ISPO Munich is one of the world’s largest sports trade fairs covering 16 halls, with approximately 2,800 exhibitors and upwards of 80,000 visitors expected. Attendees must have a game-plan to maximise the potential of the trip. For that reason the LTP team and Freelance Active Trend Forecaster, Chantell Fenton share the must-see brands at this years show.

BLACKYAK [HALL A1 BOOTH 312]

The South Korean techwear brand strategically positioned to disrupt the outdoor market, BlackYak is definitely one to have on your radar. With a forward-thinking design ethos the brand never fails to impress at the show, having won numerous ISPO awards in the past, nineteen in total. Fabric and construction innovation are key drivers for the brand with weight reduction an imperative. BlackYak takes an innovative approach to design which results in hybridised products that incorporate multiple insulations and fabrics into a single product for the ultimate outdoor kit that stands up to the elements. Tested by extreme-mountaineer Jost Kobusch and Adam Bielecki. Be sure to checkout the brands proprietary Into Air™ developments which aim to thermo-regulate the wearer whilst maintaining a comfortable microclimate. Another impressive development to see is the Yak Box-Wall™ construction on the Sibu collection which traps warm air inside the jacket for longer and minimises heat convection.

BOGNER [HALL B1 BOOTH 202]

Founded in 1932 by German alpine ski racer Willy Bogner and wife Maria, the brand fuses fashion and function to create luxury technical skiwear that works on-and-off the slopes. Although Bogner has been the official outfitter of the German Ski Association since 1952, the brand is not just for the pros. Bogner has a cult following amongst bloggers and influencers, the brands signature ski overalls are often spotted on the slopes at St. Moritz. Don’t miss the diffusion line Fire+Ice, ath-luxury styles designed for skiers who demand style and performance in equal measure.

PEAK PERFORMANCE [HALL B1 BOOTH 304]

Peak Performance is another great urban outdoor brand to visit at this years show. Having received multiple ISPO awards in the past, the brands hyper-functional innovative designs will most certainly be a hit amongst visitors. The Swedish brand is well known for its high quality products, technical innovations and sleek designs. Peak Performance rejects hyper-brights and overt branding, instead focusing on a Scandinavian-inspired design aesthetic with transitional appeal that works for city-life as much as outdoor pursuits. Styles often feature bonded articulated seams, welded pockets and strategically placed laser-cut perforation resulting in smart-solutions. The brand focuses on fit, form, function and usability to ensure the hybridised techwear collection can be worn from peak-to-pavement.

EA7 EMPORIO ARMANI [HALL B1 BOOTH 210]

The sportswear line launched in 2012 from fashion giant Armani, is definitely worth a look at ISPO. Often host to lavish fashion-inspired parties the EA7 stand is a well curated offer of sport-to-street outerwear. The brand often uses the stand to tell the seasonal story around the technically-inspired fashion-meets-function collection comprising of weightless jackets and clubhouse-ready woven pants. It’s also worth noting EA7 are the official uniform for the Italian team at the Tokyo Olympic games and Paralympic Games in 2020.

ORTOVOX [HALL A3 BOOTH 412]

Mountain safety pioneers, Ortovox are another highly anticipated mountaineering brand to show at ISPO this season. Since the company was founded in 1980, Ortovox has been synonymous with protection and comfort. Sustainability runs through the core of the brand from their commitment to responsibly sourced merino wool to the protection of workers rights. The brands honest approach to innovation and design results in a collection of highly functional pieces for the mountains and everyday life. Widely considered ‘wool specialists’ the brand showcases their expertise with a super-lightweight mid-layer which uses warming merino wool on the inside and abrasion-resistant polyester on the outside to enhance comfort and durability. The recently revamped merino hardshell light is another great example of the brands function-first design ethos. The styles extreme lightness (68g/m²) is complimented by a high-performance membrane which feels comfortable thanks to the super-quick moisture wicking that ensures the fabric never feels wet against the skin. The jacket also features a self-regulating hood, reinforced peak, elasticated cuffs and is 100% packable.

ARC’TERYX [HALL A3 BOOTH 306]

A trip to ISPO wouldn’t be complete without visiting innovation leaders Arc'teryx. The award-winning brand was founded by climbers in 1989 with the aim to challenge what exists and manufacture new ideas. Positioned to disrupt the industry, a problem-solving ethos is now synonymous with Arc'teryx. The Vancouver-based tech apparel brand is credited with developing numerous technical innovations that ultimately become industry standards such as transforming the standard fit of GORE-TEX jackets from baggy and oversized to slimline, to more recent product innovations such as introducing slimmer waterproof zippers. Look out for the recently updated blizzard-ready severe weather Alpha (SV) Jacket which is now stronger and lighter than ever before. The brand is likely to showcase sub-brand Veilance which began in 2009 as an offshoot designed to merge technical mountaineering with classic city-ready menswear silhouettes. The luxury techwear line is designed using the latest fabric advancements for any climate or environment to ensure the wearer is unrestricted by clothing and ready for anything.

KJUS [HALL B1 BOOTH 302]

If history is anything to go by, KJUS’s high-tech interactive stand is not to be missed. The Swiss label often uses their space to tell the brands latest innovation story. KJUS design under the mantra ‘wear the future’ which seems appropriate considering the brands propensity for industry-firsts. KJUS launched the Freelite range, the world's first fully knitted ultra-stretch ski jacket with a unique construction that adapts to the wearers movements like a second-skin whilst offering double the stretch of a normal woven. Another noteworthy innovation includes the brands HYDRO_BOT which is the world's first wearable technology ski jacket that allows the wearer to control sweat at the touch of a button. KJUS claims the smart-sweat technology is 10x more efficient at removing unwanted moisture than ordinary membranes.

PATAGONIA [HALL A3 BOOTH 206]

Arguably the most sustainable brand on the planet, Patagonia is always a must-see at ISPO. The brand will showcase a built-with-purpose collection of outdoor essentials. Every item in the range is designed-to-last and can be easily repaired via the Worn Wear program which celebrates the stories of apparel whilst aiming to keep the product in-action for longer. Patagonia may say ‘Don’t Buy This Jacket’ but the brands much-loved fleeces made from 100% recycled polyester and micro/macro puff insulation jackets are all worth checking out at the show. The Micro Puff® jacket delivers the best warmth for weight of any jacket Patagonia have ever built whilst the Macro Puff® jacket provides next-level warmth for more extreme temperatures.

THE NORTH FACE [HALL A1 BOOTH 202]

Named after ‘the coldest and most unforgiving side of the mountain’, The North Face needs no introduction and should be on your radar at ISPO. Founded over 50 years ago the American outdoor brand continues to push the boundaries of innovation via fashion-forward sub-brands and direction-setting collabs. The North Face Black Series which forms part of the brands urban exploration line is worth checking out. Designed specifically to push the boundaries of outdoor apparel, the collection offers a hyper-functional city-ready look. Inspired by The North Face’s archive, the premium collection fuses urban styling with high-performance fabrics for a contemporary streetwear audience. Whilst the main line is designed to help athletes push beyond their limits on and off the slopes.

FALKE ERGONOMIC SPORT SYSTEM [HALL B3 BOOTH 302]

Last but by no means least, it’s definitely worth visiting the Falke stand at ISPO this season . Although better known for their iconic socks, the brand creates a premium activewear line that marries Falke’s expertise in knitwear with a minimalist aesthetic that oozes luxury for all-day active appeal. The seamless collection is crafted from super soft yarn for maximum close-to-skin comfort, whilst also embedded with high-performance qualities. The collection is humidity regulating with ventilation zones at the back and underarm to guarantee optimal moisture transport and super-quick dry properties for high intensity workouts.

EXTRENDS AREA [HALL C1]

Technically not a brand, and in addition to the top 10 list, the final jewel in the ISPO crown is the Textrends area. The perfect space for manufacturers, designers and product managers to explore a well-curated collection of the latest performance fabrics and trims, from membranes and coatings to buckles and zips.

Frequented by international and domestic visitors, ISPO Munich is the ideal platform to expand your network and develop future business relationships.

Feel free to contact me at ali@l-t-p.com, if you have any questions, or we should meet in ISPO in Munich, Germany at January 27-28, 2020.

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