Stories & Guides

Our product team went on a mission to create the perfect sleeping bag series –comfortable, affordable and more resourceful. But did their dream actually come true?

“You know, there's a certain amount of sacrifice and vulnerability that come with being as visible as I am,” says Erin Parisi. “But that message needs to get out: we need to create the bridges for trans people to see that they can find their way to adventure.” Parisi still baulks at the title of advocate. But in overcoming more than her fair share of the inherent fears, self-doubt and apprehension any of us face in speaking out, Parisi has risen above it all in the mission to make the outdoors a space for all.

Solution dying has become a big topic in the textile industry and there’s more than one good reason why. As manufacturers continue to increase the pressure on suppliers to limit environmental impacts in production, the new dyeing process has become a beacon of hope for the wider industry. In the battle for a cleaner and greener planet, solution dyeing is making a great case for the potential in technology to answer the call for a better way.

The mountain chain visible through the large windows in Corinne Weidmann’s studio isn’t just a view: it’s an integral part of her process. The sun shines over the peaks directly into her warm, creative space in Hasliberg—a small village between Engelberg and Interlaken—where she channels her passion for the natural world. Inhaling a heady mix of paint, wood and essential oils and surrounded by Corinne’s paintings and art-covered snowboards, we sat down to ask her about art as activism.

When Nico Hojac was 15 years old, he went on a language exchange to Val Ferret. But instead of learning French, he discovered his passion for the mountains. As we traverse the Konkordiaplatz glacier roped together, Nico guides us with ease; his experience, knowledge and devotion to the mountains obvious. Resting at a safe point on our route, Nico tells us how his sport and profession are at risk from climate change.

Outside, incessant winds howl across the glacier. The conditions at the Konkordiaplatz can be unforgiving, but inside the Konkordia Hut, the guests laugh and play cards in the warmth. Friendly faces ring around Christoph Sager; a well respected, humble man. Intrigued by the long history of the hut, we chat about him managing the hut over a beer—a welcome reward after a long day's climb.

PFC and DWR: waterproofing acronyms often seen and seldom understood. Read on to learn about outerwear’s lesser-known hero and the dark side that has us searching for a better way.

An experience report by Adriana Stöhr, Textile Engineer Textile Safety Products, Climbing Equipment at Mammut.