Six reasons why the Oberalp Convention was a blast
By Marta Manzoni
Brands Salewa, Dynafit, Wildcountry, Pomoca, Evolv
The traditional Oberalp Convention that takes place every year in Alpbach, Austria, is anything but traditional, here are 6 good reasons why we liked it a lot.
1. Location
Alpbach is an Austrian city in Tyrol. Every spring and autumn, in the modern convention center in front of the mountains and harmoniously inserted into the environment, the 2,561 inhabitants are joined by about 500 people, gathered for the Oberalp Group Convention. Inside the architectural heart of the building consisting of a glass spiral, a large window and an underground structure on the mountain slope, a full day for discovering the innovations of the four Oberalp brands takes place.
2. Environmental sustainability and Corporate Social Responsability
Contribute is the key word that represents the mission of the Oberalp group, which is committed in a far-sighted way to environmental sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility, the two themes at the center of the international event. “As a family company we do not think in terms of quarters but in the long term, and this is the center of our idea of sustainability”, explained Ruth Oberrauch. “We constantly look at the future, the world we are leaving to our grandchildren: sustainability is a choice we want to believe and invest in.”
3. Real life mannequins
Miranda Priestly from ‘The Devil wears Prada’ would have fainted during the runway. No stiletto heels, no catwalk. Instead of lipstick, magnesite. The models marched together with the brand’s ambassador athletes wearing mountaineering helmets and rope backpacks, and showing to the public the aesthetic refinement of the elegant garments, then they turned into real life mannequins, perfectly still and posing, ready for photographers’ shots.
4. Dry Back and Split Shoulder Strap
The future of backpacks is called Dry Back. The Salewa R&D team has found the solution to realize more breathable and at the same time more flexible backpacks. From this research was born the technology that allows to keep the backpack in contact with the back, but at the same time air can circulate, decreasing the body temperature through a micro ventilation system with 3D air channels. Completely redesigned for mountaineering activities, days that starts at dawn, steep approaches and technical expeditions, the new Alpex Climb backpack has a design that emphasizes the effect of micro ventilation and comfort, perfect features for the wearer and for many hours in the mountains. It has an extremely dynamic, clean and compact shape, despite the large volume. It is made of Robic, a special very sturdy nylon with a more than 60% tear resistance level compared to traditional nylon fabrics for backpacks, and can withstand rocks, crampons, and ice tools. Furthermore, the system of magnetic buckles allows you to attach the rope with one hand. The Dry Back is the distinctive element of the Salewa backpacks, and from now on it will always be present in the most important products of the brand, together with the Split Shoulder Strap construction, the split shoulder system that allows greater mobility to the arms, guaranteeing maximum fluidity in movements over the head: a freedom that in the mountains often means safety.
5. Women
Oberalp is a company that is also attentive to diversity and equal opportunities, both internally – there is a company kindergarten in the main office – and externally. A person particularly committed to these issues in the company is Ruth Oberrauch, HR Business Partner and Head of Sustainability of the Oberalp Group. An awareness that is also perceived by the creation of a specific shoe: the Alpenviolet K, designed exclusively for the ergonomics and biomechanics of women. Salewa’s R&D team has accurately mapped the feminine shape of the foot to develop a comfortable and welcoming fit. The result is a shoe with a more slender profile, but with a higher and wider instep and a more generous drop. From an aesthetic point of view, the Alpenviolet K speaks for itself. The front part features a simple and clean design that matches the athletic and modern style of the small gaiter on the ankle, which also has the function of avoiding stone intrusions. The light construction means less effort when hiking and more comfort. Finally, to tackle the technical mountain terrain, the Salewa designers have equipped the Alpenviolet K with a new Pomoca sole designed to accommodate the natural movement of the roll and guarantee an effective grip.
6. Salewa Agner Durastretch Dry Jacket
Salewa’s R&D team has redefined the standard of clothing for climbers facing the great alpine walls. The new Agner Durastretch Dry Jacket is a versatile jacket that alone performs the functions of more than two layers – technical underwear, insulating layer and water-resistant windproof shell. From the base of the wall to the summit, climbers will not have to wear anything other than this light and resistant garment to protect themselves from wind, cooler temperatures and even occasionally rain. Made with Durastretch Dry fabric, it is breathable and can be worn directly on the skin, like a technical underwear. The high-density braided weave creates a barrier that protects from the wind and resists even to light rain, making the use of a windproof shell superfluous. At the same time, this fabric lets excess hot and humid air pass by avoiding getting too hot during the most challenging pitches. It is also a garment that easily adapts to changes in weather conditions, thanks to the high and protective collar, and the deep half frontal zipper. This jacket was designed to be worn tightly like a second skin: the athletic design, the 4-way stretch fabric and the flat seams favor the climber’s movements even in the most complicated holds.
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