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European Outdoor Award Winner: Peak Performance 40Y R&D Gore-Tex Set

Gold Winner In The Category Outdoor Lifestyle

The Peak Performance 40Y R&D Gore-Tex Set is a modular alpine skiing system created for the brand’s 40th anniversary, recognised within the outdoor lifestyle category. It revives the philosophy of the original R&D Long jacket, translating it into the present day with contemporary materials and construction methods.

Just like back then, the set combines state-of-the-art materials to allow you to stay outdoors all day long, even in variable conditions: The set combines a custom-developed Gore-Tex C-Knit Stretch outer shell with a detachable liner featuring Polartec® Alpha™ insulation and selective Solarcore® Aerogel insulation. The standout innovation is the exclusively developed stretch laminate that unites full weather protection with freedom of movement. The EOA award recognises the product’s consistent material innovation and system-based modular design approach.

What convinced the jury:

Modular 3-in-1 System
Shell jacket & shell pants with custom-made Gore-Tex C-Knit Stretch and detachable liner jacket and liner pant can be worn, maintained, and repaired separately, extending the product’s lifespan and allowing adaptation to changing conditions.

Targeted Insulation
Polartec® Alpha™ and Solarcore Aerogel Insulation for targeted warmth, breathable comfort and low-bulk performance during activity.

Heritage-driven Alpine Design
Enhanced fit and durability for long-term real-world performance.

Jury Statement:

The Peak Performance 40Y R&D Gore-Tex Set stands out for translating decades of alpine product knowledge into a highly adaptable modern performance system.

Product Scoring:

European Outdoor Award Winner: Peak Performance 40Y R&D Gore-Tex Set peak performance 1

Innovation Score

The jury particularly recognized the intelligent 3-in-1 construction, combining a 3L Stretch shell with modular insulation layers to deliver protection, mobility and thermal adaptability across changing mountain conditions. Rather than relying on nostalgia, the design successfully evolves an iconic concept through modern material innovation and refined functionality. Innovation does not necessarily mean consigning the past to oblivion. Instead, this set builds on it and, with a modern twist, achieves an innovation score of 71.4 per cent.

Degree of innovation71.4%

Product Specifications:

  • Sizes: XS – 2XL
  • Colours: Ice Peak / Island Blue, Alpine / Racing Red, Black
  • RRP: €2,300

Design & Materials

Design: Clean silhouette referencing the original 40-year-old model, modernised for alpine skiing. Materials: Gore-Tex C-Knit Stretch (3-layer, exclusive), Polartec® Alpha™, Solarcore® Aerogel, GRS-certified 100% recycled polyamide (liner), 86% recycled polyester fleece (liner pant). Handling: Redesigned pocket and ventilation placement, flat shell-to-liner connection, compatible with backpacks and harnesses. Further features: YKK AquaGuard zippers, RECCO® reflector, Care & Repair programme.

Intended Usage

Target group: Experienced skiers (Peak Performance Purists) who prioritise function over trends and seek technically demanding, long-lasting equipment. Use cases: Freeriding, resort and all-mountain skiing, long mountain days in variable conditions.

Martina Wengenmeir

Written by:

Martina Wengenmeir

Dr. Martina Wengenmeir is a journalist, communicator, and academic with a doctorate in communication and media studies. She specializes in storytelling across sports, lifestyle, travel, culture, society, and digital life, creating content for magazines, brands, and digital platforms.

She has held roles in media, PR, and communications, including Digital Communication Executive at Amer Sports and Social Media Manager at Sky Deutschland, and works as a freelance journalist, copywriter, and consultant. Martina combines strategic insight with strong editorial expertise.

She is also a Professor of Sports Journalism & Digital Communication in Sport, contributing to research and education on media quality and digital trends. An avid sports enthusiast, she enjoys skiing, trail running, hiking, climbing, and surfing.

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