Outdoor lifestyle gear lives at the point where technical performance meets everyday usability. It needs to handle changing weather, different bodies and varied routines without feeling overbuilt or excluding people from the experience. The two Outdoor Lifestyle winners of the European Outdoor Award 2026 show how thoughtful systems can make outdoor equipment more adaptable, durable and accessible.
Peak Performance 40Y R&D Gore-Tex Set: Modular alpine protection built to evolve
Created for Peak Performance’s 40th anniversary, the 40Y R&D Gore-Tex Set translates the philosophy of the original R&D Long jacket into a contemporary alpine system. A custom-developed three-layer Gore-Tex C-Knit Stretch shell combines full weather protection with freedom of movement, while detachable jacket and trouser liners use Polartec® Alpha™ and selectively placed Solarcore® Aerogel for breathable, low-bulk warmth. Each element can be worn, maintained and repaired separately, allowing skiers to adapt the system to changing conditions while supporting a longer product life.
Why it stood out: The jury recognised a highly adaptable performance system that turns four decades of alpine product knowledge into relevant modern innovation. Its modular construction unites protection, mobility and thermal control without relying on nostalgia alone.
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The North Face Universal 20L Daypack: Inclusive design without performance compromise
The Universal 20L Daypack was developed with adaptive athletes Vasu Sojitra and Maureen Beck to respond to real-world requirements rather than assumed needs. Its configurable carry system fits a wide range of body types and can attach to wheelchairs and other mobility devices. A FIDLOCK® magnetic closure enables intuitive one-handed access, while the climbing-pack-inspired haul boot lets the bag stand upright for easier loading. Deliberate material, trim and colour cues support orientation for users with visual impairments, and the rugged, highly water-resistant construction keeps the pack ready for everyday carry and outdoor exploration.
Why it stood out: The Universal Daypack applies universal design to remove practical barriers while maintaining the durability and technical performance expected from outdoor equipment. Inclusive functionality is built into the core product rather than added as a compromise.
Read the Winner ArticleWhat the winners reveal about Outdoor Lifestyle gear
These winners address two very different outdoor moments, yet follow the same principle: equipment becomes more useful when it adapts to the person and the situation. Peak Performance builds flexibility into a modular clothing system for variable alpine conditions. The North Face extends that thinking to access, configuring a technical daypack around diverse bodies, mobility devices and ways of interacting with gear. Together, they show an Outdoor Lifestyle category moving beyond surface aesthetics towards systems that are more versatile, repairable and inclusive by design.
