Gold Award winning gear releases from the OutDoor Show 2016


Every July it seems just about everyone in the global outdoor industry heads to Friedrichshafen on the edge of Lake Constance to the massive OutDoor gear expo. There, around 12 football pitch-sized hangars show off the latest and more importantly the future releases from some of the most popular brands out there. We certainly make sure we don’t miss it.
One of the highlights of the four-day show are the OutDoor Industry Awards. For this a judging panel of designers, apparel and equipment experts, journalists and alpinists asses over 343 entries and hand out 37 awards, the most exciting of which are the eight OutDoor Gold Awards.
Notable winners from last year included the Power Sphaerio 3P tent by Vaude, the Guardian Purifier by MSR, the UNEEK 8MM by Keen and the Gift Your Gear scheme that Rohan holds in its stores. So who triumphed in 2016? Take a look below…

OutDoor Gold Award Winners 2016

The cream of the crop for 2017 according to OutDoor’s expert panel…
Hyper 100 Jacket by Berghaus
Berghaus Extrem Light 100
The judges said: “Only 97 grams – the lightest, 3-layer waterproof we’ve come across. The ultra-lightweight design is impressive; the fabric is exceptional. The pattern using only two key parts is super minimalist.”
Balaclava by Stoll
Stoll Balaclava
The judges said:  “This really is an innovation. The seamless construction is great – when we tried it on, the balaclava is really comfortable and the heating system around the mouth is a fine idea.”
Transfer Wheelie Bag by Exped
Exped Wheelie bag
“A very practical baggage solution. Ideal for transporting luggage on adventures. We are impressed by the small pack size it folds down to when not in use.”
Balance Crash Pad by Edelrid
Edelrid Balance Crash Pad
The judges said:  “What a good idea! This is the first crash pad we’ve seen that adapts itself to the ground underneath.”
Trail King SV by Therm-a-Rest
Thermarest Trail king
The judges said:  “This new mattress is super-fast to inflate with the speed valve and still remains comfortable even if punctured thanks to its alternating air and foam construction.”

Cafflano Klassic by Beanscorp

cafflano classic
The judges said:  “It’s obvious that the developers of this new innovation are real coffee aficionados with an eye for detail. This all-in-one hand mill, filter and thermos cup is a clever design with a quality construction.”
Birnabag By Birnadal
Birnabag
The judges said:  “This protective child carrier bag is a great idea and has a wide range of uses. You can even use it as a blanket in your tent or on the ground. It also fits perfect on prams and pulks. Beautiful details.”
GUPPY FRIEND by Langbrett
Guppy Friend
The judges said:  “This innovative product tackles the problem of micro waste (plastic fibre) pollution – an issue that the whole outdoor industry needs to look at and find solutions for.”
 
This list isn’t the be all and end all from the OutDoor Show, there was certainly plenty more in the way of exciting releases for 2017. TGO staffer Will Renwick will be giving a round up of the gear that caught his eye in the next issue of The Great Outdoors (August 2016).