The fabric of a garment is its soul. It is the critical interface between your body and the environment, tasked with managing moisture, regulating temperature, and protecting you from the elements. At Outopia, we believe the right fabric is the absolute foundation of performance gear, and our selection process is rigorous and obsessive. Every material in our collection is chosen for a specific, purposeful reason, designed to function as part of a system that keeps you moving in comfort and confidence.
Here’s a closer look at the three cornerstone fabric technologies that power our apparel:
ZQ Merino Wool: Nature's Original Tech Fabric
For next-to-skin layers and versatile mid-layers, we turn to nature’s most intelligent fiber: ZQ-certified merino wool. The ultrafine fibers of merino wool are exceptionally soft, but their true genius lies in their performance. It’s a natural thermostat, with a unique crimp that traps air for insulation in the cold, yet breathes incredibly well to release heat when you’re working hard. Furthermore, it actively wicks moisture vapor away from your skin and is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it resists odor build-up over long days on the trail. It is, without question, nature’s ultimate performance material.
Pertex® Quantum: Weightless Protection
In the mountains, wind is a constant factor, and protection from it is non-negotiable. Pertex® Quantum provides that shield without the burden of weight. This fabric is constructed from incredibly fine, high-strength yarns that are woven into a dense, strong, and stable structure. The result is a textile that is profoundly windproof, remarkably durable for its weight, and soft enough to allow insulation to fully loft. It’s the engine behind our lightest, most packable, and protective shells.
Polartec® Alpha®: The Art of Active Insulation
The stop-start nature of trail running presents a unique challenge: how to stay warm without overheating during intense effort. Polartec® Alpha® was engineered to solve exactly that. It is a revolutionary "active insulation" that provides consistent warmth while allowing for unprecedented levels of air exchange. Its lofted knit fibers are connected to a solid mesh core, releasing excess body heat and moisture before it can build up and cause discomfort. It is the perfect solution for maintaining thermal balance during dynamic activities, keeping you in your optimal comfort zone for longer.
From natural wonders to laboratory breakthroughs, each of our fabrics is a chosen tool for a specific job.
Feel the tangible difference our fabrics make on your next run.