ISPO Munich 2020 brought together 2,800 sports industry exhibitors and 80,000 guests eager to discover all the new trends for the upcoming season. New products were assessed by a demanding jury and Blackyak’s Climashield-insulated ATA jacket emerged a winner.
The “Winner” award is given to new designs that offer significant added value in terms of quality, functionality or sustainability. The BlackYak ATA jacket, set for a release in August 2020, was awarded for its innovative approach in the insulated category.
Created with ski mountaineers in mind, the ATA packs small and boasts an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. In extreme weather conditions, it can be worn as a midlayer, ideally paired with a more robust hardshell such as the updated BlackYak BARZONA (the BARZONA BC, also scheduled for a summer 2020 release).
On a drier or warmer day, the ATA will be more than capable of performing as a durable outermost layer, protecting skiers from the elements while retaining a high level of breathability.
The BlackYak philosophy states that every person’s body has its unique, integrated air conditioning system. The innovative use of differentiated protection zones allows the ATA jacket to work together with the human body in maintaining its own “body climate.” Shoulders, upper arms and hood are made of waterproof stretch fabric, while the front area is made of highly durable, windproof and lightweight Cordura®.
The ATA blends two synthetic insulation fabrics to achieve the ultimate combination of breathability and protection against the cold that vary across different parts of the body. The chest and back are sewn with packable Polartec® Alpha Direct said to average at 0.38 clo/oz, preventing the user from overheating and sweating, which could chill the body.
For those body parts with less blood circulation, the sleeves, side panels and hood are made with Climashield® Apex, boasting an incredible CLO value of 0.82 clo/oz. Even in its ability to stave off the cold, Apex remains light and breathable, providing the highest levels of comfort to the user without the addition of bulk for ultimate performance.
Focusing on innovation and design, BlackYak remains a conscientious brand with a strong focus on sustainability. “One good product lasts longer than two bad ones,” says Managing Director Maximilian Nortz.
In the 2020/21 season, the ATA jacket will be a fundamental piece of gear for intense winter activities such as ski touring and mountaineering. Meticulously produced with cutting edge fabrics, it is set to become a long-time favorite for snowsport athletes.
