The world's leading trade show for sports, ISPO is being held as an online event from the 1st-5th February 2021.  The five-day digital event is a great opportunity to connect and network with the key players in the outdoor industry. Alex Ingildsen, CCO at LTP Group states

“ISPO is always an exciting show for us, we see traditional and emerging brands innovating with sustainable solutions, superior technical fabrics, cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and meticulous attention to detail.”

Here, Ingildsen and trend forecaster Chantell Fenton discuss the outdoor brands that are revolutionising the industry.

ARYS

Two-time ISPO award winner, Arys last won gold in 2019 for the brands “Vigorous Vest” in the category of Urban Apparel Concept. The vest’s innovative design draws inspiration from functional outdoor and storage to inform a city-ready style with enhanced versatility and strategically positioned pockets. Crafted from waterproof fabric and recycled Primaloft padding for the ultimate in weather protection. The style is a perfect example of the brands innovative design approach, which merges functional outdoor with fashionable minimalism for everyday use. Arys is also committed to sustainability using only first-class manufacturers, who adhere to the highest industry standards.

Peak Performance

Industry pioneer Peak Performance always showcase an impressive seasonal collection at ISPO and frequently win ISPO awards. The brand occupies the sweet spot between fashion and function with styles that work from peak-to-pavement, bike-to-bar and work-to-workout. The brands technical garments are engineered to protect from sub-zero temperatures. Peak Performance are at the cutting-edge of innovation utilising the most technically advanced materials and manufacturing techniques.

Thrudark

Thrudark is a rising star in the outdoor industry. Founded by two former marines, the brands technical outerwear has been tested in the toughest of terrains for the highest specification kit. The collection offers maximum wind and water-resistance whilst also boasting qualities of lightweight, quick-dry and breathability. The brands innovative designs utilise the latest technology, fabrics and manufacturing techniques in an aesthetic that feels pure black ops. In high demand, the robust 3-layer waterproof Raid Jacket is crafted to embrace the elements, featuring multiple bonded pockets and a Cohæsive™ cord lock technology which enables rapid adjustment of the hood and waist through embedded components. The jacket is also equipped with a two-part technology Recco® rescue system concealed in the hood peak for enhanced search-ability in case of avalanche or emergency.

Byborre

Serial collaborator, Byborre are disrupting the outdoor industry. The Amsterdam based textile innovator is renowned for cutting-edge material development, functionality and aesthetics through engineered knits. The brands collaboration with Japanese outerwear specialist Descente ALLTERRAIN is a must-see. The jacket dubbed the Transform jacket features two separate layers which are connected via an intricate zipper system. The layers can be worn separately or together for a truly versatile piece. The style perfectly represents the best of both labels, the lightweight outer-shell is a great example of Descente ALLTERRAIN’s expertise whilst the inner insulation layer is testament to Byborre’s material innovation, which uses Meryl recycled nylon from post-production waste.

Agogic

Winner of this years ISPO Brandnew 2021 which recognises Agogic as one of the top 10 sports industry newcomers, the outerwear label has created quite a buzz since launch. Agogic creates weather-ready & sustainable performance outerwear using up-cycled materials. The modular layers are designed to last forever, under the companies mantra of “wear more, waste less.” The brand uses NFC technology to enhance transparency and traceability. Inside every jacket is a small extra button which users can scan with their smartphone to view the history of the garment. Agogic also offers a repair and buyback system.

mvdham

The Berlin-start-up, mvdham created quite a splash at last years show winning ISPO Brandnew 2020 In the category Urban Outdoor. Inspired by extreme outdoor clothing, the label aims to create apparel for active city dwellers avoiding synthetic materials. The pursuit of all-natural textiles led the brand to develop a signature fabric called LAPALUE. A padded midlayer fabric with 100% silk used on the outside, 100% merino wool used on the inside and 100% Lavalan sports wool as an insulation layer. The result is a new functional fabric which is the perfect regulator, warm, breathable and lightweight.

Ortovox

Wool experts, Ortovox have more than a quarter of a century of experience in working with the natural fibre. Creating mountain apparel and emergency equipment from the first layer, right through to the third. The brand takes a holistic approach to design and manufacture, optimising the natural advantage of wool. The brand won an ISPO award in 2020 for the Berrino Jacket crafted from the new Merino Airsolation-Material which offers comfort, performance and protection in equal measure. The garment is also PFC-free. Sustainability is high on the agenda at Ortovox. During the corona crisis, the brand bolstered their CSR strategy by launching an impressive campaign to "Support Your Local Ortovox Dealer.” The initiative sends a quarter of the proceeds from the Ortovox online shop to partners from retail.

Shackleton

One-to-watch, Shackleton was named 'Brand of Tomorrow' in 2020 by Walpole, the British luxury brands association. Shackleton’s adventure essentials are engineered for extremes. The company is built on the life and values of polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. The products are field-tested in the Arctic and Antarctica for expedition grade apparel. The brand uses world-class high performance fabrics for use in sub-zero temperatures. The Antarctic Protector Parka uses 3-ply fabric to achieve the highest waterproof rating of 20,000hh, while the 800-fill 95/5 sustainably-sourced goose down provides insulation to minus 25ºC. Shackleton are also committed to a sustainable strategy favouring recycled fibres from post-consumer plastic bottles, and are fur-free and RDS-compliant. Shackleton has also partnered with NGO Blue Marine Foundation to support the protection of four million square kilometres of Antarctic waters.

Vaude

Outdoor veteran, Vaude crafts products that are characterized by timeless design, robust materials and easy repairability. The brands sustainable vision for outdoor gear is central to everything they do, utilising bio-based, recycled and natural materials. Since 2012 the company headquarters has been fully climate neutral but Vaude doesn’t stop there, they strive to make all garments climate-neutral and innovate around conscious initiatives. At last years ISPO Vaude’s hosted an upcycling workshop, where visitors were encouraged to create a takeaway wallet from left over material.

Vollebak

No round-up would be complete without experimental clothing brand Vollebak. The innovator is revolutionising the outdoor industry through the use of science and technology. Vollebak crafts the clothing of the future which are designed specifically to enhance the wearers strength and sensory perception. The brand has won several innovation awards from TIME, WIRED and Fast Company and have been called the Tesla of the clothing industry. From a hoody that enhances relaxation and t-shirts that biodegrade in nature to the Indestructible Puffer made from material 15 times stronger than steel, Vollebak pushes the boundaries to create products no-one thought possible. Many of which are available via waiting list only, flipping the supply and demand model on it’s head.

About LTP

LTP is a Danish owned garment manufacturer for +60 premium brands within active sportswear, outdoor, athleisure and sustainable fashion. LTP was established in 1991, and is probably the biggest Sport & Outdoor garment manufacturer in Europe with bluesign setups in Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and Vietnam.

LTP consists of two divisions; LTP Garment and LTP Contract Furniture producing in nine fully-owned factories.

About Chantell Fenton

Chantell is an experienced performance sportswear designer and trend forecaster, with a passion for wellness, technology and function-first design. Chantell has an in-depth knowledge of how to spot and translate the must-have trends and macro shifts for the sports and outdoor industry. For more details visit www.chantellfenton.com