With the new Dope Dyed Running Jacket, Descente presents a textile innovation that combines ecological responsibility with technical precision — created for runners who take both performance and environmental awareness seriously.
This breathable, windproof, and UV-protective Dope Dyed Running Jacket is a striking example of what modern performance apparel can achieve. The elastic, lightweight material ensures maximum freedom of movement while offering the durability needed for long-term wear. In addition, the jacket sets new standards for resource efficiency and environmental responsibility with its sustainable dope-dyeing process.
The material used is particularly innovative. Descente uses a recycled, solution-dyed nylon yarn, a combination that is still rare and significantly increases the jacket’s sustainability.
In the dope-dyeing process, also known as solution dyeing, color pigments are added directly to the polymer solution during fiber spinning rather than being applied to the finished fabric. This eliminates the conventional, water-intensive dyeing process entirely. Compared to traditional dyeing methods for synthetic fibers, this technique reduces water consumption by 85 percent and chemical use by 90 percent. It also prevents wastewater containing dye residues or pollutants.
The quality of the product also benefits, as the colors are more fade-resistant, and the product retains its original appearance longer. To ensure optimal freedom of movement, the material is blended with 10 percent elastane.
The inner side of the fabric features an innovative texture that prevents the fabric from sticking to the skin when you sweat. The running jacket pattern is complemented by a 3D pattern design developed by Descente specifically for running. It is anatomically optimized to reduce friction around the shoulder blades and promote natural freedom of movement. Strategically placed ventilation zones on the back enhance air circulation and improve moisture management.
The thoughtful design includes an adjustable hood, a customizable hem, and reflective prints for increased safety and comfort during daily runs.
This men's jacket is available in sizes M to 3XL in dark green.
"At the intersection of sustainability and functionality lies the dope-dye jacket. It embodies the DESCENTE design principle of 'Forms Follow Function' and showcases our commitment to pioneering innovative sustainable methods." Descente (China) Co.,Ltd
“The combination of recycled nylon and solution dyeing is not only unusual but also highly convincing, as it merges two sustainable production methods. The 3D inner texture is an excellent idea to prevent the fabric from sticking to the skin during activity. Moreover, the jacket includes all the essential details expected from a premium running jacket.” ISPO Award Jury
In an era where digital intelligence meets alpine adventure, SKIIF emerges as a revolutionary tool for the modern mountain community. Often dubbed the "Waze of skiing," this free GPS app is changing the way skiers and snowboarders navigate the slopes. What started as a smart navigation tool is quickly becoming the digital nervous system of the mountains, merging technology, safety, and community into one seamless experience.
At its core, SKIIF is more than a map; it's a living ecosystem. The app allows users — affectionately called Skiifeurs — to track their friends in real time, find restaurants and meeting points, and report conditions directly from the slopes. Its intuitive offline maps and smart-sync technology ensure reliability, even in the most remote corners of a resort—no lost signals or drained batteries, just pure flow.
Already active in over 200 resorts across Europe and boasting a community of over 350,000 users, SKIIF has proven its scalability and relevance. Resorts such as Verbier 4 Vallées, as well as partners like Total Energies, are integrating data-driven insights into their operations. Total Energies is also a partner that helps promote its HVO biofuel to support the decarbonization of mountain areas.
SKIIF's real innovation lies in its ambition to create Mountain Intelligence, an AI-driven system that transforms data into predictive insights. Imagine an app that anticipates lift queues, suggests quieter trails, and tailors a skier’s route based on their ability, the conditions, and their mood. This is the next frontier in connected outdoor sports, turning real-time data into personalized, safer, and more sustainable mountain experiences.
In a bold move, SKIIF is positioning itself as a four-season app. By connecting skiers to hiking and biking options in the summer, SKIIF bridges seasonal gaps and helps resorts transition from ski resorts to mountain resorts. For brands and destinations, this means year-round engagement. For users, it means a lifestyle platform that keeps the mountains alive 365 days a year.
The company’s mission extends beyond digital innovation. Its infrastructure is 100% hosted in France, is fully GDPR-compliant, and is part of a broader vision to promote responsible mountain tourism. The company's long-term goal is to empower its global community to play an active role in transforming the future of the mountains — one data point, one skier, and one season at a time.
„As with any ski resort, the safety of our visitors is our top priority. SKIIF allows us to significantly increase the level of protection across our entire resort. Thanks to safety alerts, up-to-date weather conditions, and avalanche risk indicators that we can send directly to skiers, we offer a much safer experience for all our visitors. Beyond this essential aspect, the SKIIF Pro console also promotes our many non-skiing activities, which is a major asset in promoting the complete mountain experience offered by Verbier 4 Vallées.“, explains Ioannis Grecos, IS and IT Manager at Téléverbier
Skiif captures the spirit of modern mountain sports: connected, conscious, and community-driven. It balances cutting-edge technology with a human touch, proving that digital tools can enhance, not replace, our relationship with nature.
"In a crowded app landscape, SKIIF stands out not only for its functionality, but also for what it represents: a smarter, safer, and more sustainable way to experience the mountains." ISPO Award Jury
Designed by Outopia, the Vita Shell Jacket is specifically made for trail running and alpine expeditions. It provides optimal protection, maximum comfort, and exceptional durability, even under extreme conditions such as ultra-running.
Outopia is a Chinese sportswear brand that specializes in trail running gear. The company identified a gap in the market; until now, there were no products that met the key performance requirements of trail and ultra runners. "Imagine running 100 kilometers in a heavy, sweaty jacket. That's why we developed this ultralight running jacket that meets the required race standards," explains Outopia.
With the Vita Shell Jacket, which is certified for competition, Outopia has developed a waterproof and windproof jacket specifically designed for trail running and alpine expeditions. It is ideal for unpredictable mountain weather. The jacket meets the strict requirements of ultra-runs such as the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) and boasts a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm, a breathability rating of 15,000 g/m²·24h, and high abrasion resistance. Weighing only 190 g for men's size S, it is also particularly lightweight, which is especially relevant for ultrarunning.
The jacket is made of Pertex Shield 3L, a three-layer material that provides protection from rain and wind while remaining highly breathable. Seamlessly welded, extra-flat 7D seams minimize chafing and prevent water ingress. The jacket's design accommodates the movements of trail running. A triple-adjustable hood and anatomically shaped cuffs protect you from wind and rain without restricting your vision or mobility.
The Vita Shell Jacket is designed for extreme functionality and durability. All construction details support performance in real running conditions, from the material's performance to the jacket's compact size when packed in its integrated pocket. The material can withstand over 15,000 abrasion cycles, making it extremely durable, even on demanding trails in open terrain.
Not only does the high abrasion resistance mean that the jacket can be used for a long time and thus meets sustainability criteria, but the Pertex Shield 3L material is also recyclable.
The jacket is available for men and women in sizes XS to XL.
"Creating the Outopia Vita Shell Jacket was a true collaboration between passionate trail runners and industry leaders. Partnering with Pertex, we found the perfect balance of lightweight protection and breathability in a shell that packs down effortlessly. From community feedback to countless wear tests, every detail was refined with purpose—designed by trail runners, for trail runners, to push boundaries and deliver performance you didn’t know you were missing." Aaron Jackson, co-founder of Outopia
"This jacket is particularly lightweight, yet feels robust and durable. The high-quality workmanship, the close-fitting construction, and above all the snug-fitting and easily adjustable hood impressed the jury." ISPO Award Jury
The Kajka X-Lätt 45 is a new chapter in Fjällräven’s long tradition of creating durable, functional, and timeless equipment for life in nature. X at Fjällräven stands for ‘product exploration’ and this trekking backpack is the result of deep exploration into how to make a truly lightweight pack without compromising on the values that define Fjällräven — durability, comfort, and longevity.
Weighing just1 kilogram, the Kajka X-Lätt 45 is a lightweight trekking backpack which carries the DNA of Fjällräven’s most robust trekking packs. Its development began with a simple but ambitious question: how could the team make a typical Fjällräven product – with time-tested material, vinylon, and a wooden frame – really light? The answer was found at Vinkelladan, Fjällräven’s prototype workshop in Stockholm, where the product team built and tested prototypes from the inside out, refining every detail to strike the perfect balance between strength and minimalism.
”It is a balance; Yes, focus was on minimizing weight. But also on keeping the classic Kajka backpack-design and tried-and-tested reliability intact. What we came up with up with was a durable, functional, sustainable backpack with a timeless Fjällräven design, weighing in just below 1 kilogram.”, says Sara Lundberg, Innovation Technician at Fjällräven.
The Kajka X-Lätt 45 features a laminated birch wood frame — a renewable, lightweight, and strong alternative to traditional metal or plastic structures. This natural material not only reduces the backpack’s environmental footprint but also develops a beautiful patina over time, reflecting the journeys it accompanies.
The body of the pack is made from Vinylon F, Fjällräven’s signature hardwearing fabric known for its exceptional longevity and weather resistance. Vinylon is repairable and wears in gracefully, ensuring the pack remains a reliable companion for many years.
Functionality was a guiding principle throughout the design process. The backpack includes stretch side pockets for quick access, a removable front sleeve for extra gear or drying wet clothing, and a detachable inner pocket that doubles as a small crossbody bag — perfect for keeping essentials close at hand during short excursions.
While the Kajka X-Lätt 45 is suitable for a wide range of users, comfort and fit were refined with significant input from female testers — around 60% of the testing team were women. The result is a backpack that adapts comfortably to different body types, thanks to ergonomically shaped shoulder straps, an anatomically curved hip belt, and adjustable back length. It is available in two fit options (S/M and M/L) to ensure optimal load distribution and stability on the trail.
True to Fjällräven’s philosophy of creating products that last for generations, the Kajka X-Lätt 45 is designed to be easy to take apart, clean, and repair. Every component – from the frame to the trims – can be replaced or repaired if needed. This modular approach extends the product’s lifespan and reduces waste, offering a genuine alternative to disposable outdoor gear.
"We set out to make the lightest possible backpack. Using our long-time trusted materials, and solutions. The outcome is a true lightweight pack, that is easy to repair and wears in beautifully. That's true sustainability for us,”, explains Erik Blomberg, Head of Innovation at Fjällräven.
The backpack’s sustainable wooden frame and repairable construction exemplify Fjällräven’s ongoing mission to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining high performance standards. It’s not about chasing ultralight trends, but about creating meaningful lightness – lightness achieved through thoughtful design, sustainable materials, and enduring craftsmanship.
The Kajka X-Lätt 45 embodies Fjällräven’s belief that true sustainability comes from designing gear that lasts. Built from recycled and hardwearing materials, it’s crafted to withstand years of use, be easily repaired, and remain timeless in both form and function. Every design choice supports the brand’s three core values: to develop durable, functional and timeless equipment, to act responsibly towards nature, humans and animals, and inspire people to discover outdoor life.
"From sourcing renewable materials to fostering responsible production and inclusive product testing, Fjällräven continues to push forward on a sustainability journey with no finish line, only milestones of progress."
Cycling has always been synonymous with freedom, but that freedom often ends when you need to transport something. Bags swing around, baskets rattle, and not every bike has a fixed luggage rack. The German design company WN Products, known for its innovative bicycle solutions under the FLECTR brand, aims to change that. With the CargoMate, FLECTR presents a universal transport system for modern cyclists who seek uncompromising functionality.
At the heart of the CargoMate is a simple yet revolutionary concept: a luggage rack that fits every bike. Whether it's a gravel bike, e-bike, city bike, or hardtail, the universal mounting system ensures perfect compatibility. No tools, no effort, no fixed components required. Installation takes only 30 seconds, and removal is just as quick.
This flexibility changes not only everyday life but also our expectations of bicycle accessories. The CargoMate adapts to different bikes, needs, and lifestyles, making carrying luggage as natural as cycling itself.
The CargoMate's design bears FLECTR's unmistakable signature: minimalist, functional, and elegant. Its one-piece stainless steel frame ensures high stability and low weight. Well-placed eyelets and a clever quick-release system make stowing and securing a variety of loads easy.
Whether you need to secure a spontaneous shopping haul, camera equipment, or a picnic in the park, the load securing system can be flexibly adjusted. No fiddling, no improvising.
Every detail is perfect: the weatherproof, UV-resistant tarpaulin cover; the precise frame design that optimally distributes weight; and its ease of use in everyday life. The CargoMate elegantly solves an everyday problem, and that is precisely where its strength lies. With twelve variants and individual color options, the CargoMate fits harmoniously into any bicycle concept.
"In addition to its simple installation, the CargoMate stands out with its versatile, time-saving strap system and fresh look with textile components," says Jörg Neugebauer, one of the CargoMate's two designers.
In an industry where accessories often have a short lifespan, the CargoMate focuses on sustainability through durability. Made of stainless steel, it resists corrosion, can carry heavy loads, and is fully recyclable at the end of its service life. The tarpaulin surface is weather- and UV-resistant for years of use without losing quality.
FLECTR follows a philosophy that is becoming increasingly important in urban mobility: good design leads to less waste. Rather than creating disposable products, the company focuses on durable quality — products that outlast several bikes and still look good.
With a price tag of €99, the CargoMate is not aimed at a niche market but at all cyclists who want a smarter, simpler, and more attractive transportation accessory. Commuters, weekend cyclists, couriers, and touring enthusiasts all benefit from its universal application and tool-free handling.
"The FLECTR CargoMate is more than just a clever product — it's a statement about the future of cycling. At a time when cities are changing and bicycles are becoming a cornerstone of sustainable mobility, we need accessories that are as flexible as their users." ISPO Award Jury
