In 2022, the French brand Cimalp was highlighted on several occasions for its entrepreneurial spirit, the performance of its athletes and the quality and values conveyed through its clothing. It also regularly has its products tested by specialists — hikers, trail runners, mountain professionals, journalists and specialist bloggers alike. These tests continuously drive improvements in outdoor kit and push Cimalp ever higher. In this press review, discover the articles and reviews published in 2022 about this Drôme-based company on the rise.
An expert in the world of the mountains
Specialising since 1964 in mountain clothing, accessories and outdoor sports, Cimalp has stood the test of time and continues to shine today in the competitive outdoor market. The French brand has never lost sight of its mountain DNA, thanks to its expertise and its technical, durable kit designed for mountain enthusiasts and practitioners alike.
A must-read in the specialist press!
Montagnes magazine
The journalists of the reference magazine for hikers and mountaineers, Montagnes magazine, regularly put Cimalp clothing and accessories to the test. Summer such as winter they "live their passion for the mountains to the full, in every season" and report back from the field after several weeks of testing. Available in print and online!
Trek magazine
Same again! In the same vein, Trek magazine focuses on gear testing to best support hiking and trekking enthusiasts. Shorts, trousers, fleeces or even base layers, you'll find all the comparison guides to help you choose the best gear.
Outlines Mag
This magazine published by Le Dauphiné Libéré covers mountain sports across all outdoor disciplines! Trail, hiking, ski touring, mountain biking — there's something for everyone!
What bloggers and YouTubers are saying
I-trekkings
Now recognised for the quality of its content, i-trekkings.net has established itself as the go-to blog. Focused on long-distance routes, the site launched by Grégory Rohart offers more than 2,500 itineraries on foot, by bike, by kayak and by ski. It is also community-driven, with a gear testing section based on the contributions of seasoned, experienced hikers.
Hiking shoes 365 X-Hiking Women's (also available in a Men's version), the extreme cold synthetic down jacket Himalayan, merino wool tops Clapier and Aiglières, or the technical mountain trouser Rockfit and the eco-designed t-shirt made with 100% recycled polyester Impact, have been put to the test in the field!
Dimitri Elledge and Alexis Brus
Dimitri Elledge, the young YouTuber with 100,000 subscribers took our kit all the way to Corsica on the famous GR20 which he completed in 8 days. A nature enthusiast and woodworker, he shares hiking tips as well as survival and bushcraft advice. He also reveals his top outdoor gift picks for winter, with a special mention for the Jorasse fleece.
As for his partner Alexis Brus, who also runs his own YouTube channel, he went out to test our products in freezing conditions during a night in the snow at a mountain summit.
They gave their verdict on Cimalp textiles, including the lightweight hiking trousers and, for trail, the Fast, the one for ski touring, the Bornand, or the ultra-breathable jacket Cosmiques.
Altitude Rando
The site offering thousands of mountain route guides and photos to explore hiking spots also gives advice on choosing the right mountain gear, such as the choice of merino for outdoor activities. More content to read on Altitude rando:
For those who prefer listening to reading, several podcasts offer a deeper insight into the story behind this Drôme-based company. A wide range of fascinating topics are covered: mountain sports, but also innovation, branding, entrepreneurship and internationalisation.
In these two interviews, Lionel Marsanne, CEO of CIMALP, tells the unique story of the brand that his father bought in 1991, giving it a new lease of life. An overview of the outdoor equipment market in France and Europe is also drawn, alongside that of Cimalp.
Explore the brand's core values in detail and find out how it has reinvented itself over the past 15 years.
In 2022, the mainstream and specialist press put Cimalp in the spotlight from various angles.
Cimalp, the eco side!
Hebdo Echo Drôme-Ardèche - 29 October 2022
Dauphiné Libéré - 2 November 2022Bref Eco
Stay tuned!
And Cimalp, on the eco side
The Midi Balade guide (special edition of the Midi Libre newspaper)
Altitude Rando
As for the hiking website, it explores a possible ethical alternative to the use of animal feathers in winter down jackets with the Cimalp Himalayan model.
Cimalp, a rising star in the world of Trail
Historically present in mountaineering and hiking, Cimalp entered the trail running world in 2014. Since then, the French brand has enjoyed a remarkable new ascent, with benchmark products such as the STORM waterproof-breathable jacket featuring the patented Ultrashell® technology, and the compressive stretch 3D-Flex® range. These technologies are regularly put to the test and consistently prove their worth. And beyond its designs and technical garments, Cimalp has generated genuine enthusiasm in the trail running community and forged a strong identity of its own.
Everyone step forward in French Montagnard style!
Esprit Trail magazine, one of the reference trail running magazines, fell for the "French Montagnard" collection. It delighted both the digital and print editorial teams!
And this "French Montagnard" spirit, which has been a hit for 2 editions, recently launched in a Women's version — to the delight of female fans! Especially the readers of Jogging International, the number one running magazine for city and mountain alike.
The footwear market — a real challenge for Cimalp!
Jogging International magazine, the number one running publication, also included Cimalp in its selection for "shoe presentations" for both men and women.
Indeed, Cimalp, which started designing complex footwear in 2020 (waterproof hiking shoes with interchangeable soles), continued on that path with running shoes such as the X-Trail, featured in Running Attitude Mag.
The must-see Cimalp Tignes Trail!
In 2022, the French brand Cimalp also made headlines by partnering with one of France's most famous trail events, held every summer in Tignes. Through the naming of the Cimalp Tignes Trail, the internationally renowned resort affirmed its confidence in this mountain expert, which has been equipping and protecting outdoor enthusiasts for nearly 60 years.
More recently, the Drôme-based company became the official partner of the Valence 5 and 10 km races. The brand has sought to affirm its local roots and its commitment to making outdoor sports more accessible to all.
Le V', the city magazine of Valence.Cimalp on Radio France Bleu too
[audio mp3="https://blog.cimalp.fr/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Cimalp-10km-France_bleu_drome_ardeche.mp3"][/audio]
Cimalp's trail range, featured in every product selection!
The Run Actu blog, run by Yoann Ory, praised Cimalp's Storm Pro, ranking it in its Top 3 waterproof jackets for running! Check out his new blog Rando Expérience which has a bright future ahead.
At the heart of the reference Outdoor podcast!
The runner and host of the L'Instant Outdoor podcast, François Hinault, also held his microphone out to several members of the Cimalp Trail and Adventure Team. For those who love great life stories, shared experiences and knowledge, click and listen! A true connector, François hands the floor to experts who are each more inspiring than the last, helping everyone to progress in outdoor sport.
Enjoy listening.
Florian Olivier, manager of the Cimalp Trail Team, multi-talented and hyperactive.
Laure Desmurs, athlete of the Cimalp Trail Team and a truly seasoned sporting mum!
Fred Souchon, Cimalp ambassador and rescue gendarme at the Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute-Montagne in Chamonix
We haven't forgotten them!
The much-missed magazines Outdoor Go, dedicated to adventure and outdoor sport, and Vital mag, a monthly women's magazine focused on wellbeing, which published their last issues in 2022, had also championed Cimalp. Thank you and see you on new adventures!
Bref Eco
Stay tuned!
Cimalp on Radio France Bleu too
[audio mp3="https://blog.cimalp.fr/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Cimalp-10km-France_bleu_drome_ardeche.mp3"][/audio]
