The Mons Royale Diversion Merino Wind Jacket is the perfect companion for eco-conscious adventurers who demand performance and sustainability. Designed primarily for cycling but versatile enough for all outdoor pursuits, this jacket combines innovative wind protection with the natural benefits of merino wool.
Whether you're cycling through mountain trails or exploring the great outdoors, the Diversion Jacket offers comfort, protection and style all in one sleek package. Designed with the perfect blend of form and function, a merino wool blend provides natural warmth next to the skin and wicks away moisture. The jacket features Pertex Quantum Windpanels strategically placed to block wind where it's needed most, keeping riders warm without overheating. The articulated fit, underarm gussets and shoulder construction ensure freedom of movement and prevent riding up. An adjustable hood fits snugly under helmets, while the hood's centre-back adjustment ensures unobstructed peripheral vision for safety and comfort.
Mons Royale combines premium merino wool with sustainability. The Diversion Merino Wind Jacket is designed to last, ensuring an eco-friendly product lifecycle. Its timeless aesthetic and soft-to-the-touch materials enhance both its functionality and versatility, making it a staple for outdoor enthusiasts who value performance and the planet. In addition, the packable design with fold-and-roll hood enhances the jacket's packability, making it easy to carry when not in use.
“The packability of this jacket is something worth highlighting. It’s an easy one to throw in your bag, taking up minimal space but provides a level of comfort in all seasons. If you’re doing a full day ride there’s not one day you don’t want it with you”, explains James Noorkoiv Product Director at Mons Royale.
Accurate avalanche forecasts rely on thorough snow analysis and field observations. The introduction of a unique, foldable snow saw has significantly streamlined this process, quickly becoming a favored tool among avalanche forecasters worldwide due to its portability and efficiency.
The Tindeq Snow Saw is an essential tool for assessing snowpack stability and evaluating avalanche risk, playing a critical role in backcountry- and public road safety. This innovative, collapsible saw simplifies snow analysis and is quickly becoming the benchmark for avalanche forecasters, ski patrollers, snow scientists and backcountry skiers worldwide.
Its unique design consists of three aluminum segments that can be connected to create a blade length of either 70 cm or 105 cm, making it the only snow saw capable of cutting large snow columns in a single pass in an efficient way. This ensures complete isolation of the snow column’s back face, a key factor in accurate stability testing.
Constructed from lightweight and strong aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, the Tindeq Snow Saw integrates a complex locking mechanism in each segment for secure and reliable assembly, making the assembled saw appear seamlessly connected. The metal body is sturdy and stiff, while the anodized surface enhances abrasion and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for long-term use in demanding conditions.
“We have aimed to make a saw that is lightweight, compact, sturdy, and sufficiently long to efficiently perform the common snowpack stability tests. One challenge was selecting the right material, but the biggest hurdle was designing a joining mechanism that would function reliably in all weather conditions and endure the rugged use the saw would face”, explains product designer Jørgen Blindheim. The final product now features a patented locking mechanism which ensures a strong and ostensibly seamless joining of the saw blades.
The saw weighs just enough to feel substantial without being cumbersome. Its aluminum blade is built to withstand heavy use, and when its life cycle ends, it can be recycled. The included sheath, made from recycled sailcloth, offers durable protection while also contributing to sustainable practices, having already served a long life at sea.
The saw has measurement marks engraved onto the surface of the blade, and there is also a 1 and 3 mm crystal grid to help classifying snow crystals.
In the world of avalanche safety, the Tindeq Snow Saw stands out as a high-performance, well-crafted tool that is indispensable for snow stability analysis and risk management.
In the world of avalanche safety, the Tindeq Snow Saw stands out as a powerful tool that is indispensable for snow stability analysis and risk management.
ISPO Award Jury
For those who love sleeping under the open sky – setting up camp with the SkyNest is a breeze.
Travelbird presents the SkyNest, an all-in-one hammock-tarp tent solution. This smart design incorporates multiple outdoor sleeping scenarios. It can be used as a solo outdoor shelter, a hammock with a mosquito net, or simply as a tarp. With its versatile setup options, the SkyNest stands out from traditional hammocks. Whether suspended between trees or pitched on the ground like a lightweight tent, the SkyNest effortlessly adapts to different camping and outdoor needs.
Winning the ISPO Award is significant for the Hong Kong-based company, recognizing their efforts in a rapidly growing global outdoor market. "This means that our products have received professional recognition after years of research, development, and experimentation. It also signifies that the TravelBird brand from Hong Kong has been acknowledged and accepted by a wider audience," says a member of the TravelBird design team.
The SkyNest was specifically designed for use in the wilderness. Travelbird prioritized comfortable portability, quick setup, and spacious interior dimensions during its construction. Thanks to its clever design, the SkyNest can be set up quickly and intuitively without the need for assembly instructions. After a short familiarization period, setting up the SkyNest takes approximately one minute. This is particularly convenient when arriving at the campsite late after a long day outdoors.
The advantage lies in the details. Unlike traditional hammock tents that often require intricate adjustments of individual components, the SkyNest allows the hammock, mosquito net, and rainfly tarp to unfold simultaneously in a single setup. This is practical and efficient.
Often, new outdoor products are born from personal experiences. This was also the case with the SkyNest. Inspired by the outdoor expertise of one of the leading team members, the now award-winning SkyNest was developed. The goal was to create a product that simplifies outdoor living without compromising on performance.
For comfort, the design was carefully considered. The cross-section of the SkyNest hammock is pentagonal, and the mosquito net extends outward, so it doesn't touch the face. This creates a high level of sleeping comfort, as there are no space limitations in the hammock. Another advantage is that a camping mat can be installed at the bottom of the hammock. Alternatively, it can be attached to the underside using special fixtures. Additionally, the hammock and rain tarp can be used completely separately and independently of each other.
Whether exploring remote outdoor trails or embarking on a camping trip in the countryside, the all-in-one hammock tent provides comfortable and secure protection from the elements.
The SkyNest shields against sun, wind, rain, snow, and pesky insects, offering optimal protection in any environment. With the SkyNest all-in-one hammock tent, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy carefree nights in nature.
Ïdlo (Idlo) offers enjoyable and healthy food options on the go: meals from the Ukrainian company contain 100% natural ingredients and offer a variety of options, including plant-based ones. The dried food is long-lasting, small to pack, and takes the pain out of meal planning when out and about outdoors.
Whether you are out adventuring in extreme conditions or just want a convenient meal on the goal, Ïdlo (Idlo) provides a convenient and nourishing solution. Preparing your food is super simple: just add hot water, give it a quick stir, and wait ten minutes. Then savour a warm and healthy meal straight from the pack. All you need is the Ïdlo (Idlo) pouch, a spoon, and
boiling water. The meals in the range are crafted from 100% natural products, with no artificial ingredients, flavour enhancers, colourings, or preservatives. Its extended shelf life is achieved through the low moisture content resulting from freeze-drying and infrared-drying processes, coupled with the use of oxygen absorbers only.
As a prime go-to for satisfying hunger, no matter where you are, Ïdlo (Idlo) offers a comprehensive nutrition system of 43 products: breakfasts, soups, entrées, snacks, beverages, and energy bars including meals featuring plant-based meats to offer a maximum variety of options and react to global trends.
As Ïdlo (Idlo) was born to cater to the needs of Travelers, outdoor activity and extreme sports fans, and create healthy meals on the go that even their own children would love to eat when being on a camping trip, the Ukrainian brand had to deal with a different set of challenges during the last years. “In the wake of the Covid pandemic, like many Ukrainian companies, we encountered a fresh set of challenges as our nation faced an attack from Russia. Our previous trials, such as tailoring products for the Antarctic Ukrainian station or expeditions to Everest, gave way to pressing concerns like securing supply chains during wartime and enhancing opportunities for volunteer aid to the military and displaced persons. It's become an adapt-or-perish reality”, says CEO Ivan Kysylytsia about the circumstances his company had to face.
Nonetheless, motivation within the company remained unbroken: “We've learned to perceive crises as opportunities for growth. The key lies not in halting but in relentless action and exploration of possibilities”, explains Serg Andreev, Head of Engineering at Ïdlo (Idlo). “Even as a segment of our team joined the military two years ago, we've persisted in experimenting with novel combinations of freeze-dried and infrared-dried ingredients, offering feedback and insights for production enhancements. Therefore, the recognition through the ISPO Award serves as an incredible source of motivation, affirming that we're on the right trajectory.”
Ïdlo (Idlo) incorporates a blend of freeze- and infrared drying in its recipe to optimize pricing while preserving the flavourful qualities of the dishes. Both techniques are state-of-the-art methods for prolonging a product’s shelf life and facilitating handling, storage, and transportation.
While freeze-drying helps retain nutrients and phytochemicals in the foods, making it a healthy food processing choice, it is also an energy-intensive and time-consuming process.
This also significantly impacts the final cost of the product and is also where infrared drying comes into play. Infrared drying is quicker and saves on energy, which is why Ïdlo (Idlo) incorporates a blend of freeze-drying and infrared drying in its recipe to optimize pricing while preserving the flavourful qualities of the dishes.
The wide range of flavours and innovative use of processing techniques and ingredients also come from a strong focus on the needs of the customers: “Ever since our inception, we've embraced the lean methodology to incessantly refine our offerings and elevate customer satisfaction”, explains Mike Temper, Head of Product at Ïdlo (Idlo). “We rely on user research and swift adaptation, qualities we believe define a truly competitive product. This approach led us to come up with a new line of meals featuring plant-based meat.”
Embracing the global trend towards plant-based diets, the brand has introduced a new line of meals featuring various plant-based meats, including sausages, meatballs, and kebabs in their dried food.
An improved packaging design makes it especially easy to eat straight from the pouch: its lower and wider shape feels similar to using a bowl. Additionally, the fill line is located inside the package, making it simpler to add the perfect amount of water. Modern raw material processing methods are used to prevent the release of any harmful substances when filled with hot water. The active packaging is also able to absorb oxygen and excess moisture, ensuring safe storage for at least two years.
Thoughtful colour-coding of the package also simplifies the process of locating a desired meal type in your backpack. Corresponding to the seasons, each colour represents a specific meal category: spring green for breakfasts; summer red for main dishes; autumn brown for soups; and blue for snacks and beverages, evoking the feel of winter.
In addition to bindings, boots, skis and skins, Artva, shovel and probe, ski touring bindings play the most complex role in the basic ski touring equipment, as they fulfil a variety of functions.
The market nowadays offers four types of ski bindings: Race, Speed Touring, Touring, Free Touring. We can compare this offer to what we find in the bike world. We can indeed purchase parts such as brakes which combine lightweight and consistent performance.
These are the main parts of modern ski touring bindings:
Although to a novice eye the frontal pin-binding system may appear weak to keep the boot in position, in reality this concept is simple and robust: a clamp with two pins which are strongly “clamped” against the ski-boot toe. The clamping force generated by a spring system is integrated in the front binding.
On some models, a multi-position selector switch is located in the front lever. Changing the position of this selector switch varies the clamping force against the ski boot toe.
The modern design of the front binding is now able to prevent snow, ice or other debris accumulation. This ensures this mechanism can always work smoothly.
The design and functionality of the rear binding depends on the binding category. But the coupling between the binding and ski boot is always achieved by pushing the boot against the rear locking pins. In the uphill position, we find two different solution to prevent the heel to get jammed into the rear pins:
The skin-bindings used Freetouring guarantee the best performance on descent by reducing the torsion of the boot. The small dimension of the rear binding offers an amazing lightness.
For ski touring binding models equipped with multiple heel lifts, which are useful for reducing the foot angle along steep terrain, some manufacturers have introduced an ingenious yet simple magnetic system that keeps the heel lift in position.
On the most downhill-orientated models, when the ski flexes due to compression or a jump, the rear can move backward thanks to the action of patented systems such as ATK's Elastic Response System® and then returns to its starting position.
One accessory that is more and more integrated into ski touring bindings is the ski brake (or ski stopper). Development has led to the ski brake being closed during the descent phase, while the system is placed in a neutral position during the ascent phase so as not to hinder walking. However, some models with a front ski brake also allow the brake to be activated in the event of a release during the ascent: if the toe box is locked during the ascent phase, the ski brake is ready to open again in the event of accidental release of the boot from the front.
The premise is that ski brakes are mandatory in official ski mountaineering races from 2021. Nevertheless, the debate about their effectiveness is always lively: better with or without? Or is the 'old' harness better? We simply comment on the situation and point out the trend to include the ski brake in almost all models:
Today we are dealing with a consolidated standard in which ski touring bindings can be divided into four macro-categories, depending on how the ski tourer wishes to interpret the type of ski touring and, last but not least, how light is the overall equipment.
CATEGORY TYPOLOGY
USE-SKIS
WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
RACE
For athletes taking part in official ski touring competitions.
Light.
SPEED TOURING
For fast ski tourers on routes with large differences in altitude.
Easy handling and low weight.
TOURING
For everyone, from beginners to experts on multi-day tours.
Functionality and reliability in all conditions.
FREE TOURING
For freeriders who tackle steep slopes at high speed and possible jumps.
Downhill fun and uncompromising performance.
The range of ski touring bindings on the market is indeed very broad as far as manufacturers are concerned. Below, we have summarised some technical parameters that illustrate the differences within the four most common categories.
CATEGORIES
BINDING
WEIGHT
WIDTH
RACE
105 gr-145 gr
< 1000 gr
< 82 mm
Fixed heel cap, heel lift with one position to avoid blocking on the ascent, optional length adjustment plate, ski stopper optional but usually available, maximum supported skier weight up to 80 kg, rarely 90 kg.
CATEGORIES
BINDING
WEIGHT
WIDTH
SPEED TOURING
145 gr-200 gr
800 gr-1500 gr
75 mm-102 mm
Heel rotation, easy heel lift and some length adjustment, ski stopper and crampon space optional, skier weight up to 105 kg supported.
CATEGORIES
BINDING
WEIGHT
WIDTH
TOURING
250 gr - 320 gr
800 gr - 1500 gr
75 mm - 108 mm
Simple, functional, reliable, with various adjustment options also at the rear, ski stopper, space for crampons, suitable for wide skis.
CATEGORIES
BINDING
WEIGHT
WIDTH
FREE TOURING
305 gr - 380 gr
1000 gr - 1700 gr
up to 120 mm
The evolution of touring, suitable for typical deep snow skis, for uncompromising descents and extreme conditions, adjustable for skiers up to 120kg.
Apart from the many details that make a binding very specific, you should bear in mind that the choice of binding for ski touring must be in line with the equipment as a whole, i.e. a rather minimalist model will not suit a ski intended for freeriding and vice versa.
The advice of a specialised dealer is very valuable in these cases. It is as important as a proper maintenance over time, which should include an annual check when the ski season is over.
As well as to check the wear of the front ad rear bushings of the ski boots, which affect the function of the binding.