Royal Robbins wins inaugural CNN Underscored Innovation Award, leads industry in chemical-free mosquito protection

February 6, 2026

Royal Robbins Mosquito Protection Technology continues to be recognized for innovation in sustainability and performance.

BERKELEY, Calif. (February 6, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Royal Robbins, the outdoor apparel brand whose mission is to feed the soul through nature and adventure, is thrilled to announce that its Amp Lite II Long-Sleeve Performance Shirt, featuring the brand’s Mosquito Protection Technology™, has been selected as a winner of the inaugural CNN Underscored Innovation Award. This award spotlights the brand’s long-standing leadership in innovative, thoughtful and lower impact outdoor apparel.

“After thousands of submissions, extensive research, expert evaluation, and real-world testing, your product [Royal Robbins Amp Lite L/S] impressed our judges and stood out for its originality, functionality, and the meaningful impact it has on everyday life in the outdoors category,” noted CNN Underscored. “Our editorial team was particularly impressed by its innovative mosquito-proof weave that deterred all bug bites in our testing.”

Highlighting the year’s most ingenious products, the CNN Underscored Innovation Awards celebrate true innovation through practical utility and real improvements to consumers’ lives. The Royal Robbins Amp Lite II demonstrates these values through its lightweight performance, dynamic comfort, and built-in mosquito protection.

“It’s great to see MPT earn CNN Underscored’s Innovation award,” said Erik Burbank, Brand President of Royal Robbins. “We took on the ultimate outdoor adventure spoiler — mosquitoes, and we did it without the use of harmful chemicals or repellents. It’s a win for adventurers and the environment.”

Royal Robbins MPT continues to garner recognition among consumers and outdoor industry editors alike. In addition to the 2026 CNN Underscored Innovation Award, MPT has been named to Popular Science’s Greatest Innovations of 2024 and TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025.

The women’s and men’s MPT line comprises a range of shirts and pants in Expedition, Amp Lite and Wilder styles that provide highly effective and durable protection from mosquito bites.

Building on this momentum, Royal Robbins will expand its MPT collection in Spring 2026 with the launch of the Salathé Sun Hoody, a lightweight, breathable hoody that combines chemical-free mosquito protection with UPF 40+ sun protection.

For the full list of 2026 CNN Underscored Innovation Award, please visit https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/cnn-underscored-innovation-awards.

About Royal Robbins®

Born in Yosemite, the brand was founded in 1968 by world-renowned climbers and adventurers Royal and Liz Robbins. Royal Robbins is a leading designer, manufacturer, and retailer of versatile, durable, and stylish apparel for the next generation of adventurers. The brand maintains a commitment to environmental and social responsibility by prioritizing natural fibers and maintaining carbon neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Royal Robbins gear can be found in outdoor and specialty retail partners throughout the world. We believe nature and adventure are good for the soul. To learn more, please visit royalrobbins.com.