Between all the lockdowns, restrictions and other hurdles that our general current situation brings, we now have some good news! We‘ve been using these times of contact and output reduction to reflect, gather inspiration and make plans. In the summer of 2021, we will launch #she is outdoors, the first Gear Award just for women. The idea for this award was born out of two needs: first, we want to strive for equal treatment of female outdoor adventurers and athletes with their male counterparts in the outdoor industry. And secondly, we want to give a voice to all active women, to let them participate in the process of developing outdoor products perfectly adapted to their interests and needs. This brings people together and both sides benefit - manufacturers get to know their customers and their needs and women no longer have to compromise when choosing their outdoor equipment.
The application period runs from April 15 to May 15, 2021 (extended to May 25). We look forward to receiving product submissions at www.she-is-outdoors.com. The award will be hosted 2 times a year, in a summer and a winter edition. An international expert jury of eight renowned outdoor and product specialists, will divide the submitted products in five categories and test and evaluate them. In addition to just entering the award, we offer optional PR and marketing packages to provide a comprehensive creative presentation of the products in pictures, video and text for the target group of women.
In order to make the award „experienceable“ on all levels, we are looking for partners to support us in this. In addition to all the digital components, we want to create a real product and test experience, of course in compliance with all pandemic requirements in force at the time of realization.
Women in Outdoors have come a long way. We evolved from sneaking out and climbing mountains and walls in long skirts, our victories unsung and stories untold .... to becoming an Idol like Lynn Hill for being the first human to free climb the nose in 1993. Today the amount of girls and women enjoying activities outdoors equals the amount of men.
Gear for women has evolved from floral prints on rain jackets to specific women‘s fit in backpacks, clothing, boots and all the other wonderful gear we know and use every day. We have come quite a long way - but we are not there yet! Today Outdoor Clothes have turned into Everyday Clothes and comfort and functionality are - besides the design - the number one criteria when it comes to choosing your equipment. But it‘s not the only criteria.
Girls and women are out there, we lead the way up, we dream big and we want to impress. We need the gear and the knowledge to help us accomplish our biggest dreams and we want advertising that inspires us!
Some of you might think “Another award? Do we really have to do this?“ The good News is: No, we don‘t have to… The even better News is: but we can! You can inspire girls to dream of vast mountain peaks, you can unite women outdoors, hiking long distances and crossing rivers and you can turn rocks and move mountains. You can be Pioneers of inspiring, technical Women‘s Outdoor Gear! Our goal is to boost the engineering of outdoor products for women beyond flower prints. So - sit tight and let‘s do this!
It‘s time to stop adapting and start developing!
We are looking forward to hearing from you! If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail.
Are you in? Here are the key points for you:
Registration: April 15th to May 15th, (extended until the 25th of may) 2021
Award ceremony: July 31st 202
Which products can be signed up?
All outdoor products of the upcoming season - summer 2022 - and of the current season - in this case summer 2021 - can be entered.
Awards: The jury will select the best products in each category. There will be one GOLD WINNER and up to two WINNERS in each category. Our jury will award the most outstanding women‘s outdoor product as the OVERALL WINNER and the most sustainable product as the SUSTAINABILITY WINNER.
Fees: We accept multiple entries, meaning a brand can submit more than one product in one or more categories. The entry fee per product varies depending on how many products are submitted by the same brand / agency. Please note that full participation fees are due per application.
1 product - 500 € per product
2 products - 450 € per product
> 3 products - 400 € per product
Who can apply for the award?
All brands that produce innovative, advanced, highly functional - and simply awesome - outdoor gear for women. We can‘t wait for your application.
What are the judging criteria and categories?
All products will be divided into different categories: Outdoor Professionals and Expedition, Camping, Hardware, Footwear and Apparel. The jury will judge the products according to the following criteria: functionality, processing quality, material selection, sustainability, innovation, purpose / target group and design.
A Pro Shell jacket, for example, could compete in both Apparel or Outdoor Professionals and Expedition - this of course affects the judging criteria, in this case area of purpose / target group. If necessary, the jury can decide to move the product to another category.
When does the award take place?
The application starts in April 2021 and is open until May 15th (extended until the 25th of may). Winners will be awarded during a live streamed event on the 31st of July. Since the current situation makes it difficult to plan an „on-site“ event, we are working on a hybrid event with our partners. We will keep you updated in this regard. Despite the circumstances, we hope to additionally present the winners during OutDoor by ISPO in October 2021.
What do we need?
In order to categorize and describe the products perfectly, we need some detailed information. You can find the sign-up form HERE (https://www.she-is-outdoors.com/womens-gear-award/sign-up), all further information will follow via email.
What are the benefits for the brands?
The focus on women as a target group has been around for a while now, but this is a completely new and different approach. You will benefit from the feedback of our expert jury and the wide range of media we create for your brand. Be a part of this movement!
