With nearly six million female enthusiasts, the dynamic sport of Nordic walking has long been dominated by women. This year's OutDoor trade fair, to be held from July 23-26 at the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen, Germany, will cater for the functional and style needs of female customers – a segment from which the industry hopes to see further turnover increases.

Manufacturers of rain jackets, hiking boots, accessories, tents and backpacks are reporting steadily increasing sales figure and annual sales of outdoor sports equipment in Europe have already reached the €5 billion mark ($6.3 billion). In Germany alone, the figure is €1.5 billion and experts are counting on another year of considerable growth.
 
At 77.2%, international participation at OutDoor 2006 has hit an all-time high. As many as 675 exhibitors from 40 countries will attend, many of which are among the top 100 brands.

70% of surveyed exhibitors reported having a women's collection already in place – and some have been enjoying up to 13% higher sales figures.