Ortovox SS24: to protect the mountain and mountaineers
Ortovox, since its founding in 1980, has always had a clear goal: on the one hand, to protect those who participate in mountain sports through innovative, industry-leading products and solid training provided by the Safety Academy; and on the other hand, to preserve the mountains by taking a responsible and consistent business approach.
By combining unique educational offerings with products that set new standards for sustainability and functionality, Ortovox aims to promote the transition from a utilitarian approach to an empathetic engagement with the mountains. Because when one feels part of its magic, it is even easier to protect it.
The new Westalpen series, featuring merino wool climbing fleece, is an innovation that aims to provide a higher level of protection for those who venture to high altitudes. Products in the Westalpen 3L line, now available in a new version with optimized stretch material with Dermizax NX membrane and numerous technical details, offer technical hardshell protection specifically for the most challenging terrain. On the other hand, the Westalpen Softshell line is made from a new merino-blend material that protects against abrasion while providing the breathability needed at high altitudes.
The use of wool as a material for technical clothing was an innovation that, although it drew derision from some competitors in 1988, is now established as the state of the art in mountain sports. Ortovox, a pioneer in the use of wool, conceives technical clothing in all its stages, from baselayer to third layer. With the new Fleece Rib series, the brand offers a line of mid-layers that, thanks to a clever mix of materials, offers high abrasion resistance without sacrificing the comfort of wool.
THE BRAND’S PROPOSALS
The Fleece Rib Hoody is designed for tackling the toughest walls. The sophisticated internal channel structure ensures proper ventilation while providing excellent insulation properties. In addition, merino wool is pleasantly soft on the skin and, in addition to regulating moisture and temperature, helps prevent odor formation. The most stressed points, such as the forearms and hips, are reinforced with strong Merino Shield Tec inserts, which protect against abrasion caused by rock and climbing harness. With its high elasticity, High Reach Fit cut and double-slider zipper, the Fleece Rib Hoody offers comfort, reliability and considerable freedom of movement for even the widest actions. It is the ideal companion for every adventure on the walls.
High-altitude mountaineering is considered the queen of mountaineering disciplines. Ridges, mixed terrain and glaciers present challenges in every aspect. And this is where the Westalpen 3L line comes in, proving itself at home at high altitudes. The Westalpen 3L waterproof and windproof jacket and pants offer maximum freedom of movement thanks to the 3L shell stretch material equipped with a Dermizax NX membrane. The jacket features a new High Reach Fit cut with longer sleeves and an elongated torso, allowing it to follow every movement without the jacket slipping out of the harness and leaving unprotected areas around the gloves. The rugged pants are contoured with narrow legs and feature many technical details, such as adjustable leg width to fit boots and functional ventilation at the thigh. The Westalpen 3L line has been tested and approved by the German Association of Mountain and Ski Guides (Verband Deutscher Berg- und Skiführer – VDBS).
Flexibility is indispensable for high-altitude mountaineering: you start out in the frost when it is still dark and arrive at the top in the sun, facing everything from troubled glacier traverses to “leisurely” ridge climbs. And this is where the Westalpen Softshell line, with its innovative mix of materials, comes into its own. Weaving membrane-free merino wool with schoeller material results in Naturetec, an extremely breathable fabric that protects against wind and light precipitation. At the most stressed points, tough Merino Naturetec-Rips protect against abrasion and tearing. And when it’s time to plant the ice axe on steep slopes, the jacket stays perfectly in place thanks to the High Reach Fit cut, featuring a long torso and longer sleeves.
