With this ultralight backpack Veil XP 30, Rab is pioneering IP-certified backpacks combined with environmentally conscious design.
Rab presents the Veil XP 30 in the field of high-performance equipment. The lightweight backpack was designed for equipment-conscious runners and fast hikers who are aiming for long-distance adventures. With this ultra-lightweight backpack, Rab is pioneering IP-certified backpacks, combining state-of-the-art technology with environmentally conscious design. Rab proves that performance and sustainable production methods with recycled fibers are not mutually exclusive.
"We are honored to receive the ISPO Award for the Veil XP 30. This is fantastic recognition for the hard work and dedication we have put into improving our Rab backpack range for Spring/Summer 2025, and we look forward to presenting the new
products to our retail partners and consumers," says Tim Fish, Product Director at Rab, about the recognition from the industry award.
The Veil XP 30 was developed in collaboration with Rab athletes and is based on the brand's proven Veil running vests and Muon backpacks. Constructed from 100% recycled nylon with taped seams and a waterproof HydroShield coating, it offers unrivaled protection from the unpredictable elements encountered on multi-day outings.
Looking at the details, it becomes clear how smart the design of the backpack is. Comfort and functionality merge seamlessly in the Veil XP 30 thanks to its innovative design. The Monomesh harness ensures stability, breathability and minimal water absorption, while the 3D Spacer back panel offers lightweight comfort and rapid moisture wicking. With a volume of 30 liters and a weight of only 0.545 kg, this backpack offers a perfect balance between capacity and agility.
The Veil XP 30 has been specifically designed to meet the needs of ambitious adventurers, with a focus on accessibility and adaptability. For example, the secure Velcro strap with laser-cut ventilation holes ensures a snug yet breathable fit.
In addition to its performance, the Veil XP 30 is an example of Rab's commitment to sustainability. As part of its strategy to use more recycled fabrics, the backpack's main material is 100% recycled nylon, embodying Rab's commitment to reducing its environmental impact without compromising on quality or performance. The Veil XP 30 is the ultimate companion for those embarking on ultralight fast-packing expeditions or conquering rugged mountain marathons, with a focus on innovative gear, functionality and environmentally conscious design. With the Veil XP 30, Rab offers the growing number of fast hikers an ideal, lightweight packing tool for longer outdoor adventures in the great outdoors.
We find ourselves in a unique era of human history, with an abundance of data, knowledge, and perhaps even wisdom, alongside a set of intricate challenges that could jeopardize our very existence on our home planet. Here are 3 ways to get inspired by stories about solutions!
We urgently need a science-based, optimistic narrative that outlines a vision of what is achievable. While new EU rules regulate communication at the brand and product levels, humans have always learned from each other. Storytelling and showcasing good practices have never been more important.
The Empowering Consumers Directive by the European Commission was approved by the EU Parliament this January (1). It aims to safeguard the interests of European consumers and advance sustainable consumption practices. Embedded within a series of legislative measures, it will revolutionize how companies operating in the EU communicate sustainability to consumers. It addresses all broad environmental assertions, encompassing written, oral, and audiovisual claims not covered by sustainability labels, lacking clear and prominent specifications on the same medium. Essentially, the directive urges companies to replace vague sustainability claims, statements like 'this product is eco-friendly' with precise, substantiated statements – a transition that European businesses are encouraged to promptly embrace.
Navigating these new regulations for communication is uncharted territory. However, we still need to tell stories, communicate, and lead by example. Media has the opportunity to go beyond mere claims. It is a space for investigation, connecting the dots, and delivering messages based on empirical experience by simply journaling about solutions. These three providers of encouraging stories can help you get inspired.
Source:
(1) https://www.ohanapublicaffairs.eu/2024/02/07/eu-empowering-consumers-directive/
Sun protection is an important factor in textile design. With the Maya Hood Trek Shirt, Turbat has now developed a UV-protective shirt for many outdoor activities.
The topic of UV protection is also receiving more and more attention in textile design. This is also reflected in the designs of Ukrainian manufacturer Turbat. The Maya Hood Trek Shirt, which has now won an ISPO Award, was specially designed for summer hikes, travel and long treks in hot, sunny conditions. The lightweight and extremely compact design of the shirt is geared towards the needs of a wide range of outdoor activities with its functionality. It is perfectly tailored for all outdoor enthusiasts who need to optimize space in their backpack and are dependent on the lowest possible weight.
The Maya Hood Trek Shirt impresses with well thought-out, functional highlights. It is also suitable for activities away from the hiking trails. "Thanks to its comprehensive UV protection, the Maya shirt is also suitable for activities near water, which may be part of a longer trip or weekend getaway," adds Marian Striltsiv, Creative Director of the Turbat brand. "In addition, we have incorporated elastic, moisture-wicking UPF50+ polyester in the areas that come into contact with the back to ensure freedom of movement.“
And so the brand from Ukraine is delighted to have won the ISPO Award once again. "The ISPO Award, as one of the most recognized and prestigious awards, brings us one step closer to establishing a global presence and building a brand for adventure and travel gear," says Striltsiv. "It underlines our focus on an open approach to product development, motivates the team and provides another compelling argument for future commercial partnerships."
Turbat aims to appeal to a broad customer base with the Maya Hood Trek Shirt. Whether global travelers and adventurers who want to explore hot summer destinations, or ultralight hikers and outdoor fans of all kinds. At the same time, production in Ukraine brings the brand closer to European markets and enables it to offer competitive prices. "This is certainly attractive for retailers," says Striltsiv.
Turbat wants to enrich the outdoor market with innovative and useful products. The well thought-out design reflects this basic orientation. Important features of the Maya Hood Trek Shirt are its contemporary and innovative materials and details. For example, a certified UPF50+ 96 g/m fabric is used, which is both lightweight and robust. A long product life is definitely desirable.
The UV-protective material of the Maya Hood Trek Shirt can also be found in the hood, which also fulfills a dual function. The lightweight and loose-fitting hood with button fastening offers an alternative to conventional head protection such as hats and caps, giving the garment protective versatility.
But that's not all: the lack of seams on the shoulders prevents chafing or discomfort, especially in hot and sweaty conditions. The long sleeves have been fitted with women's holes, which makes them much more comfortable to wear.
Overall, the Maya Hood Trek Shirt stands out as a functional and innovative choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for comfort, protection and practicality on their adventures. By combining the benefits of lightweight synthetic underwear t-shirts and breezy shirts, it aims to appeal to a wide range of outdoor sports enthusiasts. The Maya shirt offers significantly more function than a traditional hiking shirt and can impress with great comfort.
"Our local production in Ukraine supports the local economy and maintains jobs and sewing specialists. This is the most important sustainable factor for us," says Striltsiv, providing additional insight into the young brand's sustainability goals. All of the shirt's materials are certified in accordance with Oeko-Tex and Bluesign standards.
The Mammut Ducan Guide HS Hooded Jacket is made for reliable weather protection on extended hikes and multi-day treks, focussing on easy repairs and longevity in its features. It caters to hiking through different weather conditions and keeps you dry on challenging hikes while reflecting the brand’s "resource-efficient performance" ethos.
The Ducan Guide HS Hooded Jacket is crafted for eco-conscious outdoor enthusiasts who seek all-mountain experiences. The objective was to develop a fully equipped hiking hardshell jacket that meets the demands of performance-oriented hikers. It offers an optimal balance of durability and protection across various weather conditions during prolonged and challenging hikes, as well as on multi-day excursions. Additionally, the jacket emphasizes sustainable attributes, such as long-term durability and ease of repair. This shows in the craftsmanship and materials used but also in the design and features of the jacket.
“The Ducan Guide HS Hooded Jacket Women is definitely one of my favorite products for the season. It is a perfect expression of Mammut's design philosophy. We focused on resourceful and repairable details and trusted workmanship, all within a performance-driven look. This jacket protects you on long hikes, and it is made to last, enabling you to explore the outdoors time and time again,” says Susanne Leutner, Product Manager Apparel at Mammut.
Reflecting Mammut's "resource-efficient performance" ethos, the jacket embodies a new design approach defined by clean lines, functional additions, and varied textures, underpinned by tried-and-true craftsmanship. Its innovative design integrates a blend of materials and practical features like the adjustable external hood and strategically placed pockets. Their positions also differ on the men’s and women’s versions of the Ducan Guide HS Hooded Jacket, taking into account gender-specific body shapes. The combination of plain, mono-component recycled polyester and sturdier polyamide ripstop inserts, where extra protection is essential, provides durability and imparts a modern and engaging aesthetic.
All features are made with a focus on easy repair and longevity: The jacket comes with embroidered logos and a YKK easy repair slider on an Aquaguard center front zipper. The one-point adjustable hood and the adjustable hem feature accessible drawstrings for easier repairs.
The recycled 3-Layer Mammut DRYtechnology™ laminate delivers dependable waterproofing with a 20,000 mm water column rating and 20,000 g/m²/24h breathability. This ensures a comfortable interior climate and shields against harsh mountain climates while honoring an environmental commitment. Furthermore, the garment eschews transient color schemes and patterns. This way, it has a timeless and trend-independent aesthetic for seasons to come.
US protection company G-Form presents a new protection shirt for mountain bikers and motocross riders that features fully biodegradable and 100% recyclable pads. The jury granted the innovative MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt with the coveted ISPO Award 2024.
With the MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt, G-Form has launched an eco-friendly, certified impact protection for extreme mountain bike and motocross riders that stands out due to its biodegradable RE ZRO® pads as well as sophisticated features for individual adjustment and easy handling. At their meeting in the spring of 2024, the jury of the ISPO Awards decided to honor the new product with the coveted prize.
“G-Form is known for being a leader in lightweight, flexible, and body-mapping protection,” says Paul Fisher, G-Form’s Vice President of Global Product, “and now with RE ZRO, we are able to broaden our protection offerings even further, satisfying the more extreme rider who still expects distraction-free comfort from their gear.”
G-Form is a technology-driven protective solutions provider based in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, offering premium products that combine protection, comfort, style, and freedom of motion. G-Form has become a chosen protection brand for athletes looking to level up across various categories including bike, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and military.
Engineered for gravity MTB including downhill, enduro and slopestyle riders as well as motocross enthusiasts, the MX Spike offers CE-certified protection with their revolutionary, biodegradable and 100% recyclable RE ZRO® technology. Ideal for advanced riders seeking both performance and sustainability, this gear combines advanced safety with environmental stewardship. Featuring the RE ZRO® technology that exceeds stringent impact protection standards, these removable pads not only offer unrivaled safety but also help to protect the environment by fully biodegrading within 3–5 years in anaerobic landfill conditions, making it the world’s first fully biodegradable impact protection.
Michael Newton, the Director of Design at G-Form, stated: “The intent of the MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt was to provide a premium CE-certified protection solution to elite athletes pushing boundaries. The R&D team was very conscious of the need to deliver a product that is clean and minimal but rich with features required by elite riders from both MOTO and MTB. Fabrics that provide a stable but breathable compression fit and an easy on/off experience were essential. Another focus for the MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt was a strapping system that allows riders to adjust and secure the protection in a way that is custom for them. This includes not only custom tensioning straps but refined lumbar support adjustment that is critical for a personalized fit.”
As a result of the design process, RE ZRO® is bringing G-Form products to a higher safety certification targeted for gravity-style MTB including downhill, enduro and slopestyle, as well as motocross. The MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt reaches CE 1621-2 level 2 for back protection and 1621-3 level 1 for chest protection. These higher certifications guarantee confidence for the rider to stay protected during their most extreme rides, even at a moto-level ride. In addition to the MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt and the previously launched Terra Knee and Elbow Guards, which were recognized with the ISPO Award 2023, the G-Form line featuring RE ZRO® also includes the all-new Mesa Knee and Elbow Guards.
The MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt is designed with an abrasion-resistant chest panel that includes mesh windows, showcasing the RE ZRO® technology while maintaining breathability and durability. The extended spine coverage incorporates vented fabric, enhancing comfort during intense rides. The side zipper and adjustable chest straps ensure a secure custom fit, making the gear easy to wear and remove. For those who use a neck brace, elastics at the shoulder area ensure easy attachment, enhancing safety and convenience.
Moreover, the MX Spike is committed to sustainability from production to disposal. The packaging materials used are sourced from 100% post-consumer waste, reducing the ecological footprint significantly. The innovative design and choice of materials reflect G-Form’s dedication to sustainability, providing a product that not only protects riders but also prioritizes the planet’s health.
In summary, the ISPO Award jury found that the G-Form MX Spike Chest + Back Shirt is a sustainable protector with a custom fit that is well worth the coveted award.
“This back and chest protector for mountain bikers and motocrossers stands out not only because of its biodegradable pads. The well thought out features for individual adjustment and easy handling when putting on and taking off the protector also make it unique.” ISPO Award Jury
“In addition to other subtleties, like easy access pull tabs for gloved hands and BNS (neck brace) stabilizing elastics and cushioning, we were able to utilize RE ZRO pads and overlay a sustainable message and extend our commitment. Pad components are always a significant percentage of material usage in a product like G-Form’s MX Spike. Our utilization of components made from a recyclable and biodegradable material demonstrates the ability for innovative brands to change and choose a better way forward.” Michael Newton, Director of Design G-Form
