Fabric Technology
Technical Innovation
Our selection is guided by advances in materials technology
MERINO WOOL
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is considered one of the finest natural materials in the world, thanks to its exceptional properties. It stands out for its softness, natural lustre and excellent breathability.
The fibres of Merino wool are softer, finer and more sensitive than many other fabrics. Common wool types are warm, durable, water repellent and naturally insulating, when adding the additional exceptional qualities of the Merino sheep you have the recipe for a world leading wool. This high quality has made it not only made Merino wool highly praised but also highly sought after.
In the apparel and knitting industries, the term Merino is synonymous with the finest quality soft wool. Extrafine Merino is a premium-grade wool used to create the highest-quality knitwear.
PROPERTIES AND QUALITIES
Merino wool is an excellent natural insulator that effectively regulates body temperature. It provides warmth without overheating, wicks moisture away from the skin and helps keep the wearer cool and comfortable in warmer conditions.
The fabric is also slightly moisture repellent allowing the user to avoid the feeling of wetness. Merino wool naturally resists flames and has hypoallergenic properties making it an ideal choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
Due to its natural elasticity, Merino wool can be stretched without it losing its shape. Merino wool fibers absorb harmful radiation and protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Schoeller ®
Complex, natural, functional fiber is naturally and not itchy, antibacterial and odor-resistant, ideally regulates temperature, warm even when wet, antiallergic and UV-resistant.
Thanks to EXP 4.0 technology, the fibres are processed without the use of chlorine, allowing for easy and safe machine washing while protecting both the fabric and the environment.
Schoeller Textil AG is an Austrian-founded textile manufacturer based in Switzerland, specialising in the sustainable development and production of innovative fabrics and textile technologies. Founded in 1868, the company is now a global leader in specialised technical textile markets, with a strong focus on sustainability and quality.
All yarns are produced with a strong focus on durability, functional performance and environmental responsibility. Their production meets the strict requirements of the bluesign® certification, ensuring high standards of environmental protection, safety and sustainable manufacturing. The premium-quality yarns used in our knitwear guarantee a superior finished product, delivering outstanding performance and long-lasting durability.
GORE-TEX ®
GORE-TEX® products are durably waterproof and windproof combined with optimized breathability.
At the heart of the GORE-TEX® fabric is an extremely thin membrane that’s durably waterproof, windproof, and breathable. It has over 9 billion pores per square inch. The microscopic pores on the membrane are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, which means water droplets can’t pass through.
The pores are 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule which means perspiration passes right through. This is what makes the membrane breathable.
The volume of air that passes through one square meter of fabric in one second (l/m²sec) is 5.0 or less, creating a truly windproof membrane.
GORE-TEX ®
GORE-TEX shoes engineered with SURROUND® product technology offer 360 degree climate comfort for your feet. They are highly breathable all-around without compromising on durable waterproof protection. Your feet stay dry and comfortable even at warmer conditions.
Construction with Open Sole
Shoes made with this construction can be easily recognized by their large vertical sole openings that allow excess heat and moisture to escape.
At the same time a special GORE-TEX laminate that surrounds your feet prevents water penetration from outside. A protection layer, made from an extremely resistant fleece, protects your feet and the GORE-TEX laminate from stones or sharp objects.
Construction with Side Sole Openings
With this construction, the openings are positioned at the side of the sole. Moisture and warmth are not only conducted via the upper of the shoe, but also downwards through the GORE-TEX laminate into a ventilation grid.
From there they can escape through large side sole openings. Your feet stay cool, dry and comfortable even at higher temperatures.
GORE ®
WINDSTOPPER ®
The totally windproof, yet extremely breathable GORE® WINDSTOPPER™ membrane blocks the wind and allows vapor to escape. Comfortable in various conditions and activities.
This combination of protection and breathability minimizes the wind’s chilling effect while reducing the risk of overheating when you are active. A durable outer fabric treatment provides you additional protection of water repellency.
The GORE® WINDSTOPPER™ membrane is an ultra thin protective layer which is laminated to a lightweight textile layer, making it totally windproof. It is made of the versatile polymer PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene) which is expanded to create a microporous structure.
These microspores are 900 times larger than water vapor molecules, allowing perspiration to pass through unhindered. This means that the GORE® WINDSTOPPER™ membrane adds total windproofness to any textile without perceivably restricting its initial breathability or weight.
Tecnopile ®
The highest quality from selected polyester fibers.
TECNOPILE® fleece is the product of the highest quality from Italian manufacture Pontetorto.
The fleece is made from selected polyester fibers. Its properties are: antipilling, high thermal insulation, optimal breathability, elasticity and lightness, non-irritation and super softness, easy maintenance.
Products made from Tecnopile have a wide range of uses in sports, outdoors and fashion.
Tecnostretch ®
TECNOSTRETCH® is a soft and very light elastic material suitable for active sport.
The fiber bonding forms a durable outer side, while the internal polyester side has excellent thermal insulation properties and excellent sweat absorption capability.
The combination of polyester and elastane is an original solution for many kind of use.
Tecnowool ®
Tecnowool is the product of the Italian company Pontetorto, combining the best features of the exceptional natural Merino wool material with functional properties of synthetic materials.
Thanks to this combination of materials, it ideally wick the moisture away from the skin, is very durable, abrasion resistant, ideally breathable and UV-resistant.
Athletes who use this material will stay dry and ideally thermo regulated even if the material gets wet. Tecnowool is an environmentally friendly product.
Made from Merino wool and chlorine free.
Thermolite ®
Thermolite® belongs to the category of insulating and moisture transport materials.
The excellence comes from the merging of these two functions. Through aerated hollow fibers it provides one of the highest levels of thermal insulation.
Thanks to its specially designed fiber structure, THERMOLITE® efficiently and quickly wicks sweat away from the skin, helping to prevent the body from cooling down.
Polycolon ®
Polycolon® is a hydrophobic fiber that does not absorb moisture but wicks it away from the skin.
It has very good thermal properties and is 40% lighter than cotton. Polycolon® repels dirt.
It is especially suitable for active athletes, but thanks to its non-irritating properties and high wearing comfort, it is also ideal for both adults and children for everyday use.
Climayarn ®
Climayarn is a mixed yarn of 60% Merino wool and 40% polypropylene.
With this composition, the main advantages of Climayarn are efficient thermal insulation, the ability to wick sweat and store it until evaporation, light weight, fast drying and machine washability. It is particularly advantageous to use this yarn for winter sports sweaters and socks.
Powerful warm and sweat wicking properties are a must and today standard in sport apparel.
However, the main advantage of Climayarn over other solutions is the ability of the wool to retain sweat in its fibers until it evaporates, while still providing warmth. This feature is especially important for sweaters worn under winter jackets or socks worn inside closed winter boots.
Teflon ®
TEFLON® Fabric Protector provides the fibers with effective water, oil and dirt repellency.
The repellent is attached directly to the fiber therefore does not limit the fabric permeability.
bluesign ® Certification
This bluesign® certification guarantees the highest possible exclusion of damaging substances as well as ensuring the highest quality and functionality.
bluesign® is a sign that the worldwide strict EHS criteria (consumer protection, water emissions, air emissions, industrial health and safety, resource efficiency) are being met.
The bluesign® approved fabric label designates textiles that were produced in compliance with especially high environmental standards. It guarantees maximum freedom from harmful substances, highest quality and functionality.
The label is a sign that follows the most stringent EHS-criteria (consumer safety, water emission, air emission, occupational health and safety, resource productivity) worldwide.
EXP ® Technology
EXP stands for “EX-Pollution”, or the avoidance of pollutants during the anti-felting treatment process. EXP is a revolutionary new process from the Schoeller Spinning Group that enables the wool to remain machine-washable without the use of chlorine.
Schoeller has set a benchmark with this innovation and once again proven its commitment to ecological sustainability. Schoeller’s newly developed EXP® wool treatment process meets the highest standards.
The chlorine-free process uses less resources than conventional processes and is carried out reliably at the company’s European manufacturing site, meaning it is a truly all-round sustainable innovation.
EXP® is the first wool finishing process in the world to meet the strict criteria of the “bluesign®” and “Global Organic Textile (G.O.T.S)” standards, and it also conforms with the “Öko-Tex standard”.
BOA ® Fit System
The BOA® Fit System is quickly adjustable and you are guaranteed a carefree hike or walk without laces untangling.
Features
The pressure applied with BOA® is even and gives high comfort. In high activity, we know that feet have a tendency to expand, so you can release pressure instantly or adjust the laces to an individual fit.
Of course, the laces do not untie.
Enjoy these benefits:
- Glove-like fit
- Micro-adjustability
- On-the-fly tuning
- Light weight
- Durable
The BOA® Fit System is a modern fit solution that combines comfort, precision and practicality, making it ideal for hiking, outdoor activities and everyday use.
UGC ® Sole Technology
UGC® is Viking’s unique sole technology. Designed and developed to provide perfect adhesion to rough ground and wet and slippery surfaces.
Features
UGC® provides these unique features:
- Viking’s rubber mixture with a softness of 60 Shore for maximum grip and durability.
- Asymmetrical lug pattern that also provides good drainage.
- Lugs placed in different directions provide grip, traction and braking power at all conceivable angles and in all types of terrain.
- A recessed torsion bar for extra grip when this part of the sole impacts against rocks, roots and slippery surfaces.
The UGC® is designed to provide stability and confidence in demanding outdoor conditions, combining durability, flexibility and superior grip with every step.
PrimaLoft ®
The synthetic insulation material PrimaLoft® Gold provides excellent insulation in relation to its weight and thickness.
The patented microfiber structure captures body warmth, creating synthetic insulation which is highly heat-efficient. This fabric is also water repellent and keeps you nicely warm, even when it gets wet – it retains 96% of its warmth when wet.
In addition to its warming properties and soft feel, PrimaLoft® Gold insulation has great wicking properties and is compressible.
The insulation is bluesign® approved.
Polartec ® Thermal Pro ®
Polartec® Thermal Pro® was developed to bring a wider variety of styles and performance functionality to synthetic fleece technologies.
Polartec® Thermal Pro® materials offer great styling options for diverse activities, distinctive looks and everyday use.
Main properties:
Polartec® Thermal Pro® offers:
- surface textures
- Warmth without weight
- Highly breathable
- Fast drying
- Durable
- Easy care – washing washable
- Available in multiple styles for versative use
Polartec® Thermal Pro® is a versatile fleece solution that combines thermal performance, comfort, durability and modern design.
SoftShell
Soft and stretching Soft Shell ensures total windproofness and excellent breathability. You need fewer clothing layers, as the Soft Shell ensures a warm and comfortable feeling and stretches as you move.
Material consisting of 3 layers: The outer layer is neoprene-based with the addition of elastane; the interior is made of micro-fleece with a technical layer in between.
This Soft Shell fabric is characterized by its thermal insulation, waterproofness, breathability and windproofness.
BIONIC FINISH ® ECO
BIONIC-FINISH® ECO opens up new perspectives in the clothing industry, offering an ecological solution for water-repellent treatment without the use of fluorocarbon compounds. Rudolf Group has succeeded in developing an advanced water-repellent technology that does not release harmful fluorinated compounds, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fluorocarbon-based water-repellent treatments.
EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF NATURAL FUNCTIONS
Why do the feathers of birds not become wet? Why does this type of water repellency in nature work without perfluorinated compounds?
The RUDOLF GROUP has answered these questions by means of the scientific branch Bionic. Bionic does not mean to just imitate nature, but to realise its functional principles and to transfer them to technical solutions. Thus, novel, sustainable and ecologically advantageous technologies for imparting hydrophobic properties have been developed.
Hydrophobic finishing with BIONIC-FINISH® ECO is based on a fluorine-free recipe. Hyperbranched, hydrophobic polymers with ramified structures like in tree tops orientate in an orderly manner on the textile and crystallise on specifically adusted comb polymers.
The optimum arrangement of many of these functional elements is highly effective.
Additional boosters (crosslinking agents) ensure the optimum attachment and durability on many fibre substrates.
YKK
The YKK Group is a Japanese group of manufacturing companies. As the world’s largest zipper manufacturer, YKK Group is most known for making zippers.
The YKK Fastening Products Group is trusted world-wide for their impeccable production standards and thorough quality control processes for zippers, hook & loop fasteners, plastic hardware and snap & button products.
YKK manufactures and markets a wide range of zippers, with a primary focus on three types:
- Metal
- Coil
- VISLON®
The metal zipper has the longest history and is suited for various applications such as jackets, luggage, jeans and others. A coil zipper is made of spiral plastic elements, including polyester and nylon. This is the softest zipper among the three types of zippers. The VISLON® zipper is made of injection molded plastic elements. Rich element color variations are created by formulating the color pigment during the injection process.
UPF
The highest UPF rating a garment can be assigned. A piece in this range is determined as providing “excellent” protection from UV radiation.
The highest UPF rating a garment can be assigned. A piece in this range is determined as providing “excellent” protection from UV radiation.
The UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is a numerical rating given to clothing to indicate how effectively the fabric blocks ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
A UPF rating of 25 means that only 1/25th (or 4%) of the UV radiation can penetrate the fabric.
Unlike SPF, which only expresses a sunscreens protective value in terms of limited wavelengths of light, UPF applies to a range of broad spectrum UVA and UVB radiation.
Anti-Glare
A dark underbrim helps reduce glare from sun
C_Change
C_CHANGE membrane from Shoeller offers temperature controlled comfort as well as being windproof & waterproof
Hydrofil
Hydrofil sweat & to wick moisture away
Cotton Duck
Ανθεκτικό στην ανάπτυξη μούχλας βαμβακερό ύφασμα Cotton Duck.
Secret Pocket
Hidden in the crown & great for stowing away valuables
Organic Cotton
Mildew resistant Cotton Duck
Lightweight
All day comfort in all weather
Rated UPF 50+
Fabric has been tested & certified for maximum UV protection
Ventilation
Mesh incorporated into the crown allow for cooling & comfort
Wind Resistant
Wind stability through an extra stiff front brim & plastic wiring around the whole brim
Water Repellent
Fabric is treated to protect from rain and/or snow
Buoyant
Foam in crown and/or brim keeps hat afloat
