection at the end of the season.
We offer our retail partners continuity and stability in the development of the collection and can therefore react very flexibly to changes in demand. PreCip has always been and will continue to be a reliable product range component for our retailers. In addition, our AirExchange collection with sun protection is developing into a core runner for the summer season because customer needs and collection development also fit together very well here.
Finally, sleeping bags are very important to us. We have expanded our successful down and synthetic portfolio in the backpacking range with two innovative series. The Wraptor and Hibernest models are aimed at consumers who value versatility and a little more comfort and perfectly complement the Gas Bag and Mad River series.
Today's retailers must have a range of sleeping bags that meets a wide variety of consumer needs. In addition, cash-flow and stock rotation are particularly important in this category. We have geared our range and our entire order and inventory management to these requirements of our retail partners so that the retailer can shine with competence and product selection and at the same time work highly profitably.
What does the future of hiking look like – and how can we actively shape it?
This is a question outdoor footwear brand Merrell has been exploring through consumer research in recent years. Their latest answer: the Merrell SpeedARC Matis, a hybrid hiking sneaker combining innovative performance and futuristic design. With its disruptive style and advanced features, it speaks to a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts: young, urban, fashion-forward, and eager to live their passion for the outdoors in everyday city life.
But how does the new model resonate with these consumers? The answer: through real-world feedback from the ISPO Collaborators Club community.
In the ISPO Collaborators Club, sports brands work closely with passionate athletes to test their latest products, gather direct feedback, and integrate it into future product development. This ensures a deeper understanding of what consumers truly value.
For the Merrell SpeedARC Matis, a dedicated test was carried out with handpicked collaborators – selected from over 30,000 members of the Merrell and ISPO community.
This shoe is designed to make hiking possible anywhere – not just in the mountains or countryside but also on urban trails and city streets. Accordingly, testers were chosen across a variety of European cities and environments: from the urban jungle of Berlin to the coastal cities of Portugal and the Dolomites of South Tyrol.
Thanks to this direct connection with the target audience, Merrell gathered detailed insights not only on performance and terrain compatibility but also on design and urban style.
Collaborators tested the Merrell SpeedARC Matis thoroughly on walks, hikes, and short runs through the city, as well as in everyday life. The immediate comfort and fit stood out. "I would 100% recommend the shoe – and I already have," said collaborator Pedro. "Overall, the experience was very positive. The shoes are super light and very comfortable, at least for the shape of my feet." Combined with innovative upper materials, they provide an optimally fitting shoe with the lightness of the ultimate running feeling underfoot. Testers of the Merrell SpeedARC Matis appreciated this. "For occasional hikes, they are by far the best shoes I have ever tried, and daily walking is incomparable," reported collaborator Fabian. The shoe's quick lace system, which allows for easy on and off and quick adjustment of the fit, was also highlighted.
"The shoes feel really great, and even on hikes with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, I felt super comfortable. Normally, I feel my hips a bit after my short favourite hike near home, but with the SpeedARC Matis, there was no pain, and I even set a new personal best." The high energy return from the SpeedARC sole construction, where the foam in the midsole provides improved rebound and the flex plate in the midsole platform adds extra stability, was also positively evaluated during the tests. "The shoe was super comfortable to wear, and the sole really helped push me forward," said tester Lea. "The sole is excellent in my local terrain, which is mostly muddy or sandy and crosscountry. And that without feeling fatigue," added Pedro. The sole grip of the shoe was also rated as exceptional in rain and wet conditions.
“Extremely comfortable and stylish. Great to wear in urban environments, like for a walk – finally a hiking shoe that doesn’t look like a hiking shoe,” says triathlete and collaborator Maria.
Lea agrees: “I could definitely see myself wearing them not just for hiking – and I probably will.” She and collaborator Sebastian praised the cushioning and comfort, especially for long days on your feet – like during travel or in everyday life. The versatility of the shoe was also praised:
“I love that I can wear them while traveling. That means I don’t need to pack a heavy extra pair of hiking boots – and when I arrive, I still have a solid pair for hikes.”
Maria adds: “The up-to-date style is perfect for a walk in the city or park. I might even use them for my daily commute.”
For those intending to wear the shoe primarily for hiking, there was one practical tip:
“If you’re planning to use them only for hiking and not as lifestyle shoes, I wouldn’t recommend the white color – they get dirty quickly. But I do love the white design for daily wear,” says Lea.
Since the shoe comes in different colourways, personal preferences can easily be accommodated.
The shoe’s progressive look also played a big role:
“As I said – they’re super practical for travel and cover a lot of ground. Style-wise too – they go great with a technical or gorpcore outfit,” adds Lea.
With the SpeedARC Matis, Merrell has delivered a progressive shoe packed with style and technology – one that brings hiking into the city and shapes the future of outdoor footwear. And among the active testers of the ISPO Collaborators Club, it clearly found its place between urban adventure and everyday life.
Do you want to become part of our sports-enthusiastic community and be involved in future product tests and campaigns? Then join the ISPO Collaborators Club.