Cyclist
Polartec’s new Power Shield Family of waterproof breathable fabric is saving the planet and your ride
Waterproof technology is changing. The chemicals that were previously relied upon to create waterproof clothing, PFAS – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are being ushered out due to their negative impact on the environment. That means manufacturers have been scrambling to find technology that can be water-resistant without damaging the world around us. Cue Polartec’s Power Shield Family.
The Power Shield Family features two innovative fabrics: Power Shield Pro and Power Shield RPM. Power Shield Pro’s membrane is crafted from plant-based materials, while Power Shield RPM’s membrane is made from 100% recycled polyester fibre content. What they do have in common, is that both are responsibly made, with their own story to tell. Whether that’s helping to reduce the impact on the planet by lowering the carbon footprint, or enabling circular processes with recycled polyester membranes. These fabrics are pushing the boundaries of waterproofing, windproofing, breathability, durability and comfort.
Polartec’s new Power Shield fabrics are now available to buy, and will help keep riders happy on the bike, no matter what the coming weather has to offer.
Power Shield Pro
Polartec Power Shield Pro is an award-winning breathable shell fabric for jackets. It’s waterproof, windproof, highly durable, and made from 48% plant-based materials.
It’s made with Biolon nylon, which lowers the carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels by 50%, and provides an 20/20 balance of waterproofing and breathability. That means it can withstand the pressure of a 20,000mm column of water, while allowing 20,000g of water to leave a square metre section over 24 hours. In short, it’s hard to beat.
On top of that, it’s produced to be able to withstand wear and tear, so will cope handily with what your ride may have in store.
Power Shield RPM
Polartec Power Shield RPM has a bigger emphasis on stretch, for high-intensity activity. It’s waterproof, windproof, highly breathable, comfortable, and made with 100% recycled fibres.
It has 10/20 waterproofing and breathability, with some waterproofing sacrificed compared to the Power Shield Pro in order to add stretchiness for more extreme performance needs.
It’s the ultimate balance of sustainability and performance.
How brands are taking Polartec Power Shield fabrics to the masses
So where can you find Polartec’s new fabrics? Three high-profile cycling brands in particular are using the new Power Shield materials for their new kit.
Firstly, Castelli’s brand new Ultra Rain Cape is a waterproof packable jacket that uses Power Shield RPM, it provides proper rain protection while squashing down to less than the size of a jersey pocket. It fits nicely over a jersey without flapping but also fits over a bigger jacket for when it’s that bit colder.
- Buy the Castelli Ultra Rain Cape
Sportful’s new Fiandre Pro 2 jacket uses Power Shield Pro for best-in-class rain and wind protection on a winter jacket. It has a racing fit with minimal exposed stitching for maximum protection.
- Buy the Sportful Fiandre Pro 2 Jacket
Le Col is using Power Shield Pro too, in both its Pro Jacket and Pro All Weather Gilet, the former made for riding in temperatures from 5°-15°C and capable of performing in high-intensity rides throughout the winter, and the latter made for fast rides in cold conditions, using Power Shield Pro to keep the body’s core warm and dry.
- Buy the Le Col Pro Jacket
- Buy the Le Col Pro All Weather Gilet
Find out more about Power Shield Pro, Power Shield RPM and more of Polartec’s products at polartec.com
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