In 2022, French brand Cimalp was highlighted numerous times for its entrepreneurial drive, the performance of its athletes, and the quality and values embodied in its apparel. Furthermore, it regularly has its products tested by specialists—whether hikers, trail runners, mountain professionals, journalists, or specialised bloggers. These tests allow for continuous improvements to outdoor gear, propelling Cimalp to new heights. Explore this press review featuring articles and reviews published in 2022 about this fast-growing Drôme brand!
An expert in the mountain world
Specialised in mountain and outdoor sports apparel and accessories since 1964, Cimalp has stood the test of time and continues to thrive today in the competitive outdoor market. The French brand has never lost sight of its mountain DNA, relying on its expertise and technical, durable gear built for mountain enthusiasts and practitioners.
Featured in the specialist press!
Montagnes magazine
Journalists from the benchmark 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 deliver their field feedback after weeks of testing. Available in print or online!
Trek magazine
Back at it again! In the same vein, Trek magazine puts a strong focus on gear tests to best support hiking and trekking enthusiasts. Shorts, trousers, fleeces or even base layers, you'll find all the comparative reviews to help you choose the best gear.
Outlines Mag
This magazine published by Le Dauphiné Libéré covers mountain sports across every outdoor discipline! Trail running, hiking, ski touring, mountain biking—there's something for everyone!
Reviews from specialist bloggers and YouTubers
I-trekkings
Now renowned for the quality of its content, i-trekkings.net has established itself as the benchmark blog to follow. Focused on multi-day treks, the site launched by Grégory Rohart offers over 2,500 routes on foot, by bike, kayak, or skis. It is also community-driven, featuring a gear testing section powered by seasoned, experienced hikers.
Hiking shoes 365 X-Hiking Women's (also available in Men's), the extreme cold synthetic down jacket Himalayan, merino wool tops Clapier and Aiglières, or even the technical mountain trousers Rockfit and the eco-designed T-shirt made with 100% recycled polyester Impact, have thus been thoroughly field-tested!
Dimitri Elledge and Alexis Brus
Dimitri Elledge, the young YouTuber with 100,000 subscribers took our gear all the way to Corsica on the famous GR20 which he completed in 8 days. Passionate about nature and woodworking, he shares hiking, survival, and bushcraft advice. He also reveals his top outdoor winter gifts, featuring his favourite: the Jorasse fleece.
As for his sidekick Alexis Brus, who also runs a YouTube channel, he went to test our gear in freezing cold conditions during a night in the snow on a mountain summit.
They shared their review of Cimalp clothing, notably the lightweight hiking trousers and, for trail running, the Fast, the ski touring Bornand, or the ultra-breathable jacket Cosmiques.
Altitude Rando
The site, which offers thousands of mountain route descriptions and photos to explore hiking locations, also provides advice on choosing the right mountain gear, such as choosing merino for outdoor activities. More articles to read on Altitude Rando:
For those who prefer audio over reading, several podcasts offer deeper insight into the story behind this Drôme-based company. A wide range of fascinating topics are covered: mountain sports, as well as innovation, branding, entrepreneurship, and international expansion.
In these two interviews, Lionel Marsanne, CEO of CIMALP, shares the unique story of this brand, which his father acquired in 1991, breathing new life into it. The discussion also provides an in-depth look at the outdoor equipment market in France and Europe alongside Cimalp's growth.
And explore the brand's core foundations in detail to understand how it has evolved over the past 15 years.
In 2022, high-profile specialist and mainstream press highlighted Cimalp from various perspectives.
Cimalp: the business side!
Hebdo Echo Drôme-Ardèche - 29 October 2022
Dauphiné Libéré - 02 November 2022Bref Eco
Stay tuned!
And Cimalp: the eco-friendly side
The Midi Balade guide (Midi Libre special issue)
Altitude Rando
As for the online hiking website, it explores a possible ethical alternative to using animal feathers in winter down jackets with Cimalp's Himalayan model.
Cimalp, a rising star in the Trail world
Historically established in mountaineering and hiking, Cimalp entered the trail running world in 2014. Since then, the French brand has enjoyed another impressive ascent with flagship products like the waterproof-breathable STORM jacket powered by patented Ultrashell® technology and the 3D-Flex® compressive and stretch range. Its technologies are regularly tested and proven in the field. Beyond its designs and high technical performance, Cimalp has built genuine enthusiasm among trail runners and forged a true identity!
All running in French Montagnard!
Esprit Trail magazine, one of the leading trail running magazines, particularly fell for the "French Montagnard" collection. It was a huge hit with both the print and digital editorial teams!
And this "French Montagnard" spirit, a huge hit over the past 2 editions, was recently launched in a Women's version to the delight of female runners! Especially for readers of Jogging International, the No. 1 running magazine for both road and trail.
The footwear market: a major challenge for Cimalp!
Jogging International, the No. 1 running magazine, also featured Cimalp in its shoe showcases for both men and women.
Indeed, Cimalp—which took on the complex challenge of footwear design in 2020 (waterproof hiking shoes with interchangeable insoles)—kept up the momentum with running shoes like the X-Trail featured in Running Attitude Mag.
The unmissable Cimalp Tignes Trail!
In 2022, the French brand Cimalp also made headlines by partnering with one of France's famous trail running events, held every summer in Tignes. Through the Cimalp Tignes Trail naming partnership, the world-renowned resort confirms its trust 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 5k and 10k races. The brand aimed to reinforce its local roots and its commitment to making outdoor sports accessible to everyone.
Le V', the magazine of the city of Valence.Cimalp also on Radio France Bleu
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Cimalp's Trail range, featured across product selections!
The Run Actu blog, run by Yoann Ory, praised the Cimalp Storm Pro, featuring it in its Top 3 waterproof jackets for running! Explore his new blog too Rando Expérience which has a bright future ahead.
Inside the leading outdoor podcast!
Runner and host of the L'Instant Outdoor podcast, François Hinault, also held his mic out to several members of Cimalp's Trail and Adventure Team. For anyone eager for great life stories and shared experiences and insights, tune in and have a listen! A true conduit, François hands over the mic to captivating experts who help everyone progress in their outdoor sports journey.
Happy listening.
Florian Olivier, Cimalp Trail Team manager, versatile and dynamic.
Laure Desmurs, Cimalp Trail Team athlete and seasoned sporty mum!
Fred Souchon, Cimalp ambassador and mountain rescuer with the Chamonix High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM)
We haven't forgotten them!
The much-missed Outdoor Go magazine, dedicated to adventure and outdoor sports, and Vital mag, a women's wellness monthly—both of which published their final issues in 2022—were also fans of CimAlp. Thank you, and see you on future adventures!