2021 Polartec APEX AWARDS represent the very best in garment design and fabric innovation. This year, we celebrate versatility and the freedom to play and perform in the same solution. Whatever play or perform mean to you.
So grab a refreshment, get comfortable, and meet this year’s winners. They’re some of the most versatile performers around.
What can’t these characters do?
66°North - Kría Neoshell® Power Fill Parka
From calm to extreme and everything in between, The Perma Culturalist examines every landscape nature has to offer. 66°North enables them to do that in any condition with The Kría NeoShell Power Fill Parka. Inspired by the intense conditions of Iceland, this cold-weather coat uses a first-of-its-kind combination of Polartec® Power Fill™, the first 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) fill insulation, and Polartec® NeoShell®, the most breathable waterproof fabric. Studious and comfortable as ever, the Perma Culturalist thrives in even the harshest conditions.
Buy The Product | Polartec® NeoShell® | Polartec® Power Fill™
ABSNT - theROBE
The All-Day Abider knows how to chill by staying warm and comfortable all day. ABSNT designed theROBE for a circular lifecycle thanks to Polartec® Power Air™. This version of the award-winning fabric technology is 100% recyclable, 25% lighter, and prevents up to 5x microfiber shedding, all while retaining great warmth. With this piece, ABSNT created a unique example of a premium and sustainable robe that’s sure to tie the room together. theROBE is set to release in 2022
The Grandmaster is elite at their game, much like And Wander is with their craft. Like chess, the alpha AIR T is smart, beautiful, and dynamic. This unique piece showcases the design versatility of Polartec® Alpha®, offering a rare combination of lightweight warmth and true breathability with every move. And Wander’s gambit of blending minimalist, fashion-oriented design and outdoor technical performance was a risk worth taking.
Ariat - Rebar Polartec Elite Series
The Avid Arborist loves to take his work home with him. Ariat’s Rebar Polartec Elite Series turns Polartec fabrics into a three-layer canopy designed to keep the outdoor worker warm and dry. Polartec® Power Grid™ as the base layer for maximized warmth and breathability; Polartec® Power Stretch® technical fleece as a mid-layer for stretch and recovery, treated with Polartec® Hardface® for extra durability and water repellency; and Polartec® Power Fill™ as the outermost layer for 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) fill insulation. The series is the first Polartec workwear collection for “athletes of work.” A truly one-of-a-kind thermoregulating system second only to trees themselves.
See The Collection | Polartec® Power Grid™ | Polartec® Power Stretch® | Polartec® Hardface® | Polartec® Power Fill™
Haglöfs - High Loft Wool Jacket
The Peak Alpinist gets to the top so naturally, they make it look easy. They’re wearing the High Loft Wool Jacket from Haglöfs that uses a special evolution of Polartec® High Loft™ made with merino wool natural fibers for elevated warmth and comfort. Polartec® Power Wool™ is also placed on the arms and sides for added stretch and range of motion. With the power of versatile design and natural performance, there’s no summit too high or too cold for the Peak Alpinist and the High Loft Wool Jacket.
Buy The Product | Polartec® High Loft™ | Polartec® Power Wool™
Hikerkind - Midlayer_01
Wondering and wandering, the Hop, Skip, & Hiker does it all with the Midlayer_01. Hikerkind designed their first product with award-winning Polartec® Power Air™, the first fabric platform to reduce microfiber shedding. The NYC-based hiking club and outdoor company empowers women hikers with fashionable, eco-conscious gear that doesn’t compromise design and performance. Power Air fits the boot for its lightweight warmth, comfortable stretch, and trademark “bubbles” knit featured externally for additional design. This pullover hiking fleece makes switchbacks from office to camp all the easier.
Moncler - Grenoble Collection Softshell Jacket & Pants
From the French Alps to Paris Fashion Week, The Runway Trekker is always ready to strike a pose. They’re wearing a serious performance kit from Moncler’s Grenoble Collection featuring Polartec® NeoShell®, the world’s most breathable waterproof fabric. With this set, Moncler combines high-end fashion, outdoor performance, and a tracksuit silhouette to create truly luxurious outdoor wear from top to bottom. It’s functional style in its highest form. The collection will release in January 2022.
The Fly Birder never knows when he’ll spot the elusive prize. They’ll sure to be fit for the chase in Nike ACG. The AOP Wolf Tree Hoodie and Pant combo is feathery light, durable, and extremely warm. Using Polartec® Classic 200 Fleece made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) polyester, ACG uses the power of the original technical fleece to design a unique all-over camo print that makes blending into the urban wild all the easier.
Norrøna - falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood
For those who love the rock, the Rock Fighter salutes you. And like the Rock Fighter, the falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood from Norrøna is for the outdoor enthusiast ready to throw down anywear. Made from a hybrid of Polartec® Alpha® active insulation and Polartec® Power Grid™ technical fleece fabric technologies. The Norweigan outdoor brand designed a durable and lightweight mid-layer that holds heat in cold conditions, but helps keep you from overheating.
The Casting Agent cranks that line rain or shine with the PRO Sun Hoodie. Orvis designed the first-ever sun-hoodie made with Polartec® Power Grid™ as a temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking base layer that performs in most conditions. It’s a unique use of a thinner, shirting-weight version of Power Grid with UPF50+ sun protection, making it the reel deal on hot days and chilly evenings.
P.A.M. - Liveable Recycled Shearling Coat
At home or on the go - the comfy commuter gonna stay comfy. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) Polartec® Thermal Pro® Shearling Fleece, Perks and Mini designed this truly unique unisex coat that combines floral fashion with comfort, warmth, and look of wool shearling. The Australian fashion brand brilliantly uses the fabric’s design versatility to create a sustainable shearling coat as sunny as P.A.M.’s signature style.
Sportful - Total Comfort Jacket
All-season rides make it easy for the Tour d’Guide, made possible with the Total Comfort Jacket from Sportful. This piece beautifully uses two of Polartec’s most innovative fabrics, Polartec® Alpha® Direct active insulation in the interior and Polartec® Neoshell® on the outside for breathable waterproof protection. The jacket provides total comfort, warmth regulation, and weather protection on both easy days and cold, hard pursuits, making it a versatile piece for any condition.
Buy The Product | Polartec® Alpha® Direct | Polartec® NeoShell®