- Overview
We are proud of our ceaseless efforts to expand the limits of what fabric can do. And each year we reward those who extend that spirit into innovative garments and accessories. The Polartec® APEX Awards are presented to the designers and companies that make the most outstanding Polartec® based products. Garments and accessories are judged on innovation, design, style, workmanship, fit, and functionality.
All winning products are displayed each year at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market and OutDoor Friedrichshafen shows in the Polartec® booth. In addition to the custom Tiffany crystal award and bragging rights for a year, winners receive custom hangtags, sales literature, and promotional support to generate awareness and ultimately drive sales of these noteworthy products. Polartec® aggressively promotes the winners throughout the year through public relations and garment seeding.
- European APEX Awards 2010Победители конкурса APEX среди европейских компаний в 2009 году
Flower Gloves
Ultimate Firefighter Suit
Company:
Flower Gloves
Product Name:
Ultimate Firefighter Suit
Designer:
Andrea Zen
Fabrics:
WorkwearFeatures
Italian manufacturer Flower Gloves knows that fighting fires is hot, dangerous work, so in creating its Ultimate Fire Fighters Suit, they searched for fabrics that offered the safety of flame resistance combined with superior moisture management capabilities. The Polartec® Power Dry® FR lining in the Ultimate Fire Fighters jacket and pants performs like premium athletic clothing with stretch, wicking and breathability, combined with flame resistance that is permanently blended into the fabric to keep firefighters both safe and comfortable in the toughest of conditions.
Where to Buy:
www.flowergloves.it
Montura
SuperNova
Features
The SuperNova, by Italian apparel company Montura, is one of the most thoughtfully designed and technically advanced jackets on the market. The chest panel features an innovative windproof nylon material while the jacket’s remaining fabric is seam-sealed Polartec® Power Shield® Pro for the ultimate in a weatherproof, yet highly breathable performance.
Where to Buy:
www.montura.it
Eider
Power Pro Jacket
Company:
Eider
Product Name:
Power Pro Jacket
Designer:
Lionnel Ducruet and Marion Charpenet
Fabrics:
Polartec® Power Shield® ProFeatures
Seamlessly marrying new school fashion and high-tech performance, the Power Pro jacket is a great all-around winter layer. New Polartec® Power Shield® Pro fabric provides a combination of water resistance and breathability never before offered in a soft shell to keep you dry both inside and out. Taped seams and articulated elbows add to the jacket’s performance and illustrate Eider’s attention to detail in this piece. MSRP: 299€.
Where to Buy:
www.eider-world.com
Ternua
Whales & Kids
Features
About These Garments: Ternua wants Spanish toddlers to look just as stylish as their fashion-forward parents, no matter the weather. This set of pants and matching hoody sweatshirt are made from recycled Polartec® Classic 300 weight fabric for durable, lightweight warmth and breathability.
Where to Buy:
www.ternua.com
Montura
Senales Scaldamuscoli
Features
These Capri-length, suspender pants are purpose-built for alpine ski racers to wear while training on the slopes. Polartec® Power Shield® fabric provides stretchy, durable, breathable weather protection while integrated padding helps shield skiers while crashing gates.
Where to Buy:
www.montura.it
Trangoworld
Axial Woman Trouser
Company:
Trangoworld
Product Name:
Axial Woman Trouser
Designer:
David Dubruque
Fabrics:
Polartec® Power Shield®Features
A technical design and functional fit, styled from Polartec® Power Shield® fabric, allows women to start their day in the city and be trekking through the wilderness by nightfall, in the same pair of adaptable, softshell pants. Breathability and maximum mobility are matched with articulated knees, internal gaiters and zip hems that will keep you comfortable, warm and dry in any endeavor.
Where to Buy:
www.trangoworld.com
Wild Roses
L-Maloja PD Shirt
Company:
Wild Roses
Product Name:
L-Maloja PD Shirt
Designer:
Silvia Zambelli
Fabrics:
Polartec® Power Dry®Features
A building block, baselayer made from Polartec® Power Dry® High Efficiency fabric, the L-Maloja PD shirt was created especially for women who like to move. The bi-component mechanically wicking fabric keeps you dry on the slopes or the trails, and everywhere in between. This piece was made for layering, but pretty accent details will leave you looking sweet as you turn up the heat.
Where to Buy:
www.wildroses.it
Ternua
Identity
Company:
Ternua
Product Name:
Identity
Designer:
Ternua Design Team
Fabrics:
Polartec® Power Stretch®Features
The Identity full zip hoody is made with Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro fabric for body hugging, four-way stretch and freedom of movement in a stylish, feminine design. The Identity is created for casual wear, but its Polartec® fabric provides enough breathability, moisture transference and wind resistance so it can be worn during any cold weather athletic activity.
Where to Buy:
www.ternua.com
Vaude
Baltoro Pant
Features
Your friends won’t hear you coming when you drop in to poach their line thanks to the Polartec® Power Shield® used in these fully equipped ski touring and winter mountaineering pants. Stretchable softshell fabric allows full freedom of movement while removable gaiters make for year-round comfort. The pockets are fully accessible when wearing a harness and lower leg reinforcement gives added protection against sharp ski edges and crampons.
Where to Buy:
www.vaude.com
Colmar
MD 9312 Women's Full Zip Tecnofleece
Company:
Colmar
Product Name:
MD 9312 Women's Full Zip Tecnofleece
Designer:
Ingrid Obhof
Fabrics:
Polartec® Thermal Pro®Features
Vintage Italian styling and modern Polartec® innovation form the perfect union in the MD 9312 Women’s Full Zip Tecnofleece from Colmar’s 2010 collection. Intriguing color blocking combinations are created using Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric, which also provides maximum warmth without weight, to keep you skiing in comfort and style.
Where to Buy:
www.colmar.it
Sweet Protection
REDLINE Jacket
Company:
Sweet Protection
Product Name:
REDLINE Jacket
Designers:
Ståle N. Møller, Camilla Abry, Marianne Abry
Fabrics:
Polartec® Thermal Pro®Features
The REDLINE is a streetwear-inspired full zip hoody that looks good by itself but also layers well for snowboarding, skiing or winter relaxing. Technically advanced Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric provides warmth without weight and encourages freedom of movement in the loose and comfortable unisex design, worn for Norway by X-Games freeride skier Anna Segal.
Where to Buy:
www.sweetprotection.no
Norrøna
trollveggen warm2 fleece jacket
Company:
Norrøna
Product Name:
trollveggen warm2 fleece jacket
Designer:
Norrøna RD & D
Fabrics:
Polartec® Thermal Pro®Features
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the trollveggen collection of performance climbing apparel from Norrøna and the warm² fleece is the perfect way to celebrate. The garment features warm, wicking and lightweight Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric. The bottom hem on the jacket also incorporates Polartec® Power Stretch® fabric for increased stability without the use of drawcords or cord locks.
Where to Buy:
www.norrona.com
- N. American APEX Awards 2010NORTH AMERICAN AWARD WINNERS
The North Face
Kishtwar Jacket
Features
Designed to be Holy Grail of soft shells, the Kishtwar Jacket is specifically intended for highly-aerobic endeavors in foul weather. Constructed with new Polartec® Power Shield® Pro fabric, the Kishtwar delivers the best combination of breathability, weather protection and durability ever offered in a soft shell. Beyond its innovative fabric, the Kishtwar also features an alpine fit, fully adjustable hood, two hand pockets, one chest pocket, non-abrasive molded cuff tabs and a hideaway hem cinch cord to satisfy all of your performance needs when you meet Mother Nature head on.
Where to Buy:
www.thenorthface.com
US Army/Peckham/ADS Tactical
Flame Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE)
Company:
US Army/ADS Tactical/Peckham
Product Name:
Flame Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE)
Designer:
Peckham Design Team
MilitaryFeatures
The FREE ensemble provides permanent flame resistance and quick drying breathability with warm, yet lightweight high loft Polartec® Thermal FR® fabric. The US Army issued mid-weight shirt and drawers are components of a three-part layering system, and intended to be worn alone or over a baselayer for added warmth, while the Liner Jacket is approved for outerwear or as a liner for the L7 outer shell parka. All components meet military and government requirements for flame resistance. Polartec® is proud to help keep the men and women of the US Armed Forces warm and safe with the FREE system.
Vaute Couture
Vaute Coat
Company:
Vaute Couture
Product Name:
Vaute Coat
Designer:
Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart
Fabrics:
Polartec® Wind Pro®Features
Vaute Couture uses Polartec® Wind Pro® fabric in its Vaute Coat to create a winning combination of sophistication and breathable wind resistance. The water repellant fabric sheds rain and snow, and the tight fabric construction reduces the biting effects of wind-chill for superior warmth and comfort in the worst winter weather. The stylish design is based upon the graceful lines of an origami tulip, allowing you to weather the elements in style.
Where to Buy:
http://VauteCouture.com/
Mountain Mama
Fairview Wrap Jacket
Company:
Mountain Mama
Product Name:
Fairview Wrap Jacket
Designer:
Teresa Delfin
Fabrics:
Polartec® Thermal Pro®Features:
The Fairview Wrap Jacket by Mountain Mama features ultra-cozy Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric in a design that is as practical as it is fashionable. The adjustable wrap ensures a perfect fit in every trimester and then long after your baby’s arrival. The button-up shawl collar blocks out the cold and the warm, breathable, moisture-wicking Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric ensures comfort for a wide range of activities.
Where to Buy:
www.mountain-mama.com
Sealy
Embody® By Sealy Collection
Company:
Sealy
Product Name:
Embody® By Sealy Collection
Designer:
IDEO – Boston, MA/Sealy, Inc.
Fabrics:
Body Climate® by Polartec®Features:
Polartec® fabrics have been keeping people warm and comfortable in the outdoors for years - now you can enjoy that same comfort all night long in bed. Embody® by Sealy® uses new and exclusively designed Body Climate® by Polartec® fabric, developed to work with the body’s natural ability to regulate temperature and thus provide a deeper, more restful sleep. The luxurious fabric has a unique resilience that creates channels between you and the mattress to enhance air circulation for year round comfort while integrated, permanent anti-microbial properties guard against degradation from microorganisms. The Pacific Coast Feather pillow also employs Polartec® Body Climate® fabric to ensure the most comfortable rest possible.
Where to Buy:
www.sealy.com
- Polartec® Wind Pro®
Arc'teryx
Alpha SV Glove Liner
Company:
Arc'teryx
Product Name:
Alpha SV Glove Liner
Designers:
Dan Green, Carl Moriarty and Mike Blenkarn
Fabrics:
Features:
Arc’teryx and Polartec® worked closely together to create this glove liner, using incredibly warm but lightweight Polartec® Wind Pro® fabric in a highly dexterous, zero seam design—a major breakthrough in hand wear. The removable Polartec® liner is also stabilized to reduce stretch, ensuring maximum mobility. Combined with goat leather palms and fingers, fully adjustable wrist elastic and a one-handed gauntlet cuff toggle—the Alpha SV is the absolute finest glove available for alpinists, skiers and cold weather sports enthusiasts alike.
Where to Buy:
www.arcteryx.com
Patagonia
Women’s R-3 Hi-Loft Hoody
Company:
Patagonia
Product Name:
Women’s R-3 Hi-Loft Hoody
Designer:
Eric Rice
Fabrics:
Polartec® Thermal Pro® High LoftFeatures:
Functional, stylish and comfortable, the all-new R-3® Hi-Loft Hoody is Patagonia’s warmest layering Regulator® piece. Made from Polartec® Thermal Pro® High Loft fabric, it’s at least 30% warmer per weight than standard fleece, offering maximum thermal value and minimal weight on its own or under a shell. The open-mesh stitch promotes compressibility, increases airflow, and minimizes weight, while the new addition of Polartec® Power Stretch® side panels and underarms allows the garment to move any way you do without restrictions or “bagging out” over time.
Where to Buy:
www.patagonia.com
Canada Goose
Tremblant Pullover
Company:
Canada Goose
Product Name:
Tremblant Pullover
Designer:
Canada Goose Design Team
Fabrics:
Polartec® Power Shield O2®Features
The Tremblant pullover from Canada Goose features Polartec® Power Shield® O2 fabric for an ideal combination of weather protection and breathability. The Tremblant also has a super-soft fleece lined hood, reflective detailing, stretch cuff gussets and a front drop-in pocket with hand-warmer pouches. This technical yet stylish piece will keep you comfortable skiing in fresh powder, snowshoeing in a winter wonderland or cruising about your favorite ski town.
Where to Buy:
www.canada-goose.com
Under Armour
2010 US Olympic Freestyle Team Audio Hoody
Company:
Under Armour
Product Name:
2010 US Olympic Freestyle Team Audio Hoody
Designers:
Robert Keathley and Nick Cienski
Fabrics:
Polartec® Wind Pro®Features:
This patriotic, stylish hoody was designed as the ultimate warm-up layer for hard-working American Olympic freestyle skiers. Constructed of Polartec® Wind Pro® fabric for breathable comfort with four times more wind protection than traditional fleece, and featuring sonic welded/taped seams, an exterior iPod touchpad controller, USA heat seals, a US flag and Olympic logo, the Audio Hoody provides the ultimate in functional fashion. Available exclusively to US Olympic skiers.
Marmot
Variant Jacket
Features:
The Variant has a unique and innovative hybrid construction that features an insulated front-panel for core warmth and Polartec® Power Stretch® panels on the side, back and sleeves for maximum mobility and breathability. The multi-purpose design ensures maximum comfort as a stand-alone piece for aerobic activities or fits comfortably under a shell as an insulating mid-layer. The Polartec® Power Stretch® fabric works to whisk perspiration away from your skin providing the performance you demand, while integrated design details, such as zippered hand pockets, thumbholes and reflective accents, give you the fit and features you need.
Where to Buy:
www.marmot.com
True North
Dragonfur® FR Job Shirt
Company:
True North
Product Name:
Dragonfur® FR Job Shirt
Designers:
Alex Fier and Joe Nguyen
Fabrics:
WorkwearFeatures
The DragonFur® FR Job Shirt ensures that anyone working around fire or electrical hazards can be both comfortable and safe. Polartec® Thermal FR® fleece fabric is rugged, breathable, wicks moisture, and provides protection from workplace hazards. Polartec® Thermal FR® offers flame resistance that is inherent to the fabric so it won't ever wash out.
Where to Buy:
www.dragonfur.com
REI
REI Lightweight Polartec® Power Dry® MTS Baselayer
Company:
REI
Product Name:
REI Lightweight Polartec® Power Dry® MTS Baselayer
Fabrics:
Polartec® Power Dry®Features
Designers from Polartec® worked closely with the team at REI to develop the unique line of Polartec® Power Dry® fabrics in this baselayer system. The fabric has superior wicking and breathability to keep you comfortable and dry on active outdoor pursuits. The MTS system includes a full range of baselayer pieces with quarter-zip, crew neck and V-neck options. All pieces feature flat-seam sewing for next-to-skin comfort and patented Polartec® bi-component, abrasion resistant, knit construction for quick-drying, all-day comfort.
Where to Buy:
www.rei.com
- APEX Awards Criteria
Criteria for Awards
1. All licensed products made from Polartec® brand fabrics are eligible.
2. Products will be measured against their intended end use and judged on:
a) innovation and versatility,
b) functionality, fit and comfort, which includes performance and wear qualities,
c) aesthetics, which includes beauty, style, flair and the fundamentals of good design.
3. The awards were chosen from products that are available for sale at retail in North America and Europe during fall 2009. The product does not have to be new for fall 2009, but it must be available for sale at retail.
4. All customers who enter products must comply with the Polartec® graphic standards for labeling.
5. Customers are not required to participate in the trade shows, and entries are not restricted to apparel.
6. Except for footwear, all entries were required to be made from mostly (>50%) Polartec® fabrics and could not contain competitive fabrics. Footwear could not contain a competitive fabric.
7. Color is an important factor! Please try to submit entries in a wide range of colors.
