The MINI15+ avalanche airbag by Arva aims for the durability that is necessary for longtime rental and second-hand use but also impresses with eco-friendliness and flexibility. Thanks to this seminal combination, it won the ISPO Award 2023.
Freshies overnight, blue skies, and now it’s off to the backcountry–that’s a dream for many skiers and snowboarders who are hooked on freeriding. Unfortunately, a lot of fresh snow usually also increases the risk of avalanches, and that’s why no one should enter the backcountry without the knowledge on the dangers waiting there, information on the current avalanche bulletin, as well as safety equipment such as an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe.
Plus, with an avalanche backpack, you can significantly increase your chances of survival in the event of an avalanche. They usually consist of a deployment unit and an airbag. With the deployment unit, the user triggers the deployment of the airbag in the case of an avalanche. It fills with air in just a few seconds to help you stay on the surface of an avalanche and avoid being buried.
But these backpacks are often expensive and sometimes difficult to maintain. Due to the ever growing freeride and ski touring trend, the demand for rental backpacks has also grown. With the MINI15+, Arva introduces the first-ever avalanche airbag crafted for both rental and second-hand purposes, easy to use and long-lasting. The goal of the French avalanche safety experts who have been developing avalanche safety equipment since 1984 was to promote a fresh approach to safety gear consumption and to take another step towards preserving our planet. The result is the MINI 15+, the first avalanche airbag designed with rental and second-hand use in mind. At their jury meeting at Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria, in October, the six jury members found this user-friendly kit worthy of receiving the ISPO Award 2023.
To provide the long-lasting quality that is required to withstand the high demands arising during rental use, the MINI 15+ unites durability, eco-consciousness, and adaptability. Regarding durability and sustainability, Arva focuses on heavy-duty and abrasion-resistant materials that are recycled, bluesign® certified, and dope dyed, which reduces water and chemical usage and ensures long-lasting color as the color integration is deeper than usual. The main material of the backpack is 100 % recycled P600D providing for extra durability. The thermoformed back panel and Cordura stretch material on the shoulder straps also ensure a long product lifecycle. According to Arva, the carbon footprint of the pack including the steel cartridge is less than a wool sweater.
Even about the style, Arva has paid attention to longevity. The airbag is only available
in one classic color, as black pleases everyone, is timeless, and thus reduces the will to update gear. For graphics, Arva uses embroideries rather than prints as they last longer. In terms of adaptability, the airbag fits all body types, no matter if tall, tiny, child, grown-up, male, female, left- or right-handed.
Powered by Arva’s refillable cartridge system REACTOR 2.0, the MINI15+ is particularly lightweight (2.1 kg), ensuring optimal portability even for children without compromising on reliability. To double the safety, it has 2 separate airbags that are shaped as a ball to protect your head and maximize the rise-to-surface effect in an avalanche. The trigger handle is ergonomically positioned and designed, and you can practice pulling the trigger handle without canister. For rental shops, this system is also easier to check and maintain as there is nothing to recharge and it is quite low-tech, hence very easy to make quick inspection before renting. Considering all these advantages, the ISPO Award jury decided to give the MINI15+ the coveted ISPO Award 2023.
icebreaker has created a versatile flyweight for all intensive sports with this ultra-light hoodie. Made from merino wool and TENCEL™ Lyocell, it weighs no more than a T-shirt and is made entirely without petroleum-based fibers.
Many of us know the feeling: as soon as it gets uncomfortably cold outside in the fall and winter, we tend to misjudge our own need for warmth. It's better to dress too thickly than too thinly to keep from freezing. But as soon as you're out and about and active, it gets way too hot. icebreaker has come up with a solution to this inconvenience: icebreaker ultra-light 200 Realfleece™ Descender LS Zip Hoodie is highly breathable and prevents heat build-up.
Icebreaker's ultralight Merino midlayer feels comfortable and warm without trapping heat during high activity. It is cut close to the body and made from two different materials: Icebreaker uses Realfleece™ made from brushed merino wool as the main material. It is used in areas of the body that are more exposed to the cold. The fabric provides maximum warmth with minimum weight and a comfortable feel against the skin. At 156 g/m² (wool micron 18.9), it is extremely light and, despite the hood, long sleeves and zipper, no heavier than a short-sleeved T-shirt. The brushed, airy striped construction provides warmth and protection, while air channels allow the knit to release excess heat and moisture. This construction, along with the blend of TENCEL™ Lyocell cellulosic fiber, makes the hoodie highly breathable.
Realfleece™ is complemented by Cool-Lite™ Jersey, another lightweight material that feels pleasantly cool and dries quickly. It is positioned in areas where moisture needs to be wicked away quickly. Both components consist of 40 percent fine Merino wool and 60 percent TENCEL™ Lyocell, a plant-based fabric made from sustainably sourced wood that’s incredibly lightweight and breathable. This makes the hoodie 100 percent plastic-free and offers all the benefits of Merino wool. It is naturally odour-resistant, feels extremely soft and dries quickly. It also has a hidden pocket and thumb loops.
The Merino 200 Realfleece™ Descender LS Zip Hoodie is designed for running and hiking and is also suitable for other intensive sports in cool weather. The hoodie is part of the icebreaker Descender series and will be available for men and women from Fall Winter 2024.
With eco friendly and high-performance materials, Garmont offers a state-of-the-art winter hiking boot with the Trace High BOA GTX.
The Trace High BOA GTX, designed by Garmont, is an interesting choice for hikers seeking exceptional winter performance on cold and snowy terrain. It also serves admirably for snowshoeing enthusiasts. This high-cut boot excels in three key aspects: thermal protection, ease of use, and sustainability. Garmont has incorporated Ortholite O'Therm padding to provide superior thermal insulation, ensuring feet remain warm even during extended hikes in cold conditions. The innovative BOA Fit System guarantees a precise and hassle-free fit, enabling micro-adjustments with two BOA dials that cater to the varying tension needs of the cuff and instep. What's more, adjustments can be made effortlessly, even while wearing gloves.
In line with a commitment to eco-friendliness, Garmont has chosen Michelin's groundbreaking Bio-based technology compound, which minimizes environmental impact. “Garmont is the first outdoor brand to use Michelin's new Bio-based technology compound in an outsole. This compound is made from 90% non-fossil fuel based materials, raw materials that are not derived from the petrochemical industry”, says Paolo Martignon, Head of Product at Garmont. Additionally, the new Gore-Tex Performance Comfort waterproof membrane is crafted from ePE, making it entirely PFC-free. This focus on sustainable materials is a testament to Garmont's dedication to minimizing its ecological footprint. A lot of exciting things are currently happening at the design level in shoe production, especially in the area of midsole construction. All the better that Garmont is leading the way towards a non-fossil future. In this context, the successful integration of the new Gore-Tex membrane underlines Garmont's new path.
The Trace High BOA GTX has undergone rigorous field-testing by select Garmont ambassadors and their internal team, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and performance. With a sporty appearance and unrivaled functionality, this boot is the perfect companion for winter mountain hiking in colder climates. It strikes a harmonious balance between protection, convenience, and sustainability, making it a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts who demand the best. “In terms of design, we focused on simple forms, also to reduce the number of materials used from an eco-design point of view. Distinguishing elements include the thermo-pressed decoration on the cuff which recalls the tracks left in the snow by a hiker, and the two BOA dials which characterize the lateral view”, explains Paolo Martignon.
Modern hiking boots, whether for winter or summer, should not only be made of durable materials and have comfortable features, but also be lightweight. Garmont has also taken this aspect into account in the design.
And so the Italian shoe designers have succeeded in creating an all-round sporty and robust winter hiking shoe.
Additional features such as generous all-round scree protection round off the overall impression.
The Trace High BOA GTX is designed for hikers who enjoy long winter walks in cold environments and on snowy terrain, as well as snowshoeing. With the latter outdoor activity in particular, Garmont has found a niche in the shoe range with its now award-winning Trace High BOA GTX shoe. As snowshoeing is becoming an absolute trend, it is certainly smart to approach this topic with a winter all-rounder. A shoe for a wide range of outdoor activities.
With the MTC-UM 001, Mount to Coast introduces a running shoe that excels in injury prevention and sustainability. The Asian brand utilizes exciting materials.
At the heart of the Ultra Marathon Racing Shoe, MTC-UM 001's innovation is its unique midsole technology. Crafted with ZeroSag material, it offers an unparalleled cushioning experience from the very first step to the exhilarating finish line. The midsole's geometric design, backed by biomechanical insights, effectively controls excessive forefoot abduction, significantly reducing the risk of injuries. Biomechanical tests confirmed that the MTC-UM 001 significantly reduces forefoot peak abduction during running. “MTC-UM001 is specifically designed for ultra-marathon racing, mainly through our unique midsole technology”, says a spokesperson for the brand. “Our ZeroSag material can provide an endless cushion experience from first step to finish line, as well as a midsole geometric design with biomechanical insights that can control excessive forefoot abduction to reduce injury risk.” The shoe's development was guided by professional biomechanical research teams led by Professor Zhang XianYi, PhD, at KU Leuven University. "It’s the first time in the footwear industry that multi-segment foot models have been used to develop running shoes", says a spokesperson for the brand.
Biomechanical tests at National Sun Yat-sen University showed that the Ultra Marathon Racing Shoe could significantly reduce the forefoot peak abduction during running, a risk factor for overuse injuries. Furthermore, the abductor hallucis muscle, which is considered a dynamic elevator of the foot arch, was more activated when wearing the MTC-UM 001. “This indicated that our shoe has a positive effect on active muscular control of the foot arch”, says a speaker of the brand. “ We also participate in a 100km Ultra-Marathon Event where over, 1600m height above seawater in this August. 16 of our Athlete runners completed the race safely, and three of them were in the top 10.”
The use of durable BASF polyurethane elastomer foam as a forefoot insert also ensures consistent cushioning and response, even in challenging conditions. The shoe's upper material is made from a 4-directional stretch circular knit mesh that adapts to your unique foot shape, offering the comfort and flexibility you need. It feels soft and comfortable, almost like a second skin. Also, special: The midsole material is the result of a supercritical fluid foaming process using pure Nitrogen rather than chemical blow agents. This makes the shoe lighter and reduces its environmental impact.
Another Plus: The cuneiform-shaped wedge in the midsole, known as the 3D Arch Rail, controls excessive forefoot abduction effectively. What sets the MTC-UM 001 apart is its dedication to sustainability. The upper mesh is crafted from 100% recycled PET yarn, showcasing the brand's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. With its innovative design, injury prevention features, and sustainable materials, it's the perfect companion for those seeking to conquer long-distance races while minimizing their environmental impact.
With the newly developed Ultra Marathon shoe from Mount to Coast, an exciting player enters the densely populated running market. The shoe captures the spirit of a modern running shoe with its successful combination of lightweight, comfort, and research-backed stabilization. Even more crucial is the use of new foams without chemical additives. The 100% recycled PET yarn completes the design package. It will be interesting to observe how the Mount to Coast brand will continue to evolve in the future. In any case, it brings new impulses, and this is certainly beneficial for an industry that has long struggled to make progress in terms of sustainable materials.
Aclima's ReBorn Pullover blends durability with eco-conscious craftsmanship. The wool sweater boasts additional details. Functional natural fibers in a modern way.
This versatile unisex garment redefines comfort and warmth, all while championing sustainability. Ideal for both men and women who relish the serenity of forest trails or the excitement of winter expeditions, the ReBorn Pullover offers a remarkable blend of functionality and environmental responsibility.
As a natural fiber, wool is very popular for outdoor activities. A lot has happened in recent years in terms of the way it can be processed. In addition to many wool blends, circularity is on the agenda for many designers of wool products. With the ReBorn pullover, Aclima is setting an example in precisely this direction. Each ReBorn Pullover embodies Aclima's dedication to sustainable innovation. Crafted from Oeko-Tex certified recycled wool sourced from their own Estonian facility. “This pullover embodies eco-friendly design, with a focus on minimizing waste and contributing to a more sustainable future, says Ole Magnus Halvorsen, Marketing Manager at Aclima. The wool used consists of Oeko-Tex certified recycled wool. The unisex design of the ReBorn Pullover underscores Aclima's commitment to efficiency and inclusivity. It simplifies production and appeals to a wide customer base, making it a preferred choice for retailers seeking versatility in their inventory. End consumers are bound to appreciate the ReBorn Pullover's dual-layer comfort. Its terry knit exterior and soft brushed interior work in harmony to provide exceptional temperature regulation.
To find out how well the ReBorn pullover actually works on an outdoor adventure, Aclima had its ambassador Bengt Are Barstad test the product. Bengt is undertaking an extraordinary expedition with the aim of living in the Norwegian wilderness for 2000 days, he has been putting the pullover to the test in this rugged environment. His journey of over 1400 days so far in the wilderness provides an authentic and demanding backdrop for product testing.
The feedback from Bengt has been overwhelmingly positive; he reports exceptional quality and performance that has consistently exceeded expectations. His rigorous daily use underlines the pullover’s durability and its ability to stand up to the challenges posed by the harsh Norwegian outdoors. Bengt's insights are invaluable to us, confirming that the ReBorn Pullover is not just designed for the great outdoors but is proven to thrive there, offering outdoor enthusiasts a reliable and comfortable garment for their adventures. “The ReBorn Pullover is a sanctuary of warmth, crafted with a loftiness that envelops you in unmatched comfort. Its design is a shield against the biting cold, making it an essential companion for braving the unforgiving climates”, says Halvorsen.
Whether you wear it as a standalone piece or as a mid-layer, this pullover adapts seamlessly to various outdoor settings, ensuring warmth and comfort without compromising on style. This garment is eco-friendly designed, reducing waste and paving the way for a greener future with every thread. It's designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor life, ensuring that adventurers can rely on their pullover through seasons of exploration. Aclima's ReBorn Pullover offers outdoor enthusiasts a sustainable, versatile, and comfortable option. Designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor life, the ReBorn Pullover is a testament to Aclima's promise of enduring quality.