KARHU TRAIL CAMP: KARHU IKONI TRAIL 1.0 RELEASE

Written by Eric Martinson (KARHU Global Product Trainer)
Images by Camilla Pizzini
Video by Luis Carducci

This past summer, KARHU invited a small group of runners, photographers, and filmmakers to Finland to prepare for the launch of the Ikoni Trail, their first trail shoe to release in over a decade. The aptly named “Trail Camp” consisted of three adventure-filled days spent exploring the outdoors, communing with new friends, and running up, down, and around Finland’s diverse network of trails. While “Trail Camp” proved an idyllic setting to both demo and document the upcoming Ikoni Trail, the real magic of the week was our time spent together sharing stories, meals, and miles in the beautiful forests of Finland.
Release, Running
Karhu NL

Our journey began in mid-July at the Helsinki airport, where we arrived one by one to the international concourse. Once assembled, we were eight in total hailing from the United States, the Netherlands, Italy, Argentina, Venezuela, and Finland. After a brief round of introductions, we packed into the rental van for the drive to Kouvola, just a couple hours north-east of Helsinki. For half of the group, this was our first time in Finland. Nevertheless, the van ride was mostly silent as we all sat in awe of the sprawling old-growth forests that greeted us immediately upon leaving city limits.

Kouvola is home to Repovesi National Park and what was soon to become our playground for the remainder of “Trail Camp”. The dense forests of pine and birch that populate the region are characterized by rolling hills, rugged cliffs, winding paths, and never-ending carpets of moss that made it the perfect location for putting KARHU’s newest trail shoe to the test. Over the next three days, our group took to the trails in and around the national park with the sole intention of exploring new places on foot. For most, this was a great excuse to ignore the numbers on our watch and instead focus on being in the moment—running together, carefully calculating each footfall, and never hesitating to pause and take in the view. At the completion of each session, we made sure to plunge into one of the many blue lakes dotting the park before recapping our adventures from the day in front of the campfire.

Back at our Airbnb, we’d stay up late into each evening telling stories around the dinner table, playing card games that we’d taught one another, and imparting wit and wisdom from our respective homelands. Our shared love of running and the outdoors made us fast friends, and through that connection we were able to learn a lot about each other in just a few short days.

NEW KARHU IKONI TRAIL 1.0

Men's KARHU Ikoni Trail running shoe
KARHU Ikoni Trail heel strap

MEN'S IKONI TRAIL 1.0

SET SAIL / HARVEST PUMPKIN

€155,00

AVAILABLE NOW

KARHU MEN’S IKONI TRAIL 1.0

The men's KARHU Ikoni Trail is ready to tackle any off-road adventure. This all-new trail running shoe from KARHU is designed with a slightly higher forefoot volume to promote toe splay and provide lasting comfort on long trail runs.

Release, Running
Women's KARHU Ikoni Trail running shoe
Women's KARHU Ikoni Trail heel strap

WOMEN'S IKONI TRAIL 1.0

ICEBERG GREEN / ANEMONE

€155,00

AVAILABLE NOW

KARHU WOMEN’S IKONI TRAIL 1.0

The women's KARHU Ikoni Trail 1.0 is ready to tackle any off-road adventure. This all-new trail running shoe from KARHU is designed with a slightly higher forefoot volume to promote toe splay and provide lasting comfort on long trail runs.

Release, Running

AVAILABLE NOW

KARHU MEN’S IKONI TRAIL 1.0 WR

The men's KARHU Ikoni Trail 1.0 WR (water resistant) let’s you tackle any adventure off-road. The new KARHU men's trail running shoe is designed with a slightly higher forefoot volume to allow toe slay and lasting comfort on long trail runs.

Release, Running

AVAILABLE NOW

KARHU WOMEN’S IKONI TRAIL 1.0 WR

Women's KARHU Ikoni Trail 1.0 Water Resistant (WR) is ready to tackle any off-road adventure. This all-new trail running shoe from KARHU is designed with a slightly higher forefoot volume to promote toe splay and provide lasting comfort on long trail runs.

Release, Running