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Industry News
Women's winter climbing trouser wins Innov_ex Design Prize 2010
Published: 05/05/2010
The OIA, in sponsoring Innov_ex with its student prize, is genuinely investing in the future of the outdoor industry" Professor Mary Rose, LUMS
The Innov_ex Design Prize has a growing reputation and this year there were 6 finalists and the standard of entry was high. Tthe winning design came from Veronica Legg a student at Manchester Metropolitan University for her Winter Climbing Trousers.
The innovation is a pair of winter climbing trousers designed specifically for female mountaineers, with zoned insulation to provide warmth without the need for an additional underlayer, and a double end opening fly zip to facilitate toilet stops. The trousers aim to provide a single layer legwear solution for a wide range of winter conditions, which eliminates the need for other layers (underneath or over the top). Multiple layers create compatibility problems that prevent effective openings for toilet stops.
Judges reactions:
Mark Pedley (Smartlife Technologies)
The reason this won was that it combines other innovative technology (the Shewee) albeit we all felt the market is very limited. Innovation should not have to be thought about – it should be like a light bulb so that the reaction of customers is’ why didn’t we think of that?’ This is what happened in this instance. We felt there were a couple of design challenges but these would be addressed very easily.
Chris Townsend (TGO Gear Reviewer)
These trousers look functional but not that unlike other similar products. However the extended double-ended fly zip to allow use of a female urinating device is innovative and meets an obvious need. This zip makes the trousers stand out from other winter trousers for women. It’s simple, practical and has an obvious market.
Veronica said of her win: "My inspiration for the winter climbing trouser with a Shewee compatible fly zip was born out of frustration from my personal experiences of incompatible clothing. I’d lost count of the number of times I’d cursed having long johns under my trousers, making using a Female Urinating Device impossible; or being tied into a belay and unable to remove my harness. I found myself limiting my fluid intake to avoid this issue, but was acutely aware of the impact dehydration has on physical performance and mental judgement: two of the most crucial elements of winter climbing. There had to be a solution; it came in the form of a double-ended zip.
Winning the Innov_ex Prize is a dream come true – I still can’t quite believe it’s real! I have been following Innov_ex and the stories of previous winners for some years now, and finally being in a position to enter was a milestone in itself for me. I’m not a competitive person by nature: putting my work ‘out there’ for others to judge was a very daunting proposition. I’m glad I took that risk now, and I would encourage anyone else to do the same. You might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome, as I was!”
The 2010 finalists were:
Francis Fox Hydro Tec Impact Cushioning System
Karthick Govarthanam : Slash and Abrasion Resistant Fabric for garment
Veronica Legg Womens' Winter Climbing Trousers
Oliver Nissen Business Model combining technologies
Albi Schneider CU Belay Glasses
Ian Whitehead Rescue Aid
