ISPO Bids Farewell to Munich with Final Awards and Future Strategy Unveiling
The historic outdoor event organized by Messe München ISPO concluded its final edition in Bavaria, taking place from November 30 to December 2. The event marked the end of a fifty-year run in Munich before its planned relocation to Amsterdam, where the trade show will be hosted starting in 2026. This final gathering provided ISPO with the opportunity to present its last series of awards in Munich, recognizing excellence across various categories in the outdoor industry.
The ISPO Awards this year were evaluated based on three primary criteria: circularity, multifunctionality, and technology. An international jury selected the winning products from a competitive field. The Running/Trail Running category gold award went to The North Face for its Summit Vectiv™ Pro 3 shoe, recognized specifically for its carbon plates, nitrogen-infused foam technology, and overall comfort. Other top contenders included Outopia (Vita Shell Jacket), Decathlon Kiprun (Kipnext shoe), Nedao (HexRise Active Running Long Sleeve T-shirt), and Mizuno (BreathDry Shell Jacket).
In the Mountaineering/Climbing category, the gold prize was secured by Edelrid for the Ohmega, a lightweight assisted-braking belay device. Its success was attributed to a three-stage braking system, an integrated pulley, and its suitability for all rope teams. Following Edelrid in this category were Blackyak (Javari Suit), The North Face (Summit 5050 AMK Hoodie), Mammut (Crag Recycled Classic Rope), and Blackyak again (Watusi Light Suit).
The Hiking division top spot went to Rab for its Syclon XP 40 pack. Key features highlighted were its low weight, effective waterproofing, and the body-hugging Aerofit carrying system. The top five in this category were completed by Kathmandu (XT Series Pack 40 backpack and Women’s XT Series Hybrid Octa Fleece Hooded Jacket), Rab (Mythic -6 down sleeping bag), and Simond (MT900 ultralight backpack). For Snow Sports, Mammut's Eiger Free Pro HS Bib Pants claimed first place, praised for their high technical sophistication and durability. Helly Hansen (Sogn Patrol Shell jacket) and Elan (ACE GSX FX skis) rounded out the top three, followed by Pelliot (The Limit Series One-Piece Down Coat).
The Lifestyle/Athleisure category gold award was won by Impetus for the ImNatura T-shirt, recognized for its strong eco-friendly credentials. It surpassed other contenders including Reima (BugProof Hoodie Surista), Peak Performance (R&D Helium Loop jacket), Bosideng (3-in-1 Smart Layering Kids Down Jacket), and Peak Design (Roller Pro suitcase). The Camping/Vanlife category winner was Simond, taking first prize for its Single Wall Trekking Tent 2P UL Condensless. The tent was honored for its light weight and efficient material usage, followed by products from Robens (LightCore UL 3.1R Regular sleeping mat), Dometic (Dometic CFX5 series cooler), Acebeam (Keylight 500 torch), and Robens (Scoria Quilt UL +6°C Regular sleeping bag).
In the Cycling/Commuting category, Bosideng earned the gold award for its Circular Design Fashion and Functional Puffer jacket, recognized for its versatility and use of recycled materials. The category’s top placements were rounded out by BBB Cycling (BackStreet LED ERT helmet), Qiaodan (Carbon Reduction Intelligent Wearable Luminous Riding Windbreaker), and Flectr (Cargo Mate handlebar). The Multisports category saw Helly Hansen take first place for its Arctic Shield Pro Boot HT, with the jury impressed by its technical capabilities. The Norwegian brand finished ahead of Viking (QuikGo GTX SL children’s shoe), Polartec (AirCore x Montura Ritmo PTC AirCore Hooded Anorak), Acemate (Tennis Robot), and EGGspander (Your GYM ToGo! muscle-strengthening tool).
To coincide with the final ISPO event in Munich, the European Outdoor Group (EOG) unveiled its new transformation programme roadmap. The plan centers around communications commitments, including public relations, marketing, and member recruitment, as well as events such as ISPO, the Outdoor Impact Summit, and EOG Week. All initiatives are specifically focused on addressing environmental, social, and regulatory issues within the industry.
Christian Schneidermeier, director of EOG, emphasized that the association's future strategy relies significantly on data management. The EOG is developing its Outdoor Market Intelligence Service (OMIS), a market analysis tool implemented by Sporting Insights. Following a successful launch in the UK, the tool is scheduled for rollout in Germany this month and in France in early 2026. The OMIS database currently covers three million product references and includes data from 2,000 physical points of sale, representing over €5 billion in value (based on 2023–2025 data) and featuring 1,000 brands.
EOG also plans to develop the Sustainability Data Exchange (SDEX), establish a comprehensive European retail directory, and produce annual market reports, alongside other complementary projects. The overarching aim of these efforts is to strengthen the European outdoor industry and establish EOG as a key player that complements the role of ISPO.
