ISPO Award Winner 2023: Trail Hoppers The 3-in-1 Cape

Whether you’re a backpacker, hiker, or any kind of nature lover, the “3-in-1 Cape” is an exciting companion on the outdoor stage. With its 4-in-1 functionality and compact design, the “3-in-1 Cape” equips outdoor enthusiasts for many activities. As a hammock, rain poncho with hood, wind and rain protective tarp, or groundsheet, the “3-in-1 Cape” is easy to use.

The jury was impressed with the simple handling when trying it on and eagerly tested out all the functions. The focus was mainly on the stability of the material and the attachment of the loops when using it as a hammock. The verdict: a well-thought-out concept, with the suspension system cleverly integrated into the cape, supporting a high load capacity. The hammock can be easily adjusted. It’s an ideal resting place on dry days. If it starts raining outside, it’s easy to switch between the individual cape functions. As a rain poncho, the integrated hood provides optimal protection against wind and rain in addition to the fabric’s water resistance. “It’s a true 4-in-1 product, combining versatility and ease of use while being lightweight and durable”, Thibaud Durivaux, Trail Hoppers co-founder, highlights the salient characteristics of the 3-in-1 Cape. “The 3-in-1 Cape perfectly meets the needs of travelers and backpackers. It is also a great fit for people practicing various outdoor activities, such as hiking, trekking, road trips, climbing. More generally, all outdoor enthusiasts will find it’s a great addition at parks, camp sites, or festivals.”

The 3-in-1 Cape is in line with the trend of light and multi-use equipment. In addition to its low weight and small storage size, what makes the multifunction 3-in-1 Cape truly unique is its ability to convert from one mode to another very quickly and easily. Setting up the hammock is a breeze: the suspension system is embedded into the product, and interwoven daisy chain webbing lets the user easily adjust the hang. The poncho hood is hidden by a zippered slit, which preserves the hammock’s comfort. An elastic belt is included, so that the poncho fits any size of user or backpack. Finally, when the hood is rolled, it makes for a fully waterproof shelter.

The two founders are engineers with a passion for outdoor equipment. Thus, from concept to validation, the product design benefited from both their technical skills and personal experience. In addition, they were supported by industry experts throughout the development. Numerous travelers and outdoor enthusiasts tested the cape under various weather conditions and environments. Fruitful feedbacks that led to an ISPO Award-winning product.

Retailers can benefit from showcasing a new and innovative product, catering for the increasing demand for multipurpose products. In addition, the potential market gathers a wide array of outdoor lovers. For users, the 3-in-1 Cape will be part of all their outdoor adventures. No more trade-offs when choosing what to bring: you can enjoy the comfort of a hammock if the weather is good, but you’re also all set in case you’re less lucky and need to keep your gear and yourself dry. In addition, this multifunction product enables you to be properly equipped without having to buy 4 different products – saving you cost, space, and backache.

With the compact “3-in-1 Cape” from Trail Hoppers, users can achieve four functional benefits with only one product, saving on premium packing space and weight in the backpack. It is the logical result of a “form follows function” approach. ISPOs external sustainability expert Luisa Smith was also impressed by the development: “The 3-in-1 Cape is sustainable from a design perspective: 4 products in one. Today’s consumers do like a versatile option, saving money and time.”

Available on Kickstarter from June 4th, 2023.

• Multi-functionality (4-in-1-product)
• Easy handling (fast changing in between modes)
• Lightweight
• Durable