The presentation ceremony for the first ever OutDoor Industry Award took place at the OutDoor trade fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on July 23.

153 entries from 21 different nations were submitted for the competition, dedicated to promoting outstanding design in the outdoor sector. An international jury of experts presented a total of 34 awards, including one gold and six silver awards, for outstanding design achievements.

The competition categories consisted of apparel, shoes, backpacks/travel luggage, mountaineering equipment, camping equipment, sleeping bags, water sports and accessories.

The gold was awarded to Haglöfs Scandinavia AB (Sweden) for its Oz Pullover, a Gore-Tex Paclite pullover, whose innovative cut is said to reduce the number of seams to a minimum. The jury described it as, “The ultimate lightweight rain protection — of truly minimal weight. No other waterproof, breathable jacket is lighter or easier to pack.”

The silver awards were allocated as follows: the SynMat 7 sleeping pad, manufactured by Exped AG (Switzerland) for its heat insulation properties and low weight; the LIV down sweater by Klättermusen Ab (Sweden) which was described as well cut, easy to pack and excellent in terms of thermal performance; the Corsa Nanotech ice pick by C.A.M.P. spa (Italy) which is said to be ultralight; the Tough Skin sleeping pad by Cascade Designs (Ireland) with its rugged underside and interior consisting of two types of rubber. The lower part consists of closed cell foam, which is resistant to damage by thorns and sharp stones. The upper layer consists of a light, open cell foam which fills up with air; the 4477 + 4478 Viking Lady backpack from Bergans of Fritid AS (Norway), a heavy-duty ladies’ trekking backpack; and the Laser Competition tent, made by Terra Nova Equipment Ltd. (England), which weighs less than a kilogramme.