ISPO Award Winner 2024: icebreaker MerinoVent™ 3L Waterproof Peak Hooded Jacket

icebreaker believes that nature has the answers and we are on a mission to become plastic-free, hence we push the boundaries of natural materials to match the functional requirements of the modern outdoors consumer«, Jordi Beneyto-Ferre, Director of Materials and Innovation, Smartwool and icebreaker explains when talking about the innovative product that the brand has created with their MerinoVent™ 3L Waterproof Peak Hooded Jacket. So the brand set out to »deliver a highly functional waterproof, breathable and windproof fabric which has minimum reliability on petrochemical inputs, hence showing that there is a better way to create outdoors materials with no performance compromises.

The icebreaker MerinoVent™ 3L Waterproof Peak Hooded Jacket combines three different materials, two of which are fully natural - merino and cotton,. The third material is a partially bio-based membrane containing 48% bio based nylon grown from castor beans. The outcome: a highly functional waterproof, breathable, and windproof laminated fabric with little reliability on petrochemical inputs or, in other words minimal input of synthetic fibers. By implementing this technology, icebreaker wanted to prove that reliance on petrochemical synthetics is not the future of our industry. Hence, innovation is the way to deliver the ultimate responsible choice in ski outerwear garments. The ISPO Award jury liked the approach of the brand, to include as much natural material in a shell jacket as possible, as this category is usually based on composite synthetics for reliable performance.

“We wanted to create the most natural waterproof snow jacket, with all the features you need to endure a day on the slopes. We created a jacket which is designed to be the last piece of the natural layering system, built with meticulous function that offers all the features you need for zero distractions while adventuring in the snow. This jacket has been designed to move with the body, built out of design lines and pattern pieces that create articulation and freedom of movement,« says Martina Ruggero, Global Product Designer. Features include Aquaguard zips, fully seam sealed seams, a ski pass pocket or an adjustable hood. The jacket also has offset shoulder seams and alpine hand pocket placements ensuring backpack compatibility and comfort. Adjustable velcro cuffs and dipped hems offer more coverage and a powder skirt and internal dump pocket made from 100 percent cotton ripstop material gives additional comfort. With comfort and durability in mind, the jacket comes in a regular fit for snowsports and icebreaker also offers matching MerinoVent™ 3L Waterproof Peak pants.

• 100% RWS-certified Merino face fabric with Non-PFC DWR treatment
• eVent membrane with 48% bio-based nylon grown from caster beans
• waterproof, breathable, windproof