Which Polartec® materials do Norrøna use?

Polartec® Thermal Pro®

Thermal Pro® creates air pockets that trap air and retain body heat, providing outstanding warmth without much weight. These fabrics offer excellent breathability and dry quickly.

Polartec® Power Stretch®

A breathable, body-hugging, 4-way stretch, one-side fleece designed to keep you drier when you sweat and provide warmth without added weight. The face is smooth to provide better freedom

Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro™

Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro™ is engineered to push the performance of the base stretch fabrics even further. By reinforcing the elastic fibers on the exterior surface Polartec® enhanced the overall 4-way stretch for more support and stability during movement.

This unique construction allows for increased resistance and durability against the elements without sacrificing breathability or comfort. Polartec® Power Stretch Pro™ is constructed with a Polyamide outside for long-lasting durability.

Polartec® Alpha®

Polartec® Alpha® starts with a highly efficient insulation fabric, which is based on the Polartec® Thermal Pro® High Loft technology platform. This technology is uniquely suited to create warmth without weight, and exceptional breathability, compressibility and dry times via high loft fibers in a low density knit.

A Polartec Alpha garment can be worn in both the "stop" and "go" phases of outdoor activities. Current market synthetic insulations are not breathable enough to handle the "go" phases of most backcountry pursuits. They are typically additional garments that must be carried for use during the static period. Polartec Alpha excels at providing comfort for users on the move.

Polartec® Power Grid™

This patented grid design structure is a new way to reduce fabric weight while increasing warmth and compressibility. Open-air channels surrounding each individual segment of the grid allow easy release of all excess body heat as it builds during activity.

The grid construction enhances both wicking efficiency and breathability by generating channels of targeted touchpoints that absorb and diffuse moisture vapor for faster evaporation.

How to wash Polartec®?

Proper care of your Polartec® garments will extend their life and maintain their performance. Follow these simple steps to keep your Polartec® products in optimal condition:

1. Check the care label - Always refer to the specific care instructions on your garment's label first, as they may vary slightly depending on the specific Polartec® material and garment construction.
2. Zip up and secure - Close all zippers and fasten all hooks and loops before washing to prevent snagging and damage to the fabric.
3. Turn inside out - Washing your Polartec® garment inside out helps protect the outer surface and reduces pilling.
4. Use mild detergent - Choose a gentle, technical wash detergent specifically designed for performance fabrics. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and harsh detergents as they can damage the technical properties of the fabric.
5. Machine wash cold - Use a cold water setting (30°C/86°F or cooler) on a gentle cycle to preserve the fabric's performance features.
6. Rinse thoroughly - Ensure all detergent is completely rinsed out of the fabric.
7. Air dry preferred - Hang or lay flat to air dry whenever possible. This is the gentlest method and helps preserve the fabric's technical properties.
8. Low heat tumble dry if necessary - If you must use a dryer, select a low heat setting and remove promptly when dry.
9. No ironing - Polartec® fabrics generally don't require ironing. If absolutely necessary, use the lowest heat setting and avoid ironing over prints or heat-sealed seams.
10. Store properly - Store clean and completely dry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Following these care instructions will help maintain the performance, comfort, and durability of your Polartec® garments for many adventures to come.

How to Make Your Polartec® Products Last Longer

Beyond the basic washing instructions, here are additional tips to extend the life of your Polartec® garments:

Regular Maintenance

1. Brush off debris - Remove dirt, mud, and debris from your Polartec® garments after each use to prevent particles from embedding in the fabric.
2. Spot clean when possible - For minor stains or dirt, spot cleaning with a damp cloth can often be sufficient, reducing the need for full washes.
3. Air out after use - Hang your Polartec® items to air out after activity rather than immediately packing them away, especially if they've absorbed sweat or moisture.

Storage Tips

1. Never store damp - Ensure your Polartec® garments are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew and odors.
2. Avoid compression - When not in use for extended periods, store Polartec® items loosely folded rather than tightly compressed to maintain the loft in insulating layers.
3. Use breathable storage - Store in breathable cotton bags rather than plastic containers to allow air circulation.

Repair and Protect

1. Address small issues promptly - Repair small tears or loose seams immediately before they become larger problems.
2. Minimize direct sunlight exposure - Prolonged exposure to UV rays can degrade synthetic fabrics over time, so avoid unnecessary sun exposure during drying and storage.
3. Reduce abrasion - Be mindful of rough surfaces that can cause pilling or wear on your Polartec® garments, such as rough backpack straps or velcro.

Revitalizing Older Garments

1. Remove pills - Use a fabric shaver or sweater comb to gently remove pills that form on fleece products.
2. Deep clean occasionally - For heavily used items, consider using a technical cleaner specifically designed for performance fabrics once or twice a season.
3. Reapply DWR when needed - For Polartec® products with water-repellent finishes, reapply a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment when you notice water no longer beading on the surface.

By following these care guidelines along with the proper washing instructions, your Polartec® garments will maintain their performance properties and appearance for many years of adventure.