Outdoor Insight

recycled materials wherever possible and creating long-lasting durable gear that will be reliable season after season after season." RAB: Pushing the Limits RAB continues to fervently chase the holy grail of insulated gear: Greater warmth for fewer grams. "Consumers are demanding warmer, lighter, and more breathable products, which pushes us to get strategic with our use of fabric & technologies to push the limits of what a single jacket can do," said Jim Evans, Global Marketing Director. Front and center in this quest is the Mythic Ultra Jacket ($475), which combines TILT technology with ultralight Pertex Quantum fabric and 900FP down. Designed to provide maximum heat in freezing temperatures, the built-in TILT technology reflects heat back towards the body, while body-mapped box walls and stitch-through baffles offer enhanced warmth around the core and mobility through the arms. "Taking our inspiration from technology used in space exploration, we created an aluminum scrim that works similarly to emergency blankets. Coating the fibers with aluminum before they are woven means the fabric maintains airflow and breathability—while reflecting the heat back towards the body with incredible efficiency," explained Tim Fish, Brand Director. This is all done while upholding RAB's goal of reaching net-zero by 2030. A big part of this mission is insuring that products and materials are in use for longer. For instance, they are currently working on sending consumer donated used down from bedding, sleeping bags, and apparel to be reprocessed and recycled—an effort to prove a concept that could be executed on a larger scale someday. "We continue to explore ever more sustainable ways of meeting this need through an increased use of recycled materials, considering repair and care as well as end of life design," added Debbie Reed Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at RAB. Marmot: Next Gen Temperature Regulation Fall 2022 marks the launch of Marmot's next- generation active insulation, WarmCube Active. A temperature-regulating insulation system, the technology is custom made for high-output activities in cold weather. Temperature regulation is the top-line story with this system, explained Marmot's Senior Merchandising Manager, Randy Schwartz: "As you move, air circulates inside the jacket. When you stop, the insulated cubes and trapped air keep you warm." This technology, ideal for high-effort activities, like running, cross-country skiing and hiking on steep trails, will be offered in both the WarmCube Active Novus ($300) and the WarmCube Active Alt HB ($350). The Novus is built to replace traditional insulated midlayers by providing more consistent temperature regulation and breathability. The Alt HB seeks to be the ideal hybrid midlayer for high-output sports in winter, featuring 700 fill Down Defender in the core. Schwartz says that the brand's penchant for innovation goes hand-in-hand with sustainability efforts. "We are partnering with Econyl to bring recycled nylons made from upcycled fishing nets into our line," he said. "We are committed to bringing in recycled materials anytime we update a product using virgin yarns." Smartwool: Lightweight Performance Coming in 2022 from Smartwool is an all-new line of performance run socks and activewear made with their lightest merino wool yet. In Fall 2022, Smartwool's all-new innovative midlayer Intraknit Merino Tech collection will hit the market. These garments will feature 3D-knit design and gender-specific body mapping tailor made for high-aerobic activities. And Smartwool is eliminating cut- and-sew waste through this Intraknit 3D knitting technology. "By 2030, we want 100% of our products to be made from regenerative, responsibly-sourced, renewable, or recycled materials," said Meisinger. "We are working with wool growers signed up to the ZQRX platform – regenerative farmers who are accelerating sustainable grassroots actions, and producing wool ethically, and working to minimize their impact on the environment by protecting and enhancing soils, ter and indigenous biodiversity." Black Diamond: Upping the Ante In Fall 2022, Black Diamond is looking to up the ante when it comes to products that perform across various activities. The CoEfficient LT Hybrid Hoody ($180) showcases this brand objective—the Primaloft insulated, breathable, woven front panel offers warmth, while the Polartec Power Grid fleece features superior wicking and breathability properties. "Our CoEfficient LT Hybrid program embodies lightweight warmth and features paneled outdoorinsightmag.com RAB Women's Mythic Ultra Jacket, $475. AIMING HIGH FLYlow Baker Perm Bib Ski Pants, $520. Houdini Desoli Light Half-Zip. Marmot WarmCube Active Alt HB, $350.

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