Polartec’s fabric innovations have been revolutionising outdoor adventure since way back in 1981, when the US-based company (then known as Malden Mills) invented the technical fleece. Fabrics, fashion and demands on outdoor gear have changed a lot in the four decades since, and Polartec’s story has continued to grow and evolve along the way. They’ve created the widest range of performance fabric technologies in the world and been the driving force behind everything from historic first ascents to surviving wet and windy walking weekends in the Lake District. Over the next four pages, we reveal the story behind a brand that has always been at the cutting edge of performance outdoor clothing by showcasing the standout pieces of kit they’ve produced over the past 40 years. There’s a good chance you’ve worn many of them, without even noticing…
