First OutDoor Industry Award bestows one gold and six silvers

After pouring through 153 entries from 21 different nations, the judges for the first OutDoor Industry Award competition, sponsored by Messe Friedrichshafen in conjunction with the OutDoor 2006 trade show held July 23-26, recognized 34 as worthy of honors for outstanding design achievement. Of those 34, six were awarded silver and one received gold. Conceived and organized by iF International Forum Design, this competition is intended to promote and recognize outstanding design in the outdoor sector.

The competition categories consisted of apparel, shoes, backpacks/travel luggage, mountaineering equipment, camping equipment, sleeping bags, water sports and accessories. The international panel of judges was charged with evaluating each entry based on the levels of innovativeness, design quality, workmanship, choice of materials, environmental compatibility, functionality, utility, safety, trendsetting character and brand value/branding.

The awards were presented to the winning designers and manufacturers at an awards ceremony held on July 23, the first morning of the OutDoor trade show in the Foyer West building. Award-winning entries remained on display throughout the show.

The awards, with select judges’ comments, went to:

Gold Award

OZ Pullover

Manufacturer: Haglöfs Scandinavia / Sweden

This Gore-Tex Paclite pullover, whose innovative cut reduces the number of seams to a minimum, was the recipient of a Gold Award. The ultimate lightweight rain protection. No other waterproof, breathable jacket is lighter or easier to pack.

Silver Awards

SynMat 7 sleeping pad

Manufacturer: Exped AG / Switzerland

This sleeping pad exhibits excellent heat insulation properties, allowing for a relaxing, refreshing night’s sleep. The product is very comfortable and can be easily inflated with a bellows foot pump. The ratio of thermal performance to (low) weight is excellent. The accompanying pack bag for the sleeping pad doubles as an inflating pump.

LIV down sweater

Manufacturer: Klattermusen / Sweden

This is heat protection reduced to an absolute minimum; the ratio of weight to thermal performance here is likewise outstanding. In addition, the sweater is well-cut and takes up extremely little space when packed.

Corsa Nanotech ice pick

Manufacturer: C.A.M.P. spa / Italy

This product has been thought out down to the last detail. An especially innovative and practical feature involves the tip of the spike, which is made out of metal rather than aluminum. The ice pick as a whole is extremely lightweight, which constitutes a major advantage.

Tough Skin sleeping pad

Manufacturer: Cascade Designs / USA

This represents the subtle modification of a classic industrial product. What is special about it is that the underside is extremely rugged. The interior consists of two types of foam 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. This is a brand new combination.

4477 + 4478 Viking Lady backpack

Manufacturer: Bergans of Fritid AS / Norway

One of the best heavy-duty backpacks available for women. It has fantastic suspension, an extremely high load transmission, an extremely secure bottom and backside and nevertheless allows for great freedom of motion.

Laser Competition tent

Manufacturer: Terra Nova Equipment Ltd. / England

The first tent presenting fantastic design features that weighs less than a kilogram. It can be used universally in any setting. Terrific!

Honorable Mentions

3rd Element Jacket

Manufacturer: Paramo Directional / United Kingdom

Capilene 2 Shirt

Manufacturer: Patagonia Europe / France

X-Socks Trekking Energizer

Manufacturer: Trere Innovation Hosiery, Switzerland

X-Bionic UnderGear Energy

Manufacturer: Trere Innovation Hosiery, Switzerland

Einride Jacket

Manufacturer: Klaettermusen / Sweden

Walker Softshell Nordic Walking Shoe

Manufacturer: Salomon / Germany

Vaporate Boa

Manufacturer: Timberland / USA

Karnali Wraptor

Manufacturer: Deckers Europe / USA

TFX Backpack

Manufacturer: Lowe Alpine / United Kingdom

Photo Shuttle

Manufacturer: Ortlieb / Germany

DS Hike 20

Manufacturer: Deuter Sport / Germany

Arc’Teryx Naos 70

Manufacturer: Arc’Teryx / Canada

Modular System3

Manufacturer: Mountainsmith / USA

X-Lite Vapour 45

Manufacturer: Karrimore / United Kingdom

24020 Traverse Pack

Manufacturer: Jack Wolfskin / Germany

Klettersteigset Step Web

Manufacturer: Mammut / Switzerland

Bloqx (artificial climbing wall bouldering blocks)

Manufacturer: Rokx Adventure Traders / Netherlands

Pro Cord

Manufacturer: Mammut / Switzerland

nForce Ascender

Manufacturer: Black Diamond / USA

Jetboil Group Cooking System

Manufacturer: Jetboil / USA

Trangia Cooker UL

Manufacturer: Trangia / Sweden

GPSMap 60CSx

Manufacturer: Garmin / USA

Traveller Lite 1.7905.AVT

Manufacturer: Victorinox / Switzerland

Lucido TX1 Headlamp

Manufacturer: Invia Sportartikel / Germany

CamelBak Bottle

Manufacturer: CamelBak / USA

e+lite Headlamp

Manufacturer: Petzl / France

Katadyn Vario Microfilter

Manufacturer: Katadyn / Switzerland