Warm Zone Technology Wins Award

A little more Lowe Alpine news for you. The initial version of the company's Warm Zone was quite effective but felt rough and, to be blunt, was also, erm, a little ugly, so much so that the company asked us to view it as a concept and treat it accordingly. Things, they promised, will get better with a new, better fabric.

Well, it looks like it has. The new Warm Zone Ninja Hoody was the winner of the Outdoor Innovation Award at the recent ISPO trade show in Germany. The latest version of the fabric uses Lycra technology for a better look and fit and still uses the basic principle of 'mapping' insulation zones onto the areas where they're needed. So, in warm areas, you get thinner insulation and in parts which are prone to get cold, thicker, more effective fabric.

The overall result should be more insulating bang per material buck. And while it still looks a little, erm, different, our experience with the current version suggests that it works well for providiing effective insulation with minimal bulk.

the Warm Zone Ninja Hoody is based on the late, lamented '90s Ninja Hoody and features a hood and thumb loops. Price when available later this year will be £100. There's also a more basic 'Warm Zone Top' in both men's and women's versions.