Top Functionality For Professionals

Low weight, super wearing comfort, durable waterproofing, high breathability and improved style – these are the characteristics of the new GORE-TEX® Pro Shell material that Salewa is now using for its top of the range alpineXtrem collection. The 3 layer jackets will use the new Micro Grid Backer technology, setting new standards in functionality.

When the international Salewa alpineXtrem team members attempt to defy gravity on rock and ice, they push not only their bodies to the limit but also their equipment. The demands on clothing are the highest of all, with no compromise when it comes to weight, functionality and comfort.

With the new jackets ICE and KYLE, the alpinXtrem product managers have taken one step closer in their pursuit of perfection. The right material is used in the right place – a logical consequence of applying the bodymapping method. Breathability, waterproofing, abrasion-resistance und unlimited freedom of movement are ideally balanced. The three dimensional body zone diagram, that is used in the jacket design, use physiological information from science and empirical evidence from the alpinXtrem team.

The choice of material is one of the most important decisions in manufacturing high end apparel. This is why Salewa is using 3 layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell material with Micro Grid Backer Technology. A special GORE-TEX® membrane is inserted between the outer layer and the lining. The backer consists of an innovative web structure which is extremely robust and light. With this unique combination of materials, the 3 layer laminate ensures better abrasion-resistance, improved breathability as well as less weight for all mountain sports. The new backer material and use of extremely thin seam sealing tape means these jackets are now more than 60 grams lighter than previous garments.

The newly developed GORE™ Micro Grid Backer Technology greatly improves comfort because the jackets are lighter and more supple, fitting smoothly over base layers. Due to the fact that the backer material makes the seam sealing tape virtually invisible, Pro Shell jackets are very pleasing to the eye. They are extremely breathable and durably waterproof. In order to ensure that the jackets live p to their promise, the material was put to the test in a procedure specially engineered to scrutinise durable waterproofing. The result: the new GORE-TEX®  Pro Shell garments are not only extremely breathable but also completely waterproof even after more than 500 hours of flexing and abrasion when wet.

Source and photo: Salewa