New From Lowe Alpine

Lowe Alpine's popular Dryflo base layer kit is getting a Spring revamp aimed at keeping it ahead of the competition and the company also has a new range of high performance expedition wear on the cards.

Dry Zone

Dryflo gets a new technology called 'Dry Zone' - it's a technique which allows Lowe to use two different 'knitted structures' in the same garment without a potentially irritating seam between the two.

And so what? It means Lowe can use a finer yarn with a more open knit in areas where the body produces higher levels of moisture during activity/. The different material in these hot, damp spots is designed to allow moisture to escape faster - think higher wicking at your armpits, chest area and the sides of your trunk if you're a bloke.

Women, say Lowe, have different body hotspots, which means that the customised zones are very different. But then as we all know, women don't sweat, they just glow discreetly. Still, it should at least stop your partner from nicking your fave base layer top when you need it most...

The Dryflo Zone zip-neck top retails at £35 for men and women, while the Zone T comes in at £30. Both should be in the shops from late February. Details of stockists from the Lowe web site.

New Expedition Range

Also in the pipeline for later in the year is a new range of expedition gear targeted squarely at the world of high end mountaineering in extreme conditions. Lowe says that the range pays particular attention to detailing, with 'gum drop' wrist pulls and zipper tabs 'for performance at very low temperatures' - presumably that means with gloves.

New Apex jacket

Ease of movement is the other major priority for the range of shell and insulation garments. Lowe says there's an 'ergonomic sculptured fit, giving reduced bulk for better harness and gear visibility. Stretch fabrics, and pre-curved elbow and arm articulation allow huge mobility. Fabric welding creates clean lines and low bulk, plus water-resistant zips and a new design Swivel-sight hood add functionality.'

Sounds interesting and very high end technical. More details when we have them.