Fabric Technology
PRIMALOFT
Primaloft is used as the insulation element of our range of cold protection garments. Chosen for its warmth without weight properties and its ability to compress into small volumes, this synthetic insulator absorbs moisture and has superior wicking ability. We have used Primaloft individually and also as a combination with our System Dual Protection ® .
AIRXSTREAM
AirXtream is a specially developed 3-layer material concept. The outer consists of a pique weave with a durable water resistant treatment. This is laminated onto a waterproof hydrophilic membrane and then laminated again to the inner liner, which has rapid moisture wicking properties. The fabric has a percentage of stretch for added comfort and is used in our soft shell Zenith range.
AIRXSTREAM ADVANCED
A combination of materials brought together in one performance system. The outer woven stretch component is treated with a highly durable water repellent finish and then bonded to a hydrophilic membrane. The final component is made up of the lining, which absorbs moisture and reduces condensation. AirXstream Advanced is used in our Aleutian Range of soft shell clothing.
VENTILE ® THE NATURAL CHOICE
Made from 100% Long grain cotton
When Tenzing & Hillary first conquered Everest, they were wearing a version of Ventile.
Ventile is a unique fabric, which is windproof, breathable and weatherproof. When exposed to wet conditions, the fabric swells to stop the passage of water. As it is a natural fabric, Ventile is relatively rustle free and useful for many sporting needs. Ventile offers the obvious benefits of Cotton and is environmentally friendly. Ventile is extremely durable and unlike synthetic fabrics, Ventile will go on performing for years uncompromisingly. It was the first really effective breathing all-weather fabric and no amount of technology has ever surpassed it. It's not coated, nor laminated, yet it's warm, wind and weatherproof to a remarkable degree. It is spectacularly hardwearing far beyond the range of modern synthetics, with the look and level of comfort found only in natural fabrics.
Ventile was designed for pilots flying Hurricane escorts on the Atlantic and Russian convoys. The Ventile suits proved to be cool and comfortable in the cockpit, and in water, proved warm and impermeable. It kept out the Arctic winds and icy ocean extending survival tenfold. One way or another Ventile has saved lives by keeping the wearer warm, dry and safe.
Over the years, Ventile has been used on a number of successful polar and climbing expeditions. Expedition leaders have specifically requested the fabric due to its superior weatherproof and comfort features, which is essential when travelling for hundreds of miles through extreme weather conditions. Following its recognition as an eminently suitable Arctic fabric, the British Antarctic Survey Team have made sure that all outer garments are constructed from Ventile. Ventile fabric was used during the first ascent of Annapurna and also on the first Transantarctic expedition. One of the most recent high profile successes of Ventile was with Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Dr Mide Stroud's unsupported crossing of the Antarctic. Reaffirming the faith in the fabric and adding to the many success stories in Ventile's colourful history.
BLIZZARD
3-Layer Laminate
Blizzard fabric comes in light and medium weight and uses various outer shells primarily polyamide or polyesters, which are laminated to hydrophilic membranes. We choose hydrophilic over microporous as these tend to block with dirt thus reducing breathability. Hydrophilic is a water loving membrane, which uses a capillary action rather than pores to move moisture vapour. An inner mesh protects the membrane.
SYSTEM DUAL PROTECTION
System Dual Protection ® is a revolutionary material concept as it has the ability to remove condensation from inside the garment keeping the wearer dry from outside and in.
The breathabilty of all waterproof fabrics is impaired when subjected to rain, and Condensation forms leaving the wearer wet and uncomfortable. Condensation forms at temperatures of 10 ° C with no rain and even more rapidly in wet conditions, due to 'cold bridging'. This area has been overlooked by the industry and is a factor, which is extremely important to wearer comfort. 'Cold bridging' is similar to the occurrence of condensation on the outside of a car windscreen on a cold morning. Ventilation is needed to clear the screen.
The 'cold bridging' phenomenon is similar to what happens on the inside of a car windscreen on a cold morning. Condensation forms on the windscreen until forced ventilation and heating is applied. To stop this effect, System Dual Protection acts similarly to the concept of double-glazing, putting an air barrier between the warm inner side and the cold outer side to prevent cold bridging and condensation occurring. This inner also has a high wicking ADS laminate to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.
ADS LAMINATE
The unique fibre structure of ADS laminate rapidly transports moisture away from the body in both liquid and vapour form. It is laminated to hydrophilic film, which improves transportation of inner moisture away from the wearer and dramatically reduces the problem of condensation build up. ADS laminate also forms an integral part of System Dual Protection®.
INNOVATION XL
The specially constructed fibre structure rapidly transports moisture away from the body in both liquid and vapour form. It is laminated to hydrophilic film and forms an integral part of System Dual Protection®. Also used as a liner in Waterproof Fleece wear .
INNOVATION 5
Texturised Nylon laminate coated with hydrophilic PU. Used in Conjunction with System Dual Protection.
INNOVATION 7
Soft microfibre with peached outer & hydrophilic laminate. Often used in conjunction with ADS liner.
RAINLIFE 5000
Rainlife 5000 uses a texturised outer with a waterproof hydrophilic coating.
RAINLIFE 2000
Rainlife 2000 is used throughout our lightweight range of rainwear. The fabric has the same performance levels as Rainlife 5000 but uses a lightweight outer nylon with a hydrophilic coating.
ADS (Active Dispersal System)
ADS uses a hollow yarn to remove inner moisture and perspiration and transports it to the outside atmosphere. The moisture removal system is inherent in the yarn and cannot be washed out. The fabric maintains excellent comfort in wear throughout the life of the product and is easy care.
STRETCHTEC
Specifically developed for our range of trekking pants and shirts, Stetchtec as the name suggests, has spandex yarns incorporated into the fabric to provide superior comfort. The fabric is easy care and needs very little ironing. It's ease of movement and fast drying properties make it ideal for all year round trekking. The tightness of the weave construction also provides some protection against wind.
ZETLAND MICRO
Lightweight performance fleece. 100% Polyester Tightly knitted to improve insulation, non-pil, easycare.
ZETLAND 200
This 200 weight fleece provides excellent warmth to weight ratio. 100% Polyester. non-pil, easycare.
ZETLAND 300 (formerly known as Orkney 2000)
A heavy weight fleece with water repellent finish, providing excellent insulation. 100% Polyester, non-pil, easycare, water repellent finish.
SOFT SHELL
Today's outdoor soft shells are generally manufactured from a stretch nylon or polyester, bonded to a high performance laminate with a lightly brushed polyester or fleece interior. They are highly breathable and also wind and water-resistant with the most technical being waterproof.