On Monday 16th April, we heard the news that Benedikt Böhm, extreme ski mountaineer and member of the Dynafit team ski club, had returned from Iran after cycling, running, hiking and skiing up Mount Damavand in an incredible 14 hours and 20 minutes all whilst kitted out in Dynafit’s new spring/summer 2018 range which uses Polartec Alpha active insulation fabric.
A real achievement, Böhm set off at 1:03 am before biking 120 km up a 3,020 m climb followed by running 4.7 km and hiking and skiing for a further 3.3 km after which he reached the summit. In total Böhm travelled 130 km and climbed 5,970 vertical metres in less than 15 hours.
Böhm, knowing he would need a jacket that offers warmth without weight, wind resistance and also something highly breathable for his expedition, opted for the Dynafit Elevation Polartec Alpha jacket which features Polartec Alpha active insulation; a fabric technology that offers superior warmth whilst exchanging traditional wet and heavy into dry and light.
When shedding layers isn’t an option, Polartec Alpha places patented low-density fibres between air permeable woven layers to create an efficient fabric for regulating warmth and transferring moisture. Together, this increases thermal adaptability in changing conditions. A compressible fabric, Polartec Alpha can be easily layered with other materials and stored in small spaces.
By allowing vapour to move freely through the fabric, it increases the air exchange and drastically decreases drying times subsequently reducing discomfort and saturation. What’s more, its woven construction means that more open weave outer fabrics can be used, enhancing a product’s breathability. Additional durable water repellency in the outer layers gives Polartec Alpha the ability to perform in even the most challenging of environments.
Böhm, who is also the international sales manager of Dynafit, was extremely impressed with how well Polartec’s Alpha fabric functioned, a technology that was originally created for use by the US Special Forces.
At this year’s ISPO, Polartec® proudly announces Power Fill™ – an ingenious discovery that’s resulted in an incredibly warm, one-of-a-kind, fill insulation. It’s the star of Millet’s new generation mid-layer Elevation Hoodie and Jacket, and K Belay Hoodie [pictured] for autumn/winter 2018.
Using a matrix of hollow polyester fibres, engineered into a distinct geometric pattern, Power Fill forms thousands of air pockets allowing warm body heat to be continuously captured and contained inside.(more…)
The Mezzalama Trophy is around the corner and Polartec& Dynafit have decided to follow Benedikt Böhm, – General Manager Dynafit and strong athlete – during his training in preparation for one of the most beautiful and prestigious mountaineering races in the World to understand how Innovation meets history in a technical and sports challenge to the limit of its potential.
A journey behind the scenes to tell you how to prepare yourself for a competition like the Mezzalama Trophy and find out what lies behind behind the development of the Dynafit Mezzalama collection in Polartec Alpha. A capsule collection that represents the perfect essence of Dynafit’s philosophy and Polartec’s innovative capacity to transform the traditional concept of thermal insulation to face the extreme high mountain conditions. Thanks to the great versatility of the Polartec Alpha fabric, the Mezzalama collection combines high breathability and perfect isolation when going up and protection while desceding, adjusting the athlete’s body temperature during all stages of the activity and maintaining the lightness, comfort and reduced bulk.
The Mezzalama Trophy, a historic and prestigious ski mountaineering race through the Monte Rosa Glacier, is the ideal starting point for meeting this challenge and overcoming its limits.
NEW Alpha Direct active-warmth garments, Power Wool® additions and a raft of thermal insulation.
This ISPO, Polartec® will be showing the latest and greatest garments using award-winning Polartec® Alpha on-the-go warmth. Polartec® Power Wool™ continues to gain momentum – check out Mammut and Rottefella – whilst thermal insulation makes a welcome appearance in the Berghaus, Norrona and Picture ranges. Polartec® Alpha and Alpha Direct is going from strength-to-strength with Adidas, Black Crows, Dynafit, Marmot, Montane, Rab and Vaude all launching new pieces.
ROTTEFELLA Dynamic Half-Zip: This is a first layer garment for high activity levels using Polartec® PowerWool®. A mix of wool and synthetic fibres, PowerWool® is a durable fabric with natural odour resistance, adding comfort and retaining insulation and breathability even when wet. This layer provides the perfect balance between insulation and bulk, keeping you warm while not restricting your mobility. The garment also provides ventilation through your layers with rear ventilation panels and breathable fabrics.
VAUDE Pro Insulation Jacket: This insulating cycle jacket uses Polartec® Alpha®, which is perfect for the active wearer. The jacket is warm, wind and water resistant, and breathable with stretch inserts for freedom of movement. Features include: articulated sleeves; slim supportive cut; low cut back with gripper hem; two side pockets; two back pockets; front zip with fold over; ventilation through front pockets; reflective elements. Weight: 495g.
BERGHAUS Cold Climbs Jacket: Versatile, robust and warm, the Cold Climbs Jacket is great for cold Scottish mountain gullies or ice climbing in alpine valleys.It’s lightweight, yet highly breathable, thanks to the Polartec® Classic 300 fabric, and with its high quality deep brushed pile it is reliably warm, dries fast and sheds snow in a couple of shakes. Features include: cosy hood; reinforced shoulders; Active Fit construction for greater freedom of movement; two hand pockets and one chest pocket. Available for men and women. Weight: 690g [men]
DYNAFIT Mezzalama Polartec® Alpha® Jacket: Part of the Mezzalama range which consists of jackets, pants, vests and a skirt, this new addition uses Polartec® Alpha® insulation for on-the-go-warmth and is the lightest, most breathable jacket in the entire range. The jacket is also wind resistant, water repellent and abrasion resistant. Features include: hybrid construction; elasticated cuffs; stow pocket; thumbhole; reflector stripe.
PICTURE Origin Jacket: This jacket uses Polartec® Thermal Pro®, which helps regulate your body’s temperature, keeping you comfortable in all weathers for a range of activities. Used as part of a layering system, the Origin is a mid layer and can be combined with a baselayer and shell to provide protection in the worst weather conditions. The concept works like this: A first layer is put in direct contact with your skin; the second, mid layer which uses Polartec® Thermal Pro® is the thermal insulator and the third layer offers membrane protection to fight against wind and wet. Features include: climbing draw cords; Nubuck details.
ADIDAS Terrex Agravic Alpha Hooded Shield Jacket: this lightweight jacket offers more protection than an average wind jacket. Polartec® Alpha® in the front keeps you warm when the temperature drops and is perfect for biking, trail running and climbing. Pertex Quantum® provides you with the ideal combination of durability and lightweight. Features: adjustable hood and hem; two zipped hand pockets; packs into its own pocket. Available for men & women. Weight: 180g [men] & 151g [women]
MARMOT Dark Star Jacket: Using Polartec® Alpha® insulation, this jacket performs remarkably well during high-output aerobic activities—especially in cold conditions where warmth is required throughout the day. Its elegant fleece lining is excellent for maintaining thermal regulation and comfort. The lightweight stretch outer face fabric is highly durable, responsive and water resistant. Features include: lightweight stretch shell fabric; pack pockets; elasticated cuffs; elastic draw cord hem. Weight: 334.5g
MILLET M White Neo 3L Jacket: Protective jacket dedicated to free touring using ultra-light Polartec® NeoShell®. With an athletic fit for extra comfort, protection and freedom of movement and the jacket is also waterproof and extremely breathable, so it absorbs the cold on the way down after uphill exertion. Features include: Recco® reflector; integral hood with 3D adjustment, seamless raglan sleeves; pit vents; Lycra® inner cuffs with thumbholes; two handwarmer pockets; two large chest pockets; ski pass pocket; inside chest pocket; goggle pocket with built-in mesh pocket for phone; detachable snowskirt. Weight: 680g
MONTANE Hydrogen Direct Jacket:This jacket uses the latest in cutting edge insulation technology, Polartec® Alpha Direct®, which combines with Pertex® Quantum Air to create a micro-climate to regulate body temperature and move moisture whilst active. Lightweight, windproof, warm, breathable, wicking and packable are just some of the benefits of this mountaineering jacket. Features include: YKK Vislon Zip and YKK Reverse Coil pockets. Available for men and women. Weight: 391g [men] and 388g [women]
NORRONA Lofoten Powershield Pro Alpha Jacket: A revolutionary jacket providing breathable weather protection with insulation thanks to Polartec® Powershield Pro® on the outer and a Alpha® lining. This combination makes the jacket work as an individual freeride jacket or as an under/over layer shell jacket in rough conditions. Features include: stretch cuffs; hood with single-handed back adjustments; goggle wipe. Available for men and women.
RAB Alpha Flash Jacket: This is a highly breathable, lightweight, packable active insulation piece using Polartec® Alpha Direct® technology and panelled with Thermic, a brushed back single jersey with Polygiene STAY FRESH odour control treatment, for active mid-layer use. Features include: YKK VISLON front zip; internal zip flap; chin guard; YKK zipped chest pocket; low bulk cuff construction; flat lock, low bulk seams; half hem draw cord.
This week the Spanish Professional Cyclist, Alberto Contador, launched the rh+ Polartec Junior and Under 23 Team during a press conference in Madrid at the Spanish Ministry for Sport and Culture. Supported by the Alberto Contador Foundation, which is now in its fourth year, the teams bear a new brand sponsorship pairing: gear supplier rh+– famed for high quality casual, competition wear, helmets and goggles; and Polartec– cutting-edge, technical fabric manufacturer.
At the press conference, Contador outlined the team’s ambitions, and did nothing to hide the fact that they aim to go professional in 2017. They also intend to expand their presence by racing in the US later this year. The partnership with rh+ and Polartec® has broadened the horizons of the team, which is managed by Contador’s bother, Francisco. (more…)
At ISPO 2016, we had the possibility to interview Gary Smith, CEO Polartec. During the video interview he talks about the evolution of the brand, its technological fabric innovations and the Polartec recycling project. Watch the interview!
As July sees Polartec Recycle its billionth bottle, we speak to the textile manufacturer about how this was made possible, how commercially beneficial it’s been and what it has planned for the future.
First steps
Polartec® has actually been busy recycling since 1993 initially embarking on the processing of plastic bottles. At the time, demand was low and technology was in its infancy resulting in scratchy fabric that felt recycled. Nevertheless the brand saw the relevance of recycled content for cutting edge outdoor wear and continued innovating, initially pushing through a programme of recycling Post Industrial Recycled waste or off-cuts which produced high quality fabrics that were used by many of its customers. Up until the end of 2009 – the brand had upped its recycled offering from one percent of total product to over 30 percent in four years, dramatically reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption. However, to increase its commitment to reducing waste further, Polartec had to take the next step. (more…)
Established in 1906 as Malden Mills, Polartec jumped into life making wool knits to outfit US soldiers through two world Wars. Continually innovating, it was in 1981 that Polartec came up with its universal game changer: synthetic fleece. Named one of the 20th Century’s greatest inventions by Time Magazine, synthetic fleece revolutionised how we dress to go outdoors. From here ensued a number of fabric innovations and with it growth and the ever-pressing need for environmental consideration. In 1993 Polartec embarked on the complicated task of processing plastic bottles for use in fleece. Integrating recycled content into its product line saw the brand celebrating the recycling of its billionth bottle in 2015.
Today Polartec supplies the world with the most advanced fabric innovations. Polartec products range from advanced lightweight wicking fabric to insulation and weather protection textiles and are utilised by leading apparel brands, the US military and other global militaries. Polartec offers technical fabrics for use in any conditions and any activities from sportswear, cycling, snow sports, outdoor, active wear as well as work wear applications and upholstery market. Innovation is in Polartec’s DNA.
INFO-CONTACTS
POLARTEC LCC
46 Stafford St Lawrence, MA
01841 United States
