Apparel is by far the largest segment in the outdoor industry. Functional textiles are extremely popular, which leads to workwear and fashion designers photographing their collections outdoors in natural settings, organisers of OutDoor 2015, an international trade fair for the outdoor industry, report.

However, outdoor clothing has one thing that sets it apart – functionality. And the outdoor industry continues to push boundaries in this area, as to be seen at the OutDoor 2015, which takes place from 15-18 July in Friedrichshafen, where leading international manufacturers will present their innovations for the coming season.

Climate comfort

Outdoor gear has to work properly. Users rely on their functional clothing, whether walking in the valleys or climbing in the mountains. This is what makes the reputation of an outdoor brand. At this year’s OutDoor, the focus is on climate comfort. The important thing here is surface treatments for fabrics or laminates.

Hydrophobic Extreme comes from the Czech Republic. Working closely with The Technical University of Liberec (Czech Republic), the company Nanomembrane has a developed a treatment for textiles that is said to be both water repellent and prevent oil and grease from adhering to the surface of the fabric. Hydrophobic Extreme is also processed in a dry state, which is said to save water and energy. The technology is being utilized by the Czech outdoor brands Direct Alpine and Tilak.

The Belgian company Europlasma is also conducting research at a material level. It has been investigating ion treatments and ways to make economically viable. The company has found a way to ionize fabrics directly from the roll, which makes this process faster and more universal, according to the manufacturer.

Hybridity

Hybridity, mixing of different fabrics and materials for lightweight and versatility is a further important issue. Down expert Yeti is presenting a collection of jackets that combine down with wool. The wool is deployed at the back in order to better remove moisture build up, while the front has a high-quality down fill.

Basque company Ternua has a two-layer take on hybridity. It combines windproof extremely lightweight Pertex at the front with a grid fleece lining and a highly breathable, stretch fabric at the back to make a jacket for high-octane activities. Lightweight remains a long-running and important issue.

Montane, the leading brand of lightweight, multisport, endurance mountain gear, has further reduced the weight of its minimalist waterproof and breathable rain shell jacket. Weighing just 140 grams, the Minimus 777 is a full waterproof jacket. Meanwhile, The North Face is presenting its Fran Zip-Off Jacket. The long women’s coat transforms into an airy short jacket, by removing the skirt.

Extreme technical apparel

There are also new advances in extreme technical apparel, organisers report. With its Nordwand Pro HS Suit, Mammut, a Swiss producer of mountaineering and trekking equipment, has designed a Gore-Tex 3-layer overall that is said to fit well and provide excellent freedom of movement.

Or for extreme travellers, Craghoppers, a British outdoor clothing manufacturer, has the NosiLife Adventure Jacket. This jacket features integrated, durable insect repellency and RFID blocking pockets to protect your personal information.

www.outdoor-show.com