Before the first day of presentations and guided tours began as part of the Dynafit International Press Camp, we stopped for a coffee and our first meet-up at the Dynafit Bivouac Bistro. It’s a restaurant/café where athletes and visitors can relax, enjoying meals or dinners in an environment inspired by the countries south of the Alps. The Bistro’s menu focuses on sports nutrition, emphasizing vegetarian dishes, many of which, as we learned, were designed by Dynafit’s own athletes. Its location, right next to the highway, makes it an ideal stop even for drivers passing through the area. In fact, the Bistro had opened just a few days before our visit.

We attended the Camp along with guests from outdoor media from all over the world, with the goal of exploring Dynafit’s design, testing, and product development areas, attending presentations about the new collections and technologies, and getting a deeper insight into the company’s philosophy. In this article, we’ll try to give you as complete a picture as possible of that entire experience.

Starting with the Speed Factory facilities, the construction of the building took about two and a half years and can accommodate over 100 employees. It officially opened on September 19, 2024. Its total surface area covers roughly 10,000 m² on an 8,200 m² plot. The futuristic and minimalist design, with its two interlocking illuminated “peaks,” extends across six floors, reaching a height of 32 meters. The form, façade, and architectural style create an iconic landmark that harmonizes beautifully with the Alpine character of the region.

Impressively, the building is 100% carbon neutral in terms of CO₂ emissions. It features an innovative air-conditioning system, a heat exchanger that primarily harnesses solar energy, and a sophisticated shading system for the 4,000 individual glass panels that make up its exterior shell.

The open spaces, abundant natural light, and its location literally at the gateway to the Alps create an exceptional working environment for the company’s people. After all, nearly all of them are mountain sports enthusiasts, and as we learned, none of them smoke—by choice! Almost daily, groups are formed for trail running, ski touring, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. On the top floor, there are even rooms for employees who work remotely and come to the office only a few days a week.

Beyond creating an ideal workplace, Dynafit also envisioned the Speed Factory as a meeting space for mountain enthusiasts to experience product development up close. During our tour, we discovered that the building also includes a retail store that offers a full brand experience, as well as a large Care & Repair Center open to the public. There, not only Dynafit products but also those from other brands of the South Tyrolean Mountain Sports Oberalp Group (Salewa, Pomoca, Wild Country, LaMunt, and Evolv) are repaired.

Visitors can enjoy personalized services focused on trail running, mountaineering, and ski touring: from running analysis and boot customization to the Ski Factory, where customers can create their own skis.

But let’s leave the building aside and focus on the products, technologies, and philosophy of Dynafit, as presented to us over two days by the company’s leadership team and its elite athletes.

Starting with the design of the new 2025/2026 products, we can say that the core of the company’s philosophy is summarized in the following principles:

• For Dynafit, the concept of “fast” doesn’t refer only to winning races but to the athlete’s fluidity and efficiency of movement. It’s about smooth and quick boot transitions, easy pole storage, fast clothing changes, instant access to gels, fluids, and gear from the running vest—overall, efficiency in every action on the mountain.
• The focus now lies primarily on longer distances (ultra trail), reflecting both the global boom of this type of races and the increasing number of athletes participating in them.
• The motto “Anywhere – Anytime is the right time for trail running” dominates the new collections. For many athletes, year-round mountain running is already a daily reality, and the company embraces that in its future collections. There’s a strong focus on protection from weather and cold, as well as safety during night running—something especially highlighted during the presentations. In the new DYNAFIT Reflective collection, the reflective details are truly impressive, ensuring excellent visibility in the dark during transitional seasons, especially for door-to-trail runs within urban environments.

With that philosophy, Dynafit’s team introduced us to products from the new 2025/2026 lines, emphasizing the company’s aim to offer holistic solutions—from shoe to cap—with a particular focus on the sock/shoe combination. As for 2027… well, some secrets remain well-guarded in the Bavarian Alps!

Trail Reflective Shoe (Men / Women)

This is a Door-to-Trail model designed for runners in urban areas and large cities who must cross asphalt or sidewalks before reaching the trails. For better visibility—and consequently greater safety—in city traffic, the shoe includes reflective elements. It’s equipped with a VIBRAM® XS-Trek outsole for reliable traction and long-lasting durability. The midsole features hollow zones to reduce weight and deliver a comfortable, fluid running feel. The foam effectively absorbs shocks, minimizing joint stress, especially on hard urban surfaces. The upper includes reinforcements to balance breathability and durability.

Sizes: 3–9 UK (Women) / 6–13 UK (Men)
Weight: 220 g (Women) / 260 g (Men)
Drop: 6 mm

Alpine Insulation Vest (Men / Women)

This vest features the new and innovative Octa® fleece, providing extra warmth during cold winter days. The thermally insulated front protects against cold drafts, while the back combines insulation and nylon windproof protection for better breathability.

The Octa® fleece, made of hollow-core fibers, is lightweight, fast-drying, and pleasantly soft to the touch.

Sizes: XS–XL (Women), S–XXL (Men)
Weight: 153 g (Women) / 172 g (Men)

Winter Running Tights (Men / Women)

These warm, snug-fitting tights made from premium stretch fabric ensure maximum comfort and protection in particularly cold temperatures. The inner face is lightly brushed for greater comfort. Moisture is quickly wicked away, keeping skin dry. At the same time, they offer excellent freedom of movement and a perfect fit for intense running. The women’s version has a wide waistband for comfort without slipping, while the men’s version features a slightly narrower, adjustable waist for a customized fit. Multiple pockets allow storage for small essentials like a smartphone, keys, or snacks.

Sizes: XS–XL (Women), S–XXL (Men)
Weight: 213 g (Women) / 259 g (Men)

As we noted earlier, Dynafit’s philosophy for its new product lines focuses strongly on longer distances (ultra trail). In this spirit, two standout products designed specifically for ultra running - the Ultra 12 Running Vest (launching Summer 2026) and the Ultra 100 V3 trail running shoe (launching Spring 2026) - had their own dedicated presentations. Let’s take a closer look:

Ultra 12 Running Vest

In Summer 2026, Dynafit will release an updated version of its Ultra 12 running vest. Developed in close collaboration with Dynafit’s athletes, this company bestseller has evolved in performance, fit, and practicality. The main focus of the redesign was smarter organization and ergonomic fit. A major improvement is that it will now be available in five sizes instead of three (XS–XL), optimizing one of the most crucial aspects of running vests: the fit.

The front pockets have been redesigned with side openings, and - along with the spacious zip pocket - they allow quick, intuitive access to food, gels, or essentials without removing the vest. Two elastic 500 ml flasks (included) are easily accessible from the front.

With a 12 L capacity, it offers ample space for gear needed in long-distance races and training. It features twelve compartments in total, including a double rear compartment with a water-repellent shell for clothing, as well as a detachable waterproof pocket for valuables. The main compartment is accessible from both the top and the side—ideal for flexible organization and quick access while running.

The elastic fabric is breathable, and the fit is adjustable via side elastic panels and vertically adjustable chest straps. Poles can be attached in three different ways; the vest is compatible with Dynafit’s quiver, includes reflective details for night use, and of course, a safety whistle.
Sizes: XS–XL
Weight: 190 g
Capacity: 12 L

Ultra 100 V3 Trail Running Shoe

One of Dynafit’s most popular models, the Ultra 100, returns in its third iteration with a refreshed design and major upgrades on all fronts. The key improvement lies in the midsole, where Dynafit introduces state-of-the-art shock absorption technology: Supercritical Nitrogen EVA foam. In this process, the foam is infused with a supercritical gas (nitrogen, in this case), forming uniform microbubbles that ensure superior energy return, outstanding cushioning, lower weight, and - perhaps most importantly - greater long-term durability.

Despite its generous cushioning and high stack height, the shoe offers precise and responsive handling, ideal for technical terrain. The 6 mm drop contributes to a natural and quick stride, while the rocker-shaped midsole geometry ensures smooth and dynamic transitions from landing to toe-off. It uses traditional flat laces, while the breathable knitted upper keeps feet dry and comfortable - perfect for ultra-distance running.

The midsole integrates stability elements supporting the foot both internally and externally, reducing the risk of rolling on technical trails.

For the outsole, Dynafit relies on VIBRAM® Megagrip, renowned for its top-tier rubber compound that provides maximum grip and excellent performance even on wet or slippery surfaces, while ensuring great durability. The 4 mm lugs enhance traction and safety across a wide range of terrains, from rocky slopes to muddy paths.
Sizes: 3–9 UK (Women) / 6–13 UK (Men)
Weight: 242 g (Women) / 279 g (Men)
Drop: 6 mm

In the coming months, before it hits the market, we’ll have a pair of Ultra 100 V3 for testing and a detailed review.

In addition to the tours and technical presentations, we had the chance to enjoy a truly inspiring talk by Dynafit elite athlete Rosanna Buchauer, winner of the 2024 Lavaredo Ultra Trail, the Grossglockner Ultra Trail, and many other major races. With honesty and vivid personal stories from her races and FKT attempts, she spoke about the crucial role of the mind and mental preparation in overcoming the challenges of ultra running. And indeed, Rosanna has faced and overcome many obstacles to reach where she is today.

After the community run—which we’ll discuss later—I was lucky to chat personally with Rosanna in a brief mini-interview. I learned that before she got into trail running, she wasn’t really involved in sports at all. Although she doesn’t plan to race professionally for many more years, she intends to keep running and hiking, as she deeply loves nature and the trails. Rosanna also expressed her wish to one day take part in a race in Greece—so, if any race organizer wants to bring an exceptional athlete and person to the country, here’s the opportunity!

Talking with Rosanna Buchauer!

A pleasant surprise came when, at the end of the presentations, I was gifted a pair of Ultra DNA trail running shoes, a Trail 6 vest, and a beautiful, spacious waterproof duffel! I tested the first two items during the community run and the race we joined the next day—putting them through real-trail conditions.

Of course, the three-day program wasn’t all presentations and tours—yes, let’s be honest, there were beers and great food too! But there was also running, as we took part in the OTF presented by DYNAFIT, also known as the Oberaudorf Trail Festival. This year, for the second time, the event grew explosively, reaching 2,000 participants across all distances: 57K (+3,228 m), 43K (+2,395 m), 24K (+1,473 m), 12K (+506 m), plus a kids’ race. We chose the 24K distance, since we had to leave for the airport later that afternoon to return to Athens.

The day before the race, after the presentations, all Dynafit guests, company staff, elite athlete Hannes Namberger, and many locals from Oberaudorf joined a wonderful community run on the trails around town. The run turned out to be quite fast-paced—so we jokingly renamed it a “community race”! After the finish, the festival atmosphere and joy were so strong that it was immediately clear why the word “festival” is part of the event’s name!

The group of guests at the International Press Camp, together with the Dynafit team, just before the community run began!

That atmosphere and joy are two elements I always notice when running abroad—something that, unfortunately, is often missing from most races in Greece. At the race start, loud music, laughter, jokes, and rhythmic clapping filled the air, along with crowds of cheering spectators who fueled everyone’s energy. And, as it happened, we brought a bit of Greek warmth with us—literally—since the weather in Oberaudorf was unusually mild for Germany, making the experience even more perfect!

Running the 24K at the Oberaudorf Trail Festival!

The 24K race was beautiful. After the first fast six kilometers on runnable trails and forest roads, the ascent to Brünnstein (1,634 m) awaited us. That’s where things got tough, as in less than three kilometers we climbed about 650 meters of elevation gain. The beginning of the ascent was through forest and forest roads, but it quickly turned into very technical, muddy, and demanding trails, full of roots and large rocks, all the way up to the summit that gives the race its name.

Immediately after, a fantastic ridge run with incredible views followed, and then came the long descent — with technical sections at first, and then flatter parts on dirt roads where the pace increased towards Rechenau, where the last big uphill really tested us. Once we overcame it, beautiful trails and a long, runnable downhill led us back to Oberaudorf, where medals, friends, amazing atmosphere and energy, and of course, a well-deserved cold beer — with a Dynafit label!!!— were waiting for us. Ah, and a fantastic burger that replenished our lost energy, along with a variety of food available for all finishers. A truly beautiful race, with an incredible atmosphere — such a pity we couldn’t stay for the concert that would follow in the evening!

It’s also worth noting the high average level of the participating athletes, especially the women, who represented a significant percentage of the total in all race distances.

You can view the race results here.

The experience we gained from the Dynafit International Press Camp was truly unique. It’s rare for a company of this level to open the “door” to the heart of its design, production, and philosophy, and to do so in such a warm and generous way. For Advendure, it was a great honor to attend such an event, together with editors from leading outdoor magazines from countries such as the USA, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Poland. We would like to personally thank Alexia Klaoudatou and everyone at Dynafit for the invitation and the outstanding hospitality.

A personal thank you also goes to the tireless and ever-present Veronika Resenberger, who solved every issue that arose before, during, and after the event.

Dimitrios Troupis

Photo copyright: Harald wisthaler, Sportshot, Advendure