We've finally got to see ISPO MUNICH 2018, known as Europe's largest comprehensive sports goods exhibition! I've been participating.
Until now, OGZ has covered outdoor gear exhibitions around the world, such as the North American "Outdoor Retailer" and the Europe "The Outdoor Show", but when it comes to "ISPO MUNICH", the quality and quantity are different compared to those exhibitions. This is a monster event among the monsters who are the final bosses of sports business fairs around the world.
This time, I would like to report on the current situation of the world's outdoor and sports industry, including introducing popular items, from the events I experienced for the first time, 120,000 steps, over five days, and the events I felt through.
table of contents
- table of contents
- What kind of event is ISPO?
- We'll introduce some of the most popular items we've encountered at ISPO.
- Introducing popular items Part 1: The latest gear that has become smarter with digitalization
- Introducing Featured Items Part 2: Eco-conscious Items Edition
- Featured Item Introduction No. 3: Latest Winter Gear
- Featured Items No. 4: Latest Outdoor Gear and More
- summary
table of contents
- What kind of event is ISPO?
- Introducing popular items Part 1: The latest gear that has become smarter with digitalization
- Introducing Featured Items Part 2: Eco-conscious items
- Introducing Featured Items Part 3: Latest Winter Gear (Page: 2)
- Introducing Featured Items Part 4: Latest Outdoor Gear Others (Page: 2)
- Summary (Page:2)
What kind of event is ISPO?
ISPO, an international sports exhibition that has been around for over 40 years
ISPO MUNICH, which began as an international sports goods exhibition in 1970, began with 816 companies in 25 countries. After about 40 years, in 2017, it grew into a huge sports goods and business fair with over 2,700 exhibitors and exhibitors from all over the world reaching approximately 85,000 visitors from 120 countries.
The forefront of all kinds of sports goods-related businesses in the world are right in front of you
Due to the regional and seasonal nature, the main focus is on exhibiting mainly in the winter sports market, but in reality, ISPO has been open to the entire sports business from its founding until today.
As a result, it has grown into an event that boasts a unique range of broad and scale, bringing together a wide range of sports-related products, including winter sports, outdoor sports, action sports, team sports, health and fitness, and lifestyles, as well as consumer products, not just materials and parts manufacturers, and is constantly changing today.
In addition to the exhibition booths for each brand, the venue also features areas that attract particularly notable topics, such as the "ISPO Award" and "ISPO Brandnew" areas, which showcase the innovative items of the year, as well as digital specials, sustainable specials, textile specials, and wool specials.
This year, as we did last year, we also focused on the theme of "sports and women," and held discussions by key female athletes and celebrities, as well as tours of manufacturers' booths that are branded with women in mind.
Some parts have posted "Job information" and "University Recruitment Guidelines," which gives you a sense that all kinds of information about the sports industry is gathered here.
The ISPO Academy, where lectures and talk shows are held, provides a wide range of information and insights on the latest trends in the sports business, from digitalization to social media to new ways of branding, and more than 300 programs were held this year.
Looking outside the event venue, the entire city of Munich will be "Sports Week" for a week during the period, with events such as workshops, presentations, autograph sessions and more being held at many Munich sports goods stores. Also, on January 27th, 2018, the day before the ISPO was held, a trail running event called ISPO Munich Night Run was held at Olympia Park, which is what Yoyogi Park is called in Tokyo.
In other words, ISPO MUNICH is an event where you can experience the cutting edge of sports business and industry, and all the industries involved in the creation and reaching the hands of users as a whole, "connection." As far as I know, you can only experience this kind of experience here, not only in Japan but also around the world.
We'll introduce some of the most popular items we've encountered at ISPO.
That's all for the introduction, and now we'll start off with the thousands of exhibits! We will introduce some of the items that we thought were.
Just to be safe, the products introduced below are only listed models that are scheduled to be released in each local market, based on local coverage permission. Please note that it has not yet been decided whether it will be available in the same way (regularly) here in Japan.
Introducing popular items Part 1: The latest gear that has become smarter with digitalization
The wave of "digitalization" of sports goods has finally come into play in recent years. This time, the momentum has been accelerating even more rapidly, and for better or worse, the digitalization of all elements of the sports business has progressed to the stage of "when to do it" rather than "whether to do it or not." I couldn't help but get the impression that these things, which I had just thought were conceptual, had come to an almost practical level before I knew it.
O-Synce USEE
This is the future...The world's first head-up bicycle display to be worn on a helmet, developed by a German startup. Useful information such as driving speed, distance, and navigation information, as seen on a regular cycling computer, is displayed three-dimensionally from the small irradiation light, allowing you to check without distracting your attention. (ISPO Award Gold)
Talking Head
This is also from Germany, and is the world's first smart ski helmet that can be connected via Bluetooth and can be used for phones, music playback, intercoms, etc. These helmets can communicate with each other on their own, making them extremely convenient for parties such as backcountry.
LIVALL BH51M Helmetphone
The smart helmets are already moving forward in all areas. These are smart headphones for bicycles that allow you to make hands-free calls, turn signals, and listen to music. I'm no longer surprised that a Chinese brand would create such sharp items. (ISPO Award Product of the Year)
MY ESEL
I want it...A completely custom-made bicycle made using local wood frames. You can easily create a machine that fits you, by choosing not only your body shape, but also frame types such as city-facing, cross roads, and other frame types, designs, and coloring. The stylish design is also great! (ISPO Brandnew)
FitStation powered by HP
A "original running shoe manufacturing system" that is jointly developed by Brooks, Superfeet, and HP, from 3D leg type collection to finished products. Once you enter the data, you'll be able to get running shoes that are sizing and colored to your own foot shape in just a few hours. The manufacturing machines are large enough to be available in a slightly larger mass retailer in the suburbs, and it's moving to think that there is a future where this will come to fruition a few years from now. (ISPO Award Product of the Year)
ICAROS ICAROS Home
Born in Germany, this training machine uses VR to train your core like a game. Apparently it has already been featured in Japan several times, but this was my first time trying it out at the venue. This is a VR game in which you become like a flying Iron Man, using your whole body to lift, sink, and twist your body, passing through the rings in front of you. It was a three-minute course, but the sweat was unexpectedly oozing out on my forehead, which certainly looks good on my core, and most of all, it's fun! The website is here . (ISPO Award Gold)
myontec MBODY
These are also smart spats by a German venture that uses sensors woven into the fabric to record the activities of each muscle from the waist to above the knee (including data such as heart rate, of course) in real time and in detail. It is said that coaches who mainly coach full-scale athletes use this to improve the efficiency of athletes and prevent injuries through training. We were shown a demo, and it was refreshing to see the image on the screen showing the "what muscles are used and how much tension" of a person squatting in front of their eyes displayed in shades of color on the illustration on the screen.
HYDRO_BOT
An electronic humidity management system developed by a Swiss technology company that allows the humidity inside the clothing to be automatically controlled by processing the back of the outerwear (light blue in the photo) into a special fabric. As you can see from the demonstration, when sweating, moisture inside was quickly draining water into water and was expelling it to the outside. For now, it has a breathable speed that I've never seen with an existing membrane. On the other hand, in a mild environment and situation, it is said that it is possible to keep it mildly warm (cool) without excessively increasing the breathability.
Introducing Featured Items Part 2: Eco-conscious Items Edition
While it is difficult to understand in Japan, there are some aspects of the world of outdoor and sports in Europe, and in reality, the shift towards materials with a low environmental impact is progressing at an incredible rate. This year, many models that use a lot of natural materials were awarded to great products.
When I come here, the attitude that we can only pursue convenience and economics that have continued to this day is gradually being reconsidered, and I feel the seriousness of the industry as a whole to position the use of products that can fulfill our responsibility to maintain the field we enjoy for the future.
To be honest, as someone in a region like Japan, where there is little awareness, it is still unclear whether the user's awareness will actually accept this. However, it is almost impossible to rely on individual change in their own sense of values, and it can be said that the entire industry should work together as a whole. We will continue to look forward to seeing how far this major trend can progress.
Patagonia Capilene Air
A highly functional base layer made by seamlessly knitting recycled polyester and merino wool into a unique uneven structure that combines heat retention and breathability...and actually, this has been around since last year. I was wondering if it was a problem last year, but since this year the country of origin of merino wool has also changed (Patagonia to New Zealand), so perhaps there have been issues with procuring raw materials. (ISPO Award Gold)
VAUDE Green Core
VAUDE, a long-established German outdoor brand, has been a brand that has been particularly focused on eco-friendly in the world for the past few years. This is a multipurpose backpack made from organic ingredients, including organic cotton, castor oil and milk, which seems to have finally arrived. Not only the fabric, but also the zipper, buckle, and hooks, all return to the soil. (ISPO Award)
Bergans Stranda
From Nordic outdoor brands with many environmentally conscious brands, Norwegian Bergans' latest down jackets are made of 100% recycled polyester "SpinDye" on the front and back, and 100% recycled "Re:Down" on the padding down, making it a model that is focused on the environment. "SpinDye" is an excellent new material that maintains high quality despite reducing the amount of water used to produce and dye polyester by 75%, chemical use by 90%, CO2 emissions by 25%, and electricity by 30%. (ISPO Award Gold)
ORTOVOX ZEBRU JACKET
An insulation jacket made from high-quality Swiss wool, which is extremely elastic, lightweight and provides maximum insulation. Animal hair insulation such as wool has become more common in recent years. Needless to say, they are more environmentally friendly than synthetic fiber padding. (ISPO Award Gold)
Featured Item Introduction No. 3: Latest Winter Gear
Snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow hiking were the highlights of the exhibition. However, I'm not very knowledgeable about snowboarding in general, and I'm not very good at the technical aspects of skiing, so I only picked out things that I personally wanted. In that sense, it might be a little disappointing for people who are into those things
Scott Backcountry Patrol AP 30
Currently, several avalanche airbag systems are competing to become the standard, but this latest avalanche airbag is the first to feature the "Alpride E1" airbag system, which incorporates a new "supercapacitor" mechanism. It is resistant to low temperatures, operates at temperatures between -30°C and +50°C, has a long lifespan of over 500,000 cycles, and can be recharged in 20 to 40 minutes. What's more, the avalanche system is lightweight, weighing just 2,670 grams
POC Obex SPIN
This versatile snow helmet is lightweight, well-ventilated, and equipped with the patent-pending SPIN padding system for shock absorption. Not only does it perform well, but its color and design remain as beautiful as ever. (ISPO Award)
Oakley Prizm React
This new model uses "Prizm React" technology, which uses a single lens and allows you to adjust the brightness with the push of a button on either side near the temples
KOMPERDELL CARBON-AIR FRAME 25
These snowshoes are made with lightweight, high-strength carbon material, something you've never seen before, and weigh just 600g per shoe
Advenate Hybrid Pro
This is a great product idea. At first glance, it looks like a simple shovel, but it's actually a telescopic avalanche shovel with a built-in probe inside the shaft. It also comes with a two-person shelter, so by combining the shovel, probe, and ski poles, you can instantly set up an emergency shelter. (ISPO Award Gold)
Fischer Ranger Free 130
The new model, compatible with tech bindings, has a 130 flex, an ankle range of motion of 55 degrees, and weighs just 1,500 grams. It combines the gliding performance of alpine ski boots with BC boots, making it a must-have for powder lovers. The design is also great, and although it looks expensive, I want it!
Hillstrike
Just as it looks, this unique winter sports gear combines the fun of skiing and mountain biking. If you could rent it at a ski resort, you'd definitely do it. (ISPO Brandnew)
Featured Items No. 4: Latest Outdoor Gear and More
MAMMUT Nordwand HS Flex Hooded Jacket
This hard shell, made of GORE-TEX®, features new stretch technology around the armpits and other areas, allowing for unprecedented freedom of movement. It's optimized for high-intensity activities such as ice climbing. It's amazing how GORE-TEX® has really come a long way in recent years to meet a wide range of needs. (ISPO Award Gold)
Peak Performance Frost Dry Down Jacket
This down jacket features a luxurious outer texture and a clean design, and is also waterproof. Peak Performance's elegant design still stands out among a number of similar-looking jackets. (ISPO Award Gold)
CEP Ortho Pronation Control Socks
These functional socks feature bonded tape that increases compression, supports the natural movement of the foot, and controls excessive movement. They also stabilize the arch and have excellent quick-drying properties, preventing blisters and other injuries during long-distance running. (ISPO Award Gold)
Devold of Norway Tuvegga
One of the most surprising things at this year's exhibition was the increasing functionality of base layers, such as 3D seamless stitching technology. This particular base layer is made from 100% merino wool and is reversible, with different functions on each side. Surface A prioritizes heat retention, while surface B prioritizes breathability, making it suitable for a variety of activities. (ISPO Award)
GORE-TEX® INFINIUM
GORE-TEX®'s new brand line was created for people who incorporate outdoor style into their daily lives. Utilizing extensive knowledge of "comfort science" that examines how the human body responds to various weather conditions, the surprising thing about this line is that it claims to offer improved performance for greater comfort, not just waterproofing. So, it's like, anything goes! Let's wait and see what it's like
TECNICA Forge S
Heat-molding customization, previously common for ski boot liners, has finally made its way to trekking boots. These latest trekking boots can be heat-molded to perfectly fit each individual foot in less than 20 minutes. I've known about them since last summer, but I finally got to see them in person. They'll be on sale soon, so I'll definitely review them. (ISPO Award Product of the Year)
Mountain Equipment Tupilak
This lightweight, durable, and multi-functional alpine pack features a simple, streamlined design. It's a very popular choice, as it's a lighter and more functional version of the Patagonia Ascensionist
SOTO Stormbreaker
One of the few Japanese manufacturers, SOTO, had a new stove on display that will be released this spring. It's a multi-functional model that can use both liquid fuel and gas cartridges and is extremely wind-resistant. I'm looking forward to reviewing it this season
FLSK
This excellent German-made water bottle has excellent heat and cold insulation properties and a stylish design. It can also hold alcoholic and carbonated drinks
summary
I thought I had narrowed it down quite a bit, but before I knew it, there were so many things I wanted, so this time I ended up introducing more items than ever before
Finally, there is one thing that I found a little disappointing this time as well. While we came across many new products and services that utilize technology from small European countries, including China, and are small in scale but full of the ambition to change the world, there were far too few from Japan, one of the world's leading economic powers and boasting some of the most abundant natural beauty in the world
This is merely my impression, so I have no intention of easily spreading the idea that ``Japan is over'' here, but I was certainly left with a strong feeling that it was a waste, even though such a vibrant and global market is right in front of our eyes
It's not supposed to be a place where only prestigious companies like Descente, Goldwin, Toray, and YKK can finally set up shop. In reality, even the small brands that attract attention often have very rough and shoddy products, so I think that if they have Japanese technology, care, and good taste, they can stand out
Frankly, my overseas reporting, which I do almost always with my own money, ends up in the red, and I honestly don't know if I can continue this way in the future. But every time I go, I'm filled with new inspiration, and once I've experienced the depth of the outdoor (sports) industry in many ways and the excitement of meeting the people who are enthusiastically taking on challenges there, I can't help but feel compelled to experience and share it all again, and I find myself returning. As long as the outdoor industry remains as diverse and vibrant as it is, and as long as I have the energy, I intend to continue, and if you have any individual requests for reports or interviews, I'd be happy to accept them, so please do get in touch. See you at the next exhibition
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