January 1999

AirCore and Aleutian Fleece, Grey-Goose Down, Synthetics, and Dryflo Underwear

A wide range of activity levels in cold conditions calls for a variety of insulating and layering options. In its outer and mid layers this season, Lowe Alpine uses synthetic insulation, grey goose down, AleutianÆ 375 fleece, Aleutian Grid and Aleutian Cord fleece, Windbloc, Powerstretch, and new AirCore and Aleutian Windshield fleece. Synthetic insulation, AirCore and Windbloc fleeces are used in the technical Alpine Expedition collection, while down insulation and Aleutian fleeces appear in the more casual Wilderness Travel collection.

SYNTHETICS - Using the most advanced synthetic insulations, which perform well when wet, Lowe Alpine creates lightweight, packable, technical layering pieces that also work as outer garments. The Outerlimits jacket with 2-way pit-zips, and the hooded Belay parka are "must sees" at $149 and $179 respectively.

DOWN - Lowe Alpineís reversible down jacket and vest return this season, along with a new box-quilted womenís reversible down jacket. These jackets and vest reverse not only in color, but in style, for a 2:1 garment retailing from $145-$179. The classically styled 3/4-length Down Parka with detachable down-filled hood in a polyester ripstop microfiber is also a standout for this season at $249. Down is the optimum insulation in cold, dry conditions.

AIRCORE FLEECE - Lowe introduces Malden Millsí new high-tech hollow fiber AirCore fleece in the Thin Air jacket and vest. Ideal for layering with Loweís TriplePoint Ceramic mountaineering shells, the Alpine Pro, Alpine Flash, or Freney, the AirCore fabric provides unparalleled warmth to weight ratio. AirCore fleece is about 20% lighter than conventional fleece of the same insulation value. Its resistance to compression when layered, allows air to be trapped within the hollow fibers providing additional warmth. Lowe applies a DWR finish to the outer surface for added protection against moisture. The Thin Air vest retails for $89, and the Thin Air jacket for $119.

ALEUTIAN FLEECE - How do you improve upon your most popular fleece items four years running? Color!! Lowe Alpineís Aleutian 375 fleece jacket, vest, pull-on, and sweater warm up the Fall 99 season in new organic colors--alpine green, terracotta, nightshade blue, charcoal, and eskimo brown--ranging from $99 to$139 retail. Aleutian Windshield fleece features a new type of windproof membrane laminated between the inner and outer layers. This new technology optimizes the balance between windproofness and breathability, providing a mid-layer fleece breathable enough to use comfortably under a waterproof-breathable shell, as well as being versatile enough to wear as an outer layer. See the Old Faithful Jacket with shearing outer layer and brushed mesh inner layer at $169 retail. Aleutian Marl fleece appears in the Aleutian Pro jacket and vest, and the Aleutian Marl jacket and pull-on ranging from $89 - $149 retail.

DRYFLO UNDERWEAR - Lowe Alpineís patented proprietary Dryflo 120gm and 170gm underwear has ranked #1 among field testers and reviewers for warmth-to-weight ratio, and warmth-when-wet performance. A year-round staple in the line, Dryflo underwear is offered in seven top and bottom styles for men, and seven for women, ranging from $18 - $59 retail. Dryflo fabrics, made exclusively for Lowe Alpine, have proven to be quite versatile and technically adaptable for use in both base-layer garments and single-layer outer garments. Dryflo is made from 100% polyester fibers that are hydrophobic, resulting in a wicking process that does not absorb moisture (unlike cotton), while the unique denier gradient system, and asymmetrical lattice weave mechanically transports moisture away from the body. Dryflo underwear, as a base layer, with Aleutian fleece for insulation, and a TriplePoint shell as your outer layer, provide a completely technical layering system.

For more information see the Lowe Alpine Technical Workbook; or, media can call 303-530-1205; retailers call 303-465-3706; consumers call 303-465-0522, or log on to the website at www.lowealpine.com