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jonny
....and posting some info on New Zoa Mountain insulated jacket, launching this Tuesday. Been meaning to do this for ages, never time to go through photo archives and typing takes me an inordinate amount of time, but I'm really pleased with this product - amazing work by the whole team.
Aim was to improve a great product, by reviewing the four F's (Fit, Features, Fabric, Fabrication) which we have definitely done in a gradual way - evolution, not revolution. Cheesy and overused term, but I think every aspect has been optimised.
Biggest difference is a drop in insulation weight; the previous Zoa is a great product, great for end-of-day, pottering about, but needs to be exceptionally cold to be doing any exertion in, and/or add a waterproof layer. We're aiming to have a better all-rounder, more suited to layering and more convenient for packing.
Fabric; is a new Pertex fabric, using a new fibre called Netplus, made from traceable, salvaged fishing nets. This is one of the companies invested by Patagonia, via their TinShed initiative. It's pretty much the same weight, but has a v nice silky handle. Think we might be the first-first-to-market for Pertex Netplus
Insulation is still Primaloft Gold (Recycled), but now Gold Active, meaning interior baffles aren't necessary; this means more trapped air, and better insulation.
Fit; I was able to hone away on both mens & womens fit, by working hands-on with sampling/patterns/athlete fits, and am really pleased. Improving the hood fit/visibility was a main objective, which also inproved insulation with a better fit around neck and head to trap more air and reduce the chimney effect (warm air escaping out the top, drawing cold air up through the base). Also refined the sleeve/shoulder for better on/off fit & mobility, and the hem isn't as long ...pics coming
Features; rear pocket is now a side zipper, into a long interior net pocket. This makes it easier to access, reduces stress when turning through as stuff-sack (had a few repairs on this), and the packed jacket is a better shape to stash in frame/bar bags. As above, hood is a better fit, with improved side visibility, and there's a spacer-mesh brim in the top, for comfort under a helmet and a bit of structure
Fabrication; is essentially the same, but there's a few small tweaks/improvements. The one I'm probably most pleased with is the drawcord hem is now 'internal', and made from the seam allowance inside the jacket. This is distinct from a separate, stitched down channel which flattens the hem, instead allowing the hem to still retain volume ('optimise the puff') and warmth.
Few pics of the inhouse make/prototype process - will try to find some more of the womens fit, but early stages, work-in-progress. Again, very pleased with the quality and wearability of the samples - meaning we could dial ideas/details/fits/get athlete feedback, before plugging into factory with digital (and paper) patterns, and pretty good quality prototypes. Not sure how many dev samples were made in the end, but it was a lot and it was definitely worth it.