We pick our Top 10 products from the recent ISPO outdoor trade show in Munich.
Fjällräven Expedition Down series
1. Fjällräven Expedition Down Series
The new Expedition Down series from Fjällräven is inspired by the company’s original Expedition Down Jacket from the 70s. First introduced in 1974, the original came about after founder Ake Nordin sewed two down jackets together so he’d never be cold again. The resulting Expedition Down Jacket went on to become a classic, and now Fjällräven have created a whole range including the Expedition Down Lite Jacket, Expedition Long Down Parka, and Expedition Pak Down Jacket, in which modern designs are paired with heritage styling and colours. The iconic Expedition Down Jacket itself has an updated fit, and is long, warm and comfortable for very cold winter climates.
Rab Khroma Collection
2. Rab Khroma Collection
The big news from Rab was the launch of a complete ski mountaineering apparel range for autumn 2020, consisting of several jackets and pants, plus gloves and mitts. The Khroma collection, as it is called, offers true hardshell (Gore-Tex) jacket and bib, ‘soft’ hardshell (Proflex) jacket and pants, insulated (Gore-Tex Infinium + Stratus insulation) jacket, softshell (Matrix) pants, and a choice of three gloves/mitts using either Gore-Tex or Windstopper material. Ski-specific features include snowskirts, ski helmet-compatible hoods, snow cuffs and ski-specific pockets. Rab have previously had the odd item of ski touring clothing, however this is their first complete collection so we’ll be excited to try this out in the autumn.
Scarpa Manta Tech
3. Scarpa Manta Tech
Scarpa’s iconic Manta has been in production for over three decades now, and the new version for next winter will be the seventh incarnation of the award-winning four-season boot. The most obvious changes are in the looks of the boot, with the updated graphics first introduced with the Ribelle now being rolled out across other models in the Scarpa mountaineering boot range. However, the real changes are less obvious. Firstly the upper has been simplified, with less stitching and materials making it lighter as well as more durable. The boot is also warmer thanks to the use of Gore-Tex Duratherm, which means it could be used at higher altitudes and in colder conditions than the previous version. The Manta Tech comes in both men’s and women’s versions.
La Sportiva G5 Evo
4. La Sportiva G2 Evo and G5 Evo
They may look similar, but these two new boots from Italian footwear specialists La Sportiva have different purposes in life. The G2 Evo, which is an update of the G2 SM, is a super-warm boot for technical mountaineering in very cold conditions. Featuring a dual BOA fit system – one on the outside and one inside – the G2 Evo has an inner boot featuring a 4-layer structure and has a Vibram Matterhorn sole unit. The G5 Evo is designed for high altitude mountaineering and ice climbing and, although not a double boot, has Gore-Tex Infinium Thermium insulation to keep feet warm.
Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket
5. Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket
With updated versions of their FL packs and Atom LT Hoody on display, Arc’teryx also had the latest version of their legendary Alpha SV Jacket. A fixture in the range for over 20 years now, this jacket is the most protective of all Arc’teryx shells, and the new version updates the concept with the use of new Gore-Tex Pro ‘Most Rugged’ material. Other new features include the use of RECCO locator technology and an improved hood.
Osprey Soelden
6. Osprey Soelden and Sopris Pro
With a chargeable Alpride E1 Electronic Airbag System, the Soelden and women’s-specific fit Sopris Pro snowsport packs are “built for challenging alpine tours and heart thumping couloirs”, say Osprey. The Swiss-made Alpride E1 utilises supercapacitor technology for rapid deployment; the pack is rechargeable in 20 minutes and the super powerful battery means the airbag fills in just three seconds. The packs offer high levels of accessibility and the multitude of storage options mean you can get to your vital kit quickly and easily.
Hanwag Banks Winter
7. Hanwag Banks Winter
Hanwag are introducing a winter version of the updated Banks hiking boot which launches this spring (and is reviewed in the next edition of Trek & Mountain). The boot has a high-cut upper for keeping out snow, and the inner ‘stitch and turn’ seams are less exposed than standard seams for increased durability. The boot has a Gore-Tex membrane with a warm, cosy Partelana lining made of 80% polyester with 20% wool for optimal comfort in temperatures down to -10 degrees. The Banks Winter has excellent grip in winter terrain thanks to its Vibram Icetrek sole which has rubber that won’t become hard and slippy when temperatures plummet.
Lowe Alpine Revolt
8. Lowe Alpine Revolt
Two clean-looking ski touring packs adorned the Lowe Alpine stand, and these were the 25L and 35L Revolt packs. The packs use Lowe Alpine’s Tri-Flex back system with snow-shedding EVA back moulding, and have their main opening at the back. Skis can be carried either A-frame style or diagonally, and there’s also a Headlocker attachment
for securing a ice axe. Separate compartments are provided for snow safety tools.
The North Face Advanced Mountain Kit
9. The North Face Advanced Mountain Kit
The North Face had a whole new range of ‘pinnacle’ mountain clothing and equipment, consisting of 21 pieces and four new technologies (five if you include the recently introduced FutureLight fabric) on display. Named ‘Advanced Mountain Kit’ (or just AMK), the new system has been designed in collaboration with professional alpinists David Göttler, Herve Barmasse, and Andres Marin, who have been testing them on expeditions such as Chamlang 7319m in Nepal, and consists of everything from shells and insulating layers, to gloves and sleep systems.
Mammut Taiss Pro High GTX Men
10. Mammut Taiss Pro High GTX Men
This distinctive-looking winter mountaineering boot from Mammut won an ISPO Gold Award and make use of hi-tech materials to keep weight to a minimum while giving high performance. The dual-zone Boa fit system can also be used with gloves and guarantees a firm, even and individual hold in the boot. Its Vibram Litebase sole reduces weight while maintaining performance thanks to its special texture. Gore-Tex Duratherm keeps feet warm and dry even in extreme conditions, and each boot weighs just 620g.