The results show that in many areas consumers are open to sustainable products and sales models. Almost two-thirds of the respondents think that sports retailers should expand their rental offer to other product groups. Many would like to rent technical equipment such as tents or rucksacks instead of buying them. Most respondents preferred this to be handled by local specialist retailers. Rental via online portals was the preference of 28 percent, whereas 9 percent preferred sharing portals.

Quality, durability and fit are the three most important criteria for making a purchase. However, the sustainability of products already plays an important role for 44 percent, more than design (40 percent) or innovative functionality (35 percent). About a third of those surveyed would even be willing to pay up to 20 percent more for sustainable products, while 10 percent of consumers would accept up to 30 percent higher prices. Many would also welcome a repair service: 74 percent of the surveyed consumers consider it important or very important that a mountain sports product can be repaired. The results show that 87 percent want specialist sports retailers to offer a chargeable repair service. Only one percent do not consider this important at all.

In contrast, willingness to buy used equipment has dropped: only 10 percent can imagine buying used clothing, and only 0.1 percent can imagine buying used shoes. Even with technical equipment such as skis, rucksacks or poles, acceptance remains below 20 percent. But here, too, the specialist trade could take on a new role: 64 percent of those who would buy second-hand equipment would prefer to buy it in physical specialist trade stores and their online shops. A take-back service for used mountaineering products is also attractive to 87 percent of respondents, if it extends the product life cycle or if the donation serves a good cause. On the other hand, about a third of consumers also expect something in return, either in the form of a shopping voucher or a share in sales if the product is sold again.

Of the 1,130 people surveyed, 55.7 percent came from Germany, 15 percent from Austria, 4.5 percent from Switzerland and the rest from other European countries. Two-thirds were men, one-third women. The age of the respondents was 26 to 55. The preferred outdoor sports were hiking (84 percent), mountain biking (57 percent) and skiing (55 percent).