Whilst many outdoors brands are scrambling for lifestyle/urban outdoors markets, for Spring 2020 Marmot LLC is designing its line from its roots with the launch of its ‘technologically advanced all-mountain performance collection, designed for athletes at the pinnacle of outdoor sports.’
Amongst other top-tier products, this offering will feature five alpine jackets, one 8,000-metre suit, two sleeping bags (one expedition and one lightweight backpacking) and an ultra-lightweight tent weighing under 1 kilo. Light and packable, these performance products ‘provide a competitive edge to alpinists, climbers, mountaineers, skiers and other elite outdoor athletes.’
Chris Harges, the Director of Brand, said, “For 45 years, our Marmot designers and product engineers have been driven to create gear and clothing that helps outdoor athletes move better, go faster and climb higher. And we believe in the importance of continuing that genesis which is why we are so proud of this collection, which advances the three most imperative performance areas: Warmth, Durability and Speed.”
With a combination of 3-layer Gore-Tex, Pertex Quantum fabrics and Marmot’s EVODry waterproof-breathable technology on the outers, these products represent ‘some of the most Mountain Tough gear on scene.’ Using a new generation DWR water repellent coating that aims to last the life of the garment, EVODry is an air permeable waterproofing system that’s made without pollution or harmful chemicals and is PFC-free, which means it won’t contribute to ozone depletion.
As Marmot puts it, ‘making this collection the rare intersection of better performance and sustainability.’
Pursuing its commitment to eco-consciousness, Marmot uses 100% Recycled Nylon Plain Weave, as well as sustainably-sourced RDS-certified down and synthetic fill of 75% recycled content. To elevate the performance in all of its down-insulated outerwear, Marmot created a new type of insulation construction. Marmot’s Warm Cube technology body-maps down cube placements to provide additional warmth through maximising insulative air pockets and insulation where your body needs it most.
In what might appear to be a contrary move but seems complementary to me, Marmot is furthering its commitment to inclusivity with the addition of more sizing options throughout its garments as well as consciously diversifying its marketing visuals to more overtly welcome people from all walks of life, no matter their shape, size or stature. To respect that core belief, it’s expanding its standard size system of XS–L in women’s and S-XXL in men’s by adding Plus-Sized garments to the line, including women’s tops up to 3x and bottoms from 18w-22w.
Harges noted, “In addition to extended sizing and plus sizing, Marmot will be communicating our commitment to all body types by including a wider variety of athletes and adventurers in our photo shoots, sponsored expeditions and other marketing communications. It’s part of a deep commitment at Marmot to recognize that the outdoors is for everyone and to welcome passionate outdoor people of all colors, cultures, sexual preferences and gender identities.”
While Marmot will continue to grow this collection across its Men’s and Women’s Outerwear, Sportswear and Sleeping Bag lines in future seasons, initially there will be a total of 12 products with updated sizing.
Traynor On The Trail 