Through their joint efforts, Pertex Shield+ innovatively combines waterproofing and warmth in softshell garments.
Seattle, Wash. (January 7, 2014) – Outdoor Research (OR) designers, aiming to meet the needs of modern freeskiers, are the first to release a men’s and women’s ski collection featuring Pertex Shield+ softshell technology. The collection will launch in Fall 2014. This unique fabric was co-developed by OR and Pertex. OR states that this ski collection, which incorporates the innovative fabric, will be showcased at the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show in Salt Lake City in January.
The Pertex Shield+ softshell fabric will be primarily used in OR’s new men’s and women’s freestyle ski jackets and pants, integrating three functional elements into a high-performance garment. Originally developed for body armor, the exterior features a soft, quiet nylon/spandex stretch softshell. The inner layer utilizes grid-fleece for superior warmth and moisture wicking. Sandwiched between these two layers is Pertex’s highest-performance waterproof and breathable membrane, Pertex Shield+, offering excellent protection in harsh weather while maintaining breathability and water resistance. Additionally, all garments in this series are taped for guaranteed waterproofing, resulting in significantly improved overall performance.
“Freeskiers are looking for products that offer greater versatility and superior performance. Their relentless pursuit of adventure drives them to seek apparel that works for both ascending and descending in alpine terrain,” said Jordan Wand, Vice President of Outdoor Research.
“Our goal in developing this innovative Pertex fabric was to address the diverse needs of skiers,” Wand said. “This material combination balances protection across varying weather conditions, warmth, high movement, breathability, and moisture management, ultimately resulting in better clothing—not just something new or different-looking.”
In addition to debuting this cutting-edge fabric technology, the Trickshot jacket and pants also integrate downhill-focused and uphill-oriented performance and style. For climbing, the jacket features a two-way zipper with CrossFlo™ and thigh vents for quick adjustments and effective ventilation. Outdoor Research, in collaboration with athletes, has effectively incorporated key features valued by skiers, including removable snow skirts, LockDown™ attachment technology, built-in elastic gaiters, anti-loss lens cloths in pockets, RECCO® reflectors, and cuffs with integrated ThumbDrive™ loops and undercuff gloves. The Trickshot pants retain an avalanche transceiver pocket, built-in elastic mesh gaiters, and an adjustable waistband, pairing perfectly with the LockDown-equipped jacket.
Outdoor Research has also replaced the traditional fleece-lined interior with a uniquely softer, more breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric in the Trailbreaker jacket and pants. Compared to the freeride-focused Trickshot, the men’s and women’s Trailbreaker designs incorporate ski-touring characteristics. Therefore, Outdoor Research and Pertex developed an enhanced version of Pertex Shield+ suited for demanding ski tours. The areas of the Trailbreaker most prone to moisture—the shoulders and hood of the jacket, as well as the knees to lower legs of the pants—are reinforced with a waterproof, triple-layer Pertex Shield+. For the torso, the Trailbreaker jacket and pants use a highly breathable, double-weave, stretch-knit softshell without a membrane, balancing warmth and breathability.
Outdoor Research indicates that these new ski products, along with many other new items, will be available in Fall 2014.
About Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research designs for adventure. Founded in Seattle in 1981 with the launch of its first product, the X-Gaiter insulated gaiter, Outdoor Research has been committed to designing and manufacturing better outdoor apparel, gloves, hats, and a wide range of other outdoor accessories. We provide innovation and inspiration for adventurous explorers who never stop pushing their limits, creating products that are innovative, functional, reliable, simple, and efficient. We invite all those who share our passion for the outdoors to join our community. We welcome our customers, athlete ambassadors, and international guiding federation members to be part of our expedition team, where we listen to, respect, and encourage one another. We are independently minded, prioritizing our customers’ needs over shareholders, striving to deliver the best solutions. Because we love the outdoors, we support respected nonprofit outdoor organizations dedicated to environmental protection and education. Our core focus includes mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, hiking, backpacking, boating, trail running, backcountry, and sidecountry skiing. We continue to grow, learn, and improve, and we enjoy every bit of the journey.