Scandinavian Outdoor Award goes to an 11-year-old sweater from Woolpower
Sustainability is a key concept among the nominees for next fall/winter season and the overall winner of the Scandinavian Outdoor Award is Woolpower, with an 11-year-old Zip Turtleneck 200. By sending in a mid-layer sweater that has been used for 11 years, Woolpower has taken a bold step in changing the way we think about outdoor clothing.
The winners have now been selected! After dedicated outdoor testing and lively discussions in beautiful Zillertal, Tyrol, the international jury of outdoor journalists and outdoor gear specialists have agreed on the winners of Scandinavian Outdoor Award fall/winter 23/24.
The overall winner is Woolpower Zip Turtleneck 200, an 11-year-old sweater, that is still in production, was sent to the jury. The looks with pilling are that of a used product but the sweater still functions and performs to full content according to the jury. The second most prestigious award is the Sustainability Award. This prize goes to Hestra Gloves, for the new Alpine Pro Mono Wool, an old design that has been reworked to be completely sustainable without losing its durability, function or comfort.
In total, five products were awarded:
Overall Winner: Woolpower / Zip Turtleneck 200
Sustainability Award: Hestra / Alpine Pro Mono Wool
Footwear Award: Viking Footwear / Constrictor Icegrip Warm GTX
Apparel Award: Bergans of Norway / /YMountainLine Wooltech Midlayer jacket Kids Award: Reima / Osteri
OVERALL WINNER:
Woolpower / Zip Turtleneck 200
Statement from the Jury: By sending in an 11-year-old midlayer sweater, Woolpower has taken a very bold step in changing the way we think about outdoor clothing. The looks with pilling are that of an 11-year-old product, but after that 11 years of use the product still functions and performs to full content according to the jury. The Ullfrotté Original fabric has been giving warmth and comfort to many since it was developed in the early 1970’s and has been in the used in this garment since 1972. Every jury member applauds the Ullfrotté material that has proven to be not only top notch performing in comfort and warmth, but also is extremely durable and therefore very sustainable.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD:
Hestra / Alpine Pro Mono Wool
Statement from the jury: The Swedish brand Hestra is known for its excellent gloves and the Army Leather Heli Ski glove and mitten is one of their iconic models. Taking this design and reworking it to be completely sustainable without losing its durability, function and comfort is a great achievement. The goatskin on the palm is chrome-free and undyed, the backhand is 100% recycled and undyed polyamide, and the accessories on the glove are 100% recycled nylon. The removable wool terry lining is also undyed. Hestra has made a lot of good choices in making a classic performance glove sustainable.
APPAREL AWARD:
Bergans of Norway / /YMountainLine Wooltech Midlayer jacket
Statement from the jury: The Technostretch fabric – a blend of merino wool and Cordura – used to make this midlayer jacket has proven to be extremely comfortable to wear. The addition of a ceramic print on the fabric improves robustness. The design is well thought out: the flat seams are placed so that they do not collide with the shoulder straps. The pull tabs are large and usable even with gloves. The close-fitting hood fits well under a helmet. The integrated neck warmer protects against cooling and is also comfortable to wear under a shell jacket. With the /YMountainLine Wooltech Midlayer Jacket, Bergans of Norway has created a midlayer jacket that you can wear all year around.
FOOTWEAR AWARD:
Viking Footwear / Constrictor Icegrip Warm GTX
Statement from the jury: This high-cut, lightweight winter boot has proven to be extremely warm thanks to the PrimaLoft insulation material and the waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex membrane. Material-wise, this boot contains a high percentage of recycled materials. The Vibram Arctic Grip outsole is designed to provide grip on slippery surfaces. The high shaft of the boot gives the ankles plenty of stability. There is a large loop on the back of the shaft that makes it easy to put the boot on, and a thick bar that makes it easy to take the boot off. The Viking Constrictor IceGrip Warm GTX has proven itself as a solid winter boot for demanding conditions.
KIDS AWARD:
Reima / Osteri
Statement from the jury: This children’s jacket is the first Bluesign product of the Finnish brand Reima. It is made of a combination of very interesting sustainable materials. The outer material is made of Seawool, a blend of recycled polyester and a recycled polyester that contains nano-sized powder from discarded oyster shells. A PU membrane makes the jacket waterproof and breathable. Warmth is provided by Fellex Ocean Ecofill, and so the jacket also helps keep the ocean and coasts clean. In addition, the jacket is comfortable to wear and has all the features that children need.
