Ispo 2016 Munich – my Highlights

Black Diamond’s collection coming out in Fall
Year in year out – my 4th visit to ISPO, the worlds largest sports trade fair. Perhaps it was the fact that I live just minutes away that made it easy to hop in and out. To catch a glimpse of all the madness, and slip away slowly and seek refuge in the nearby Alps. Does any of you feel the same way?
Looking back in the short history, in 2013 they froze an outdoor shell jacket. In 2015, the ice melted and then they threw the jacket in the water. A jacket that floats!! (and a tribute to global warming) This year, 2016, they froze off technical boots and gloves. But with temperatures outside up till 12°c, it felt more like spring in Munich. I missed the flip-flops in the ice. Perhaps in 2017? Is that the message?
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This years message went in an utterly different direction. Instead of innovation, sustainability gained big attention. In a recent study from Greenpeace, here and here, it showed us how much hidden hazardous chemicals are found in the outdoor gear we have been using. Traces of PFC, which is difficult to breakdown, is found accumulated in living organisms, or secluded mountain lakes, and it’s also evident that it’s harmful to our health. It was a message to wake up the awareness in ourselves. Hello, awareness!
My personal highlight this year goes to Northern Playground. They won the German Design Award 2016 /Scandinavian Outdoor Award 16/17 for their apparel: the Ziplongs. (You can check out the video here) Not only do they have such a cool website that you’ll have to visit, but the presentation of their product came in as an eye candy for the ladies, that stole the show and headlines! (I wonder if he has gotten any marriage proposals yet) Merino garments for mountaineers and active sportsmen who wants to change into dry garments without all the hassle and in a zip. Zippers on both sides of the long john allows them to be removed or put on without taking off your pants. Take a peek of the video clip I filmed with the Zipbody Wool:
There was plenty to see and hear at Salomon. But my eyes caught straight on the X Ultra 2 GTX , a super light approach shoe that with Ortholite, gives your feet a chance to breathe and stay cool. The contagrip soles looked promising and Goretex makes sure you stay dry from any wet outside. More about this in detail on a later post.

X_ULTRA_2_GTX © Salomon

Ocun’s new climbing shoe, specially for bouldering – OXI © Ocun
At Ocun, they launched out a new bouldering shoe for 2016, built to perform and compete: OXI is even already available on the market from today on!
I gave a trial run on the hanging contest from Alpidex and was eventually surprised to be able to make it to the first place for the day! (despite my wrist injury) Hah, yeah, I definitely need more training if you put me next to Alex Megos. My prize of 10 Quickdraws went voluntarily to the lady in the second place, which happens when you deliberately don’t show up – happy to be able to make someone else happy! :)
This year, I took the nordic sector specially under the loop. (check it out on my nordic xc blog) Enjoy the few impressions I brought along:
Picture Gallery:
- Maloja rock and rolls this year.
- New spikes from Chainson. You can now trial-run on them in moderate terrains. Great stuff from Kochalpine.at!
- The Tubbs Panoramic snow shoe comes out this year with a frame. Let’s float on powder baby!
- Marc the Rolling barber.
- I wanted to ask if he takes in female clients, but those shavers scared me off!
- What you have on your ABS backpack, you have now on your shoes. Try walking straight, without a whisky!
- I’m glad these aren’t ski goggles. The Oculus goggles takes you on a virtual Base jump off a building (taken with the GoPro cam, which brings the jump right in your guts.
- The new patented double lock from Beal. that keeps your rope locked in. You’ll need brains to open this. ;)
- Alpidex originates from Töging am Inn. A brand that equips you from head to toe with climbing gears.
- The bigger, the safer you feel. At least, that goes for me. Cams from Black Diamond
- Sherpa, brought not only lively, colourful sweaters and ponchos out, but they brought the Nepal feeling along.
- The Moji charging station from Black Diamond. New little toys for your hungry gadgets.
- Merrell wanted to show us how it feels like at the end of the day after a tradefair visit.
- One of the quotes from the Fjall Räven stand.
- The Nikwax test. Shake it, wash it, and it still floats! (Your down, not you)
- Chimpanzee brings out a whole selection of munchies not only for outdoor enthusiasts
- Petzl brings out a headlamp that can be used together with your smartphone.
Check out other Outdoor Bloggers (in german) who were there too:
- Aufdenberg
- HikingFinnland
- AirFreshing
- Outdoor-blog.com
- Gipfelfieber
- Mehr-Berge.de
- St.Bergweh
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