Gore-Tex® is the undisputed leader in waterproof/breathable fabrics. The fabrics are available in many different versions and with different classes of waterproof/breathable membranes bonded to various outer fabrics. Some fabrics are hardshell and others are stretchable.

Gore-Tex® is the undisputed leader in waterproof and breathable fabrics. The fabrics are available in many varieties, with different classes of waterproof and breathable membranes bonded to various outer fabrics. Some fabrics are hardshell, and others are stretchable. The Mountain Studio has used Gore-Tex® fabrics from the start.

HOW IT WORKS

Each square centimeter of the Gore-Tex® membrane has more than 1.5 billion pores. Each of these tiny holes is smaller than a water droplet by a factor of 20,000, this is what makes the membrane waterproof and keeps the rain and snow out. The Gore-Tex® membrane is also breathable and windproof. Each one of those billions of pores is 700 times the size of a water vapor molecule, which means sweat can escape from your body and keep you drier and more comfortable.

The membrane itself is extremely thin (about 0.01 mm). It’s bonded to high-performance linings and outer fabrics to create the Gore-Tex® laminate we use in our garments.

Gore-Tex® Pro 

This 3-layer technology is the most rugged, high-performing, and waterproof version. It’s especially appreciated by the most demanding users, like our ambassadors, who put our garments to the test almost every day during the winter season.

Gore-Tex® ePE

ePE, the next generation of the Gore-Tex® technology, is a laminate in which both the membrane and the DWR treatment are PFC-free, which lowers the carbon footprint and makes the material more environmentally sound. ePe is just as waterproof, breathable, windproof, reliable, and durable as the previous generations of Gore-Tex® laminates.

Gore-Tex® Windstopper

A technology for windy and drier days. Highly breathable and water resistant. Garment seams are not seam sealed.

Gore-Tex® Paclite

A 2 or 2,5 layer technology that we use in our most lightweight and packable garments. 

Alp-3 is The Mountain Studio’s proprietary membrane technology. It's a hydrophilic membrane that delivers an excellent 30,000 mm water column and 30,000 g/m2/24 hrs breathability. This supple 3-layer stretch fabric is made from nylon and spandex, and has been given a PFC-free DWR treatment on the outside.

The Alp-3 membrane has a solid and uniform structure. This prevents water droplets from penetrating from the outside, but maintains breathability by absorbing water vapour molecules and allowing them to pass through the membrane structure to evaporate.

Responsible Down Standard (RDS), is an internationally accepted standard used to certify products made with feathers and down from certified farms. This means that the feathers and down used come from geese and ducks that have been raised in compliance with a set of principles and criteria for animal welfare. To earn the RDS label, 100% of the down in a garment has to be from certified sources.

Pertex® is the established leader in lightweight technical fabrics.

The Mountain Studio uses Pertex® Y Fuse fabrics, which are made from yarns with unique Y shaped filaments. This creates a tightly interlocking structure, which improves the down-proof and water-beading properties of the fabric, while still being highly lightweight and supple, making it a perfect outer layer for down garments.

Cohaesive™ is a cord management device system used in our adjustable hoods, which prevents loose pull cords from dangling around.

The device is bonded directly onto the fabric of the garment, and the elastic pull cord and grip icon are the only exposed parts of the system. All you have to do is pull the cord to tighten it or pinch the icon to release the tension.

Nuyarn® is a spinning technology in which wool fibres are spun along a high-performance filament to produce two ply yarns that offer much greater volume and aeration than traditional yarns with twisted fibres.

The result is a wool yarn that is much faster drying, stronger, and warmer than traditionally spun wool, and retains all its properties after countless washes.

Primaloft® is a water-resistant, synthetic alternative to goose down that offers similar protection even in harsh conditions. Made from fine microfiber polyester fibers which form a number of small air pockets, the fabric traps the heat generated by the body. 

Primaloft Gold®

Is often referred to as one of the best synthetic insulators on the market. Lightweight, water-resistant and quick-drying it is a perfect choice for even the most challenging conditions.

Dupont™ Sorona® is an eco-efficient performance fibre made in part from annually renewable plant-based ingredients. The fibres are exceptionally soft and stain-resistant while exhibiting both high strength and flexibility. We use it for some of our insulating paddings.

SunGrip are Japanese plastic snaps made of polyacetal (POM). They can sustain temperatures up to 150°C, and can be machine washed, dry cleaned, and ironed without breaking, melting, or coming loose. They will also retain their strong holding force longer than metal parallel spring snaps or prong ring snaps.

The Japanese company YKK, or Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha, is the world’s largest zipper manufacturer and a leader in innovation, design, and quality. The Mountain Studio uses two of their zipper technologies.

YKK Aquaguard® zippers are designed to be water repellent and are used in the most exposed areas of our rugged outer layers.

YKK Vislon® are made from injected plastic elements, such as polyacetal resin. This model is lighter than a metal zipper and feels nicer against the skin.

G-Loft® is a trademark of Goldeck Textil Ltd, an Austrian company that specialises in insulation materials for military and consumer applications. G-Loft® is a series of European-made synthetic insulation materials that offer outstanding warmth-to-weight ratios. 

The Mountain Studio uses the G-Loft® Eco EVOX material, which is made from recycled polyester. It is light, thin, and breathable, and combines the advantages of natural down with the durability of synthetic fibre.

Cordura® is synonymous with durability. Made from nylon, Cordura® is a rugged, lightweight fabric offering extreme tear strength and abrasion resistance. We use their 600D fabric for the scuff guards on our ski pants, protecting the inside of the leg from sharp steel edges and crampons.

H-OneTex Co LTD is a Korean company with a strong focus on sustainability and fabrics made from a high degree of recycled and biodegradable content. The Mountain Studio uses materials from H-OneTex in some of our power stretch fleece mid layers.

The Taiwanese company Evertex focuses on developing innovative performance textiles for outdoor apparel that qualify for sustainability certifications like bluesign® and Oeko-Tex®. We use their ripstop fleece in several of our high-performance mid layers.

Every item carrying a bluesign® label has been manufactured to strict safety and environmental requirements. Known as the bluesign® criteria, these are the highest standards in the industry.

bluesign® APPROVED covers the finished garment and means the whole supply chain has been united to reduce the impact on both humans and the planet.

bluesign® PRODUCT means that the specific component used in a garment is approved.

Oeko-Tex labels and certificates confirm the human-ecological safety of textile products and leather articles from all stages of production (raw materials and fibres, yarns, fabrics, ready-to-use end products) along the textile value chain. Some also attest to socially and environmentally sound conditions in production facilities.

The Oeko-Tex® label ensures that the whole finished garment is conforming to the Oeko-Tex® standards.

The Higg Index is a suite of tools developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) to measure and evaluate sustainability across the value chain of the apparel, footwear, and textile industries. It provides standardized metrics and assessments for companies to track their environmental and social impacts, identify areas for improvement, and drive sustainability efforts.