Which brand did you vote as the best in 2015? We’ve got the results
A couple of months ago as part of the GO Outdoors Awards 2015, we asked GO customers to vote for their favourite outdoor brand of 2015. While the outdoor industry does provoke fierce brand loyalty from many, we asked customers to consider which brand had really stepped up in 2015. Innovative new technology? Fantastic new products? There were plenty to choose from.
10. Merrell
A return to the top 10 after narrowly missing out in 2014, Merrell proves to be a constant favourite among GO customers. From the trail to the town, Merrell’s footwear seems to be a day to day feature in many peoples lives. 2015 saw the return of old favourites in the Moab range along with some new designs in the Annex range.
9. Montane
A slight drop down the rankings for a consistent favourite in Montane, but the brand is proving no less popular in 2015. This year saw the introduction of the upgraded Black Ice 2.0 jacket which featured both down and synthetic insulation offering the best of both worlds when it comes to keeping warm through winter. That alongside the North Star jacket and firm favourites such as the Prism, keeps Montane as one of the most popular brands in stores this year.
8. Garmin
A newcomer to the yearly top 10, which could have something to do with the growth in popularity of handheld GPS’ and the rise of geocaching. This year we partnered with Garmin to bring you an exclusive free geocoin with the Etrex 25 touch unit. This has already proven to be popular with GPS fans, and with 250,000 geocaches preloaded tot he device already, it’s an ideal starting point for budding geocachers.
7. Salomon
Salomon also make their top 10 debut this year and it comes with the backing of their most popular products which include the Speedcross 3 trail running shoes and the Quest 4D mountain boots. It goes to show that Salomon fans love their off the beaten track activities, real thrill seekers.
6. Regatta
Regatta continue to climb year on year as they reach number 6 this year, up from number 10 in 2014. Regatta make a great effort of making the outdoors accessible to everyone, their clothing is suitable for people of all budgets and the quality speaks for itself year on year. Regatta proves particularly popular with families, and this year their parka jackets have proven to be a hot item on the shelves.
5. Ordnance Survey
Another top 10 debut, and one that will no doubt raise a smile from outdoor traditionalists. It’s great to see that a manufacturer of paper based maps has registered so high up the list. As great as GPS technology is, and OS are no strangers to it themselves, we like to think that people are taking the safe option and not relying 100% on gadgets and still having the knowledge the be able to read a map when needed. That being said, Ordnance Survey maps always prove popular at Christmas time, a wonderful stocking filler.
4. Vango
Vango have held down the 4th spot in our list for a second year running, however this year they aren’t just the highest ranked camping brand, they’re the only camping brand to make the top 10. With a range that stretches from family camping favourites, to recommended DofE gear and some exclusive items, it’s easy to see why Vango are consistently one of the top camping brands in stores.
3. Craghoppers
Craghoppers are a brand who’s popularity transcends those looking for outdoor wear, and those looking for great quality casual products. The clothing in the Craghoppers range offers practicality alongside a more stylish look and is popular with walkers. One piece that stood out for us this year was the 364 3 in 1 jacket. A great looking waterproof jacket with an insulated jacket that you can zip in/out depending on the weather.
2. Rab
Rab have dominated this vote for the last 3 years coming first each year. However this year they drop to number 2, but it’s certainly not a reflection on what has been a particularly stellar range from the brand. As well as the hugely popular Microlight Alpine and Latok jackets, this year saw the introduction of the Nimbus insulated jacket, which we voted as the clothing product of the year in our GO Outdoors wards.
1. Berghaus
Berghaus have broke the 3 year hold that Rab have had on this list and taken the top spot with 13.97% of the vote. Berghaus have been a staple in the GO Outdoors range for years and are always one of the most popular brands on offer. 2015 saw the introduction of the exclusive Explorer Active GORE-TEX approach shoes which have proven wildly popular with customers. As well as the exclusives we’ve also seen a lot of interest in Begrhaus’ HydroDown and HydroLoft technologies, along with the Asgard jacket which combines the two perfectly.
Honourable mentions go to: Asics, OEX, Outwell, Paramo and Hi Gear who only just missed out on the top 10 slots.
