German outdoor brand Vaude is taking a colourful approach to its increasingly green collection.
Products revealed for next year’s spring and summer season are being made as environmentally friendly as possible, the company said.
The firm added that 69 per cent of its clothing has gained the Green Shape quality label, which guarantees sustainable materials and resource-conserving manufacturing.
Weighing in at just 335g, the men’s Freney hooded jacket is lined with 40g of PrimaLoft Eco lining and, according to Vaude, packs down to almost nothing. “Whether starting early at dawn, having a break at the summit or setting up a tent after sundown – a light, warm insulated jacket is just the ticket,” it said.
“Either worn as an insulating mid-layer or as a comfortable outer layer, it is ideal for cool and changeable weather. The waterproof synthetic fibre of recycled polyester keeps the wearer reliably warm, even when wet.”
The Freney is complemented by Rokua Trekking Pants, which Vaude said are light, but robust and hard-wearing. Made from eco-friendly bluesign-certified materials, the company said: “Thanks to the stretchy double-weave polyamide material, these pants are very comfortable to wear, even on the most demanding passages.”
The Waddington Thermal-Set is a lightweight and compressible insulated package that comes in the form of women’s skirts, men’s shorts and shirts. “Aside from their good looks, they have added environmental value: with 40g Primaloft eco lining, this wonderfully warm wear can be pulled on quickly and easily over your mountaineering gear,” Vaude said.
The slim-fitting shirt can be packed down small and stowed away in its own front pocket. The arm warmers can be worn without the shirt for insulation in transition temperatures.
Similarly, the minimalistic thermal pants, or for women as an overskirt, can be put on quickly when the weather changes and cools down.
The Bulin 30 is an uncompromising alpine backpack with a functional, minimalist design. The rucksack is manufactured at Vaude headquarters in Germany, using high-frequency welding technology for waterproof seams, and the company says it uses a completely carbon-neutral production process.
“For the first time since 1990, Vaude will be producing an Alpine backpack locally, but only for a limited time,” it added.
The Optimator 28 women’s rucksack is a lightweight 28-litre backpack with specific features for climbers and mountaineers, made from bluesign-certified primary material. Featuring gear points, compression straps, a detachable hip belt, hydration system port and helmet holder, the weight can also be reduced by removing the inner framesheet.
The Crestone Jacket is described as a highly breathable 2.5-layer hooded jacket manufactured in accordance with the environmentally friendly bluesign standard. Long ventilation zips under the arms help regulate body temperatures while the waterproof membrane and large hood reliably keep the wearer warm and dry in harsh conditions. The 2.5 layer rain pants complement full weather protection.
The Power Lizard SUL 2-3P is described by Vaude as probably the lightest tent in its category on the market.
Tipping the scales at less than 1.4 kg the two- to three-person, three-season tent sets new standards in terms of weight to room ration, Vaude said. The trapezoid floor space and two poles are at varying heights, providing more space, headroom and comfort. The vestibule also offers enough room for a large trekking backpack and weather protection as well. The tent boasts high wind stability, is easy to set up and has a small pack size. The company said it is a top choice for long trekking tours.
The Nilo approach shoe will be new for the 2013 season. Vaude said the fashionable approach-look Nilo has excellent breathability and features the tried and tested Vibram sole. Although the sole’s material blend and profile are specially designed for accessing rocks and boulders, the shoes are also ideal for everyday wear.
The company also has a new range of children’s shoes. “The children’s shoe collection adopts not only extra toe freedom and stabilizing heel clips, but also removable inner soles,” Vaude said.