Until now, hemp fibers have primarily been used in textiles. However, LEKI has developed the Hemp One Vario, the first adjustable trekking pole made of hemp.
LEKI has been known for its innovative spirit and high-quality standards for many years. With the trekking pole “Hemp One Vario” the company from near Stuttgart is now taking a completely new approach. Using hemp fibers as a material in safety-relevant hardware requires not only extensive material knowledge but also courage. The experimenting has paid off – the “Hemp One Vario” has now been awarded an ISPO Award. “In the end, the Hemp One Vario is the first pole that consistently pursues the use of sustainable materials. With this project, we have taken a big step forward. At the same time, we see a lot of development potential for the future,” says Matthias Hatt, CEO of LEKI.
In addition to the lightweight and robust design, the jury was convinced by the feel of the “Hemp One Vario” during testing. The sustainable approach of working with a renewable resource like hemp, which is grown just 6 kilometers from LEKI headquarters, was also highly valued. “It is the first pole that consistently pursues the use of organic materials as a replacement for aluminum and carbon”, Hatt adds. The demand is already very high, as confirmed by LEKI.
“The pole will initially be sold in 2023 as a handmade limited series as a pilot project through Globetrotter stores. Therefore, we are still working on opening up the product for broader trade, and we have a very long-term perspective,” explains Hatt. In essence, the “Hemp One Vario” is a statement for the sustainability-oriented customer who often faces difficulties in the hardware industry. Sustainability is considered particularly challenging in hardware, especially due to the materials and composites used. “For the user, we offer a versatile product in a unique design that clearly stands out and sets itself apart.” It remains to be seen how the retail development of the hemp trekking pole will continue.
Let’s take a closer look at the product: The shaft made of hemp fibers can be described as the highlight of the “Hemp One Vario”. On one hand, it is the first ever shaft made from an organic fiber composite, and on the other hand, it has a great haptics. At the same time, the entire concept of the pole is designed with the use of organic materials across multiple components. For example, the strap is made of natural linen. By the way, it’s worth mentioning that the "Hemp One Vario" is manufactured entirely in Europe. Other plastic components contain significant proportions of natural cork and hemp. During the hemp harvest in the fields of a local farmer, LEKI employees got involved themselves.
The shaft was developed in collaboration with the German Institute for Textile and Fiber Research in Denkendorf. “We have a strong regional connection with DITF and have been working in cooperation with them on various fiber composite materials for a long time. This collaboration has already resulted in numerous ideas. This excellent partnership is continuously maintained to generate and explore new ideas”, Hatt says. The “Hemp One Vario” is a pole suitable for both short and long hikes below high alpine areas. “It is versatile enough to impress in both the low mountain ranges and the Alps,” added Hatt.
Hemp is considered the new miracle fiber in this regard. Sustainability expert for the ISPO Awards, Luisa Smith, also recognizes this. “As LEKI emphasizes, the sustainable aspects of hemp are tremendous compared to other natural ingredients: it requires little water or land area and can be grown in many countries, allowing it to be grown closer to the market. Moreover, it nourishes the soil, enabling more secure harvests,” explains Luisa Smith. “Hemp is incredibly robust, so one might think of ropes, but with new technology, it develops a softer appeal.” LEKIs development provides a glimpse into what is possible in the field of hard goods. The industry will undoubtedly closely examine LEKIs flagship project. Once consumers embrace the pole positively, other manufacturers will follow suit with their innovations. An exciting time awaits us.
Simply great: Trail Hoppers presents the 3-in-1 Cape, a surprising and space-saving 4-in-1 product for a variety of outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re a backpacker, hiker, or any kind of nature lover, the “3-in-1 Cape” is an exciting companion on the outdoor stage. With its 4-in-1 functionality and compact design, the “3-in-1 Cape” equips outdoor enthusiasts for many activities. As a hammock, rain poncho with hood, wind and rain protective tarp, or groundsheet, the “3-in-1 Cape” is easy to use.
The jury was impressed with the simple handling when trying it on and eagerly tested out all the functions. The focus was mainly on the stability of the material and the attachment of the loops when using it as a hammock. The verdict: a well-thought-out concept, with the suspension system cleverly integrated into the cape, supporting a high load capacity. The hammock can be easily adjusted. It’s an ideal resting place on dry days. If it starts raining outside, it’s easy to switch between the individual cape functions. As a rain poncho, the integrated hood provides optimal protection against wind and rain in addition to the fabric’s water resistance. “It’s a true 4-in-1 product, combining versatility and ease of use while being lightweight and durable”, Thibaud Durivaux, Trail Hoppers co-founder, highlights the salient characteristics of the 3-in-1 Cape. “The 3-in-1 Cape perfectly meets the needs of travelers and backpackers. It is also a great fit for people practicing various outdoor activities, such as hiking, trekking, road trips, climbing. More generally, all outdoor enthusiasts will find it’s a great addition at parks, camp sites, or festivals.”
The 3-in-1 Cape is in line with the trend of light and multi-use equipment. In addition to its low weight and small storage size, what makes the multifunction 3-in-1 Cape truly unique is its ability to convert from one mode to another very quickly and easily. Setting up the hammock is a breeze: the suspension system is embedded into the product, and interwoven daisy chain webbing lets the user easily adjust the hang. The poncho hood is hidden by a zippered slit, which preserves the hammock’s comfort. An elastic belt is included, so that the poncho fits any size of user or backpack. Finally, when the hood is rolled, it makes for a fully waterproof shelter.
The two founders are engineers with a passion for outdoor equipment. Thus, from concept to validation, the product design benefited from both their technical skills and personal experience. In addition, they were supported by industry experts throughout the development. Numerous travelers and outdoor enthusiasts tested the cape under various weather conditions and environments. Fruitful feedbacks that led to an ISPO Award-winning product.
Retailers can benefit from showcasing a new and innovative product, catering for the increasing demand for multipurpose products. In addition, the potential market gathers a wide array of outdoor lovers. For users, the 3-in-1 Cape will be part of all their outdoor adventures. No more trade-offs when choosing what to bring: you can enjoy the comfort of a hammock if the weather is good, but you’re also all set in case you’re less lucky and need to keep your gear and yourself dry. In addition, this multifunction product enables you to be properly equipped without having to buy 4 different products – saving you cost, space, and backache.
With the compact “3-in-1 Cape” from Trail Hoppers, users can achieve four functional benefits with only one product, saving on premium packing space and weight in the backpack. It is the logical result of a “form follows function” approach. ISPOs external sustainability expert Luisa Smith was also impressed by the development: “The 3-in-1 Cape is sustainable from a design perspective: 4 products in one. Today’s consumers do like a versatile option, saving money and time.”
Available on Kickstarter from June 4th, 2023.
Easy to use, compact design: With the Ulti Stove System the outdoor experts of Primus present an innovative cooking solution for use in extreme weather conditions.
Fans of outdoor equipment will be thrilled with this easy to use cooking solution from Primus. With the “Ulti Stove” system, the Swedish manufacturer of high-quality outdoor stoves is bringing an exciting innovation to the market. Whether for extreme expeditions or a normal outdoor tour, cooking should be possible in almost any weather with the “Ulti Stove” system. “The Ulti Stove System is the most wind-resistant, stable, reliable, and powerful cooking solution we have ever made. With the goal of withstanding even the harshest environments, this all-in-one system with its combination of catalytic combustion and infrared radiation offers the most reliable cooking solution for expedition chefs worldwide,” says Manuel Dürmoser, Head of Product at Primus.
The Ulti Stove System has been specifically designed for expedition adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who venture out in the most extreme conditions and cook outdoors. “Whether on the coldest Arctic expeditions, sandy desert trails, or the wettest jungle, everyone can fully focus on their own mission and trust that they will be able to prepare a hot meal under any circumstances,” describes Dürmoser, highlighting further advantages of the stove system. In addition to Primus’ expertise, the development process also incorporated feedback from collaborating professional experts, mountain guides, and expedition adventurers. “This allowed us to create a product range that is unique in terms of versatility, design, construction, ergonomics, and durability,” adds Dürmoser.
What exactly is so special about the Ulti Stove system? Here are a few insights: After igniting the “Ulti Stove”, no flame is produced. Fuel and air mix in the burner and burn in the presence of a catalyst material. This is a special metal alloy applied to a porous metal foam. The result is a more complete combustion of the gas-air mixture. This allows for cooking or snow melting even in the strongest wind. The high efficiency of the system also saves on gas consumption. A compact and robust design completes this extraordinary cooking system. Thanks to the well-thought-out hose system, it is possible to use the gas cartridge upside down in lower temperatures. “This allows the owner to always prepare a warm meal or beverage, regardless of when and where”, explains Dürmoser.
Both retailers and end consumers can look forward to a contemporary product that aligns with the current trend of lightweight solutions in outdoor equipment. In the case of Primus’ Ulti Stove System, “lightweight” refers to both its weight and ease of use. End consumers receive a robust stove system designed for long-term usability. The fact that the manufacturing location is in Europe was highlighted as a positive aspect by ISPO sustainability expert Luisa Smith, which positively influenced the award decision.
To increase the safety of swimmers in open water, the company Restube has developed the “Swim Buoy”, a swimming buoy with modern additional features.
The enthusiasm for long-distance swimming or swimming in open water such as the sea increases year by year. Therefore, good visibility of the swimmers is all the more important, for example, to be seen in waves by passing boats. The company Restube has incorporated years of experience and feedback from its more than 300,000 customers into the development of the “Swim Buoy”, a swimming buoy that has now been awarded an ISPO Award.
“Anyone who goes swimming knows how important it can be to be seen by others or to have extra buoyancy. Whether for oneself or for others,” describes Christopher Fuhrhop, inventor and CEO of Restube. “Our swimming buoy is suitable for all people in the water who want additional buoyancy, permanent visibility and/or a dry bag.” The managing director of Restube speaks from personal experience. A few years ago, he found himself in a precarious situation in the water. At that time, he wished he had a backup. Since then, he and his team have been pursuing a goal: to make water sports safer for everyone. As an aspiring engineer, he developed the idea of a compact safety product for water sports enthusiasts. In 2012, the founding of Restube took place near Karlsruhe. The plan succeeded, and numerous awards followed.
The company relies on its own experience as well as the exchange with its numerous customers in the development of new products. “We are open to valuable feedback from our customers,” confirms Managing Director Fuhrhop regarding direct communication with customers. The company’s customers include a wide range of people: fathers, kitesurfers, police officers, firefighters, and professional water rescuers. Fuhrhop expresses great delight over the expertise of his customers: "We continuously gather feedback from people who use Restube products daily, including professional athletes and event organizers. Their testimonials significantly contribute to the continuous improvement of our products and the introduction of new products to the market.
The swim buoy is manufactured without PFCs. Only high-quality nylon-TPU material is used. The materials used have also received positive evaluations from Luisa Smith, the ISPO sustainability expert. “This makes the product more durable. The production is moving in the right direction.”
Speaking of dry bags: In addition to the option of transporting dry clothes, a large variety of add-ons can be attached to the “Swim Buoy”. Clever solutions such as a transparent waterproof phone case, a mount for an action cam, or a signal whistle add value to the product. An integrated breaking point, developed at the request of the Swiss Federal Institute for Accident Prevention, provides additional safety. At a load of 15 kg, the buoy separates from the strap. “This makes it the safest and most sustainable swimming buoy on the market,” says Fuhrhop. The breaking point is particularly important in flowing waters.
The main safety system of the company Restube has been awarded, among others, with the German Founder’s Prize “Deutscher Gründerpreis” and already five ISPO Awards. With the development of the Swim Buoy, the next ISPO Award is now following. A series that is worth seeing.
The NeoAir XLite NXT is a versatile mattress presented by Therm-a-Rest – perfect for achieving a warm and peaceful sleep on your next outdoor adventure.
After a long day of outdoor activities, getting a good night’s sleep is essential. It’s even better if you can sleep comfortably and stay warm while enjoying the great outdoors. With the customers’ needs in mind, Therm-a-Rest has developed the NeoAir XLite NXT, which has recently won an ISPO Award. This effort has definitely paid off.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Mattress is a special product in the world of outdoor gear. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this mattress offers a plethora of advantages for outdoor enthusiasts seeking comfort and convenience during their adventures. One of the most impressive features of the NeoAir XLite NXT mattress is its ultralightweight design. Crafted using advanced materials and construction techniques, it strikes the perfect balance between weight reduction and uncompromised comfort. This makes it an ideal choice for backpackers and those who prioritize a lightweight gear setup. The NeoAir XLite NXT is designed to provide ample insulation without adding unnecessary weight. Despite its thickness, the item remains lightweight, allowing for easy transportation and handling. This ensures that users can enjoy the benefits of its insulation without feeling burdened by its weight.
The mattress is thick but not heavy: The mattress’s insulation capabilities are exceptional, ensuring optimal warmth even in colder conditions. Thanks to the innovative reflective ThermaCapture technology, radiant heat is efficiently trapped, providing reliable insulation throughout the night. This means that outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a cozy and comfortable sleep, no matter the temperature outside.
With a thickness of 7.6 centimeters, the mattress has an R-Value of 4.5, indicating that it can also be used in colder weather conditions. Additionally, Therm-a-Rest has successfully reduced noise levels, making the NeoAir XLite NXT a whopping 83% quieter than the popular original XLite. “Previous consumer research indicated that the noise of the original XLite mattress was too much for some users,” says Brandon Bowers, Therm-a-Rest Mattress Product Line Manager. Furthermore, the product offers high performance in various aspects. Whether it’s durability, weather resistance, or functionality, it has been designed to excel in all these areas. Users can rely on its performance, even in challenging conditions, making it a reliable choice for their outdoor needs.
Other aspects of the mattress were also able to convince the judges. For example, it comes equipped with Therm-a-Rest’s highly innovative WingLock valve, which significantly speeds up inflation and deflation. This makes setup and packing much easier. “The NeoAir XLite NXT is a perfect mattress not only for experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking for a lighter, warmer sleeping system, but also for outdoor novices looking for comfort and versatility above all else,” says Bowers. The NeoAir XLite NXT is available in both rectangular and standard mummy shapes, further increasing its versatility!
Storing the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT mattress is convenient. It should be folded lengthwise into thirds, which can be a bit challenging due to the thick insulation. However, it fits easily into the included stuff sack, and there is still room for the pump sack as well. When packed, the NeoAir XLite NXT mattress measures 25 cm in length and has a diameter of 10.5 cm, making it slightly larger than a 1-liter bottle. With this mattress, Therm-a-Rest has undoubtedly achieved a remarkable balance between weight and R-value.
Higher R-Value of 4.5
Additional 1.2cm of loft and
6 quieter (83% noise reduction) than previous model