Big Agnes, Brooks-Range, EMS, LLBean, Mountain Hardwear, Nemo, Mountain Designs, Reecho, Sea to Summit and Salewa will be using DownTek water-repellant technology for the 2012/2013 winter season, according to Down Decor, a wholesale supplier of the revolutionary hydrophobic and quick-drying down technology.
As a bulk down supplier since 1996, Down Decor products have been a crucial thermal component within a range of outdoor brands’ products across the industry. As DownTek grows, Down Decor will continue to exercise their non-exclusive stance with all of their current and any potential partners.
“We are adamant that this technology be available to any brand who wants to use it,” said Down Decor President, Daniel Guigui. “We also have an open-door policy with our testing and technology. With such an important and necessary innovation like this, we know we will have a lot of education to do, so we believe equal opportunity and full transparency to be essential.”
In August, Big Agnes is introducing two new DownTek sleeping bags, which will be available for purchase in REI stores nationwide. The company will further integrate the technology into their lines in 2013, when they are releasing 16 additiional DownTek bags throughout various retailers.
“Water repellent down will be a game-changer for the outdoor industry,” said Bill Gamber, Big Agnes’ co-founder, president and head of product development. “Our entire crew is constantly searching for innovative new materials and insulation so we jumped at the opportunity to incorporate DownTek into our products.”
LLBean is another partner company that will be first-to-market with DownTek technology. The Ultralight 850 Down Jacket, also available this fall, is windproof, features 850-fill DownTek down and has a built in stuff sack.
“Down Decor has been a wonderful partner for years, supplying us with superior quality down,” said LLBean’s Senior Public Relations Representative, Mac McKeever. “The invention of their water-repellant down represents some remarkable innovation… It’s an incredible problem solver and we’re very proud to have our jacket utilize this extraordinary technology.”
