Wondering what sorts of attire, footwear, and past are utilizing Polartec expertise and materials in a singular manner? Polartec created an annual award to suss out precisely that.
This week, Polartec introduced its 2022 Apex Award winners. Twelve manufacturers — and their designers — have been awarded primarily based on merchandise utilizing distinctive Polartec materials, and the way they stacked as much as the remaining.
According to Polartec, it chosen winners from tons of of entries of substances within the sport, way of life, and efficiency classes.
Polartec makes textiles that embody the power to wick, cool, insulate, and extra — just like different material applied sciences that permeate outside gear and attire, like GORE-TEX, PrimaLoft, and Dyneema. Polartec materials could be present in business staples just like the Black Diamond Coefficient Fleece Hoodie, Patagonia’s R1 Regulator Fleece Pullover, and Topo Designs Mountain Fleece. Though, its attain goes far past simply fleece.
“The winners of this year’s Polartec Apex Award highlight design solutions that emphasize versatility, sustainability, and convert classic traditions into modern concepts,” Polartec introduced.
In reality, the GearJunkie group is presently testing a number of of those award-winning objects, as they’re new to market this yr. Sure, the awards area is narrowed to simply gear with Polartec materials or textile expertise, however nonetheless — this gear is successful nonetheless.
2022 Apex Awards: Winning Gear
1. Berghaus MTN Guide MW Hoody
The MTN Guide MW Hoody by Berghaus is a midlayer that options numerous weights of Polartec Power Grid and claims to scale back bulk and improve breathability. Also included within the midlayer is an built-in neck gaiter that serves as a hood. Berghaus touts its MTN Guide MW Hoody as having next-to-skin material efficiency on account of its Polartec Power Wool’s distinctive development, which mixes each pure and artificial fibers.
Judges’ verdict: “Berghaus was thoughtful in its use of multiple Polartec fabrics, both in terms of genre and weight.”
Key Specs
- Price: £130 ($160)
- Size: XS-XL
- Weight: 320 g
2. Element x Millet MXE – P EDGE Fleece LTD Po and MXE – P Fleece LTD Pant
Element x Millet designed a fleece combo that utilized deadstock Polartec 200 Series Recycled Fleece, which makes them sustainable by giving new life to previous materials. The fleece pullover and pants declare to be light-weight, heat, quick drying, and designed with classic Millet styling.
Judges’ verdict: “We loved the sustainability story through Element and Millet’s use of discarded fabrics.”
Key Specs
- Price: €250,00 ($263)
- Sizes: S-XL
- Weight: Unavailable
3. Haglöfs L.I.M Z|T Sync 1 Mid Hood & L.I.M Z|T Sync 2 Mid Jacket
Haglöfs’ Sync 1 mid-hood and Sync 2 mid-jacket are designed to be worn individually or layered, however are stated to work higher as a system. Utilizing a mix of Polartec, Alpha, Power Air, and Power Dry applied sciences, the model states, “This versatile new approach to layering elevates the ‘less is more’ wisdom.” Haglöf additionally states this layering system produces 30% much less humidity in comparison with standard techniques on the market.
Judges’ verdict: “Haglöfs delivered an innovative concept made possible through the multiple uses of Polartec fabrics.”
Key Specs
- Price: £150 ($184)
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Colors: True black/Zenith crimson
- Weight: 428 g
4. Houdini Pace Flow Houdi
The Pace Flow Houdi is manufactured from Polartec PowerDry Mesh and claims to be light-weight whereas offering a robust warming system with out producing extreme warmth or vapor.
Judges’ verdict: “Houdini is known for its strong sustainability credentials and has delivered outstanding results with this new, recycled Polartec technology.”
Key Specs
- Price: $190
- 100% recycled supplies
- Available Spring/Summer 2023
5. Indyeva Toga
The Indyeva Toga fleece tunic options Polartec and Thermal Pro, which declare core physique heat, sturdiness, resistance to pilling, breathability, and thermoregulation, all whereas providing a gentle texture. This tunic is designed to be worn as an outer layer or paired beneath an extra layering system.
Judges’ verdict: “Indyeva’s unique application of Polartec fabric also features attention to detail and undeniable style.”
Key Specs
- Price: $135
- Sizes: XS-XL
- Colors: Black, Grey H, Lili
- Weight: 319 g/m²
6. KUIIU Wind Pro Fleece Full Zip
This is a “first-of-its-kind printed Polartec Wind Pro fleece hunting jacket,” in accordance with KUIU. The model additionally claims this jacket has a low sheen, is totally quiet, gentle and cozy, and is very wind resistant — “four-time greater wind resistance than regular synthetic fleece.”
Judges’ verdict: “Kuiu presented us with a challenge that led to innovative results for both brands.”
Key Specs
- Price: $169
- Sizes: S-3XL
- Six colours: Valo, Verde, Vias, Ash, Gunmetal, and Olive
- Weight: 520 g
7. Moncler Grenoble Peyrus Hooded Jacket & Shorts
The Peyrus Hooded Jacket and Shorts are designed for an lively way of life with their ripstop materials, which includes a windproof lining and hydrophobic Polartec Alpha. The retro-inspired mountaineering silhouette duo claims to manage heat, have distinctive breathability, resist moisture, dry shortly, and be extremely compressible.
Judges’ verdict: “Moncler Grenoble’s Peyrus Hooded Jacket and Shorts offer technical excellence for outdoor adventures with their exceptional breathability.”
Key Specs
- Price: €1,150 ($1,210)
- Sizes: 0-7
- Weight: Unavailable
8. Nonnative Dweller Cardigan Poly Fleece
The Dweller Cardigan Poly Fleece is from the Japanese model Nonnative. Nonnative claims it’s a high-performing technical cardigan that’s made to vent extra physique warmth for all-day consolation.
Judges’ verdict: “Nonnative’s cardigan is on-trend and features high-performance fabric — the perfect combination.”
Key Specs
- Price: $365
- Sizes: S-2XL
- Colors: Off-white, brown, black
- Weight: Unavailable
9. Pearl Izumi Pro Alpha Layer
Pearl Izumi developed the Pro Alpha Layer particularly for cyclists. This midlayer options Polartec Alpha Direct materials that claims to maintain cyclists dry, switch moisture, be light-weight and packable, have breathability, have insulative properties, and have thermoregulating properties for continuous consolation.
Judges’ verdict: “We were impressed by Pearl Izumi’s focus on versatility through clever use of fabric for year-round appeal.”
Key Specs
- Price: $160
- Sizes: S-XXL
- Weight: Unavailable
10. Santini Alpha Pack Vest
Santini designed an Alpha Pack Vest with Polartec Alpha and wool. This vest claims superior moisture administration and pure thermoregulating capacity. At the identical time, Santini provides breathability, and it’s quick drying, light-weight, and extremely packable.
Judges’ verdict: “Santini has successfully adopted this new Polartec technology to create an on-trend garment for gravel cyclists around the world.”
Key Specs
- Price: €160 ($169)
- Sizes: XS-4XL
- Colors: Black, inexperienced
- Fit: Classic, slim, smooth
- Weight: Unavailable
11. Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G
Scarpa claims to have utilized Polartec Windbloc for the primary time in a path operating shoe. This new idea guarantees to supply breathability, consolation, and water resistance. The Ribelle Run Kalibra G is designed for numerous situations and terrain with a built-in gaiter for added heat.
Judges’ verdict: “Scarpa’s developed an impressive trail running shoe. A world-first and genius pairing of Polartec technology for high performance.”
Key Specs
- Price: €249 ($262)
- Sizes: 39-46 ½ sizes + 36-38/47-48 no ½ sizes
- Stacks: Drop 4 (Heel 24.5mm – Toe 20.5mm)
- Weight: 370 g (dimension 42)
12. ThruDark Centurion Alpine Jacket
The Centurion Alpine Jacket by ThruDark is a softshell midlayer technical jacket that mixes Polartec and Hardface expertise. This mixture, in accordance with ThruDark, will increase abrasion resistance, water repellency, and physique warmth retention with out sacrificing breathability or vary of motion.
Judges’ verdict: “ThruDark’s tried and tested Centurion Alpine Jacket uses multiple, sustainable Polartec fabrics to create a jacket that will withstand extreme use.”
Key Specs
- Price: £250 ($307)
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Temperature score: 14 F
- Weight: Unavailable
Prizes & People’s Choice Award
According to Polartec, every winner will obtain a coveted “Malden Wizard trophy” in celebration of their successful designs.
The Apex Awards additionally characteristic a “People’s Choice” contender voted on by the general public on-line. If you need to solid a vote, head over to Polartec’s web site. The time-frame to vote is Dec. 3-12. The winner will probably be introduced on Dec. 15.
Curious as to what Polartec gear was modern in years previous? You can even view the 2021 previous winners on-line.
