Our first expedition-grade waterproof + breathable fabric technology that’s plant-based and non-PFAS.
As the outdoor industry moves beyond PFAS and toward bio-based alternatives, Polartec® Power Shield® finally cracks the code on an eco-engineered weatherproof technology with absolutely no compromise in performance. The secret is a completely different membrane from the micro-porous, multi-layered Polartec membranes of the past, made with 48% non-food source, non-GMO plant based bio-materials.
MORE BREATHABLE. MORE WATERPROOF. MORE SUSTAINABLE.
WATERPROOF
EXTREMELY BREATHABLE
WINDPROOF
HIGHLY DURABLE
48% BIO-BASED MEMBRANE
NON-PFAS MATERIALS
COMFORTABLE STRETCH
DESIGN VERSATILITY
Polartec® Power Shield®
Polartec® Power Shield®
Polartec® Power Shield®
Polartec® Power Shield®
Our scientists were tasked with developing a breathable + waterproof membrane that was plant-based and non-PFAS. Not an easy job. What they came up with is a new system that uses molecular diffusion, rather than micropores, to move out water vapor while maintaining a barrier against water droplets. This type of technology isn’t new—but a membrane that can layer within technical fabric and withstand stretching, washing, and the abuse of outdoor sport is totally unprecedented. And ingenuity pays: Because this new technology is free from micropores, it also can't clog up and lose breathing performance.
What does “expedition-grade” mean, exactly? Expedition-grade is commonly associated with garments that can withstand over 20,000 mm of hydrostatic pressure. This is weather protection for heavy, sustained rains, wet snow and high-wind environments. But nothing we create at Polartec is designed for standing around in. Without corresponding breathability, anything we designed would be a no-go. And Power Shield is just as breathable as it is waterproof: matching its <strong>20,000+mm hydrostatic pressure <sup>1</sup> </strong>with <strong>20,000+ g/m<sup>2</sup>/24h breathability.<sup>2</sup></strong> That’s breathable enough for prolonged, heavy-output activity. <br><br> <sup>1. ISO 811 , 2. JIS L1099, B1 </sup>
Eco-Engineering™ is a Polartec approach to new product design that strives to incorporate more sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. Our revolutionary new Power Shield weather protection is non-PFAS and created in a bluesign® certified facility—ensuring responsible and sustainable manufacturing. The membrane is 48% plant-based, made from non-food source, non-GMO, renewably and sustainably farmed bio-materials. You might think a plant-based technical membrane would come with a performance compromise, but Power Shield actually outperforms all previous breathable + waterproof technologies we’ve ever created. And because the membrane system is super durable, you get a longer lasting product that saves resources simply by not needing replacement as often.
Because the technology is engineered to emphasize the benefits of a wide variety of face and backing fabrics, Power Shield offers tremendous versatility for different temperatures, activities and environments. Whether you need a garment for cycling up and down mountain passes in the rain or for multi-day climbing expeditions in cold conditions and harsh winds, Power Shield is the ultimate weather protection.
