Since 2005, the SCANDINAVIAN OUTDOOR AWARD, hosted by SCANDINAVIAN OUTDOOR GROUP (SOG), aims to support product and design innovations as well as to promote new Scandinavian outdoor products. The Award enjoys a high recognition thanks to the most thorough evaluation process of the industry.
The jury contains of some of the most prestigious outdoor journalists, retailers and bloggers in Europe and since the products get tested in practice and outdoor environment, the award has gained high respect and recognition in outdoor industry and retail.
The international jury awards the best products based on Functionality, Quality, Innovation, Design Sustainability, and Performance. After thorough outdoor testing and lively discussions in Silkeborg, Denmark, the international jury of outdoor journalists and gear experts has selected the winners of Scandinavian Outdoor Award Spring/Summer 26.
In total, five products were awarded:
OVERALL WINNER: FJÄLLRÄVEN Kajka X-Lätt
Weighing only 1.1kg, being made from extra tough materials, the comfortable 45 litre Kajka X-Lätt pack from Fjällräven gives backpackers the ideal mix of durability, low weight and carry performance. The birchwood frame requires up to 60% less energy in production than a regular aluminum frame. The practical features, including a lid with two well-placed pockets, help easy gear organisation. Weight conscious backpackers can strip down features to save even more weight. ”It is one of the best packs I have tested in the last thirty years,” one jury member said.
SUSTAINABILITY: GLERUPS Slip-On with Natural rubber sole
The slippers from Glerups put a big smile in the faces of the jury members while wearing them every morning and evening in camp. Thanks to the thick upper made from wool ,the Slip-on with Natural rubber sole feet never felt too warm in the sun or too cold after sunset. Socks that got moist while hiking dried quickly. The stable wool felt gives support and the rounded, flexible sole offers a good feeling for the ground. As a testament to the strong sustainability effort, the slipper is also Cradle to Cradle certified – putting it at the absolute forefront of footwear business.
INNOVATION: NORDISK Boost +8 and Boost +4
The Nordisk Boost +8, a down-filled blanket with a footbox, and the footbox Boost +4 offer the opportunity to boost the temperature of any sleeping bag by the indicated number. Therefore, there is no need to buy a whole new sleeping bag, when expected temperatures might be lower than the bags rating.
Both products can also be worn in camp to keep warm. The shell is made from water repellent recycled nylon and the 600cuin RDS certified duck down fulfils very strict animal welfare standards.
LIFESTYLE: HALTI Kaltio Women’s Training Hoodie
”I love it,” one jury member said. She put on the Halti Oy Kaltio Women’s Training Hoodie from the start – and never took it off again. For the next three days she wore it during hiking, kayaking, running, yoga sessions and hanging out in camp. The super soft polyester fabric contains 40% partly biobased material, is super breathable and is more wind resistant than a fleece. The integrated stand-up collar keeps the neck warm and can easily be put out of the way for more airflow.
TRUE SCANDINAVIAN: LIGHT MY FIRE Swedish Stainless-Steel Spork
Over 20 years ago, Light my Fire invented Spork, a piece of cutlery that has a spoon on one end and a fork on the other. They had created an iconic product that became a global favourite not only for hikers but also for people going out for picnics. The newest iteration made out Swedish stainless steel in Sweden could be the final version of the Spork since it will last almost forever. It also perfectly matches the company’s BORROW concept with long-lasting items that can be rented for outdoor events to eliminate single-use food containers and cutlery.