Mountains, open water, deep snow and distant places ask different things of what we carry. This season, NAVIS Beyond looks at the new equipment, apparel and objects created for environments where design must do more than look good. From technical outerwear and alpine equipment to skis, boards, tools and accessories, these are some of the most interesting releases arriving for winter 2026/27.
Mammut Blackfin Leather High GTX
Winter destinations demand footwear that moves comfortably between snow-covered trails, icy resort streets, and cold days spent exploring beyond the ski slopes. Mammut’s Blackfin Leather High GTX combines the reassuring protection of a technical winter boot with the more refined appearance of premium nubuck leather.
Its principal winter defense is a waterproof GORE-TEX footwear lining, complemented by a PFC-free durable water-repellent treatment. Mammut also lists a fully waterproof PU membrane with bonded seams, while an insulated inner liner provides warmth. Tested according to DIN EN ISO 20344, the boot carries a manufacturer-listed insulation rating of –25°C (–13°F). Mammut scores it 6/6 for waterproofing, insulation, and protection, confirming its focus on demanding cold-weather use.
Underfoot, the Vibram ICETREK outsole is specifically engineered to provide traction on icy and frozen surfaces and to retain performance in low temperatures. This makes the Blackfin particularly relevant for winter destinations where compacted snow and slippery pathways are part of everyday movement. Nevertheless, no rubber outsole eliminates the risks of polished ice, where additional traction devices may still be advisable.
Protection extends around the boot through rubber reinforcement and a TPU-coated toe cap and mudguard, shielding the leather from snow, slush, and abrasion. Snowshoe compatibility increases its usefulness for guided excursions and winter hiking away from groomed resort areas. Inside, an Ortholite insole supplies long-lasting cushioning and immediate step-in comfort, supported by a High Rebound Critical EVA midsole.
The women’s US size 7 weighs 600 grams per boot. A 14mm heel-to-toe drop, 33/19mm stack height, A6 flex index, board-lasted construction, and conventional lacing create a relatively substantial platform. Mammut rates cushioning, stability, and grip at 4/6, suggesting a balance between protection and walking comfort rather than the lighter feel of an everyday hiking shoe.
GORE-TEX, Vibram, PFC-free DWR, and Fair Wear credentials complete a thoughtfully specified package. For alpine villages, snowshoe outings, frozen woodland trails, or winter journeys where reliable footwear must also look appropriate away from the mountain, the Blackfin Leather High GTX offers a convincing union of technical protection, warmth, and understated style.
Mammut Eiger Nordwand Pro HS
Created for places where deteriorating weather can transform a winter objective within minutes, the Mammut Eiger Nordwand Pro HS Hooded Jacket is the flagship hardshell in the Swiss brand’s Eiger Nordwand collection. Developed with input from Mammut athletes, it prioritizes protection, durability and field reliability over low weight or compact packability.
Its principal defense is a robust 80-denier, three-layer GORE-TEX Pro construction with a PFC-free ePE membrane. Mammut specifies a 28,000 mm water column and breathability below RET 13 m² Pa/W, delivering a formidable barrier against heavy snow, wind and moisture while allowing heat vapor to escape during demanding ascents. The 100-percent recycled nylon face fabric receives a PFC-free durable water-repellent treatment, while a solution-dyed backer reduces water consumption during production.
At 714 grams (25.2 ounces), this is not an ultralight shell, and it is not intended to be. Its regular, climbing-specific fit is articulated for freedom of movement, with strategically positioned topstitching reinforcing critical seams. A shaped hem extends protection across the lower back. At the same time, the removable snow skirt adds versatility: leave it attached for deep resort powder or freeride days, then remove it for climbing and mountaineering.
The reinforced-peak hood is helmet-compatible and adjustable in three directions. Underarm AquaGuard ventilation zippers help regulate temperature, while shaped cuffs feature hook-and-loop adjustment and extended tabs designed for use with gloves. The two-way AquaGuard front zipper is protected by an internal storm flap and finished with a fleece-lined chin guard.
Storage is exceptionally comprehensive. Two harness-compatible front pockets are joined by two pleated chest pockets, a sleeve pocket, and two large internal mesh dump pockets.
The left chest pocket includes an internal gear loop. Custom zipper pullers make these compartments easier to operate with winter gloves.
For remote destinations, the jacket’s repairability may be its most valuable distinction. It includes a temporary repair-patch kit, and its front storm flap can be secured with accessory cord if the main zipper fails during an expedition. A RECCO® reflector also improves searchability in an emergency, although it should never replace appropriate avalanche equipment or training.
From exposed Alpine ridges and ice-climbing routes to storm days in the Rockies, the Eiger Nordwand Pro HS is best understood as a dependable outer shield rather than a source of insulation. Paired with suitable base and midlayers, it delivers the uncompromising weather protection and practical details serious winter travel demands.
