Photo: Federico Ravassard
Issue 1
Journal fw 19/20
Welcome to Ferrino 150 years and still going strong. 150 may seem a lot of years but here in Ferrino it looks like yesterday when our great-grandfather Cesare tested the first waterproof waxes in the back of his shop in Turin. We have been producing outdoor products for over a century with the same passion and dedication typical of family businesses. We decided to give ourselves a present, a “Ferrino Journal� to tell our stories, those of the past, those of the present but above all those of the future. We like to constantly remind ourselves where we come from but at the same time we always work to reach our next goals.
© Fondazione Sella Onlus
© Fondazione Sella Onlus
150 years of Outdoors
1870-2020
The Birth
1870 - 1940
1870
Cesare Ferrino’s story intertwines passion, challenges, business culture and innovation and it starts at 107 Via Nizza in Turin, where the entire block is occupied by the tarpaulin factory and Ferrino’s own home on the first floor. Some years before the Turin entrepreneur went to Germany to study new waterproofing procedures to be applied to fabrics and canvases. Back in Turin, Ferrino starts experimenting with the first industrial process to produce waxed tents. In just a few years the company becomes leader in the sector, and at the beginning of the twentieth century it counts Fiat among its customers, which asks Ferrino to produce waxed tents for
1890
1937
its cars, or the Italian Army asking for military tents and covers for its vehicles. The performance of the tents produced by the Turin factory did not escape the attention of mountaineers and explorers. In Italy, the pioneers of hiking, who climbed all the highest peaks of the western Alps between 1855 and 1885, became the real testers of the new gears and technologies used in the production of the tents.
1870
1910
It all began in a paint shop in Turin. Cesare Ferrino has a revolutionary idea: waterproofing fabrics. The success is immediate throughout Italy.
These are the years of legendary mountaineering. Technology and research lead Ferrino to become an essential part of these great adventures. The Cervino tent is born: the first one of the series.
1890 From fabric to manufacturing, the first tents are provided to explorers and mountaineers, but the company also included the new-born Fiat among its customers.
1910
1937 The Neghelli tent becomes legend: the missionary and explorer Alberto Maria De Agostini sets this tent in the inhospitable lands of Tierra del Fuego.
On The Road
60's - 70's
1964
Starting from the 60s, the development of consumption, the advent of the leisure industry and the growing interest in the mountains and in campsite lead Ferrino to gradually expand its market, to the point of equipping mountaineers, hikers and families on vacation. All this will take place over a period of three centuries, with five generations of entrepreneurs and will count among its protagonists extraordinary climbers and explorers. Ferrino’s products have survived unharmed the contamination of fashion and accompanied a varied spectrum of users, following the values of responsible tourism. The Canadian tent has become a metaphor for post-modern nomad living, an ideal companion for on-the-road travel, while a Ferrino cottage was the ideal place for a family on vacation because of its reassuring shape and living space.
1964
1977
A new culture is spreading: living outdoor, “on the road”. Ferrino is the natural reference point for an entire generation.
Always alongside pioneers. Thanks to the Afghan isothermal tent: only 7.4 kg. In the following years the Trekking, a dome tent designed on the study of geodesic vaults.
1967 “Do you know why our brand is like this? We build strong tents in order to last a long time, just like the redskins ones.”
1977
1967
Reinhold Messner
1986
80’s
Born in Bressanone in 1944, Messner, thanks to his adventures, elevated mountaineering to levels of fame that were unthinkable up until the 1980s, transforming every climb into a media event. In the seventies he publicly announced his willingness to climb the fourteen 8000 meter peaks without oxygen and in 1986 he reached the goal by conquering his last peak, the Lhotse. In that area between China, India, Nepal and Buthan, the South Tyrolean mountaineer climbed solo or with two people, without using oxygen, setting up very light and fast expeditions that needed tents until then produced. In the early eighties, Messner turned to Ferrino to build together a tent suitable for prohibitive climates, a shelter that combined the characteristics of habitability and comfort with those of wind resistance of the igloo shape and geodesic structures. The “Extreme� tent was born. The 1993
1993
tent was used by Messner in the Kanchenjonga expedition in 1982, and in subsequent climbs of other eight-thousanders. Two years later, Messner worked again with Ferrino for the design and construction of the tent he would use in the two climbs to Gasherbrum I and II. The tent had a low weight (2.7 kilograms against the seven of the similar ones in production up until then), but sufficiently spacious in its overall dimensions (2 square meters of base, 1.8 meters high).
1986 The long collaboration between Reinhold Messner and Ferrino accompanies the mountaineer with technically innovative solutions in his historic adventures.
1994
HighLab
1994
Since the beginning, Ferrino has equipped mountaineers and explorers taking into great consideration their contribution in the development phase. High Lab was and still is the way to test Ferrino products in a high-altitude environment, a laboratory where tests are carried out on new materials and prototypes. The camp is also open to enthusiasts, who can use all gears and then provide their comments that will allow the company to take into account the expectations of the non-professional user. Today as in the past, for 25 years, Ferrino High Lab has offered the test field at the Quintino Sella Refuge at 3585 1994
meters above sea level, between the Ayas and Gressoney valleys, near the Felik glacier. From 1994 up to date, thousands of sportsmen have stayed at the camp, which offers a breathtaking mountain view thanks to the numerous peaks that reach an altitude of 4,000 meters. From its permanent historical site on the Monte Rosa, the camp was then set in Tignes, Aconcagua, Mont Blanc, Valle di Susa, Monviso, in the Pyrenees.
1994 At the Quintino Sella Refuge, on Monte Rosa, at 3585 meters high, High Lab is set up: a permanent laboratory to test Ferrino high altitude materials in demanding conditions.
Mountaineering 90’s - 2000 2003
2004
New design goal for Ferrino tents, the Portaledge that accompanies Bubu Bole in his demanding adventures.
50 years later, the legendary K2 expedition is still alive. When Silvio Mondinelli exclaims “we are at the top!” Ferrino is with him and with all the expedition, as technical sponsor.
2007 Silvio Mondinelli, Cho Oyu expedition base camp.
2007
2003
2004
Exploration
90’s - 2000
1997
2002
Borge Ousland crosses Antarctic on skis: 2854 km in 64 days. The Ultima tent allows him to survive in this white hell.
Ferrino designs the M.H.L. Evolution tent for Mike Horn, testing it in the Mercedes wind tunnel. Mike will use it to cross the Antarctic alone for 27 consecutive months, crossing 27,000 km and temperatures between -15 ° C and -70 ° C.
1998 Carla Perotti manages to survive for 24 days in the Chinese Taklimakan desert thanks to the Ultima tent.
1997
1998
2012
2002
2010
The Expansion
2010’s
2008
2012
Ferrino acquires the historic brand Baldas, synonymous with quality snowshoes. At the same time, it launched its first line of technical apparel.
Ferrino celebrates the first 20 years of La Venta, the speleological association that has achieved many challenges in the most hostile places on the planet. A unique experience that enriched Ferrino products.
2010 Ferrino celebrates its 140th anniversary. A historic date for the company, which shares every achievement through a range of channels. At the same time, the logo is renewed: minimal, impressive, original. And above all in line with the values of the brand.
2014 The pride of Ferrino research, developed in collaboration with the Alpine Rescue and USL Aosta, Full Safe is an avalanche safety device.
2008
2014
150 years of Logos In 1870, in Via Nizza in Turin, above the entrance to a tarp shop there was a sign bearing a name that would later write important and indelible pages in the history of the outdoor world. The name on this sign was Ferrino Cesare, the shop owner, as it was the custom of that period. In the following decades the Ferrino company conquered the market thanks to the production of very high quality tents and that’s why its logo first displayed a tent on it. Over the years, Ferrino product design has never ceased to innovate, as has the brand’s image and marketing. In 2010 the logo underwent a further restyling: the iconic tent was eliminated to indicate the recent affirmation of Ferrino also in the market of sleeping bags, backpacks and later in the clothing and accessories sector. The tent was replaced by a circle with an inverted F inside recalling a mountain and a tent. A way for Ferrino to demonstrate once again a great attention towards the future but always respecting tradition.
1930
1960
1964
1981
1985
1990
2010
2020
Article by Gianluca Gasca
Always on top of the eight-thousanders We often see them in the photos of mountaineers and explorers. Orange tents, landmarks in the Antarctic white; anchors of salvation on the rugged slopes of eight-thousanders, fresh shelters in the desert heat. Many people use Ferrino tents, so many have used them. They represent the true distinctive character of this small Turin company, founded in 1870, born from the genius of Cesare Ferrino, the owner of a paint shop, who had the intuition to develop a formula for waterproof fabrics, an idea that would revolutionize the outdoor world. The path that leads from fabric to manufacturing is
famous to the general public. The tragic even-
tents of the Turin company, the same ones that ac-
short, and so the first tents were born in Turin, a pla-
ts that happened in 1970 on Nanga Parbat to him
companied him throughout his career, even hori-
ce full of great adventurers, legendary names such
and his brother Günther, just after the incredible
zontally: from the Poles to the driest desert on the
as the Duke of Abruzzi, perhaps the most prolific
climb to the then inviolate Rupal wall and the da-
planet. It was a close relationship of which both of
explorer of the period with expeditions that took
ring descent from the Diamir slope, deeply marked
the parts benefited: Messner got what he needed
him from Africa to the North Pole all the way to the
Messner’s life pushing him towards those moun-
and the company affirmed its role as a leader in
Karakorum, where in 1909, he attempted a climb
tains where the air becomes rarefied. “I couldn’t
the exploration sector. The media response of Mes-
to K2. With him, on many of these adventures, was
do otherwise” was his answer when asked what
sner’s achievements was incredible, not only for
Vittorio Sella from Biella, one of the best mountain
prompted him to climb the 14 eight-thousanders.
the brand but for the whole mountain. Mountai-
photographers ever and a great mountaineer. Also
With no toes left, technical climbing on high grades
neering and the outdoors became the passion of
from Biella was the Himalayan expert Mario Pia-
would have been impossible, the very high altitude
many and Ferrino was then the brand to turn to
cenza, among the first to shoot the Himalayas with
was his only chance. Nanga Parbat, Manaslu, Ga-
when looking for gears to fully experience nature
Sella. These and many others the customers of the
sherbrum I, one after the other Reinhold adds every
at 360 degrees.
newborn company, the first to bring Ferrino water-
eight-thousanders to his list of accomplishments.
proof tents to extreme locations. These are years of
Every climb is a new experience that offers him an
After Messner there were many other explorers
exploration that today belong to history, moments
even greater awareness of his needs, especially in
who built a strong relationship with the company,
that the Turin manufacturing company has contri-
terms of products, such as gear that could have
a way to grow for both of them. For example, the
buted to. Customers are not just mountaineers and
been a considerable technical help, guaranteeing
Italian Silvio Mondinelli used the same technology
adventurers; FIAT is another important commercial
a better climb, but also greater comfort at the base
at very high altitudes. He also climbed all the 14 ei-
channel for waterproof fabrics. The company’s in-
camp. That’s why one day he sent Ferrino a letter
ght-thousanders with Ferrino tents, becoming the
terest, however, is decidedly oriented towards new
with a sketch on a piece of paper. He knew exactly
third Italian to have accomplished that after Mes-
technologies that can lighten and make the tents
what he wanted and how he wanted it. His request
sner and Sergio Martini, but the second without the
easily transportable. The Sangone tent, small and
was a geodesic dome shaped tent, a structure that
use of supplemental oxygen. It was the nineties and
cheap, was born; then the Alpina, resistant to extre-
would have allowed greater wind resistance. This
in those same years, when Mondinelli conquered
me winds; and the Neghelli, which the geographer
was an input for the company to invest in research
Himalayan peaks, the polar explorer Borge Ousland
Alberto Maria De Agostini brought with him to Tier-
and development, to focus on new types of plan-
crossed Antarctica passing through the South Pole,
ra del Fuego.
ning, taking into account the advice of the Hima-
on skis, alone and totally self-sufficient. The Ultima
laya’s expert.
tent was a real refuge for him, a place to shelter
Ferrino on the 14 eight-thousanders with Reinhold Messner. At the end of the seventies,
Ferrino followed Reinhold Messner with passion for
Antarctic white can aspire to. The same comforts
Ferrino was already recognized as a leading com-
many years, the same passion that the climber put
that accompanied Mike Horn in the Arctic with the
pany in the camping sector, when Reinhold Mes-
in achieving his mountaineering goal: be the first
M.L.F. Evolution.
sner made his appearance. At the time, the South
man to reach the top of all the 14 eight-thousan-
Tyrolean climber was already one of the best-k-
ders in the world. He would succeed on October
nown names in mountaineering. His climbs on
16th 1986, arriving at the top of Lhotse. With him,
Polish mountaineering and eight-thousanders in winter. A long time ago mountaineering
the Dolomites and the Himalayas had made him
on the fourth highest mountain on earth, were the
was something different - it was the Polish genera-
and find the few pleasures that a man alone in the
tion. Real warriors from the east, people who wan-
expedition. Mario Corradini, a mountaineer from
Opposite
ted to prove something, who wanted to leave their
Trentino, that took part in an expedition to Mana-
mark on history as Krzysztof Wielicki always said.
slu in 1992, still has his tent. It is discolored by the
Adam Bielecki, K2 Winter Expedition
A living legend of winter Himalayas, Krzysztof has
sun and you can see the signs of use, but it still
left an indelible mark on the highest mountains on
performs very well and is obviously a Ferrino.
earth. “Poles arrived late, missing the era of great exploration� he said, but there was still something
In the popular imagination, the base camp of an
to do that no one had ever imagined as possible
eight-thousander, especially in winter, is repre-
before: climbing an eight-thousander during the
sented by a mountain with many orange tents
coldest season. 200 kilometers per hour winds,
at its feet, shelters able to protect from cold and
heavy snowfall, temperatures below minus twenty
wind. This is why even today, those who decide to
degrees Celsius. Extreme conditions that few could
tackle these mountains can easily turn to the Tu-
endure, conditions in which it is necessary to be
rin company. Its geodesic tents have proven to be
equipped with efficient products. However, the
able to withstand the worst weather conditions,
Polish expeditions of the 1980s all have a common
to guarantee protection even under the most la-
feature: a low budget.
shing winds. They have demonstrated this several times, as in the summer of 2004, on K2, when
They were massive expeditions, typical of that pe-
their high quality was helpful in the celebratory
riod, with many men and a lot of gear, a true winter
expedition for the 50th anniversary of the first
siege to the mountains. But they were also expedi-
absolute ascent of the mountain. They continue
tions that stood up thanks to these people, thanks
to prove their quality today, again at K2, where
to the ambition of these young mountaineers eager
the Poles have decided to accomplish their latest
to leave their mark on history. They were used to
challenge. It is the last still untouched eight-thou-
leave with lots of food, gear and tents for Nepal or
sander during the cold season and they, who have
Pakistan. Then, once there, they started to negotiate
started this challenge, want to finish the game.
to get the best products. Often Western mountaine-
Leading the group is Krzysztof Wielicki, the man
ers gave stores used products to locals who resold
who first, along with Leszek Cichy, reached the
them in village mountain shops at a much lower
summit of an eight-thousander in winter: Eve-
price than they would have paid for in the store.
rest in 1980. Ferrino has chosen to follow them
These first winter expeditions had Ferrino as one
in this venture by providing logistical support to
of the protagonists. Tents that Messner and others
the Polish Federation of Mountaineering, who or-
left in Nepal and that these guys reused. They were
ganized the expedition. A first attempt in winter
resistant, able to withstand the mechanical stres-
2017/2018 did not go well, but they are determined
ses to which they would have been subjected by
and have no intention of giving up. If they succe-
the strong winter winds. If broken, they would be
ed, it would be one of the most romantic chapters
repaired for reuse, year after year, expedition after
in the history of mountaineering.
Above Base Camp K2, 50 years later
Below Adam Bielecki, K2 Winter Expedition
19/20 Collection
Backpacks Ferrino backpacks are entirely designed and tested in the Turin headquarters and then put to test by our ambassadors in the most critical conditions. We offer ergonomic solutions that can facilitate the experience of both male and female users, to whom a special range is dedicated. Ferrino offers mountaineering, hiking, trail running, daypacks products and a specific line with airbags and respirators, suitable for freeriding and ski mountaineering.
XMT 40+5
XMT 80+10
Ultimate 38
Essential design and elegant technical solutions make this the perfect backpack for all mountaineering activities.
XMT 80+10 is a large backpack that is perfect for expeditions outside Europe and heavy‑duty trekking, with extending body (+10 litres).
Ultimate 38 is ideal mountaineering backpack. 100% waterproof thanks to HDry® system. (10.000 mm water column, even on the seams).
Radical 30
Radical 45+10
Radical 80+10
Radical 30 is the ideal product for professionals or for mountain sports enthusiasts seeking a high‑tech, ultra‑light and at the same time, hardwearing mountaineering backpack.
Ultra-light, multi-purpose mountaineering backpack. With front access to the main body.
Expedition backpack with extending body (80+10 l), extraordinarily lightweight (weight min 780 g) and durable.
Triolet 32+5
Triolet 48+5
Triolet 43+5
Triolet 32+5 litres is an ideal backpack for all‑year mountaineering, complete with lots of equipment for this use and front access to the main compartment.
Triolet 48+5 is a backpack designed for year‑round mountaineering, complete with all the required equipment and front access to the main compartment.
Devised to fit the female body: the shape, the construction of the shoulder straps and the waist belt are ergonomically ideal for women.
Lynx 20
Lynx 25
Lynx 30
Lynx 20 is an ultra‑light backpack (minimum weight 345 g without ice axe loops or ski straps) that is ideal for ski mountaineering competitions.
Lynx 25 is a light (minimum weight 540 g without ski straps), compact backpack that is ideal for daily ski mountaineering outings.
Lynx 30 is a light, multipurpose backpack with a range of specific equipment for mountaineering and ski mountaineering.
XMT 40+5
XMT 80+10
Ultimate 38
Radical 30
Radical 45+10
Radical 80+10
Triolet 32+5
Triolet 48+5
Triolet 43+5
Lynx 20
Lynx 25
Lynx 30
19/20 Collection
Tents 150 years of design, material selection and field tests are some good reasons to choose a Ferrino tent. The wide proposal is able to satisfy the different needs in the outdoor environment, always guaranteeing a very high quality level. As history tells, Ferrino has always been present in the most important expeditions led by the most famous mountaineers.
Maverick
Pilier 2
Snowbound 3
Maverick 2 is the compact, ultralight 2 person tent with single wall and waterproof and breathable membrane. It is designed for professional users needing to deal with extreme conditions.
Pilier 2 is a 2 person tent built to withstand the harsh climate conditions at high altitude.
Snowbound 3 is the 3 person tent built to provide top performance when it comes to wind resistance, thanks to a system of reinforcements on the perimeter structure (RB) and to its geodesic shape.
Campobase
Lhotse 4
Colle Sud
Campo Base is a tent that has been specially designed for base camp or canteen tent use, or even for logistic support.
Lhotse 4 is the 4 person tent that is ideal for base camp use. A shelter that offers maximum comfort and room, together with robustness, ventilation and heat insulation.
Colle Sud is an expedition tent with stable, robust geodesic structure. It can accomodate up to 6 people.
Svalbard
Lhotse 3
Pumori 2
Svalbard 3.0 is the 4 season tent that best embodies Ferrino’s spirit of adventure; a trusty companion for trekkers and climbers.
Maximum comfort and space together with strength, ventilation and heat insulation. The ideal solution for base camp use.
2 person tent for 4 season use, with aliminium poles and radial joints to make the tent stable, lightweight, and confortable.
Trivor 2
Manaslu 2
Solo
All-season tent with external pole system that makes fast set-up possible without getting the room wet, even in harsh weather conditions.
Manaslu 2 is the 4 season, 2 person tent for all those seeking space, minimum weight, easy set up and top performance in terms of reliability.
1 person, 4 season tent for all those seeking minimum size and weight.
Maverick
Pilier 2
Snowbound 3
Campobase
Lhotse 4
Colle Sud
Svalvard
Lhotse 3
Pumori 2
Trivor 2
Manaslu 2
Solo
19/20 Collection
Sleeping bags Ferrino sleeping bags have RDS or synthetic down padding, and the wide line satisfies the most varied requirements of use, ranging from -45° to summer temperatures. The sleeping bags are tested according to the European standard EN 13537 201 and the subsequent EN ISO 23537- 1-2016 and feature exclusive construction details that make them particularly performing anywhere and in any condition.
Revolution
Mystic
Lightec Duvet
HL Revolution 1200 WTS is the ideal sleeping bag for those looking to sleep comfortably on expeditions in extreme conditions, since it provides heat insulation up to ‑45°C and comfort at around ‑22°C (man).
HL Mystic is the microfibre sleeping bag with top‑of‑the‑range heat insulation performance and light weight. Ideal for mountaineering activities.
A range of down sleeping bags for the more demanding user. Perfect for those looking for maximum performance, extremely limited weight, excellent insulation and compact dimensions.
Nightec 600
Lightec SM1100
Lightec SM1100 Lady
The ideal sleeping bags for
This sleeping bag with extre-
Lightec is the ideal summer
4-season use. The Micro fibre manmade filling and Dual-zip system guarantees maximum thermal efficiency.
mely reduced size and weight offers excellent heat performance thanks to the “shingle” construction.
sleeping bag for those who seek minimum space requirments: ”backpaker”, adventures, ultra trail in autonomy or camping.
Revolution
Mystic
Lightec Duvet
Nightec 600
Lightec SM1100
Lightec SM1100 Lady
19/20 Collection
Apparel Ferrino apparel is light and high performance, with a typically Italian look and fit, a compact and functional collection to let you experience your outdoor adventures with style and comfort. The snow shoes are a km0 production that takes place mostly in Piedmont, only the Trient model is made in China. It has to be underlined how the insourcing of the assembly and the reduced supply chain have allowed a reduced logistic impact, greater employment and training opportunities for the collaborators and an increased quality deriving from the control of the production in each of the phases. 1. Valdez
2. Acadia
3. Saguaro
Valdez Jacket Man is a 4 season shell that is ideal for all mountain activities. Designed to provide maximum comfort in all climate conditions and total protection against rain, wind, and snow.
Acadia Jacket Man is a breathable, waterproof and windproof 3 layers fabric shell. Lightweight and resistant, it is ideal for 4 seasons sport activities: such as mountaineering, skiing and hiking.
Saguaro Jacket Man is an insulating jacket with innovative Primaloft ThermoPlume filling, consisting of “flakes” similar to
3. Tailly
4. Malatra
5. Emilius
Tailly Jacket Man is a fleece zipped jacket, with zip, in Polartec Power Dry thermal fabric: a mid weight second layer with excellent thermal insulation, as well as great fit and comfort.
Malatra Jacket Man is a windproof, breathable jacket with front padding in Primaloft 40 g, Its different fabrics and materials offer excellent performance when it comes to warmth and breathability.
Emilius Anorak is a thermal, unisex top with excellent fast drying capabilities, for a guaranteed dry feel even during aerobic activities. Ideal as a first layer.
7. Weisshorn
8. Vincent
9. Hervey Winter
Weisshorn T-Shirt Man is a long sleeved, breathable top in high performance technical fabric. The perfect first layer for all aerobic mountain activities.
Vincent Pants are unisex, ultra-breathable stretch pants for ski mountaineering that guarantee excellent warmth together with the maximum freedom of movement as well as total comfort.
Hervey Winter Pants are comfy and are ideal for winter travel or travel in cold destinations, or for leisure wear after a day out in the mountains.
10. Lys Special
11. Pinter Special
12. Trient
With an angled side profile, you can have guaranteed total grip even on steep slopes or climbs, while on fresh snow, the special angle increases the supporting surface to guarantee excellent sliding.
Compact-sized model to guarantee excellent comfort while walking and in any case, good sliding over fresh snow.
Ideal to deal with a wide variety of mountain terrain types. Complete with a system of crampons on the side and under the binding to guarantee an exceptional grip, even on harder, icy terrain.
down when it comes to light weight and softness that still guarantee better thermal insulation, even in damp climates.
Valdez
Acadia
Saguaro
Tailly
Malatra
Emilius
Weisshorn
Vincent
Hervey Winter
Lys Special
Pinter Special
Trient
ITW to Doc. Federico Prato by Gianluca Gasca
Full Safe Field testing Full Safe, the only backpack to integrate the three main systems for avalanche safety: the Air Safe respirator system, the AlpRide airbag and the Recco reflector. The perfect product for enthusiasts who want to live in the winter with extra safety. Every year there are 160 deaths between Europe
or fatal injuries. The factors that contribute most
should carry with you: shovel and probe. Talking
and North America and 100 more between the
to asphyxia are the obstruction of the respira-
about the size, it is a 30 liter extensible backpack
Andes and the Himalayas. This is the tragic re-
tory tract by snow and ice; the production of the
(plus 5 liters), which guarantees comfort and fre-
sult that affects those who practice winter sports
“ice mask” around the mouth and face, due to
edom of movement.
such as freeriding and ski mountaineering. Fun
the solidification of the exhaled moist air, which
sports that see an increasing number of fans. For
comes to prevent breathing; the accumulation of
everyone, from the most to the less experienced,
carbon dioxide in the inhaled air resulting in ra-
it is essential to pay maximum attention to sa-
pid hypercapnia (increased concentration of CO2
Did you carry on research project to evaluate the functionality of the Full Safe backpack? Sure, the USL Valle d’Aosta Moun-
fety. Artva, shovel and probe are the minimum
in the blood); the reduced percentage of air pre-
tain Medicine Center and the EURAC Research In-
necessary tools before leaving for an adventure
sent in the snow (about 60% in avalanche snow);
stitute for Emergency Medicine in the Mountains
in the winter white.
and the weight of the snow mass that crushes
of Bolzano have come up with and coordinated
the subject’s chest with a consequent reduction
a research project which also involved the CNR
in ventilatory capacity.
Institute of Bio-images and Molecular Physiology,
Today, however, there are other innovative and functional technological gears that can increa-
to follow specific aspects of research on oxidative stress, and the University of Padua, which dealt
Full Safe backpack by Ferrino. The Turin-based
How can the Full Safe backpack help you in such situations? It is a unique product in
company in the outdoor sector has always been
the world equipped with three main systems for
not least, the National Alpine and Speleological
committed to developing gears that allow you
avalanche safety. First of all the Airbag Alpride E1
Rescue Corps that, with its technicians, has been
to experience the mountains in complete safety,
system can be easily used thanks to a lever on the
recreating the scenarios ensuring safety during
and the Full Safe backpack is the best product
left shoulder that activates the electric inflation
the study.
for ski mountaineers and freeriders when there’s
unit. Once inflated the airbag helps to float as
an avalanche. Let’s find out why with the pro-
much as possible in case of being knocked down
Have there been any field trials? The part
duct developer, Dr. Federico Prato, anesthesiolo-
in an avalanche. The presence of an Air Safe re-
concerning the breathing was studied on the
gist and intensivist doctor, who has worked with
spirator (a breath assist system called artificial
field by an independent team of specialists. It was
Ferrino for many years on the development of a
air-pocket device) is fundamental and helps you
an international research project whose purpose
product line dedicated to increasing safety and
breath in case of burial. In the end, there’s a Rec-
was to test individual protection systems in order
improving survival in the event of avalanche.
co reflector on the backpack to boost chances of
to collect data both on their actual effectiveness
being traced in case of accident.
and on the pathophysiology of the overwhelmed
se the safety level of an enthusiast, like the new
with gas analysis under the snow cover. Last, but
Federico, let’s start from the beginning. What happens when someone is hit by an avalanche? First of all it is necessary to point
How much space does it occupy? And how much does it weigh? The backpack weighs just
out that about 75% of avalanche deaths are due
3 kilos and 200 grams. In addition to the space
to asphyxia, 25% to trauma and a minimum per-
occupied by the various emergency systems, the-
centage to pure hypothermia. About 70% of pe-
re is a front pocket with eyelets designed for tran-
You mentioned breathing tests, what were them about? The Air Safe respirator system was
ople completely buried during an avalanche die
sporting technical gears such as an ice ax and
tested thanks to a group of volunteers. It helps a
within the first 35 minutes due to asphyxiation
crampons as well as self-rescue tools, which you
person hit by an avalanche by removing carbon
subject. The ultimate goal of these tests was to evaluate and identify new methods to reduce mortality in the event of an avalanche.
dioxide from the already reduced amount of air
What were the immediate observations?
to breath; it also eliminates the formation of the
The two tests length has been significantly diffe-
“ice mask” and the lack of obstruction of the re-
rent, demonstrating how the presence of a respi-
spiratory tract, if worn before burial.
rator system can be fundamental to increase the chances of survival in the event of an avalanche.
What are the benefits of removing carbon dioxide? Separating the inhaled air from
In the case of tests with air cavities but without
the exhaled air through a respirator system sy-
lation of carbon dioxide rapidly reached the stop
stem increases the inspired fraction of oxygen
criteria approved by the test ethics committee.
and consequently reduces the amount of carbon
In the second case, on the other hand, the avera-
dioxide, when compared to breathing in a closed
ge duration of the tests was significantly longer,
artificial air chamber.
even reaching the maximum limit of stay under
a respirator, the lack of oxygen and the accumu-
the snow cover foreseen by the study protocol: This allows adequate oxygenation for a long time
60 minutes.
in people completely buried under the snowpack, allowing an adequate time frame for the intervention of rescue personnel.
Coming to conclusions, what were the final results of the studies? The study confirmed the usefulness of carbon dioxide removal devices
How were these tests carry on with the volunteers? First of all, the health conditions
in survival after an avalanche accident. Further-
of the volunteers were evaluated, so numerous
of respiratory mechanics during avalanche burial
sensors were applied to constantly monitor their
allowed us to deepen the analysis of the inte-
vital parameters in order to ensure maximum sa-
ractions between snow density, hypothermia and
fety. Safety, health and ethics have been the basis
ventilation.
more, the data collected on the physiopathology
of these tests. At this point a condition similar
And then? All the volunteers underwent two te-
Everything shows that airbags, Recco reflectors and, above all, respirator systems are the winning combination to guarantee maximum survival in the event of an avalanche... Surely by using Ferrino’s Full
sts. In the first one they found themselves under
Safe backpack you can increase your chances of
a layer of snow without wearing any breathing
survival in case of avalanche burial. For this rea-
aid, but with the presence of an air cavity. In the
son the Wilderness Medical Society recommends
second case they did not have any air cavities,
its use and has included in its new guidelines the
but they wore the Ferrino Air Safe respirator sy-
important combination of a backpack with airba-
stem.
gs and a respirator system.
to the of an avalanche was simulated: volunteers were completely covered with snow, continuing to measure their vital parameters.
Surely by using Ferrino’s Full Safe backpack you can increase your chances of survival in case of avalanche burial. For this reason the Wilderness Medical Society recommends its use and has included in its new guidelines the important combination of a backpack with airbags and a respirator system.
ITW to Anna Ferrino by Denis Piccolo
F is for Female There’s some pink in Ferrino’s DNA as we have always believed and invested in women in the outdoor world. Anna Ferrino herself underlines how this decision was not for the brand a simple passing fashion dictated by today’s trends, but a real choice, made a long time ago, in which she strongly believes today more than yesterday. After so many years, what does Ferrino represent for you? Ferrino is my family company,
contribution that is fundamental to the success
fined message, it is an invitation to all women to
of the brand. Carla, on the other hand, is one
reflect that nothing is impossible if you get in the
I’m the fifth generation and I manage it today to-
of our historical ambassadors and also histori-
game. Our athletes are all normal women, with
gether with my partners, the Rabajoli family. It
cal has been what she has done. An apparently
their own life, job and family, at the same time
has accompanied me everyday of my life, when I
normal person who has achieved extraordinary
they have a strong passion for running that le-
was two I was on the cover of the catalog, posing
challenges, getting involved and crossing a de-
ads them to carve out the time needed to train
as a small model to represent that typical situa-
sert alone in every continent with our gears. On
and to reach those levels of quality standards that
tion of an Italian family who went camping, more
our side there has always been great attention in
allow them to compete in a Tor de Geants for
often with a Ferrino tent.
listening to her requests, in following in her ad-
example. It is a message to challenge your own
ventures and in designing gears that would meet
limits: if you have a passion, go for it with com-
I have always been interested in dealing with the
her needs. For all these reasons, Carla has beco-
mitment and determination and you will see that
outside world thanks to my great curiosity, so in
me somewhat the icon of female ambassadors of
everything is possible.
the first part of my career I decided to interfa-
our company followed by other women mountai-
ce with external realities and only later dedicate
neers up to the Ferrino Women Team.
the most important challenge of my life.
How would you promote women in this male mountain universe? Lately there has been a
Nowadays companies must continue to innova-
great deal of attention to the female world, often
te, communicate, engage consumers in order to
driven also by the attempt of many companies to
Stefi Trogue has recently conquered her second 8000 and seems willing to continue. She stands out because she always wears lipstick when climbing, how much is she a symbol of the quotas for women in mountains for Ferrino? She’s a very determined girl
stay on the market. It is a challenge that I face on
grow in this market segment. I believe that Ferri-
with an ambitious dream that she pursues with
the front line in this wonderful company that has
no, through his historical attention to female ath-
that little touch of coquetry that is her red lipsti-
always had a rigor and a unique attention to en-
letes, has been a bit of a forerunner in the sector,
ck, as a warning to never losing femininity. She’s
trepreneurial ethics, together with a seriousness
since today all the brands are looking for women
doing well and is growing even from a technical
in product development and in relations with its
ambassadors but we have been doing that since
point of view, she has certainly been chosen and
partners. For all these reasons I think that Ferrino
the 80s. Of course we intend to continue on this
supported mainly by our local distributors but
has the ability to become an increasingly larger
road that we took many years ago, not for a mat-
also by us within a project that is based heavily
brand at an international level.
ter of fashion, but for an attention that the brand
on a development of digital communication rela-
has always had towards the needs of the outside
ted to our brand in Spain. So surely also the fact
world.
that Stefi has her own important digital presence
myself to Ferrino, which for me today represents
There are many female faces that have represented and that represent Ferrino, one in particular is Carla Perrotti. First of all I’d like to remind everyone that almost 60% of our collaborators are women and I would like to thank them for their great commitment and daily
helps to make our brand known through conten-
You’ve put a lot of effort into the Ferrino Women Team and now you’re getting great satisfaction and results, can you tell us about it? The Ferrino Women delivers a well-de-
ts consistent with our positioning. We are happy to have welcomed her on our team.
You have a very strong personality, have
you ever encountered any difficulties because you are a woman in the outdoor/business world? I certainly have a strong persona-
give women backrests that fit perfectly to their
Opposite
body size.
Carla Perotti
lity but, at the same time, I believe I have always tried to act in a feminine way. Objectively I have
So will the mountain world always be brighter and more pink? For me the mountain
never had great difficulties. I realize however that
world follows the trends of our society, women
Below
nowadays it is a big problem to overcome and
are making fundamental contributions to the
Alison Hargreves
improve in some cultures more than in others. It
development of our world: they are increasingly
exists and must be faced seriously but, as far as
important and capable of making a difference,
I am concerned, I have never seen it as a limit.
even with smaller numbers they are progressive growing and occupying more and more rele-
Ferrino realizes products designed exclusively for women who obviously have a different physicality than men. How much time and resources do you invest in developing products for women? Our line of pro-
vant roles where that touch of feminine ability,
ducts dedicated to women essentially consists
with the evolution of the female role within our
of backpacks, sleeping bags and clothing. In the
society.
of multitasking and also of sensitivity in human relationships always makes a difference. In the outdoor world the segment linked to women’s products will continue to grow somewhat in line
backpacks in particular there is a more important ergonomic component than in other product technologies, a backrest that is well suited to the female physical conformation can make the difference in terms of comfort and safety of use. The line has been very well received since its debut. We have been one of the very first brands to offer products dedicated to the female universe. Today this market is growing and so consequently we have decided to expand our range and investment in the sector. Many of our athletes have helped us about it: Carla Perrotti has a fairly small body and therefore a delicate back. The work we did with her was the forefather of all the sensitivity and technical skills that we have gradually developed and we continue to develop trying to
women are making fundamental contributions to the development of our world: they are increasingly important and capable of making a difference, even with smaller numbers they are progressive growing and occupying more and more relevant roles where that touch of feminine ability, of multitasking and also of sensitivity in human relationships always makes a difference.
Left Stefi Trogue
Bottom Jenny Lavarda
150 years of outdoors 1870-2020