Outdoor Insight

zones of insulation. It can be used as an outer layer for trail runs during shoulder seasons, as a midlayer for ski dawn patrols under a snow bib, or as a helmet compatible layer for multi pitch climbs and is applicable to many other activities as well," explained Black Diamond Equipment's Director of Apparel, Tony Rivera. For longer ski missions in the backcountry, Black Diamond will be launching their new Recon Pro series, which is part of their Recon Stretch Shell family. The tough, weatherproof Recon Stretch Pro Shell ($475) and Bibs ($525) are built with durability in mind, a nod to the brand's work to enhance sustainability. "What we can do best is build product that can be handed down," added Rivera. "The most sustainable product is one you already own and we build to ensure performance over lifespan of the garment." prAna: Sustainable Performance Style For Fall 2022, prAna will debut a lineup of new products that feature PrimaLoft P.U.R.E. technology. In both the Alpine Air and the Insulo collections, P.U.R.E. Black insulation reduces carbon emissions by 70-percent during the production process—equivalent to 11,000 trees worth of CO2 in a single year. "Our Alpine Air and Insulo jackets use recycled nylon shells and Primaloft P.U.R.E. together to give our customers a superior durability and sustainable warmth experience in a jacket that they can both look good and feel good about," said prAna merchandising director, Brigham Pierce. In addition to the use of P.U.R.E. Black insulation, the shells in the Alpine Air vests ($170), jackets ($220), and hooded jackets ($350), as well as the Insulo Stretch Hooded Jacket ($220), will be made with a bluesign approved matte finish recycled nylon ripstop fabric with PFAS-free DWR. "The Alpine Air collection and Insulo Stretch Hooded Jacket are perfect examples of effortless layering to protect from the varying elements outdoors," added prAna design director, Andrea Cinque-Austin. Norrøna: Premium, Mindful, Innovation The four-season Norwegian outdoor brand Norrøna, known for its sustainably built premium outerwear, will unveil a Fall 2022 collection featuring its most innovative products to date. Expanding upon its popular lyngen and lofoten collections, Norrøna is introducing purpose-built products for big mountain freeride ski touring and mountaineering built to withstand all weather conditions. "Skiers are pushing their limits further than ever before and requiring products with premium fabrics, quality, fit and functionality to meet their needs. In keeping with our design philosophy, loaded minimalism, the upcoming fall collection features both commercial and unique products that are optimized for protection, breathability, durability, versatility for whatever the mountains dish out," said U.S. sales manager, Adam Chamberlain. "With outdoor participation rates at an all-time high, we are excited to expand our product offerings across multiple collections, while simultaneously leading with a truly minimized environmental footprint for every style." Norrøna's lyngen collection is engineered for functionality, breathability, weight and flexibility for ski touring. The all-new lyngen Gore-Tex Active Jacket ($649) is Norrøna's most breathable, lightweight weatherproof jacket developed for ski touring. The front and underarm area are made with Gore-Tex Active Shakedry, a technology that eliminates the face fabric, preventing the absorption of water to maintain comfort during high-intensity activities. The hood, shoulders, upper arms, and bottom hems are built with 30D Gore-Tex Active recycled nylon fabric for ultimate breathability. Appalachian Gear Company: Purpose-Built Appalachian Gear Company co-founder John Gage says that the NC-based brand's entry into the market in 2016 aligned with a growing consumer awareness of corporate values, processes, and designs. As part of a smaller "cottage" industry, the brand has been able to design "purpose-built" products, rather than one-size-fits-all. "We are seeing that experienced and new outdoor adventure enthusiasts are looking for companies that mirror their values. That includes a growing concern for sustainability because of the significant increase in awareness of microplastics, as well as human rights issues associated with some of the emerging global economies," he said. Case in point: In 2022 App Gear Co. will re-introduce a new and improved version of the lightweight All-Paca Shirt ($90), which launched the brand in 2016. Featuring a 180 gsm breathable jersey fabric designed for maximum stretch, recovery, and durability, the shirts feature super- soft Royal Alpaca fibers to make a tee that stands out from the competition. "Our new lightweight jersey fabrics will reflect our increasing knowledge of how to make great products with natural fibers," said Gage. l 24 • Outdoor Insight • Winter 2022 outdoorinsightmag.com Black Diamond Recon Stretch Bib, $525. Norrøna Lyngen Gore-Tex Active Jacket, $649. PrAna Alpine Air Hooded Jacket, $350. Appalachian Gear Co. All-Paca Shirt. AIMING HIGH

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