PSA, What’s Available in Polartec Neoshell?

Marmot Zion shell jackets made with Polartec Neoshell.

Someone asked, so here we go: Polartec NeoShell is available in the fall ’11 collections of Westcomb, The North Face, Marmot, Mammut, Rab, 66North and Vaude. All are making jackets, Rab is also making pants, and Mammut is also making some gloves. Westcomb, Rab and 66North are using more hardshell-like versions of Polartec NeoShell (with nylon faces and flat tricot backs). TNF, Marmot and Vaude are using more softshell-like versions (with stretch woven faces and brushed fleece backs), and Mammut is using a super bomber, stretchy Polartec NeoShell fabric that’s kinda in between.

FYI, the Westcomb Switch LT Hoody, made from a flyweight ripstop nylon version of Polartec NeoShell fabric, is the lightest, most minimalist adaptation. For comparison’s sake, the Apoc weighs 16.8 oz and the Switch LT Hoody weighs 15.5 oz.

Westcomb Apoc Jacket
Made from all-new Polartec® NeoShell® fabric, the Apoc is an active alpine jacket optimized for fast-and-light expeditions, including minimalist alpine features like a helmet compatible hood and well-placed pockets and vents with YKK water-resistant zippers. Featuring new Polartec® NeoShell®, the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market, its soft hand, comfort stretch and durability performs for all-around high-energy outdoor activities.

Marmot Zion Jacket
Made from all-new Polartec® NeoShell® fabric, the Marmot Zion is a waterproof and highly breathable soft shell jacket designed for active use in harsh conditions. This version of Polartec® NeoShell® fabric has a soft brushed tricot back, which provides thermal insulation and allows users to take just one garment for cool weather activities by combining the thermal qualities of a softshell jacket with the weather protection of a hardshell. Added features include a stiffened laminated hood brim, water-resistant zippers and screen printing on the shoulders to keep packs and skis from slipping.

The North Face Jammu Jacket
Made from all-new Polartec® NeoShell® fabric, The North Face Jammu is a waterproof and highly breathable soft shell jacket designed for active use in harsh conditions. The particular Polartec® NeoShell® fabric used has a brushed fleece back, which provides thermal insulation and allows users to take just one garment for cool weather activities by combining the thermal qualities of a softshell jacket with the weather protection of a hardshell. Added features include a fully adjustable fixed hood, well-placed pockets, a hideaway hem cinch cord, and non-abrasive molded cuff tabs.

Rab Stretch Neo Jacket
Rab used a lightweight Polartec® NeoShell® stretch waterproof/breathable fabric to make these do-it-all jackets and pants for men and women. Perfect for harsh alpine environments, the jackets incorporate a foldaway hood and well-placed pockets sealed with YKK Aquaguard® zippers. Polartec® NeoShell® is the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market, offering a combination of full protection and dynamic two-way air exchange that helps to keep the user dry and comfortable, no matter what the conditions.

Rab Stretch Neo Pants
Rab used a lightweight Polartec® NeoShell® stretch waterproof/breathable fabric to make these do-it-all jackets and pants for men and women. Perfect for harsh alpine environments, the jackets incorporate a foldaway hood and well-placed pockets sealed with YKK Aquaguard® zippers. Polartec® NeoShell® is the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market, offering a combination of full protection and dynamic two-way air exchange that helps to keep the user dry and comfortable, no matter what the conditions.

Vaude Alpamayo Jacket
Constructed from a stretchy and durable Polartec® NeoShell® fabric with a fleece back for added insulation, the Alpamayo was made using ultrasonic seam welding with exterior taping to reduce bulk while optimizing strength. The combination of Polartec® NeoShell®, the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market, and features like a technical hood, well-placed pockets with water resistant zippers and vents for thermal regulation, this jacket is ready for the harshest conditions.

Mammut Gipfelgrat Jacket
Constructed from a stretchy, durable Polartec® NeoShell® fabric, which provides the most breathability of any waterproof fabric on the market, the Gipfelgrat Jacket was designed for technical alpine use. Suitable for adventures in a wide range of conditions, the Gipfelgrat provides superior protection and comfort, including a reinforced hood shield to withstand strong gusts of wind, ergonomically tailored frontreach sleeves, and front access pit zips for optimized thermal regulation.

(Please note, most of these items may not yet be available at retail, with availability soon. We’ll try to provide shopping links as the stuff comes on the market.)