Tag: gear review

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Everything You Need To Know About The Salomon Stance Ski

Everything You Need To Know About The Salomon Stance Ski

Salomon skis continues to impress me. From one skier to another I was never the biggest fan of Salomon. Their skis were too soft or too stiff and really didn’t fit into my style of skiing. That was until the redeveloped the QST 92 ski and now the Stance Series. Saying I’m a Salomon Fan-girl may be an overstatement but right now from 2020 into 2021 I’m really digging their skis.

Before I even dive into the technical details of the Stance Skis let me lay out the typical skier who might be skiing this ski. I’m going to focus on the Women’s Stance 88 and the Men’s Stance 90 ( Though I reference the 88 most of all). These were my two favorite out of all the Stance’s I tried at the industry test fest back in January. The Stance is a ski for the everyday recreational skier. It’s the all-mountain, daily driver, hard charger of skis. For those familiar with the XDR series this is the new inception of that. I ski like a Slalom skier. I take short and aggressive turns. I’ll lay my edge over but it’s a precise turn and I don’t like to draw it out. The Stance ski clicked with me because it was precise and edge-able. When I gained speed and wanted to make a turn I felt in control and confident that my edge would hold.

Eventually I will have a full review video for your viewing pleasure but for now you can take a look at this clip from on-snow at Pico back in January. I’m 5’9″ and 150Ilbs- and with Salomon’s Sizing this year I could either try a 168cm or 174cm. I opted for the 174cm ski and tried that across the entire collection. In the 88 in particular it felt almost short. I got the same precise turning response that I would on something in the 165 range. That was comforting to me in a way. I knew on a longer ski I could make my short aggressive turns and be confident in my edge and the skis ability to come around quickly. To give you an idea, I came down the first pitch of the day on these skis, having never skied them before. This pitch was the 49er trail at Pico. A wide trail, yet probably the steepest pitch on the entire mountain. My friend and I stop at the bottom of the first pitch and I exclaim, “Holy S–T! These skis are phenomenal!”. This same little section of trail hadn’t felt nearly as confidence inspiring on any of the other skis I had tried that day. I cannot reinforce how stable on edge the Stance Series is. It’s pretty much putting all other skis to shame in it’s waist category with it’s edge stability and dampening absorption at speed. These skis are so good in fact that I’m planning on selling my narrow waisted ski this fall and buying the Salomon Stance 88 in it’s place.

Technical Goodies

Salomon Stance 88 Specs:

  • Lengths (cm): 154, 161, 168, 174
  • Sidecut Dimensions (mm): 120/88/102 (@161)
  • Radius: 17m (@161)
  • Weight: 1,520g (@161)
  • MSRP: $725

Salomon Stance 90 Specs:

  • Lengths (cm): 168, 176, 182, 188
  • Sidecut Dimensions (mm): 126/90/106 (@176)
  • Radius: 18m (@176)
  • Weight: 1,775g (@176)
  • MSRP: $800

Salomon Stance

The Women’s Salomon Stance 88 is essentially the same as the men’s ski, yet the core is made of karuba/poplar not just poplar (Men’s skis are full poplar). Similarly both skis will have traditional metal titanal. Nothing to fancy, all designed with a full poplar wood core, race-inspired sidecut, full sandwich sidewall, and double Titanal construction for increased edge grip. Both the men’s and women’s Stance skis will feature a new technology to reduce weight and torsional rigidity of the core: laser-milled windows in the upper Titanal layer reinforced with a blend of carbon and basalt. The idea here is one, to replace the now dated XDR collection and to bridge the gap between the QST line and X/Max Collection. For skiers who need an everyday daily drive type ski the Stance is the best choice on the market. Though we focus on the 88 here, the women’s skis come in 88 and 94 underfoot- whereas the men’s is available in 90, 96 and 102 underfoot.

Personally having skiing the 94 and 96 I preferred the 88 and 90. The wider the ski got the less playful it became. I think if I were to choose a wider waist ski from Salomon I’d end up going to a QST. When the ski gets wider I still want it to be playful and forgiving, not overly damp and heavy which is the impression I got from the Stance line. A no brainier to me though is as an east coast skier (or even a west coast skier), if you want a reliable and trustworthy ski that will perform well for an intermediate to advanced level skier, the narrower Stance options are a great addition to a quiver. For carving or even east coast powder days, the stance is a great choice.

 

We’ll have these skis available for demo before this season is over, and purchase for early fall 2020.

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New AT Touring Ski Boots for 2021

K2 Mindbender 130 and 120 Flex boots

We’re back from another Outdoor Retailer Trade-show and have New AT Touring Ski Boots for 2021. This year in the boot world the focus has been on four buckle touring boots withGripWalk and pin compatibility. We also saw more and more companies pushing for 130 flex and 98 to 100mm last in boots with an uphill mode. The biggest notable difference breaking out onto the AT Touring scene is the Lange XT3 130. Though we didn’t get to look at all AT boots for 2021 we did put our hands on a few. Salomon has a new Shift Boots collection and K2 and Rossignol have also improved upon their existing models.

New AT Touring Ski Boots for 2021: Lange XT3 130

Lange XT3 130Lange’s new XT3 130 has improved upon it’s patented V Lock hike to walk system. The updated V Lock system adds an additional 2 degrees of rearward motion and 11 degrees of forward motion. This results in 53 degrees of total range in motion of the cuff- pretty impressive! The redesigned shell sheds weight (though felt heaver than any other boot in it’s category), providing a balance of agility for the climb up without sacrificing performance on the downhill.  The sole’s new construction, which sandwiches Grilamid between two layers of Polyurethane, was developed for durability. The Lange XT3 130 has (you guessed it) 130 flex so it’s stiff- and has GripWalk and pin compatibility. The boot is also available in 97mm and 100mm lasts.

Pro’s

  • True 130 flex. This boot is stiff!
  • Two Lasts Options
  • 53 degrees of total range in motion

Con’s

  • It’s heavy. Though touted as a lighter upgrade than previous models, the XT3 is on the heavier side.
  • Velcro cuff strap

Final Thoughts

If you are one of those people looking for the stiffest of stiff Alpine Touring boots, we’re not going to sway you away for the Lange XT3 130. With two layers of Poly and Grilamid, this boot is super stiff. It’s going to be warmer than a Atomic Hawx XTD 130 for sure, but it’s also going to take longer to warm up and longer to cool down. The strap is a standard Velcro strap which we suspect will wear out quickly. Other boot companies offer cinch straps so if we as a user were to purchase this we’d upgrade the strap to something aftermarket. Lastly, the weight of this boot was a big turnoff. Having skied in the Atomic Hawx XTD 120 this season, the XT3 felt like a brick by comparison.

New AT Touring Ski Boots for 2021: Salomon Shift Pro 130

The Salomon Shift Pro 130 is the newest backcountry compatible alpine touring boot. The Shift Pro draws inspiration from it’s S/Pro collection but with a 4 buckle design and more durability for everyday resort use. The 100mm last boot includes a Sensifit insert, new instep geometry, lightweight construction, a customizable shell, a 40 degree range of motion cuff, and a seamless liner. Salomon’s Coreframe construction provides the power transmission and performance of a traditional alpine boot. GripWalk and Pin Compatible- the Salomon Shift Pro is also available in a full range of flex options.

Salomon Shift Pro 130

Pro’s

  • Performance, The Shift Pro really defines what an all-terrain, alpine touring boot should be. This boot performs well for touring but also will hold it’s own for downhill only days.
  • Seamless liner. No bunching our weird pressure points. Out the box the Salomon Shift Pro will feel good. Some of our employees who have tested this boot have yet to heat mold their liners- it’s just that good.
  • Easy to use flip switch from alpine to walk mode.
  • Wide range of flex options

Con’s

  • Price. This boot will put you back $970 (in-store may be cheaper) whereas other boots in it’s category are less.
  • Velcro strap. Like the Lange boots, velcro wears out fast. We prefer cinch straps for touring and higher flex boots.
  • Only comes in 100mm last. Most people fit in that category, but if you prefer 98mm last you’ll need to look at the S/Pro

Final Thoughts

The Salomon Shift Pro 130 is really filling in any loose ends that the QST and Shift collections had. We’re digging it because there’s a whole range of men’s and women’s options in flexes to choose from. You’re not just limited to a top tear option. The last is 100mm which is the most common footprint of skiers. We do wish they offered a 98mm last in the 130 flex but can settle for  finding that last in the S/Pro line. The Coreframe construction is simple and easy to use, though may be cumbersome in sub-zero temps. The price is also a bit high, which  would make us as a user consider other options. But if you’re deadset on salomon and want to be on a 100% Salomon Package, we’re not about to stop you. And if that price point really doesn’t bother you- we’re more than likely to convince you that this is the boot for you.

New AT Touring Ski Boots for 2021: Rossignol Alltrack Elite 130

Rossignol Alltrack 130The Rossignol Alltrack Elite 130 offer’s a no-compromise with with tech fitting and enhanced downhill performance for an all-in-one ski boot. The Thinsulate liner is 100% compatible and comes pre-articulated, so out of the box the boot should perform well. The heel cup is also well designed and like many other 98mm last boots will really hold your heel in place on ascents. The Alltrack also has Dynafit compatible touring lugs, offering a secure connection to tech bindings.

Pro’s

  • Price. The Alltrack Elite 130 will put you back $699.95- Far cheaper than other 130 flex class boots.
  • Great out of the box liner
  • Easy and Efficent flip switch for walk to ski
  • Dynafit Compatible tech lugs
  • Higher quality Velcro strap

Con’s

  • Only uses Grilamid plastic. Not poly, Still a stiff boot- but in the softer side of 130
  • Only comes in 98mm last

Final Thoughts

Many who traditionally ski in the AllTrack resort model will have a hard time switching to the Alltrack Elite. I say this because the Resort Alltrack 130 is 100mm last not 98mm. So this touring model will feel snugger than typical. Many boot companies make their all-mountain touring boots in 98mm last for a more secure fit, especially while touring uphill- where your foot is likely to move around a bit. The price on this boot is superb for a touring boot though, and clearly other companies are finding it hard to compete. If you had trouble fitting into an Alltrack before, definitely try this one out- the fit is going to be much different and with that great price point you can’t go wrong here.

New AT Touring Ski Boots for 2021: K2 Mindender Boots

Relativly unchanged from last year the Mindender is back and is one of our favorites. We love the big “mitten compatible” buckes, the cinched cuff strap and the spring loaded walk to ski mode. Available in men’s and women’s models, the Mindbender offers up a lot of options for both men and women. The women’s 98 flex, and men’s 100 flex boots will both have 100mm last on them- the rest of the line will be 98mm last.

Price wise, the Mindbender 130 will put you back $699.95. Still cheaper than the Lange or Salomon options. K2 uses TPU in it’s boots calling this their Powerlight core. TPU typically regains it’s flex in the cold versus polyurethane which will get stiffer the colder it gets (to a certain extent). This results in a true to flex feel and is lighter than most plastics used in ski boots.

New AT Touring Ski Boots for 2021Pro’s

  • Price, A decent and competitive price point in the touring market at $699.
  • Mitten friendly, spring loaded walk to ski switch.
  • Big easy to use buckles
  • Cinch cuff strap
  • Light

Con’s

  • Color (can someone just make a straight up black boot already)
  • Only TPU Plastic
  • Buckles stick out and snag on stairs and other objects. You may need to replace them.

Final Thoughts

This boot was the lightest of all the boots I touched. The price is right and the fit is pretty decent out of the box. The buckles are mitten friendly and easy to use but be warned, if you unbuckle your boots in-bounds, these do stick out and we’ve already seen people coming in with bent or broken buckles. The Mindenders also come in a whole range of flexes so you don’t just have to get into a 130 flex. This boot was our favorite at the show, it checked all our boxes for weight, multi-use compatibility and easy to use buckles. The K2 Mindbender is our 2021 pick for favorite Alpine Touring Boots.

Descente Innovations Technologies and Fabrics

Descente Innovations and Technologies

Innovative Technologies

Motion3DFit

 

 

 

Descente Innovations and Technologies

Motion 3D

Motion 3D fabric patterns are designed to mirror the specific movements your body makes as it moves, turns, and stretches allowing for optimal performance. All of Descente’s products contain Motion 3D patterns to create a fit and feel that is second to none.

Descent Motion3DFit Body

 

 

Descente Innovations and Technologies

Infinite Movement

Descente’s Infinite Movement is a combination of Motion 3D pattern, 4-Way Stretch fabric, Toray Dermizax elastic lamination, inner stretch liner and 3M Thinsulate Platinum Stretch insulation to provide full range of motion for improved comfort, mobility and performance.

 

 

 

Descente Innovations and Technologies

Streamline Technology

Controls surface moisture or water flow by channeling water away from pocket areas with strategically placed three dimensional lines.

 

 

 

 

Dual Ventilation Zip

Depending on temperature conditions, the front zipper can be adjusted in two ways. Unzipping to expose a mesh panel allows air inflow maximizing air circulation and reducing body temperature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breath Ventilation

D-Laser cutting with metal mesh backing allows air to move more easily resulting in reduced moisture build up around the neck and chin area.

 

 

 

 

 

Inner Surface System

An advanced ventilation system built into the interior of the garment to maintain optimum temperature and moisture levels. Internal heat and moisture are quickly and efficiently distributed, dispersed and vented to the outside of the garment to ensure a regulated temperature for improved comfort.

 

 

 

Action Camera Pocket

An integrated action camera mount that allows you to attach your device to your chest pocket for quick access and adjustability.

 

 

 

Para-Hood

Developed to prevent excess snow and moisture from entering the hood, the Para-hood can be opened and closed quickly with a one-click-zip function. The hood keeps the original form while not in use, dispersed and vented to the outside to ensure a regulated temperature for improved comfort.

 

 

 

Quick Media Access Pocket

The Quick Media Access Pocket features a smart touch which allows you to check messages, incoming calls or access your music without having to take your phone out of your pocket. This eliminates the need to open your jacket to access your device and reduces the chance of dropping or exposing it to moisture.

Insulation

 

 

 

 

 

Thinsulate Platinum Flex

Provides stretch and recovery technology in all directions. This unique elastomeric insulation performs under extreme conditions of stretching or flexing while retaining its light weight, highly breathable and durable attributes.

 

 

 

 

Thinsulate

The original warmth-without-bulk insulation, 3M Thinsulate Insulation is the brand trusted for warmth. This highly breathable, lightweight durable insulation contains a unique fiber construction up to 10x smaller than the fibers of other synthetic insulations, which helps make them more effective in trapping insulated air.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thinsulate Featherless

An alternate to natural down, Thinsulate Featherless insulation provides extreme warmth, lightness, high breathability, comfort and resilience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heatflex

A blend of 100% polyester and unique microfibers that traps in air and reflect the body’s heat. Heatflex is a light weight, resilient, washable, and quick drying insulation used to maximize warmth and comfort in all conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Down

Down insulation creates high loft clusters that trap air and body heat providing maximum warmth. Its light weight, high breathability and compression attributes, make for a versatile fill with extreme comfort.

 

 

 

 

 

Heat Navi

This proprietary technology developed by Descente converts infrared rays from sunlight into stored heat, even in adverse conditions.

Fabrics

 

 

 

 

 

4-Way Stretch

Toray’s Nylon/Polyurethane 4-Way Stretch fabric creates a superior fit with full range of motion, stretching in every direction to move with your bodies every motion. Finished with Dermizax 20K waterproof and 20K or 30K breathability, this fabric provides ultimate performance and comfort.

  • Dynanomus: A hybrid blend of Kevlar and polyester fiber, Toray’s Dynamonus can deliver maximum protection against tough environmental conditions while maintaining a supple feel. This lightweight abrasion resistant fabric is finished with a DTL 20K waterproof and 10K breathability.
  • Jacquard: This elegant fashion forward fabric with Jacquard shimmer design detail and a satin hand touch is finished with a DTL 10K waterproof and 20K breathability.
  • Snowscape Stretch: Snowscape stretch provides a supple hand touch with a comfortable feel. This Komatsu Polyester stretch is finished with a DTL 20K waterproof and 20K breathability keeping you warm and dry.
  • EnerG Stretch: Stretch yarns, a cotton-like hand feel, and durable attributes compose this balanced fabric for desired comfort, fit and performance. EnerG Stretch is finished with a DTL 20K waterproof and 20k breathability.
  • VitaL Stretch: This durable, soft, versatile fabric is the perfect blend of comfort and stretch for any condition and any ability level. VitaL Stretch is finished with a DTL 20K waterproof and 20K breathability, giving you a premium fit that’s performance driven.
  • Polartec Power Stretch: With premium durability and range of motion, Polartec Power Stretch utilizes elastic fibers in stretch construction to make a performance-fit base fabric that can handle the pressure of demanding physical activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polartec Thermal Pro

Down insulation creates high loft clusters that trap air and body heat providing maximum warmth. Its light weight, high breathability and compression attributes, make for a versatile fill with extreme comfort.

Waterproofing

 

 

 

 

 

Dermizax NX

Developed by Toray, Dermizax is a soft, stretchy, nonporous laminated fabric with superior waterproofing and anti-condensation features. The outer layer stops water from entering, while the inner layer absorbs and expels moisture to the outside where it spreads and dries quickly to keep you dry and comfortable. Dermizax NX, with improved water repellency, won a prestigious award at ISPO 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

ENTRANT Dermizax

Developed by Toray, Entrant Dermizax is a soft, stretchable laminate offering an exceptionally high waterproofness (20K), advanced 20K moisture permeability (30K NX) and low condensation. Its light weight configuration and high elasticity are ideal for active sports and lifestyles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DTL (Descente Technology Lamination)

A multifunctional, microporous waterproof coating that offers excellent moisture permeability while remaining lightweight, soft and comfortable. DTL provides a 20K Waterproof and 20K breathability rating.

SHOP DESCENTE APPAREL


Descente strives to incite those who love the sport, those with an active lifestyle. Beauty, functionality, and technology are converted into a form by design. Their brand narrative is to pursue design down the o finest detail, creating well-honed functional beauty. DNA wear is created with the manufacturing philosophy cultivated by top-level performance and experience providing discoveries that more than exceed expectations. This sparks the pioneer spirit of athletes at any level heading for a new possibilities, experiences and memories.

Descente challenges themselves to discover new and unseen frontiers and milestones waiting for them in the not-too-distant future. The power that sets them in motion is the feeling of excitement as they head towards new and creative goals. Gathering their imagination and technological strength to create value, they are always looking one step ahead. This is the mission and the duty of the DNA Brand. Find New and Sale Items from current years and previous seasons at Basin Sports.

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NILS Barbara 2.0 Pant Gear Review

Women in red ski jacket

NILS Barbara 2.0 Pant is unexpectedly spectacular for long days on the slopes

 

NILS Skiwear is one of the first Fashion focused ski clothing companies to incorporate Gore-Tex into their collections. A smaller brand than many others, NILS has been able to incorporate high fashion accents into technologically comfortable winter skiwear. With the innovative design of the high waist, stretch bottom suit they soon began to dominate the stretch suit market. Over the course of the next several years NILS established a reputation as the best fitting women’s skiwear collection in the business and the product offering was extended to include sweaters, fleece, resort wear and petites. The universal active sportswear layering system and waterproof, breathable outerwear system is consistently regarded as the most complete offering for women in the industry.

The NILS Barbara 2.0 is no exception to the high standards NILS sets. The Barbara is they’re best selling women’s winter ski pant with a regular fit and mid waist rise. Designed to fit like your favorite pair of jeans, the Barbara is 20K/20K waterproofing to breathablity. This is the highest set standard for winter pants. Essentially the fabric is of a highest quality to resist water up to a certain pressure per square inch. For example brands like Arc’teryx are 20K rated.

Seams are critically seam sealed. Critical seam sealing is different than full seam sealing. Critical seam sealing essentially means that the critical seams have been taped for waterproofing. Full seam sealing can make pants more stiff and restrictive hence why NILS went with Critical seam sealing to allow the pants to move more freely. To top it all off, the zipper is a YKK zipper. High quality, durable and easy moving- YKK’s are the zippers of choice amongst winter ski companies.

Performance

We can go on and on all day about the tech of the Barbara, and some of you came here for that. But let’s be honest- if it doesn’t perform on the slopes, what’s the point in owning a pair? 60 grams of synthetic ecoloft insulation adds a good amount of warmth without the additional weight. Typically the heaviest winter pants you find (that still retain decent breathability ratings) is 100 grams. So 60 is slight above average for warmth.

When you first pull on the Barbara you’ll notice how stretchy it is. It moves with you and not against you. I personally like it, because it’s a quiet snowpant. Some pants with Gore-Tex Pro are stiff and in some ways restricting to move in. The Barbara is definitely not like that- and like your favorite pair of jeans, is incredibly comfortable. The best performance feature I found was the warmth factor. On those cold, slow chairlifts, my bum did not get cold. It was nice and toasty which is kind of a big deal. In comparison to other shell pants I’ve worn I was pleasently suprise by the warmth of the Barbara. The other nice thing too was that I wasn’t overheating. I was a happy warm and not sweaty.

Final Thoughts

For a good looking, functional pant that will keep you warm I think the Barbara is a great choice. I would recommend this pant to the skier who maybe won’t spend an entire day on the slopes. Someone who will take a few runs then maybe hang out in the base lodge. The seams are critically seam sealed and not fully taped which means, once they do get wet eventually water will sneak in. The other aspect of this pant is that though it is functional and oh so warm, it’s not necessarily technical. It feels like it’s more designed for the comfort and function aspects of skiing, not necessarily the technical aspects that sometimes come with the sport. So if you’re a weekend warrior, a mom with a VIP chair in the base lodge, or just someone wanting to get into a quality ski pant, I’d say the NILS Barbara 2.0 is your ticket.

Shop NILS Here

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What Is Helly Tech?

Red Helly Hanson Aegir Race Jacket

Helly Tech® is the waterproof and breathable outer layer between you and the elements. Its unique membrane will keep water molecules out, while allowing sweat vapor to pass through – keeping you dry from the outside and comfortable on the inside.

Our Helly Tech System

HELLY TECH® is a tough weatherproof outer layer, specially designed for the harshest conditions.
It is a combination of a DWR-treated outer fabric, a highly breathable and waterproof membrane, and often a highly breathable inner fabric, mesh or lining.

Helly Tech Is Waterproof

The robust outer membrane keeps water out, keeping you dry, even in the most extreme conditions.

Helly Tech Is Windproof 

The outer layer protects you from powerful winds and piercing temperatures.

Helly Tech Is Breathable

The unique material allows sweat vapour out, keeping you dry and comfortable.

What Our Pros Say

 

 

When I’m out there on the mountain, I couldn’t live without the waterproof and breathable Helly Tech® fabric. I need protection from the elements to keep me dry and a breathable fabric so I don’t overheat.

Adria Milan, Professional freeskier

 

 

Shop The Best From Helly Hansen

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Arc’teryx & Gore-Tex

ice climbing

Arc’teryx & Gore- Tex

Since 1995 Arc’teryx & Gore-Tex have formed a unique partnership. This is because GORE-TEX® fabric technologies offer the best performance and durability in waterproof/breathable textiles.

Over the years Arc’teryx has worked with W.L. Gore & Associates to incorporate our field testing results and construction innovations into the development of new products.

 

What Is Gore- Tex Fabric?

GORE-TEX® fabric is a laminate construction that places a microporous membrane against a backer and/or face fabrics. This construction allows us to create products that are durably waterproof and windproof, combined with optimized breathability — maximizing protection and comfort for the wearer.

Each fabric technology has a best intended use. This is why we have GORE-TEX® Pro, GORE-TEX® C-Knit®, GORE-TEX® with Paclite technology and many other GORE-TEX® technologies.

How Does Gore- Tex Work?

GORE-TEX® Membrane: The Heart Of All Gore- Tex Products

The GORE-TEX® membrane is an extremely thin layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). It has over 9 billion pores per square inch.

 

 

Waterproof

Each microscopic pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. This means that no rain can penetrate the membrane, making it waterproof.

 

 

 

 

Breathable

The pores are 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule which means perspiration passes right through. This is what makes the GORE-TEX® membrane breathable.

 

 

 

 

Windproof

The membrane’s structure is similar to that of a hedge. Wind is caught up in the branching and averted from the body. This is what makes the GORE-TEX® membrane windproof.

 

Waterproof/ Breathable Gore- Tex Fabric Technologies: Construction

Wet fabrics rob your body of warmth. Acting as a water shield, your GORE-TEX® shell allows you to stay dry, regardless of conditions.

Removing moisture from your layering systems also helps keep you dry and comfortable. By allowing sweat to escape, your GORE-TEX® shell reduces overheating and perspiration buildup in your clothes.

 

Gore- Tex Laminate

In order to use the GORE-TEX® membrane in the manufacture of a finished product, it has to be bonded between high-performance lining and outer textiles.

 

 

Seam Sealing

In a waterproof/breathable garment, stitch holes create the potential for water molecules to enter. For maximum waterproof protection, each stitch is sealed with GORE-SEAM® tape.

Our apparel is manufactured by specialized teams, in certified factories and using patented equipment from Gore.

 

 

 

DWR

All GORE-TEX® garments have an ultra-thin treatment called DWR – a durable water repellent polymer – applied to the outermost fabric layer so that water beads up and rolls off rather than soaks in.

 

Quality & Testing

Working hand-in-hand with Arc’teryx, Gore assess each product style.

Materials are tested in Gore’s labs and prototypes are rigorously field tested in actual conditions.

 

Material Tests: Starting with the baseline material, we perform a battery of lab tests to ensure the laminate is performing to our standards.

System Tests: We’ve developed a series of lab tests that start to replicate the application for which the product is intended.

Controlled Performance Tests: Not everything can be measured on a dial or a screen. We have people judge how finished products feel, work and wear as they experience different environments and activities.

Field Tests: If they pass our lab tests, the prototypes are then put through the ultimate test of performance and comfort in actual field conditions. Numerous people test the product in its end use before we approve it for commercialization.

The Gore- Tex Promise

It is one thing for a company to guarantee what it makes. It is quite another for it to guarantee what others make. But that is exactly what they do.

We don’t just make a product. We make a promise. If you’re not happy with your GORE-TEX® product, neither are we.

 

Guaranteed To Keep You Dry

If you are not completely satisfied with the waterproofness, windproofness or breathability of your Arc’teryx GORE-TEX® product, please call our Customer Service for assistance. We will take care of you.

 

Gore-Tex Washing Instructions

Routine care ensures the optimum performance of your Arc’teryx GORE-TEX® garment. Proper washing removes dirt and other contaminates, restoring water repellency and breathability.

Find Your Perfect Arc’teryx Jacket

Shop our Collection of Arc’teryx Jackets

Shop Here

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What is Now Skate Tech?

Now Slider

What is Now Skate Tech? An answer to your question.

Inspired by how easily and efficiently a skateboard turns; major components of the Now Skate Tech mimic both the function and description of skateboard trucks. The ‘Hanger’ powerfully transfers energy input from the straps to the bushings and onto the edges of your board. The Kingpin acts as a fulcrum, magnifying this energy through leverage. Traditional bindings diminish energy transfer by the flexing and bending of their baseplate, forcing you to crank your straps down harder, ride with more forward lean, or run taller and stiffer highbacks. This all leads to more foot fatigue and pain. NOW bindings bypass the middle of the snowboard and direct your energy right onto the board’s edges. They simply transfer more power to the board with less work, meaning your feet will stay more relaxed and comfortable, longer.

 

 

Now is focused on creating innovative, relevant technologies for today’s snowboarders. We are a rider-owned company, dedicated to improving snowboarding through our products and our beliefs. Founded in 2010 by former professional and member of the notorious Wildcats crew, JF Pelchat realized that the mechanics and function of the binding hadn’t change since their introduction. Poise by wanting to improve the bindings function, he then proceed to his garage and design a new binding concept that forever change the landscape of binding technology. For NOW, it’s always been about going against the grain by changing the blueprint of binding design, and creating a product that will take riders on a pedal-to-the-metal journey. By breaking down snowboarding’s past conventional binding designs and charging a new path, NOW has created an unconventional product—an unparalleled and revolutionary binding lineup that just keeps on giving. What you can expect from NOW bindings is an effortless and responsive ride, a reduction in foot fatigue, balls-to-the-wall performance, customization, and overall ride comfort.
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Patagonia 2-Layer GORE-TEX Fabric

green patagonia gortex shell

Patagonia 2-Layer GORE-TEX Fabric Concept

 

Garments made with Patagonia 2-Layer GORE-TEX Fabric are durably waterproof, windproof and highly breathable. These garments provide reliable weather protection and maximum comfort for a wide range of activities. We combine GORE-TEX fabrics with a variety of outer fabrics so you can choose what’s most important to you: weight, abrasion resistance, breathability, etc.

The construction of 2-Layer GORE-TEX Products is unique. A GORE-TEX membrane is bonded to an outer material, then combined with a free-flowing lining which results in a soft, lightweight garment that keeps you dry and lets you move freely.

The GORE-TEX membrane has 9 billion pores per square inch, with each pore 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. These tiny holes are too small for water and wind to pass through from the outside, which is how W.L GORE & Associates guarantees you’ll stay dry and warm in a garment made with GORE-TEX fabric. But these same pores are large enough for moisture vapor to pass through, so your body’s perspiration is able to escape and you won’t feel clammy or uncomfortable inside your jacket.

One of the chief environmental benefits of GORE-TEX fabrics is their longevity. GORE-TEX fabrics are incredibly durable, and unlike some “waterproof/breathable” fabrics that can lose waterproofness after repeated laundering, flexing, abrasion, or exposure to body oils or insect repellent, the waterproofness and breathability of GORE-TEX fabric is guaranteed under any conditions you may encounter. The durable performance of GORE-TEX fabrics allow them to last longer, which is the most effective measure for making an environmentally sound choice. Durability enables a long and useful lifetime of the finished product, resulting in substantial savings of raw materials and energy that would be otherwise required to manufacture multiple units of shorter-lived products.

While no manufacturing operation is completely free from emissions and environmental impact, the Fabrics Division of W. L. Gore & Associates makes significant efforts to minimize the effect of their manufacturing processes on the environment. They fulfill a high level of environmental standards in all their manufacturing plants globally with controls in place that meet or improve upon the local regulatory demands (e.g., air pollution control devices, solvent-free adhesives, manufacturing waste recycling, and waste water treatment). The environmental impacts of GORE’s manufacturing processes are regularly assessed and controlled by an Environmental Management System according to ISO 14001. This environmental manufacturing standard was globally implemented in their fabrics manufacturing plants in 2010.

All of GORE’s fabric manufacturing sites have passed the bluesign® screening and have implemented the bluesign® standard, which verifies that the manufacturing processes are carefully managed and equipped with the best available environmental controls. bluesign technologies has developed an independent and rigorous standard for the safety and environmental performance in making textile products.

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Patagonia Fair Trade Certified

Outdoor jacket material being sown

Celebrating Five Years of Patagonia Fair Trade Certified

Five years ago Patagonia started with just a few Patagonia Fair Trade Certified styles—today we are proud to offer more Fair Trade styles than any other apparel brand. This means over 50,000 workers have benefited from our commitment to the Fair Trade Certified™ program. Patagonia is excited to celebrate five years of partnership with Fair Trade USA and the progress they’ve made with offering products in every category.

Fair Trade Fleece Collection

All of the Patagonia Better Sweater® and Men’s and Women’s Synchilla® Snap-T® styles are Fair Trade Certified™ sewn. Every purchase sends more money back to factory workers who earn premiums that can be allocated as cash, used for a collective social investment or both.

Fair Trade Pays

More than 50,000 workers have benefitted from Patagonia’s commitment to the Fair Trade Certified™ program.

You may be familiar with the “Fair Trade Certified” symbol and its assurance that some of the money spent on a bag of coffee or bar of chocolate goes directly to its producers and stays in their community. Patagonia, in partnership with Fair Trade USA, has been making clothes that provide the same benefit since 2014, and today we are proud to offer more Fair Trade products than any other apparel brand.

This is how it works: We pay a premium for every Patagonia item that carries the Fair Trade Certified™ label. That extra money goes directly to the workers at the factory, and they decide how to spend it. This is not a top-down program. In each factory, a democratically elected Fair Trade worker committee decides how the funds will be used. Workers have chosen to use the premiums to fund community projects, like health care programs or a child care center; to purchase products they could otherwise not afford, like a TV or a stove; or to take a cash bonus.

But that’s not all. The program also promotes worker health and safety as well as social and environmental compliance, and encourages dialogue between workers and management. For example, upon learning that Fair Trade committee members were considering spending some of their premium to build a cooking facility, management at Pratibha Syntex, one of our supplier factories in India, recognized it as something they should provide and paid for the new kitchen from company funds.

For Patagonia, Fair Trade is our first step on the path toward paying living wages in our supply chain. We don’t own any of the factories that make our products, so we have limited control over how much workers receive. Through Fair Trade, we can supplement workers’ wages and provide them with tangible benefits that improve their lives.

For our customers, Fair Trade is a way to make a conscious choice for a better world. By choosing to purchase a Fair Trade garment, you are casting a vote for good values, an all too rare opportunity in our global economy.

What makes a factory Fair Trade Certified?

  • Rigorous standards for health and safety
  • Respect for the environment
  • No child or forced labor
  • Maternity and paid leave
  • Community empowerment
  • Additional money back to workers

“The benefits of the program have exceeded our expectations,” says Thuy Nguyen, the Patagonia manager of social and environmental responsibility who works on the Fair Trade program. “In addition to the premiums raising wages, our factories have reported improved worker morale and engagement. Since workers actively participate in the program, they understand and appreciate what Fair Trade can do. Few social programs have such a sweeping impact.”