Feb 01 2016

Ispo 2016 Munich – my Highlights

By Chris

Black Diamond's collection coming out in Fall — 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?

Ispo 2013

Ispo 2015

Ispo 2016

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. Their website and the presentation of their product came in as an eye candy for the ladies, that stole the show. 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.

381636_X_ULTRA_2_GTX_midnight_blue_process_blue_Men — X_ULTRA_2_GTX © Salomon

Oxi — 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 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! :)