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FOCUS ON WINTER A WILD RIDE AROUND NIMS MAKES SPORTS AND THE WORLD P33 CLIMBING CLIMBING P26 HISTORY P31

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Peak Performance urges people to “Live VENTILE STRENGTHENS More” - a brand campaign beyond apparel SENIOR In a new brand campaign, Peak The set of tools is intended MANAGEMENT Performance reminds us that to make the skiing experience TEAM time is the most precious thing more efficient, minimizing the we have. time spent on planning and Wolfgang Müller has joined Most people spend a lot of their maximizing it on time well Ventile, Stotz & Co as free time on empty experiences, spent – to live what you love. European Sales Manager. treating time as if it is endless. To live more! He joins the company with Peak Performance challenges this Jeanette Francke added: “We over 27-years experience unfulfilling time and urges people know where some of the best in the textile industry to live what they love. To live more. skiers in the world go skiing, gained from roles with The brand campaign LIVE where they stay and where they some of Europe’s largest MORE, which is launched with a get the best local food. We know high-performance textile one-minute movie, doesn’t promote how to prepare physically to get manufacturers. Wolfgang has a specific garment or category; it’s the most out of your skiing and we been appointed to support the existential. have the professional tips on how worldwide sale of Ventile as Jeanette Francke, Creative to develop your skiing technique. the brand targets 20 per cent and Marketing Director at Peak So for this season we go beyond growth and sales into Performance, said: “With Live apparel to take responsibility new markets. More, we hope to make people Travel guides, pre-season season workout programs and for the whole skiing experience. Wolfgang brings a wealth stop and think, just for a second, training, and tutorials Peak technical tutorials, developed From pre seasonal training to of experience in the textile on how they spend their free Performance wants to empower together with some of the best the après ski.” The Live More industry to Ventile, having time. And then help them act. An an active lifestyle starting with skiers in the world and staff living campaign is now live. worked with one of the active lifestyle is essential for our making it easier for people to get in places like Chamonix, Hokkaido Pre-season workout most innovative European wellbeing and we know that being out there and go skiing. and Whistler, Peak Performance program, travel guides and ski finishing companies and active, outdoors especially, can By introducing a travel guide hopes to inspire people to live tutorials will be shared on a very well-known Swiss make magic for most souls.” with 40 ski destinations, pre- more this winter by skiing. www.peakperformance.com weaving mill. Wolfgang will be based at Ventile’s head office in Switzerland where he will PrimaLoft launches P.U.R.E. work closely with Managing Director, Daniel Odermatt on to reduce carbon emissions the sales of the full Ventile PrimaLoft has launched fabric portfolio including PrimaLoft P.U.R.E., a Ventile original, Ventile proprietary manufacturing Organic and the newly technique that reduces carbon developed, Ventile Eco range. emissions by as much as 48 Daniel Odermatt, Product per cent. and Marketing manager, P.U.R.E., which stands for said: “We’re delighted to “Produced Using Reduced have Wolfgang join the Emissions,” is the latest Ventile team at a crucial time development in PrimaLoft’s in the company’s history. Relentlessly Responsible Ventile has ambitious plans commitment to make more to expand sales across the sustainable products without UK and Europe and having compromising its industry-leading Wolfgang on board will be performance. environmental assessment of its a great asset. He is known Mike Joyce, PrimaLoft manufacturing and determined to be a dynamic sales and THE NORTH FACE BRINGS president and CEO, said: “Over that removing the need for thermal management professional the past four years, we have been ovens would drastically reduce and has a strong track record EXPLORATION TO BIRMINGHAM working towards manufacturing carbon emissions. of increasing profitability The North Face celebrated the opening of the newly re-vamped solutions that will drastically Joyce said: “Our engineers and delivering operational Birmingham Bullring store with a special event to mark the reduce carbon emissions. have developed and perfected a efficiencies. We’re looking arrival of the first-of-its-kind store in Europe. The result is a brilliant shift manufacturing technology that forward to working together The launch party was a true celebration of all the city has to offer. in our process, that will make uses air, instead of heat, to cure and to build on Ventile’s success Birmingham designers Milly Rowe, Akeem Adams and Elizabeth Ilsey a significant impact for the stabilize the insulation.” in the performance textile were invited to style and create bespoke window and fashion displays. environment.” In the fall of 2020, Patagonia market.” Local influencers mapped and shared their favourite adventure routes The initial insulation product will be the first brand partner to Wolfgang Müller said: “I am around the city and Amna Akhtar, founder of Girl Dreamer, spoke being produced with P.U.R.E. incorporate PrimaLoft P.U.R.E. excited to be joining Ventile about what exploration means to her. The night ended on a high with a manufacturing technology uses manufacturing technology. which is world famous for its set from renowned BBC Radio 1 DJ, Tiffany Calver. 100 per cent post-consumer P.U.R.E. manufacturing arrives unrivalled performance and Part of the global strategy to transform existing retail stores into recycled material and has all a year after PrimaLoft introduced unique heritage. My role will basecamps for exploration, the new store joins the recently opened the insulating and performance PrimaLoft Bio, the world’s first be to support and develop Soho, New York door by enhancing consumer experiences with touch benefits of existing PrimaLoft biodegradable**, 100 per cent sales of the full Ventile fabric points unique to The North Face. Gold Insulation. Converting the recycled synthetic insulation and portfolio and take the product Iconic products from athlete expeditions are proudly displayed yearly production of PrimaLoft fabric. into new markets.” to excite and inspire the next generation of adventurers, while the Gold Insulation to P.U.R.E. * Calculations based on signature Half Dome scent transports consumers straight from the manufacturing results in: single-year production of shop floor to the meadows of Yosemite Valley itself. •48% reduction of Carbon Dioxide 40-100gsm PrimaLoft Gold True to the brands heritage, the store has also been designed with emissions* Insulation. Calculations verified sustainability at its heart with FSC certified reclaimed wood, steel and •348,111 lbs of Carbon Dioxide by independent third-party, SGS granite, low VOC paints and a focus on a decrease in waste production. reduction* North America, Inc A “Clothes the Loop” donation box is also in store for customers to •438,617 miles of Carbon Dioxide ** 93.8 per cent biodegradation recycle all clothing from any brand in any condition in return for a savings – enough to drive around in 586 days under ASTM D5511 discount coupon for their next purchase. the earth 17.6 times* conditions (landfill environment); Jan Van Leeuwen, General Manager for The North Face EMEA, Traditional insulation 65.5 per cent biodegradation in said: “We are delighted to have chosen Birmingham as the first manufacturing requires that fibres 639 days under ASTM D6691 European location to benefit from our new retail vision. We hope to are thermally bonded by moving conditions (marine/ocean create stores that offer a more engaging experience for our customers through a slow, high-heat oven. As environment). The stated rate and and consider the impact on the planet with every design choice we part of PrimaLoft’s Relentlessly extent of degradation do not mean make in the process.” Responsible mission, the company that the product will continue to completed a comprehensive degrade.

www.outdoor-insight.co.ukwww.sports-insight.co.uk 26 OUTDOOR INSIGHT ISPO Beijing dedicated to winter sports and climbing

The focus at ISPO Beijing 2020 will be on winter sports and climbing. The international sporting goods industry will meet at the China International Exhibition Center (New Venue) in Beijing for ISPO Beijing from February 12 to 15, the most important industry trade fair in the Asia-Pacific region. In light of the approaching 2022 Olympic Winter Games in China, winter sports is the clear focus of the trade fair, as in past years. Another key area on display is the Outdoor segment with an emphasis in Climbing, Health & Fitness and Manufacturing & Suppliers. The extensive program of panels and seminars and the Ski Resort Tour are aimed primarily at international sports professionals. and facts on Chinese ski areas and Almost two years ahead of the the ski industry. 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Other planned presentations will Beijing, the enormous appeal of focus on investment opportunities the major sporting event is clearly in the country, details on political noticeable. New sports facilities assistance and local support in the and programs are springing up, scope of the 2022 Olympic Winter the number of active winter sports Games. Previous, successful enthusiasts in the population is business models will also be growing: a dynamic that holds presented. To complete the agenda, considerable potential for the a technical workshop will be held sports industry. on the following day. A further emphasis of ISPO Beijing 2020 is climbing, which In the footsteps of is also a booming sport in China. Olympia A bouldering wall in the climbing The two-day Ski Resort Tour from exhibition space will serve as a test February 15 to 16, immediately area and stage for a live contest. following ISPO Beijing, moves The ISPO Climbing Industry the program from theory into Development Forum will provide practice. Participants will travel space for participants to share from Beijing to the Thaiwoo Ski know-how. Resort. The largest continuous ski The other segments of the area in China is the venue for the fair – Health & Fitness and 2022 Olympic Winter Games. The Manufacturing & Suppliers – also personal exchange with the resort have separate spaces that highlight the complexity of the topics with all a foothold in the Chinese sports others, d Robin Trebbe, Managing management is part of the planned the key developments in that area. of their facets.” market. The seminar will Director China & Asia Pacific at activities as well as exploring the Elena Jasper, project manager The partner fair Alpitec China, present current developments Intersport. A guided tour of the fair, area by ski and a detour to Yanqing at ISPO Beijing, said: “We consider dedicated to new products in in the winter sports segment, a retail tour through Beijing and for the first ever Alpine Ski World it our job to provide guidance and winter sports technology and ski legal pitfalls and peculiarities, networking events round out the Cup event in China. assistance for the international resort infrastructure, will be held at retail trends, e-commerce and program. The general conditions and any public as to how to best operate in the same time and place. marketing channels as they necessary registration formalities the Chinese market – from market pertain to the very unique, highly The present and future for the events, details of the entry to marketing through to Market launch in digitally-oriented consumer of winter sports in China extended program and updated capturing new target markets. Not China—know the ropes behavior in China. The Asia Pacific Snow Conference information about ISPO only are we presenting current With the Market Introduction The program will also look at on February 13 provides the Beijing 2020 are available at market trends on a product level, Program on February 11 and 12, case studies from brands that have framework for the release of the https://www.ispo.com/en/beijing. we are exploring deeper with ISPO Beijing is addressing all been successfully established. China Industry Ski White Book Tickets for the trade show are also relevant offers so that we can depict companies interested in gaining The speakers include, among 2019 with plenty of information available online.

dryrobe partners with British Canoeing dryrobe, producers of the practices on Britain’s waterways. at competitions, with a limited “We are delighted to be working world’s most advanced change Since its launch in 2012, dryrobe edition design also available to with dryrobe whose vision robe, have entered a new has become an essential companion purchase online. and values very much reflect partnership with British for watersport enthusiasts across Gideon Bright, dryrobe our own from a performance Canoeing. the world, to let you get active founder and Director, said: “Our through to recreational paddling The tie-up will see them support outdoors, whatever the weather. mission at dryrobe is to help perspective. not only performance athletes, Born from necessity, with enough inspire, enable and improve the Gareth added: “One of our but individuals at all levels of the space for you to pull your arms experience of an active outdoor Stronger Together ambitions is participation pyramid in a bid to in, you can get changed anywhere lifestyle, for everyone. British to provide enhanced offers for help promote paddle sports across while the super-warm synthetic Canoeing embraces this ethos paddlers and this partnership the UK. lambswool lining and waterproof wholeheartedly, which is why will give members of the The deal will also see British outer protects you from the we’re proud to be supporting paddlesport community another Canoeing members receive unique elements, in any climate; perfect for the incredible work they do, unique benefit for being a part of benefits, as the two organisations staying warm pre and post paddle. with both elite athletes and British Canoeing.” work in unison to get more people Podium performance athletes their active community of For more information on active outdoors, supporting an with British Canoeing will receive paddlers across the country.” dryrobe or British Canoeing, awesome community of paddlers bespoke dryrobes, to help keep them Gareth May, Business visit www.dryrobe.com / in advocating good environmental warm and dry during training and Development Manager, said: www.britishcanoeing.org.uk.

@Outdoorinsightuk ISPO Outdoor page_SPORTS INSIGHT 14/11/2019 10:26 Page 1 outdoorwww.sports-insight.co.uk Sports Insight @Outdoorinsightuk hub @SportsInsightHub e place to source all your products and services

Anker PowerPort A match for winter AMK A classic redesigned The British Isles winter weather is no A redesign of a classic, the new Motherlode Solar Lite match for the Women’s Extrem 5000 Mountain Series has the cargo and organization you’ve come When you’re out enjoying the great outdoors, Find supplies quickly with the Easy Vented Waterproof Jacket. Sleet, blizzards to love, but now includes a 3L, 100oz Mil enjoy yet another perk: free limitless Care Organization System in the newly and driving rain, it’s a tough barrier for all, Spec Crux Lumbar Reservoir that delivers power. Simply spread out the solar panels revamped Mountain Series ﬁ rst aid kits thanks to totally waterproof, three-layer 25 per cent more water per sip and moves or attach to your pack to start repowering from Adventure Medical Kits. The durable, GORE-TEX, with reinforced areas to protect your water lower, increasing your stability your gadgets. Exclusive to Anker, PowerIQ water resistant bags include trauma supplies the jacket from rock and rucksack abrasion. and comfort. Perfect for multi-day missions, discovers and replicates your device’s which are of hospital quality and are labelled The adjustable hood is designed to ﬁ t the Motherlode has over 35L of cargo, tons original charging protocol to provide its by injury for easy access. comfortably over your head with or without of gear organization, and their new laser cut fastest possible charging speed up to 2.1 a climbing helmet. Mountain MOLLE, making it fast and easy amps overall (with enough direct sunlight). to attach additional accessories.

0116 234 4611 www.anker.com www.berghaus.com [email protected] www.camelbak.com www.adventuremedicalkits.com

Walks the walk A great choice ODLO Fast & Light Perfect for small Applying street-smart aesthetics to the for rain Small and quick to pack, super light and families outdoor activity boot, the ecco Exostrike The Westport II is a waterproof and extremely functional – Odlo’s outdoor The Portree 500 is an easy pitch, three- has what it takes to conquer the countryside breathable women's parka with a ﬁ shtail, performance line FLI (Fast & Light) poled tunnel tent that features a side entry but won’t look out of place strolling through smart ventilation and an adjustable waist prepares outdoor enthusiasts for anything door and full stand up height living space. urban environments. Stronger-than-steel, and hem. A great choice for those rainy the weather throws at them while hitting the Clear windows allow light to pour into the Dyneema Bonded leather uppers combine days. Helly Hansen's stylish ﬁ shtail parka trail. Incredibly lightweight, the FLI 2.5L spacious porch area, with Vango's lights out with an exaggerated tongue, partly concealed is waterproof and breathable with smart Jacket is the perfect packable companion for bedroom area ensuring a darkened space for laces and a luxurious leather lining, resulting ventilation and styling opportunities. And outdoor adventures. better sleep in the great outdoors. This tent in a boot that both talks the talk and walks pockets are large enough to store your is perfect for small families, couples, friends, the walk. essentials. weekend camps and festivals.

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La Sportiva Ultimate trekking Room for everything Alpine RDS Futura Woman rucksack you need Down Vest The Futura model belongs to the innovative The Pinnacle 70:80 is the ultimate trekking The Nijmegen is a six litre belt pack New for AW19, the versatile range of “No-Edge” generation. The No-edge concept rucksack for those heading out on longer featuring integrated twin bottles for easy- lightweight, packable, performance eliminates the traditional “edges” of the expeditions; made to be tough and practical access hydration. Designed with lightweight outerwear from Mac in a Sac has now sole. This allows the foot to come into across any excursion. The Pinnacle features hiking in mind, the Nijmegen 6 is named expanded to include a packable, high quality, closer contact with the rock surface, thus Vango's innovative A1 back system meaning after the world’s largest walking event, the RDS down vest. O ered to retail with enhancing foot sensitivity and allowing a it is completely adjustable with one hand ‘Nijmegen March’ in Holland. The 6 litre attractive mark-ups and POS display stand. greater, homogenous push on the hold. while on your back; perfect for variable loads capacity means there’s room for everything Become a stockist today. and terrain. you need during a day’s walking, including integrated twin bottles.

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New features for Comfort, durability Forged in the wild Lightweight and Forged in the wild, the Archeon 25 Women's LED Lenser P7 and breathability embodies the principles of essentialism comfortable The new LED Lenser P7 is 60 per cent The Frontier Women's Pant is an all-round, The Gemini is a lightweight, and comfortable and environmentalism for hiking. With brighter. A new and larger switch gives high performance Soft Shell pant for active two-layer, HydroDRY jacket. It boasts mesh a women's specifi c backsystem, recycled better grip for easier operation when use on technical terrain. Combining 175g and ta eta combination lining for active fabrics, metal componentry and a wearing gloves. The recalculated lens, the and 275g EXOLITE fabric these pants comfort; grown on, fully adjustable hood comfortable backsystem combine to produce updated cooling system, the latest in LED o er comfort, durability and breathability with a wired peak and roll away feature and a a pack built for life in the outdoors technology and improved ergonomics are when moving fast in alpine terrain. An double storm fl ap over centre front zip. Other all features that will impress demanding entirelyre-engineered fi t block is combined features include two hand pockets, hook and users. with essential mountain features such as loop tabbed inner pocket, adjustable cu s integrated venting pockets and reinforced and drawcord adjustable hem. kick strips.

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www.outdoor-insight.co.ukwww.sports-insight.co.uk@SportsInsightUK 30 OUTDOOR INSIGHT

THE RECCO The North Face presents ‘Lhotse’ On September 30, 2018, with Without the usual mass of new innovative fabric from The STORY the mighty Everest to their expedition teams placing fixed North Face that provides increased The RECCO story is a right, and one of the world’s ropes and ladders to safely traverse performance and breathability short documentary about most sought-after high-altitude across the notoriously difficult in waterproof gear, during the a project that started with ski lines below them, Hilaree Khumbu glacier, the team’s expedition and it became an an avalanche accident in Nelson and Jim Morrison workload was brutally high. When integral part of the team’s kit. December 1973 and led clipped into their ski bindings a weather report gave them a clear For Morrison, the achievement to a global standard for and prepared to drop in from the but short window, the team knew required every small piece of the avalanche rescue. summit of Lhotse. they would need to move quickly puzzle to fit just right, including the Today a search and rescue Their remarkable ski descent for the summit attempt. gear:“To make even two or three system for all outdoor was not only a world first but the Nelson, The North Face Global turns at that altitude is almost activities year around now culmination of a jointly held dream, Athlete Team Captain, said: “The unbearably hard and so you have to exists due to this tragic realised through extraordinary hard Lhotse Coulouir is just such a be wearing gear that gives you the incident. But in 1973, before work, undoubted talent and a small perfect line, being only truly visible best chance to not only succeed, any electronic aids existed, but special expedition team. from Everest gives it this mythical but allows you to be comfortable Magnus Granhed, founder Starting at the end of August to quality and it stoked this fire in enough to take in that special of RECCO AB, and his make the most of the snow-covered me, in both of us – we just had to moment, to savour it and never let friends were left to search Himalayan peaks, the expedition see if it could be done but we knew it go.” for skiers caught in an team consisted of two icefall we would need not just the right To watch the full film and europe on Facebook. Alternatively avalanche with their doctors, two photographers, Dutch conditions but the right team and find out more about Futurelight you can find your closest ski poles. Simpson and Nick Kalisz and five we had it.” follow @thenorthfaceuk on theatre showing by following @ “It felt hopeless, knowing incredible Sherpa to help guide, Hilaree and Jim both utilised and Instagram, and follow www. europeanoutdoorfilmtour on that there were people capture and support the attempt. extensively tested Futurelight, the facebook.com/thenorthface. Instagram. buried underneath,” he remembers. After three hours, two victims were Metcalf said: “The Ghost found, and it was confirmed MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR LAUNCHES MOST Shadow was great for the that one of them was a different conditions we friend of Magnus Granhed’s. SUSTAINABLE COLLECTION TO DATE experienced on the trek like “This contributed to chilly Himalayan mornings and making the experience Mountain Hardwear is And voila – that’s how the Ghost warming up after hiking for even stronger. Here we are rolling out its most Shadow came to be.” hours in the cold rain. A huge having fun skiing sustainable collection yet, Mountain Hardwear recently plus of this piece being synthetic and suddenly one of us with the introduction of updated the iconic Ghost is that it dries quickly”. passes away.” Ghost Shadow. Whisperer collection to feature Aside from the usual weight, After the accident Ghost Shadow Hoody will be 100 per cent recycled ripstop fabric, and size specs most Magnus Granhed was the first product launched in nylon, and the product team knew gear enthusiasts go crazy for, motivated to get more the UK and Europe for Spring/ they could take it a step further Ghost Shadow collection boasts knowledge about Summer 2020, proving that with the Ghost Shadow. further impressive eco benefits: avalanches and rescue and high-performance pursuits and Adams said: “Not only did we • 52% less water is used in search technologies and environmental efforts go hand use 100 per cent recycled ripstop manufacturing, plus it keeps quickly understood that an and hand. Between its 100 per nylon and recycled trims, but we water clean throughout use. electronic solution could cent post-industrial recycled also focused on insulation, using Many water repellents break allow searches to faster shell fabric and semi-recycled 100 per cent and 70 per cent down and leave behind by- locate victims buried by an trims, lining, and insulation, recycled PrimaLoft Eco synthetic products, but PFC-free DWR avalanche. the Ghost Shadow has 88 per insulation”. ensures less potential toxicity He said: “But neither the cent total recycled content. It’s Outerwear Product over time for you and the technology or the market raising the standard of utility Development Manager, Rachel environments you interact with. existed when we started.” while reducing carbon and water Metcalf, is one of six Mountain • Each Ghost Shadow garment The original idea with the impact to bring the heat to where Hardwear employees who was reduces carbon emissions RECCO rescue system was it’s supposed to: the wearer, not in our line for years and it’s such an peer-voted to go on a three-week produced in manufacturing by to find a technology to make the atmosphere. iconic piece in the market. So, as trek through the Khumbu Valley 39% over a standard jacket. all people searchable by Steve Adams, Product Line a team, we asked ourselves, ‘How up to Everest Base Camp, where • The number of smartphones professional rescue teams, Manager of Outerwear, said: can we expand this program in a she tested the Ghost Shadow that could be charged with this with a maintenance free “We’ve had the Ghost Whisperer more sustainably innovative way?’ Hoody first-hand. savings in emissions? 842. and cost-efficient solution. Almost 50 years later – the idea remains the same. Magnus Granhed added: Online voting is open for the UK Outdoor Industry Awards 2020 “It is a great advantage to be To coincide with the Kendal This is the final stage of the • ACCESSORIES: Klean Camalot Z4; Black Diamond able to live off of your idea, Mountain Festival (KMF) awards process, following 120 Kanteen – TKPro; Light My – AirNET Harness. but it is nothing compared this weekend, online entries being received across ten Fire; Luci MPOWERD – • SLEEPING: Mountain to meeting someone who voting for the UK Outdoor categories. All products entered Base Camp Light. Hardwear – Lamina Eco AF; tells you they are alive Industry Awards 2020 is were on display and shortlisted • DIGITAL PRODUCT: Garmin Rab – Mythic Ultra; Helinox because of your idea.” now open, which provides an by a panel of expert judges – GPS Map 66i; OS – Map – Cot One Convertible opportunity for consumers (including specialist outdoor (Mobile App). Insulated. to select their favourite new retailers, journalists and gear • BACKPACKS/TRAVEL • CLOTHING: Mountain outdoor products. Votes can be testers) in July at the Outdoor LUGGAGE: Jack Wolfskin – Hardwear – Ghost Shadow placed via theoia.co.uk/awards/ Trade Show (OTS), the UK’s Kalari Trail 36 Pack RECCO; Jacket; Black Diamond – Not only can outdoor largest outdoor trade exhibition. Osprey – Ace 50; Craghoppers Highline Stretch Shell Jacket; enthusiasts vote for their The 2020 judging panel – 40L Hybrid. Royal Robins – Hemp Travel favourite finalists online (via the includes the following • FAMILY: Kidunk Suit; Osprey Socks; Fjällräven – Vidda OIA and UKClimbing websites), retailers, journalists and – Poco Plus. Pro Jacket. but they will also be able to vote gear testers; Robert Brigham • CAMPING EQUIPMENT: • TENTS: MSR Hubba NX; in person and see the products (Managing Director, Ellis Helinox – Personal Shade; Vango Project Hydrogen at the Caravan, Camping & Brigham Mountain Sports), Primus – Fire Stick; Gerber – Air; VauDe Power Lizard Motorhome Show, on February Adrian Plumb (Senior Buyer, ComplEAT. Seamless 1-2P. 18-23, where the finalist products Tiso), Chris Townsend (Gear • FOOTWEAR: Adidas Online voting will remain from all ten categories will be on Tester, TGO), Iain Duff TERREX – Free Hiker Parley; open until February 28, and the display to almost 100,000 (Editor, Camping), Alan James On – Cloudrock Waterproof; winners of each category will visitors at the NEC in (Director, UK Climbing & UK Dolomite – Steinbock WT be officially announced at the Birmingham. To find out more Hillwalking) and Graham GTX; Danner – Trail 2650. Outdoor Industries Association’s information please visit our Thompson (Gear Tester, Trail). • CLIMBING EQUIPMENT: (OIA) annual Conference & AGM awards partner UKClimbing on The finalists across the ten Edelrid – Swift Protect Pro in March 2020, taking place at their stand at KMF. categories are as follows: Dry 8,9MM; Black Diamond – Shrigley Hall in Cheshire.

@Outdoorinsightuk OUTDOOR INSIGHT 31

QUIKSILVER PRO G-LAND RETURNS TO THE 2020 MAMMUT WSL WORLD SURF TOUR PRESENTS ITS FIRST Quiksilver and the World Surf The announcement has been League have made surfing pioneered by Quiksilver and PRODUCTS history. confirms the whispers within the MADE FROM They have announced the surfing community for a number return of the most anticipated and of years. It was Quiksilver who LEFTOVER exciting surf event in 25 years, the brought the inaugural Quiksilver Quiksilver Pro G-Land, which will Pro G-Land to the tour in 1995 FABRICS hold a coveted spot on the 2020 and challenged surfers to take WSL Championship Tour from on the isolated conditions, with June 4-14, 2020. Kelly Slater winning the first The Quiksilver Pro G-Land competition and inspiring the will offer surfers on the tour the infamous ‘Dream Tour’. ultimate challenge, taking them Twenty five years after the the winners of this year’s world want to challenge our athletes and out of their comfort zones and into Asian Financial Crisis marked championship tour. inspire future generations, and this one of the most remote locations the end of the G-Land event, Garry Wall, General Manager competition will do just that, it’s in competitive surfing history the brand is bringing it back to of Quiksilver, said: “Bringing the time for a little disruption.” in Grajagan Bay, Indonesia. The the tour for 2020, continuing Quiksilver Pro G-Land back to Kelly Slater, unprecedented Surf competition will make its much- to showcase Quiksilver’s the surf calendar has long been an Champion and inaugural winner This month, Mammut awaited return to the raw, remote commitment to surf travel and ambition of Quiksilver and 2020 is of the Quiksilver G-Land Pro, said: will launch its first location where the jungle meets chasing the perfect waves. the perfect time for our surfers to “The greatest ever tour event is “Leftover” products. the ocean and let the world’s most Competing in the most exciting get back out to Grajagan Bay and back! Great move. Might need to The Swiss mountain talented surfers take on the waves. contest in surfing history will be really return to raw. As a brand we win that thing again.” sports brand is utilising leftover fabrics from its production processes to create T-shirts in bright Biggest ever Red Bull colours. Mammut aims to draw attention to the production waste issue in a Neptune Steps event to be transparent manner, which in turn also counteracts staged in Glasgow the wastage of high-quality resources. The outdoor The Maryhill Locks will once “It’s a tough event that tests a equipment manufacturer again be the setting for the UK’s range of skills, but I was able to will expand the project’s toughest open water swimming push myself harder than I thought scope in the near future challenge, as Red Bull Neptune thanks to the cheering crowd and and will be adding further Steps return to Glasgow with brilliant atmosphere of the event. products to its Leftover exciting new elements. “Giving participants the chance Collection. To accommodate growing to compete in a pair opens up the As part of the WE demand, the 2020 event will be competition to those who may CARE strategy, Mammut the biggest ever held in the city, not have the confidence or the strives to minimise the Osprey athlete Nirmal ‘Nims’ as it expands to a second experience to enter individually. environmental footprint day, doubling the number of Being part of a team is hugely of its production processes participants from 2019. motivating and is a great way to and products in order to Purja makes climbing history From March 21-22, 2020, more get involved. I’m sure many will protect natural resources. Osprey are celebrating Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja’s completion of than 1,000 hardy souls will have be back again in the future to race Launched in 2019, the the superhuman feat of summiting 14 of the world’s highest the chance to enter icy-cold waters on their own after their Red Bull Leftover Project address mountains in under seven months. The previous world of the Forth and Clyde Canal and Neptune Steps introduction! this focus. For various record? Seven years. battle through the course, which “It’s a race, so of course the reasons, the production of Nims is an incredible force; an extraordinary mountaineer who, includes seven lock gates, each with competitive element is important, outdoor clothing inevitably because of his training, mindset and sheer determination, is capable its own obstacle for the competitors but results aside, it’s a huge leads to the creation of of achieving things beyond even the most experienced climber. to negotiate. achievement to finish. I would waste materials. These are Paired with a Nepalese heritage and a passion for the mountains While the challenge has typically absolutely encourage anyone who is usually stored and partly of his homeland, Nims travelled back to the Himalayas to take on the been dominated by endurance considering their next challenge to disposed of at a later stage – most epic challenge of his life; Project Possible. Supported by his all- athletes and experienced open- take on Red Bull Neptune Steps, it’s a widespread problem in the Nepalese Sherpa team, the aim of Project Possible was to break the water swimmers, Red Bull Neptune a unique event and a great day for industry. world record for climbing 14 x 8,000m peaks in just seven months. Steps 2020 will include a more spectators and participants!” Mammut is counteracting A paradigm shift in the perception of human potential. accessible pairs relay competition. Red Bull Neptune Steps will take this waste of resources by Shishapangma is the 14th highest mountain in the world, and the Same sex or mixed pairs can now place on March 21 (men’s heats) using the said remainders only 8,000m peak lying solely in Tibet. On October 29 at 8.58am local tackle the course together, meaning and 22 (women’s and pairs heats), to produce high-quality time, Nims made his final push for the summit of this historical final competitors only need to complete 2020, at Maryhill Locks, products. The first step will mountain. This final summit was the culmination of months half of the gruelling course which in Glasgow. be the T-shirts, which will of training, perseverance, logistics and team support for Nims’ includes a 420m swim and 10.5- The race is open to men and be available in various styles Project Possible. Osprey helped fund the project and supported Nims meter obstacle climb. women aged 16+. Entrants can and colors. with the only pack that could keep up with the man himself; The Since the event first came to compete individually as well as Adrian Huber, Head of Aether Pro. Glasgow more than 2000 athletes in pairs. Corporate Responsibility at On Project Possible, Nims says: “This project was never about me have taken on the challenge. The Entrants can sign-up from at Mammut Sports Group AG, and I truly believe that’s the reason why I have been able to overcome 2019 event sold out in less than redbull.co.uk/neptunesteps said: “We want to address some of the biggest obstacles during the evolution. This only a day, so budding athletes are the increasing, global waste happened through the support of our friends and followers across the encouraged to register interest problem in a transparent globe. quick when early bird tickets are way and present a solution “Big thank you to all my friends and family for supporting this released on November 14. as a company. We’ve created endeavour. Thank you for being so kind to us. We started with Erin Jeffery, triathlete and something totally unique nothing; and see how far we have come together? The Impossible has executive assistant at The Outdoor with these colorful T-shirts been made possible. United we Conquer.” Swimming Society, was the winner made from our leftovers. Jonathan Petty, Osprey Europe Managing Director, added: “Today of the 2019 women’s race with a And these are just the first we have seen climbing history rewritten, and from everyone at time of 7m 5s. of a new range of products, Osprey I would personally like to congratulate Nims and his team on She said: “I didn’t really know which will be produced such an incredible accomplishment. The determination Nims has what to expect going into the using material remainders.” displayed at every stage of Project Possible is something we should challenge. I was concerned about completely in line with all aspire to; no matter how difficult the endeavour, the journey will how cold the water was but once I the “Waste no Waste” always be the reward.” was in, I loved every second! concept.

www.outdoor-insight.co.ukwww.sports-insight.co.uk 32 OUTDOOR INSIGHT

COLUMBIA New campaign celebrates diversity and inclusivity SPORTSWEAR Columbia has launched a brand Since its inception in 2015, COMPANY new campaign in partnership Boots and Beards has evolved into a with the UK National Parks sprawling community that touches ANNOUNCES that celebrates and promotes the lives of its many members. THE PASSING diversity and inclusivity in the From its outdoors programme to great outdoors. fitness bootcamps, the group has OF GERT BOYLE With the belief that the outdoors been fulfilling its mission to make Columbia Sportswear are for everyone irrespective a lasting positive impact on its Company’s Chairman of race, class, creed or ability, community. of the Board of Columbia is supporting a number Columbia is also supporting Directors, Gert Boyle, of community groups and charities The Change Foundation who run has passed away. across the UK to shine a light on an award-winning programme A statement from the inspiring work they undertake entitled Street Elite which engages the company said: “It to bring the outdoors to a broader young people on the edges of gangs is with great sadness audience. and crime across London through that we announce the The campaign showcases the sport and outdoor activities. passing of Gert Boyle, the power the outdoors possesses in The initiative helps young people National Park, the group works or training) into work, Chairman of the Board unifying communities, improving transition from NEET (not in with its local residents to improve apprenticeships, training or of Directors of Columbia health and wellbeing and education, employment or training) their health, widen access to the education opportunities. Sportswear Company and connecting us with nature. into work, apprenticeships, training natural environment and help Naomi Conway, Partnerships its matriarch since 1970. Columbia has partnered with a or education opportunities. create a better life for present and Director at the UK National Parks “Our ‘One Tough number of diverse not-for-profit The campaign showcases the future generations. said: “It doesn’t matter who you Mother’ held many initiatives to celebrate and share power the outdoors possesses in Since its inception in 2015, are, we know that getting out into jobs at Columbia, from they fantastic work they do as well unifying communities, improving Boots and Beards has evolved into a nature makes you feel better about seamstress of the first as providing them with their latest health and wellbeing and sprawling community that touches yourself and more connected to the fishing vest to President seasonal apparel whilst on shoot to connecting us with nature. the lives of its many members. people you share that experience to advertising icon. help keep them in the outdoors for Columbia has partnered with a From its outdoors programme to with. Her sharp wit and longer. number of diverse not-for-profit fitness bootcamps, the group has “With Columbia, we want to wisdom helped propel One of these groups is Boots initiatives to celebrate and share been fulfilling its mission to make inspire as many people as possible the company from near and Beards, a Glasgow-based they fantastic work they do as well a lasting positive impact on its to experience that great feeling for bankruptcy in the early organisation which focuses on as providing them with their latest community. themselves. National Parks are the ‘70s to the global multi- bringing together people from seasonal apparel whilst on shoot to Columbia is also supporting best places to do that – especially brand company it is ethnic communities to have fun help keep them in the outdoors for The Change Foundation who run if it’s new to you or you are trying today, with annual net in the outdoors. Regulars at Loch longer. an award-winning programme things for the first time.” sales of almost $3 billion Lomond and The Trossachs One of these groups is Boots entitled Street Elite which engages The campaign extends in 2018. Her pioneering National Park, the group works and Beards, a Glasgow-based young people on the edges of gangs Columbia’s ongoing partnership role as a woman in with its local residents to improve organisation which focuses on and crime across London through with the UK National Parks who what was then a male- their health, widen access to the bringing together people from sport and outdoor activities. are the official outfitter of National dominated industry is a natural environment and help ethnic communities to have fun The initiative helps young Parks Rangers and staff, For more testament to her strength create a better life for present and in the outdoors. Regulars at Loch people transition from NEET information visit https://www. of character and ability future generations. Lomond and The Trossachs (not in education, employment columbiasportswear.co.uk to persevere through difficult situations. “Gert’s humour and business savvy were Helly Hansen honoured Salomon details sustainability sought by many people with German Design Award at Columbia Sportswear Company and she was Helly Hansen has been honoured with the objectives in Play Minded Program truly beloved. Gert prestigious German Design Award in the Salomon Sports has announced details was unique and we feel category of Excellent Product Design for of its new Play Minded Program, which fortunate to have had the brand new Odin 3D Air Shell Jacket addresses the outdoor company’s her as a leader for over launching for Summer 2020. immediate and long-term commitment to almost 50 years. In lieu of The German Design Award is one of the most operate its business in a more sustainable flowers, please consider renowned design competitions worldwide and manner. a donation to Oregon celebrates innovative brands and products that As part of this program, the brand unveiled Health and Sciences have successfully competed to prove they are the concept for a new running shoe that can Knight Cancer Institute.” among the best in the world. be fully recycled into a ski boot shell. The of our brand and our products are eager to President and CEO Developed in partnership with the Norwegian result of more than 18 months of research and understand the actions we are taking.” Timothy P. Boyle will volunteer search and rescue team, Norsk development, the concept shoe was on display Salomon has made several commitments serve as Acting Chairman Folkehjelp (Norwegian People’s Aid), Helly at the grand opening of Salomon’s newest and in the areas outlined by the Play Minded of the Board. The Board Hansen designed the new Odin 3D Air Shell largest Experience Store in Munich, Germany. Program. To reduce its impact on the intends to consider and Jacket to meet the demands of the harsh and The Salomon Play Minded Program consists environment, the company has pledged to take action regarding the unreliable conditions that come naturally in the of four key areas, all with specific objectives: reduce its overall carbon emissions by 30 formal appointment of mountains of Norway. The result is a waterproof, • Protecting the Playground — the places per cent by the year 2030. Salomon will a new Chairman of the windproof and breathable 2.75L shell jacket for where outdoor lovers practice sports also eliminate perfluorinated compounds Board at its next regularly high-output activities during light-and-fast peak • Producing more sustainable Toys — the (PFCs) across all equipment categories by scheduled Board meeting mountain adventures. Salomon products used to practice those 2023. (PFCs will be non-existent in Salomon in January 2020. By incorporating a new 3D printed backing, the sports footwear by the fall of 2020, in gear by 2022 The family of Gert Boyle 2.75L jacket is as light as a 2.5L jacket, but more • Educating the Players — the people who and in winter sports equipment and apparel will host a Celebration durable and protective than a 3L jacket of equal make up the communities of our outdoor by 2023.) of Life in her honour weight. The 3D backing offers a comfortable, dry sports By 2025, 70 per cent of the waste created on December 5, 2019. touch when wearing next to skin. • Caring for the Playmakers — the people by Salomon’s operations will be recycled or The jacket has been ergonomically designed around the world who create Salomon re-used and the environmental performance with focus on male and female cool and hot products of every Salomon product will be visible to spots. By using gender-specifically placed, two- Jean-Marc Pambet, President of Salomon, the consumer. Also by 2025, 100 per cent of way side ventilation zippers and open mesh said: “Today’s outdoor sports participants top tier materials suppliers will have signed panels on the back to provide maximum airflow expect us to make a positive impact on the or otherwise demonstrated compliance around the body, users will experience optimum world, and we have made great efforts in with category-level Materials Compliance temperature control. recent years to reduce our impact on the Programs and Restricted Substances Lists Sarah Randall, Product Manager for environment and we will continue to do so. As (RSLs). Mountain at Helly Hansen, said: “It is an honour a company, we have always prided ourselves The concept for a fully recyclable running to be recognised for the passion and dedication on having a uniquely close relationship with shoe is the first step in Salomon’s commitment Helly Hansen has to driving innovation with our local sports communities. We haven’t to have 100 per cent of its new products unique designs.” always discussed our programs in the areas designed to one or several of the company’s of sustainability, but we recognize that fans circular economy principles by 2025.

@Outdoorinsightuk OUTDOOR INSIGHT 33

A WILD RIDE AROUND THE WORLD

OLLY WILKINS AND ROB WARNER EXPLORE NEPAL IN 2019. CREDIT:BARTEK WOLINSKI/RED BULL CONTENT POOL Red Bull TV presenter Rob Warner talks up new, epic series filmed across six countries

hen Rob Warner is a TV series like this has brought so disorientated. I am glad I did FINN ILES CLIMBS COTOPAXI IN not presenting UCI me back to why I got into it when I it, though. ECUADOR DURING SHOOTING FOR Mountain Bike World was 14. That sense of exploring has RWWR IN 2019. CREDIT: MARCELO WCup coverage on Red Bull TV, he always been a big part of it, for me. Did you discover MARAGNI/RED BULL CONTENT POOL gets on his trusty bike with his latest Thankfully I got to ride on some and learn things you project taking him on a breathtaking epic trails for this TV series with weren’t expecting? trip across four continents that some of them downhill for nearly How the Africans lived was the rekindled his love of the sport. 30km. It was the best mountain most surprising part of the trip. It Rob Warner’s Wild Rides sees the biking I have ever done. was incredible to see the heart of former MTB downhill racer joined Africa. I had only ever been to the by current mountain bike stars What was the race site and the hotel in South such as fellow Briton Matt Jones best riding in the Africa before so - to go and hang and downhill stars Finn Iles and whole film shoot? out with the tribes - nothing really Olly Wilkins to travel off the beaten Riding in the Himalayas. Can you compares to that wilderness and track and discover the world’s most imagine being surrounded by the way of life. They are the hardest stunning unseen bike trails. biggest peaks on earth? I was right people on earth, the way they live. Warner steps well outside of in amongst them on a mountain They struggle every day just to get his comfort zone as he immerses bike. For a mountain biker, that is food and water, but they are happy. himself in local culture in New next level stuff. It was insane. I have It was pretty eye opening. Zealand, Nepal, Ecuador, Colombia, seen places that I never dreamt Kenya and Lesotho with slopestyle that I would see. It is only just now, Any stand-out their own mud hut. Us being there Where you scared star Jones shearing sheep in six months on, that it is sinking in moments from was more exciting to them than the at times you might exchange for a helicopter ride in a little bit. I treated it as work at Lesotho? The Witchcraft bikes. The kids could not believe hurt yourself? New Zealand, Canadian sensation the time and we did everything we Village maybe? the screen on the cameras. It was quite hairy at times and Iles sampling salsa dancing in could do to make the shows good. It was brilliant. Some of them were those sorts of places are not where Colombia and Wilkins exploring Now I can sit back and enjoy it a bit off their heads, after eating seeds or How tough was it you want to get hurt as they are a Buddhist monastery in the more. something to make themselves trip to keep up with the so remote, but that is part of the Himalayas. out. They were really excited that young guns? charm and excitement of why we Here is what Warner had to say What was the toughest we were there. Every single person It was quite a challenge. It was ride mountain bikes. It was also ahead of the Red Bull TV series part of the adventure? in that village came out and greeted also very exciting to ride with Finn hard work because of the tough launch on November 13: I got altitude sickness badly in us. They danced and sang and got (Iles), Matt and Olly (Wilkins). schedule. We got given a sleeping Ecuador and also Kenya. We flew out the alcohol. We had a good They are so damn good on bikes. A bag and a mat and ended up in Has filming Rob to the top of Mount Kenya and we laugh out there and hung out with lot of the things they did, I would all sorts of places. One time in Warner’s Wild Rides got dropped off on a ridge. It was the tribe’s chief. It started raining watch from behind and my jaw Colombia, we ended up sleeping on rekindled your love of like landing on the moon - such an at one point and he went and put a would hit the handlebars. I wanted a farm but we were up at 4am the mountain biking? alien landscape. Five minutes later, hard hat on and river waders. That to ride and look half decent - which next morning to milk the cows then I hated mountain biking by the time we were sliding down through it was his gear for the rain. Brilliant! is not getting any easier at my rode from 11am-7pm doing a I finished my race career. Some all. I doubt many people have done I don’t think they had ever seen a age - but I also knew that if I hurt 27km trail. people thrive on the pressure of that on bikes. On Mount Kenya I mountain bike. They had never had myself badly the series would be Watch Rob Warner’s Wild Rides racing, but it got me in the end. I felt drunk and, at over 5,000m, you anyone from outside the village stay over for me so I had to manage on Red Bull TV at https://www. was unmotivated and miserable don’t really want to be drunk riding before, so that was an incredible myself as I already have loads of redbull.com/int-en/shows/robs- for the last five years I raced. Doing a bicycle down right by a cliff. I felt honour for us and they put us up in existing injuries. wild-rides “ On Mount Kenya I felt drunk and, at over 5,000m, you don’t really want to be drunk riding a bicycle down right by a cliff”