After 14 months working with one of the biggest ski wear brands in the world, I am officially geeked to the eyeballs about fabric technologies. Self-breathing, 2000-way-stretch, PFC free, taped seam, on-trend trans-category wearables of wonder with hydrostatic head ratings of 43k+ fill my dreams.

My level of expertise in this area hasn’t just been research for clients I work with as part of The Great Outdoors Agency – I have been motivated by my own personal research for the best gear available for my upcoming winter trek in Iceland; because if I have learned anything at all it is that being the right temperature and dry is the the most important thing in the world when you are in the arms of mother nature.

It was to my extreme pleasure then to attend SLIDE Actionsport Trade Show in the UK and get to meet (and interrogate) brands such as Nikwax, Burnt Custard, Patagonia, Boot Doc, Picture, and Stance. I now understand even more about the awesomeness of hydrophobic down, and learned a thing or two about waterproof windproof activewear gloves, got to wear the most technical and comfortable merino socks in existence, and most impressively, discovered how synthetic technologies can keep you warm at -15, and cool and sun-burn free at the hight of summer! True by the way, don’t let my exaggerated intro fool, you.

We also got an insight into the next level of eco-aware fabrics made from plants instead of recycled plastics, but without compromising on the technical USPs that consumers (like me) are looking for.

Next up is my first ever trip to ISPO in Munich – the world’s largest trade fair for sports equipment and fashion, with quite a reputation for a post-show party! It’s going to be a treasure trove filled to the brim of the finest gear designed to make adventures happen. I’m looking forward to finding another place I can call a happy space!