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Fabrics & Technologies

Rain, wind or a lot of sun? Some of mother nature’s challenges can only be faced with the the right material. In this category you will find everything you need to know about various materials and technology.

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by Alpinetrek-Expert

Marianne

VEGAN ON THE GO – ANIMAL-FREE PRODUCTS FOR OUTDOOR PEOPLE

It’s an unavoidable topic nowadays: the issue of sustainability dominates the outdoor market like no other. Manufacturers have put the concept of “social and ecological responsibility” on their agenda, obtaining certifications such as bluesign or developing their own. This is, of course, very welcome! With this background, product lines for vegetarians and vegans are now […]

Fabrics & Technologies

by Alpinetrek-Expert

Stephan

Modal fabric: What is it?

In a nutshell, modal fabric is a mix of both synthetic and natural fibres. But, let’s first take a look at how modal came about: It was created in the 60s during a search for new textile materials whose raw materials can be grown in central Europe. For a long time, the textiles that emerged […]

Fabrics & Technologies

by Alpinetrek-Expert

Lisa

Flyweights for the back – the world of ultra-light backpacks

Can you still remember your first trekking tour or multi-day hike? For me it was like this: I borrowed the backpack, and it was actually much too big for the tour I wanted to do. But since you famously can’t set off with your backpack only half full, I ended up managing to pack in […]

Fabrics & Technologies

by Alpinetrek-Expert

Guest author

What does breathable mean?

In the outdoor sector, it often feels like you hear this word all the time, and it always seems like the egg of Columbus when it comes to the functionality of outdoor apparel. But what is actually behind the term breathability? Does the clothing actually breathe? And what does it breathe? The outside air, or […]

Fabrics & Technologies

by Alpinetrek-Expert

Guest author

Nubuck leather – the pros and cons of a natural product

Doesn’t the term nubuck leather automatically make you think of those classy leather shoes for upscale occasions? Well, interestingly enough, this natural material is used for much more than just fancy footwear. You can find nubuck leather upholstery, car interiors, in the form of reinforcements for clothing and oftentimes as the main material for gloves […]

Fabrics & Technologies

by Alpinetrek-Expert

Guest author

Merino wool – the functional fibre in detail

At the end of the 1980s, many outdoor fans considered functional clothing made of synthetic fibres to be the ultimate products – after “normal” wool and cotton had become obsolete due to their “unsuitability”. At that time only a few pioneering companies in the outdoor sector such as Icebreaker, Smartwool, Woolpower and Ortovox were using […]

Fabrics & Technologies

by Alpinetrek-Expert

Lisa

Thinsulate – the life of a product family

If you enjoy being out in nature in colder temperatures and want to stay warm, then you need a good fleece. Wearing warm gloves and a comfortable beanie can also make a big difference in your comfort level. So, we would like to introduce you to a material that’s been around for decades and is […]

Fabrics & Technologies

by Alpinetrek-Expert

Stephan

Polygiene: How does the stink-blocker work, and is it sustainable?

(Warning: the following introduction may contain traces of irony) They say that, in the mountains, some practice the so-called “primitive” custom of not immediately showering or changing their clothes after they’ve been sweating. Disgusting, right? I mean, how gross, and – most importantly – how inconsiderate towards other people! The reason for this sorry state […]

Fabrics & Technologies

by Alpinetrek-Expert

Guest author

Gore Thermium® – Warm and windproof

Warm functional clothing for winter athletes is usually filled with down or synthetic insulation. However, for functional winter clothing to be able to provide optimum warmth, the material has to act as a shield against wind and snow. Otherwise, the insulation wouldn’t stay dry, resulting in your body temperature dropping. GORE’s answer to this challenge […]

Fabrics & Technologies

by Alpinetrek-Expert

Simon

HyVent becomes DryVent – What it is and how it works

Regardless of whether you’re hillwalking in the Scottish Highlands or cycling through town in the rain, you’re bound to see The North Face logo somewhere along the way. There are so many people who swear by the Californian clothing brand. But, what is it about these clothes that makes them so popular other than their […]

Fabrics & Technologies

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