| 1.3 oz. Taffeta | An ultra-light, luxuriously soft taffeta lining ideal for next the skin. The North Face. [Top] |
| 1.6 oz. Double Ripstop | Soft, lightweight MicroPoly Ripstop is incredibly downproof. It's high wind resistance, DWR (durable water repellent) finish and soft hand make it ideal for sleeping bags. The North Face. [Top] |
| 1.9 oz. Ripstop Nylon | A tent canopy fabric with excellent tear strength. The North Face. [Top] |
| 1000 Denier Cordura® | The "original" Cordura(r), this yarn is still the standard for toughness, abrasion and scuff resistance, puncture and tear resistance. It outperforms standard nylons, polypropylene, vinyl, cotton and leather by factors up to 10! Some common uses are boot uppers, horse blankets, military fabrics, boots and shoes, briefcases, indoor/outdoor furniture, packs, computer and camera bags and gun cases. [Top] |
| 1050 Denier Ballistics | Developed for use in bulletproof vests and automobile tires, this tough nylon yarn is used in packs where an incredibly durable fabric with high abrasion resistance and tear strength is needed. The North Face. [Top] |
| 165 PSI Nylon | Used for tent floors, it has a 5-layer polyurethane coating that tests to an unprecedented 165 pounds per square inch for added insurance in the mountains. The North Face. [Top] |
| 2.6 oz. Taffeta | A tightly woven 100% nylon fabric used for flysheets; provides maximum protection from the elements. [Top] |
| 330 Denier Cordura® | Lightweight with exceptional durability and tear strength. While specially engineered for rugged apparel applications, it affords a soft, spun-like hand and appearance. Great for workwear, hunting apparel, skiwear, activewear and gloves. [Top] |
| 330 Denier Cordura® Supplex | A dense weave configuration that provides excellent durability, abrasion resistance, and tear strength. 100% nylon Supplex(r) yarns are specially engineered to provide the look and feel of cotton with all the advantages of nylon. The North Face. [Top] |
| 330 Denier Cordura® Supplex® Durepel 1000 | A densely woven fabric that offers excellent durability, abrasion resistance, and tear resistance. 100% nylon Supplex(r) yarns are specially engineered to provide the look and feel of cotton with all the advantages of nylon. A highly protective, water-resistant, and windproof micropourus Durepel 1000 coating offers high breathability and protection in moderate weather conditions. The North Face. [Top] |
| 330 Denier Cordura® Supplex® Ultrex® | A dense weave configuration that provides excellent durability, abrasion resistance, and tear strength. Coated with a microporous waterproof, windproof, and breathable Ultrex(r) coating that promotes maximum performance and a DWR (durable water repellent) to shed water. The North Face. [Top] |
| 3MTM Scotchlite™ by 3M | A reflective material added to clothing and shoes to provide nighttime visibility. Features superior brightness for total visibility and angularity for visibility from all angles. [Top] |
| 450 Denier Ripstop Polyester | Used in daypacks and other equipment, this 100% polyester fabric is enginereed with ripstop construction for extra tear and abrasion resistance. It is softer than nylon. The North Face. [Top] |
| 50 Denier Nylon Ripstop | Super lightweight fabric engineered in tight ripstop construction for extra tear resistance and downproofness. A DWR (durable water repellent) finish helps shed water on the surface. Ideal fabric for lightweight insulated garments. [Top] |
| 500 Denier Cordura® | Provides the best ratio of abrasion resistance to fabric weight. It is especially well-suited to rugged apparel and recreational applications. Also good for backpacks, camera bags, handbags, horse blankets, soft-sided luggage, boot bags, and upholstery fabrics. The North Face. [Top] |
| 500 Denier Nailhead Cordura® | Cordura(r) yarns are arranged in a unique weave for strength and durability, then treated with a water-repellent finish. The North Face. [Top] |
| 550 Denier IronFiber | A fabric known for its high resistance to tearing and abrasion. It is treated with a highly water-resistant polyurethane coating. The North Face. [Top] |
| 600+ Fill Power Goose Down | Occupying 600 cu. in. per ounce, this fill rating is extremely lightweight, long-lasting, and warm. It is a good standard for most fine quality down-filled products. [Top] |
| 700+ Fill Power Goose Down | Occupying 700 cu. in. per ounce, this high fill power insulation has an excellent warmth-to-weight-ratio and is ideal for really cold weather. The North Face. [Top] |
| 75 PSI Nylon | Used for tent floors and treated with a polyurethane coating so it tests to a minimum of 75 pounds per square inch, more than double military standards. The North Face. [Top] |
| 750+ Fill Power Goose Down | Occupying 750 cu. in. per ounce, this is the loftiest and warmest down insulation available. Used in technical gear planned to be used in the coldest conditions. The North Face. [Top] |
| Abzorb® | A material that provides maximum shock absorbency and reduces stress on the body by dispersing impact energy. Used in shoes. New Balance. [Top] |
| ActiveAir™ | A unique underfoot comfort system that compresses air and circulates it through a series of chambers and channels to cushion your foot with every step. [Top] |
| Activent® | A highly water resistant, extremely breathable, and totally windproof two-layer or three-layer laminate. Its unique composite of a microporus membrane and polymers is specifically engineered by Gore to maximize the performance characteristics required for short duration, high energy activities. Note: Activent(r) is not waterproof. W.L. Gore. [Top] |
| Airloft™ Mesh | Tiny ceramic particles suspended in the yarn allow this fabric to reflect the sun's rays and keep you cool. Its wicking properties keep you dry. Pearl Izumi. [Top] |
| Aleutian® | A synthetic pile fabric that is lightweight, insulating, durable, and quick-drying. Lowe Alpine. [Top] |
| Alpaca | Hairs from the alpaca, a relative of the llama. The very thin, soft and silky fiber is used to make luxury items. [Top] |
| Angel-Wing Movement™ | A jacket and sweater design whereby armholes and sleeves have been engineered to allow your arms every-which-way movement. You'll be thankful the next time you reach back into a pack pocket or lunge forward for a rope. Marmot. [Top] |
| Angora (Goat) | Long, silky hairs of the Angora goat. Known for its softness, shine and unique furry look. Also known as mohair. [Top] |
| Angora (Rabbit) | Hairs from the angora rabbit. Exceptionally fine, thin and soft, the hollow fibers have the highest heat retention and best wicking properties of any natural fiber. It is 21/2 times warmer than wool. It also has the widest comfort range of any underwear fiber, synthetic or natural. You can wear it outside in extreme cold and come indoors without over heating. Angora doesn't retain odors like synthetics can either. Medima of Germany is the world's premier angora maker. [Top] |
| Anorak | a pullover jacket. Without a zipper running top to bottom, water sheds easier and bulk and weight are kept to a minimum. Marmot. [Top] |
| Anti-Microbial Finish | A durable treatment that is applied to garments to reduce the presence of odor-causing bacteria. So you don't have to hold your nose while slipping into your long johns on an expedition's day 12. Marmot. [Top] |
| ArcEdge™ Construction | Tent floor/side seams that have been catenary cut and sewn with bias binding on the inside of the tent. Lifts floor seams off ground to prevent water leakage. Kelty. [Top] |
| Armhole Skirt | Found in vest armholes, it's an elasticized extension of the liner that's designed to softly close around your shoulder. Think of it as a gaiter for your upper body. [Top] |
| Articulated | A clothing and glove design meant to comfortably accommodate and move with joints like elbows, shoulders, knees, and knuckles. Marmot. [Top] |
| ATS | All Terrain Sole. A long wearing, self-cleaning sticky rubber sole that provides excellent traction in rough and slippery terrain. Skywalk. [Top] |
| Baffle Construction | A design method for keeping fill (usually down) from shifting in sleeping bags and insulated outerwear. Baffles, or sewn box cavities, can vary in size, shape, and volume within the same garment or bag. Marmot. [Top] |
| Ballistics Cloth | A thick nylon weave used in clothing, packs and luggage for reinforcement. Extremely tough and abrasion resistant. [Top] |
| Bar Tacks | Added stitching for strength at stress points. [Top] |
| Base Fabric | A tightly knitted fabric featuring uniform stretch and recovery, incredible comfort and durability, and an exclusive nylon/spandex blend. Pearl Izumi. [Top] |
| Base Layer | The performance wear garment in contact with your skin. Worthwhile base-layer clothing, like DriClime(r), will gently hug your body and transport moisture away from your epidermis and into the air or your next clothing layer. The base layer's mission is to keep you dry and warm. Marmot. [Top] |
| Bellows Pocket | High volume pockets that "bellow out". Created by additional pleats at the bottom and/or sides of the pocket. [Top] |
| Berber | A high performance alternative fabric to fleece. Quick drying, highly wickable, and an excellent thermal insulator. It has a nubby texture and a dense weave. [Top] |
| Bi-Polar® Fleece | A fleece fabric with two unique surfaces; a highly durable, wind and moisture resistant outer layer that protects you from the weather and a shearling inner layer provides insulation. Malden Mills. [Top] |
| Bivy | short for "bivouac", a camping spot usually made in a pinch and for but one night; bivies are usually low on shelter and high on austerity. Marmot. [Top] |
| Bivy Sack | a weatherproof sack of sleeping-bag proportions. Marmot. [Top] |
| Boiled Wool | A washing process applied to woven wool to make a dense, durable and water resistant fabric. Yarns can be made from boiled wool fibers. [Top] |
| Box Wall Construction | Fill is contained within a four wall baffle design that prevents the fill from migrating. Unlike sewn through squares containing fill, there are no cold spots at seams. [Top] |
| Brocade | Fabric with raised figure patterns or designs. [Top] |
| Brushed | Knit or woven fabrics of wool, cotton or synthetic fibers which have been brushed or napped to produce a flannel-like hand, sometimes called "sueded" or "peached". [Top] |
| Buckle Fly by Marmot | No relation to the button or zip fly, the Buckle Fly system includes a waterproof fly that clips into buckles on the canopy straps. The task of attaching and making the fly taut is rendered painless. Marmot. [Top] |
| Burrito Bag by Marmot | With compartments for the tent body, fly, poles, and all hardware, plus sewn-in pitching instructions, the compactable Burrito Bag is the tent organizer, which then becomes an organizer for your other camping gear when the tent is pitched and the Burrito Bag is smartly hanging inside. Standard with every Marmot tent; guac and sour cream not included. Marmot. [Top] |
| Cambrelle™ | A tough synthetic liner with a high rate of absorption and breathability. Resists odor, abrasion and piling. Found in boots and shoes. [Top] |
| Camel Hair | The undercoat of the domesticated Bactrian camel, obtained from shedding or shearing. Characterized by its luxurious soft quality and excellent draping ability. Categorized as wool. [Top] |
| Canopy | The inner wall in a tent employing double-wall construction. A good canopy is breathable; the outer wall, or fly, is waterproof. Marmot. [Top] |
| Canvas | A strong, durable, closely woven fabric in heavy and firm weights. Can be nylon, cotton or polyester. [Top] |
| Capilene® | A fabric treatment that wicks moisture away from the skin. It is bonded to the surface of each fiber and will not wash or wear out. Capilene(r) remains soft and supple as it ages. It won't shrink, melt, or mildew, and pilling is minimal. This trademark is owned by Patagonia. [Top] |
| Cashmere | Famous for its extra fine softness and silky hand, it is the undercoat of the cashmere goat. Classified as wool. [Top] |
| Chambray | A durable plain woven fabric that can be made from cotton, silk, or manufactured fibers, but is most commonly cotton. It incorporates a colored warp (often light blue) and white filling yarns. It was originally woven in Cambrai, France, for farmers. [Top] |
| Chenille | Soft, fuzzy yarns stand out around a velvety cord on this fabric, whose name comes from the French word for "caterpillar." [Top] |
| Chino | A cotton twill fabric also known as "army twill". [Top] |
| ClimaDry® | A system to keep your feet dry by protection from perspiration and external moisture. [Top] |
| Coated Fabrics | Fabric to which a coating of synthetic substance, such as rubber, PVC, or polyurethane compound has been applied to improve weather resistance. [Top] |
| CobraCut™ | shoulder straps- Double curved to go around the neck and arm crease without pinching. Kelty. [Top] |
| Combed Cotton | Finest cottons are made from combed yarns. This process removes all short fibers and impurities from the cotton and makes a superior yarn that is more compact and even. [Top] |
| ComFortrel® | The feel-good fiber that puts comfort first. Through a unique polymer modification and the physical design of the fiber itself, ComFortrel(r) gives fabrics a fresher, softer, noticeably cooler feeling with superior breathability and wickability. It has a soft, natural hand, superb pill resistance, excellent shape retention, and a stability that insures against wrinkling, stretching, and shrinking. Wellman. [Top] |
| Compression Stuff Sack | Contains a sleeping bag so that it's small enough to easily carry and shrinks the volume further, via the assist of buckles and compression straps. Marmot. [Top] |
| Conduction | the loss of heat or, more viscerally, the rise of feeling cold through direct contact with a cold surface. Clothing that doesn't dry and then becomes cold can create dire circumstances, literally drawing heat from your body. Understanding conduction is understanding the need to layer properly. Marmot. [Top] |
| Contragrip® | An outsole technology that provides walking comfort by filtering shocks from terrain and delivers good grip everywhere. Salomon. [Top] |
| Convection | The circulation of cold air in exchange for warm, which happens when you're without a windproof shell in blustery conditions. The body will continuously attempt to heat the frigid air, causing you to become cold. Marmot. [Top] |
| Coolmax® | The high tech fabric that keeps you dry, comfortable, and ready for anything. Made from proprietary DuPont fibers that wick (move and evaporate) sweat away from the skin quickly. It is the fastest drying fabric you can put on your body. Often used in outerwear linings and light layering garments. DuPont. [Top] |
| CoolMax® Mesh | CoolMax(r) yarns in an open mesh form the most breathable lining fabric. Each fiber is channeled, creating more surface area to disperse perspiration quickly and create a dry, comfortable microclimate. The North Face. [Top] |
| Cordlock | The small plastic attachment on a drawstring that slides up and down to adjust the length of the cord. [Top] |
| Cordura® | A high strength, abrasion resistant nylon yarn used extensively in outdoor gear and apparel. It is extremely durable, lightweight, tear and puncture resistant, and will not rot or mildew. DuPont [Top] |
| Corduroy | Medium to heavyweight cotton pile fabric with wales, usually cut vertically. Both strong and durable. [Top] |
| Core Ventilation System® | More effective and comfortable than traditional underarm zip-vents, the Core Ventilation System(r) uses large strategically placed adjustable zippered vents that work together to cool your torso, where you heat up the most. As you move, vents pull cool air in and push warm air out. The result is total circulation of air over your body's core for unsurpassed temperature control, even during high-exertion sports. Sierra Designs. [Top] |
| D-Ring | A ring (shaped in a "D") sewn onto garments and gear that is used for hanging items from- or in the case of a tent, used for rainfly tie offs or a gear loft. Commonly found on jackets, ski pants, backpacks, and tents. [Top] |
| Dacromet | An anti-corrosion coating for shoes that keeps moisture and chemicals from degrading the integrity of tempered steel shanks. [Top] |
| Dacron | A synthetic polyester textile fiber of high tensile strength, having great resistance to stretching and wrinkling. [Top] |
| Denier | A weight measurement used to refer to fineness of a yarn. The lower the number, the finer the fiber; the higher the number, the heavier the fiber. In clothing, 70-denier fabric is strong, heavy and usually used in tough shell garments; 30-denier fabric is lightweight and usually found in insulated garments like down jackets. Cordura( can be as much as 1000-denier which is used on the most rugged gear. [Top] |
| Differential Cut | When the diameter of a lining is smaller than the diameter of it's external shell. The space between the two is for the down or synthetic fill. Found among baffled insulated garments and sleeping bags. [Top] |
| Double Doors | Two chest portals that open wide for excellent ventilation. Not only do they scoop air they also double as pockets. Marmot. [Top] |
| Double-wall Construction | A style of tent construction. The inner wall, aka the canopy, is made of breathable nylon; the outer wall is the waterproof fly. In essence, it incorporates a fly and canopy in one tent wall, thus minimizing weight. [Top] |
| Down | Contrary to popular consensus, down is not feathers. It's the filamentous, soft, and fluffy under-layer of plumage. Down is such an effective insulator because it's light, lofty, and able to trap an abundance of (potentially warm) air between its tiny appendages. Marmot. [Top] |
| Drape | The flexibility and suppleness of a fabric. A flexible fiber such as acetate can be made into a highly drapeable fabric and garment. Usually, the thinner the fiber, the better the drapeability. [Top] |
| DriClime® | Base-layer clothing fabric that uses two different yarns to render it soft, insulative, highly effective at both wicking and dispersing moisture, and odor-resistant wear after wear. Used for linings, shells and pants. Marmot. [Top] |
| Drilex™ | A fabric that wicks moisture quickly. [Top] |
| Drop Seat | A suspender arrangement that allows the back of side-zip pants to become a zip-open flap for your derriere, for when the nearest bathroom is a pine grove or rocky outcropping. Marmot. [Top] |
| DryFlo® | A technical fabric made from 100% polyester fibers. It is wickable, breathable, and fast drying. Lowe Alpine. [Top] |
| Dryloft® | A shell fabric that is windproof, extremely breathable, and provides significant moisture protection from outside sources of moisture [Top] |
| DryLoft® 830 | A breathable, water-resistant, windproof fabric that significantly increases the warmth and durability of down- and Polarguard(r)-insulated sleeping bags. By cutting wind penetration and preventing condensation within the insulation, it is an ideal shell fabric for products used in ice climbing, mountaineering, river rafting, and other wilderness activities. The North Face. [Top] |
| Duck | A tightly woven, heavy, plain-weave, bottom-weight fabric with a hard, durable finish. The fabric is usually made of cotton, and is widely used in men's and women's pants, and children's playclothes. [Top] |
| Durapel® | A type of durable water repellent finish that is applied to fabric to help repel moisture. [Top] |
| Duratex® | A 100% nylon fabric with the look of cotton. Extremely windproof, waterproof, and abrasion resistant. [Top] |
| Duvet | A comforter cover. [Top] |
| DWR | An acronym for Durable Water Repellent finish, a treatment found on outerwear that forces water to bead much as wax does for a car. There are a variety of DWRs, but all for one reason: to prevent water from saturating the shell fabric, which averts potential condensation into the lining and keeps you warmer. A DWR will wash out after a number of washings and dry cleaning removes it immediately! It can be replaced by a product such as Scotchgard or Teflon fabric sprays. (Your dry cleaner can apply a commercial grade DWR). Marmot. [Top] |
| Egyptian Cotton | A fine, lustrous long staple cotton- many contend it is the finest cotton in the world. [Top] |
| EnduraSpan™ | A highly abrasion resistant stretch fabric used in suspension parts. Kelty. [Top] |
| EVA | Ethylene Vinyl Acetate. A lightweight, shock absorbing synthetic rubber commonly used for cushioning insoles and midsoles of shoes. When added to polyethylene, as in Evazote, it imparts enhanced physical characteristics and gives a soft, rubbery feel. [Top] |
| Faille | A semi-lustrous fabric with ribbed texture and excellent draping qualities, soft to the touch. [Top] |
| Fat Man™ & Ribbon™ | sleeping bag drawcords- One cord is fat, one is flat, so you can adjust top or lower sections of hood by feel when it's dark outside. Kelty. [Top] |
| Fiber | The basic entity, either natural or manufactured, which is twisted into yarns, and then used in the production of a fabric. [Top] |
| Filament | A manufactured fiber of indefinite length (continuous), extruded from the spinneret during the fiber production process. [Top] |
| Fill | Sleeping bag or garment insulation, either made of down or man-made synthetics. Marmot. [Top] |
| Fill Power | The number of cubic inches an ounce of down occupies. Down rated 775-plus fill power is loftier, which means warmer, than 600 fill power down. Marmot. [Top] |
| Fill Weight | The amount of down in a garment or bedding. [Top] |
| Flannel | A medium-weight, plain or twill weave fabric that is typically made from cotton, a cotton blend, or wool. The fabric has a very soft hand, brushed on both sides to lift the fiber ends out of the base fabric and create a soft, fuzzy surface. This process also makes the fabric warmer. [Top] |
| Flash Pocket | Quick-access zippered pockets located right near a jacket's main zipper. As in, " In and out in a . . ." Marmot. [Top] |
| Fleece | A quick-drying, breathable, soft polyester used to make insulative clothing. Fleece-making is quite a process: the polyester is knitted in loops, those loops are cut, and the ends are shaved down to size. The height of the stubble that is left has a lot to do with the weight and insulative power of the fleece. There are different types of fleece in a variety of styles to meet your functionality, warmth, and aesthetic requirements. See polartec( for some examples. Marmot. [Top] |
| Fortrel® | A polyester. Wellman. [Top] |
| Four-way Stretch | A fabric that stretches uniformly for maximum freedom of movement. For molded laminates, four-way stretch allows for maximum depth of draw and molding definition. [Top] |
| Gabardine | A tightly woven, twilled, worsted fabric with a slight diagonal line on the right side. Wool gabardine is known as a year-round fabric for business suiting. It wears extremely well without overheating. Polyester, cotton, rayon, and various blends are also used in making gabardine. [Top] |
| Gaiter | A water-repellent, internal sleeve that can be tightened around boot and lower leg to keep out snow. Although a separate gaiter can be worn outside pants, many mountaineering, ski, and snowboard pants come with integrated gaiters. Marmot. [Top] |
| Garment Dyed | A process of dying a garment after it's been constructed. Seams may have a "worn" look. [Top] |
| Garment Washed | The garment is manufactured and then washed. [Top] |
| Gauge | A unit of measurement usually meaning number of stitches in 1 1/2". The higher the gauge, the smaller the stitch. [Top] |
| Gauntlet | A glove extending beyond the wrist for added warmth and protection, which is especially handy when it comes to snow and wind. Marmot. [Top] |
| Gear Loft | An optional overhead shelf for many of our tents. Keeps gloves, jackets, yellowing paperbacks, you name it, overhead, providing more floor space for bags and tired bodies. Marmot. [Top] |
| Gingham | A medium weight, plain weave fabric made of pure or blended cotton. It has a plaid or check pattern. [Top] |
| GoferHole™ | The opening behind the head in our packs that lets you get to the inside of your pack directly. Kelty. [Top] |
| Gore Direct-Grip® Glove and Mitt Inserts | The Gore-Tex(r) membrane is laminated to a fabric that can be worn directly against the skin, eliminating the need for a bulky floating liner between the shell and hand. The North Face. [Top] |
| Gore-Tex® | A patented composite membrane of two unique polymers. The first polymer is a film containing 9 billion pores per square inch. Each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a rain drop, but 700 times larger than a molecule of water. It is completely impervious to rain, snow, and sleet and allows perspiration vapor to pass through. The second polymer allows moisture vapor to pass through, but it blocks contamination from body oils, cosmetics, saltwater, and insect repellents that could otherwise affect waterproofness. When used as intended, you can expect it to be waterproof, very breathable, and windproof even when sitting or kneeling on a wet surface. Also, moisture vapor (sweat) generated within will move rapidly to the outside. Gore-Tex(r) outerwear is Gore's most durable protective technology and carries Gore's Guaranteed To Keep You Dry(r) pledge. W.L. Gore. [Top] |
| Gore-Tex® Supplex Taslite | A lightweight and durable 2 layer Gore-Tex(r) made of 100% nylon laminated to waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex(r). Perfect for general outerwear. Alpine Design. [Top] |
| GridStop™ | Our 210 denier high-tenacity nylon fabric with 215 denier Spectra Ripstop grid reinforcing it. A truly excellent lightweight fabric. Kelty. [Top] |
| Gridworks | A unique blend of Supplex(r) Nylon and Lycra(r) creates a new and unique pattern. Lycra(r) maximizes freedom and range of motion while Supplex(r) Nylon promotes strength and durability. The fabric also wicks moisture away from your skin to maintain comfort and dryness. The North Face. [Top] |
| Gripper Elastic | A somewhat gummy, friction-making rubber yarn that's woven into elastic to enhance its hold. You'll find gripper elastic on powder skirts and gaiters to keep them in place. Marmot. [Top] |
| Grommet | A reinforced eyelet as in a garment, through which a fastener is passed. Also used for underarm ventilation. [Top] |
| Gusset | An insert of extra fabric to allow for greater freedom of movement. A gusseted inseam can make the difference between striding across a creek and soaking your approach shoes. [Top] |
| Guy Point | One of several points inside and outside a tent where a line (a guy line) can be attached and then secured to a stake or other anchor in order to increase a tent's structural rigidity. [Top] |
| Guy Rope | The tie-down rope, cable or webbing located at the tent eave; normally located at the side pole. [Top] |
| Hand | The way a fiber (yarn or fabric) feels when handled. Terms like soft, crisp, dry, silky, or harsh are used to describe the hand of a textile material. The type of yarn, fabric construction, and finishing processes used, affect the hand of a fabric. [Top] |
| Harris Tweed | A exclusive fabric created only on the Outer Hebrides Islands of Scotland. It is characterized by its rugged durability, warmth and beautiful earthy colors. [Top] |
| Heathered | A combination of colors to provide a "mottled effect". The use of light and dark (or contrasting) colors for a "mixed" surface. Such as a heathered gray sweatshirt. [Top] |
| Heavy Duty | Footwear term. For serious trekking or backpacking and extended trips over rugged terrain. [Top] |
| Henley | Shirt/Sweaters: A pullover style with a button placket, round neck, and no collar. [Top] |
| Herringbone | A variation on the twill weave construction in which the twill is reversed, or broken, at regular intervals, producing a zig-zag effect. A true herringbone pattern should have the same number of yarns in each direction, right and left, and be evenly balanced overall. [Top] |
| High Volume | Footwear term. A larger toe box for extra toe space and room for heavy socks. [Top] |
| Hollofil® 808 | A high-loft insulation that provides extra warmth. Made from 100% pre-consumer recycled polyester, its hollow core fibers trap more air and allow for optimum warmth and comfort while remaining durable and refluffable. 20% warmer than solid-core insulation of equal weight and more loft per unit of weight. DuPont. [Top] |
| Hollofil® II | A high-loft insulation that offers performance and value. Designed to be compact and soft, yet resilient and refluffable. The DuPont patented blend of four-hole fibers trap more air and allows greater warmth without added weight. Retains warmth when wet and is 20% warmer than unbranded solid-core insulation of equal weight. DuPont. [Top] |
| Hook-and-Loop | Generic Velcro(r). A self-fastening fabric tape having hooks on one side that grip loops on the other side when pressed together. [Top] |
| Houndstooth Check | A variation on the twill weave construction in which a broken check effect is produced by a variation in the pattern of interlacing yarns, utilizing at least two different colored yarns. [Top] |
| Hydrenaline™ Microfiber Polyester | A lightweight, breathable fabric of tightly woven polyester microfiber fillaments that are inherently wind resistant and water repellent. The North Face. [Top] |
| Hydro-to-Go™ | The hydration system holder comprised of a buttonhole opening to thread a water tube through when you store a reservoir in SlabPocket(tm). No more stops on the trail to grab a drink! Kelty. [Top] |
| Hydrophilic Mesh | Wicks moisture away from the body and helps transport it through the micro-pores of a shell fabric. Combined with a waterproof/breathable shell creates an exceptional technical weather system. Alpine Design. [Top] |
| HydroPlus 3000™ | A rainproof version of HydroPlus(tm), at a phenomenal value. A soft nylon taffeta is coated with a denser and thicker polyurethane barrier. A water repellent finish is applied to the outside of the fabric for increased weather protection. All seams are sealed to ensure greater rain protection. Columbia. [Top] |
| HydroPlus™ | This is basic drizzle-wear. Made from soft, supple 100% nylon taffeta, it's coated with a thin, polyurethane barrier, making it extremely wind and weather repellent. HydroPlus(tm) is light, durable and packable. Columbia. [Top] |
| HydroShield Fabric | A completely wind and waterproof outer layer fabric made of lightweight nylon with a waterproof coating. It is used in pants and jackets to keep you protected from the outside elements. Pearl Izumi. [Top] |
| IllumiNite® | Lightweight, wind and water resistant, this revolutionary fabric appears normal by day but at night is reflective over its entire surface providing a6 full silhouette image. Reflective Technologies. [Top] |
| Insole | The footbed of a shoe or boot; the area on which the foot rests. [Top] |
| Insulation | A material used in preventing the transfer of heat, namely body heat. Different types of insulation are fleece and pile, man-made fibers like Primaloft(r) and Polar-guard(r) 3D, and goose down. Marmot. [Top] |
| Interlock Knit | A smooth, firm knit with the same texture on both sides of the fabric. Possesses good wearing qualities. [Top] |
| Interwoven | To weave together; blend. [Top] |
| IronFiber 1000 | This extremely tough nylon fabric was developed for reinforcement in the high abrasion areas of packs. It is durable, rugged, and water resistant. The North Face. [Top] |
| IronFiber 600 | This 100% nylon fabric was developed to be a lightweight rugged pack fabric with great durability and water resistance. The North Face. [Top] |
| ISOPad Belt | Plastifoam belt backed with revolutionary SloMoFoam against your body to even out pressure. Kelty. [Top] |
| Jacquard | A method of weaving or knitting patterns right into fabric, although jacquard patterns are sometimes printed. Material has a raised pattern effect. [Top] |
| Jersey | A generic term for a plain knit fabric without a distinct rib. Characteristically stretchy, breathable, and comfortable. Also known as a single knit. [Top] |
| Karatek Kevlar | A strong but lightweight fabric reinforced with Kevlar for exceptional resistance to tearing. The North Face. [Top] |
| Kevlar® | An incredibly strong fiber used in bullet proof vests and some climbing applications. Strong, lightweight, and high resistance to tearing. [Top] |
| Kevtek Kevlar | Engineered with the most extreme rugged yarns and fibers available, this fabric is practically bulletproof. Woven with nylon, Kevlar, polyester, and glass fiber and finally coated with polyurethane, this material is abrasion and tear-proof and resistant to water penetration. An excellent material for abrasion areas. The North Face. [Top] |
| Khakis | An unusually strong cloth made of cotton, worsted, or linen yarns and blends of man-made fiber. [Top] |
| Knight's Hood | A protective, removable, full-coverage hood for doing battle with the elements. Features size adjustability, a bill, and attaches high on the chest for increased protection. Marmot. [Top] |
| Knit | Fabrics made from only one set of yarns, all running in the same direction. Some knits have their yarns running along the length of the fabric, while others have their yarns running across the width of the fabric. Knit fabrics are held together by looping the yarns around each other. Knitting creates ridges in the resulting fabric. Wales are the ridges that run lengthwise in the fabric; courses run crosswise. Characteristically stretchy and comfortable, common knit fabrics are jersey, interlock and rib knit. [Top] |
| Latex | Natural rubber extruded from the rubber tree. [Top] |
| Latitude Ripstop | Fabric with a soft supple feel and a unique ripstop weave for durability. Highly water resistant because of a durable water repellent finish on the outside and highly wind resistant because of a urethane finish coating inside. Alpine Designs. [Top] |
| Lenzing Modal | A rayon-like material spun from all-natural fibers into microscopic filaments. [Top] |
| Light Duty | Footwear term. For shorter day or weekend hikes. Great for maintained trails. [Top] |
| Linen | A fabric made from linen fibers obtained from inside the woody stem of the flax plant. Linen fibers are much stronger and more lustrous than cotton. Linen fabrics are very cool and absorbent, but wrinkle very easily, unless blended with manufactured fibers. Linen is one of the oldest textile fibers. [Top] |
| Lining | The material closest to your body in a sleeping bag or any piece of performance clothing. Some lining fabrics like DriClime(r) and CoolMax(r) feel good and wick moisture away from the body. Linings can have other duties, too: provide protection for laminates like Gore-Tex(r) fabrics, allow for interior pockets, and keep down feathers inside their baffles. [Top] |
| Litefoam™ | A pattern of interlocking holes is stamped in the core of the foam. This creates a mattress that weighs less and packs smaller. Cascade Designs. [Top] |
| LockDown™ | The adjustable suspension system where shoulder straps are sewn onto a plastic panel that slides up & down on the stays and is anchored (locked) on the sides with Velcro(r). Kelty. [Top] |
| Locker Loop | A small loop of fabric sewn to the back of a garment (at the neckline or yoke). [Top] |
| Loft | An insulated garment or sleeping bag's depth of fill. In general, greater loft retains more (warm) air, which is why expedition-quality sleeping bags and insulated clothing look so dang puffy. Marmot. [Top] |
| Lycra® | A synthetic fiber that offers built-in lasting elasticity and strength. It is always used in combination with another fiber, such as cotton, polyester or nylon. Adding as little as 2% Lycra(r) will improve the comfort, freedom of movement, fit, shape retention, drape, and wrinkle resistance of the apparel. Another benefit is it's long-term resistance to body acids. Lycra(r) is DuPont's version of the generic fiber, spandex. [Top] |
| Madras | A plain weave fabric, usually 100% cotton. White and colored threads of uneven thickness give it a textured look and form a repeating plaid, stripe or minute check. [Top] |
| Melton Wool | A heavily matted, hard, plain cloth. It is dull in appearance and non lustrous. [Top] |
| MemBrain® | A waterproof-breathable film made of a shape-memory polymer that alters its molecular structure with temperature changes. Translation: As your body heat rises, MemBrain(r)-laminated outerwear becomes more porous and therefore more breathable. As your body cools, the film returns to its original form. Smart Fabric Technology® by Marmot. [Top] |
| Membrane | A thin film of porous material. [Top] |
| Mercerized | A process used to increase strength of cotton and its affinity of dyes. It gives the fabric a slight lustre. [Top] |
| Merino wool | This high-quality wool yarn made from the fleece of merino sheep is fine, strong and elastic, and takes dye well. It is the best wool obtained anywhere in the world. In knitting underwear fabrics, the term implies garments made of a mixture of wool. [Top] |
| Mesh | A type of fabric characterized by its net-like open appearance, and the spaces between the yarns. Mesh is available in a variety of constructions including wovens, knits, laces, or crocheted fabrics. [Top] |
| Micro Fleece | An ultra-light, microfiber fleece with superior warmth without extra weight. The tight construction of the advanced microfiber yarn improves wind resistance and reduces drag for activities such as cycling or skiing. Both sides are soft, chamois-like, pill-resistant and durable. Malden Mills. [Top] |
| Micro-Lite | 100% lightweight polyester microfiber with a soft, cotton-like hand. Micro-Lite is designed to wick perspiration away from the body and transfer it to the fabric surface where it can evaporate. This fabric combines the comfort of a natural fabric with the moisture management of a high-tech microfiber. [Top] |
| Microclimate | The temperature and humidity level between your body and underwear, or underwear and the next layer of clothing. The purpose of DriClime(r), for example, is to maintain a comfortable microclimate between itself and the skin. Marmot. [Top] |
| Microfiber | Generic term for any synthetic fiber finer than silk. Fabrics made with microfibers are soft, lightweight, breathable and durable. [Top] |
| Micromattique™ | The latest innovative microfiber from DuPont, Micromattique(tm) combines a super-soft touch with exceptional drape, lightweight breathable comfort and resistance to wrinkles. Whether blended with other fibers or used alone, it enhances fabrics and makes them easy to care for. DuPont. [Top] |
| MicroMax | A 30 Denier micro polyester ripstop that is downproof by construction. A perfect sleeping bag shell fabric , it protects goose down from the elements and has a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, tight construction, and great performance. [Top] |
| Micronamics® | A virtually non-pilling, wicking fabric. The North Face. [Top] |
| Microsensor™ Fabric | Part of the Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor(tm) family of fabrics. It has a 15-20% faster moisture-transfer rate than Ultrasensor(tm). Microfilament, hydrophobic polyester yarns speed evaporation. Moisture is pulled away from the skin through a unique capillary action, with larger yarns next to the skin and finer microfilament yarns on the face of the fabric. [Top] |
| MicroTex | this unique 3-ply laminate was developed specifically for single wall tents. A non-woven backing absorbs and holds moisture until it can pass through the laminate membrane and evaporate off the tent wall. The diamond ripstop shell provides extra tear resistance, making this very strong, waterproof, and breathable fabric. The North Face. [Top] |
| Mid Duty | Footwear term. For weekend to week long trekking and backpacking over easy to rough terrain. [Top] |
| Mid Volume | Footwear term. Average toe box for light to medium weight socks. [Top] |
| Modal | A category of natural plant fibers that possess high breaking strength, good breathability, and excellent shape retention when wet. Micro Modal represents fibers spun into microscopic filaments that create a whisper-light fabric with a fluid drape. [Top] |
| Mohair | The silky hair of the angora goat. Characterized by a lustrous sheen and long straight hairs in the weave. [Top] |
| Moleskin | A cotton fabric with a napped (fuzzy) sheared surface: soft, yet durable. [Top] |
| Momme | Silk is measured in Japanese "Momme" weight (MM), equivalent to 3.75 grams. The higher the momme, the heavier the silk. [Top] |
| Moss Micro Fiber Fabric | A waterproof/breathable, lightweight and wind resistant fabric. To increase water repellency, a durable water repellent finish is applied. Alpine Design. [Top] |
| Mouton | Sheep's wool: plush (heavily napped and sheared to a smooth, even surface). [Top] |
| Mule | Slip-on open heel shoe often having a closed toe. [Top] |
| Mummy | The very cozy shape of choice for sleeping bags designed to provide maximum warmth. Wide-mummy bags offer additional volume; the trade-off being the extra sleeping space requires that your body work a little harder to keep the bed warm. Marmot. [Top] |
| Muslin | A wide variety of cotton fabrics. Cloth ranges from lightweight sheers to the heavier weight; firmly woven. [Top] |
| Neoprene | A synthetic rubber that is durable and very resistant to external substances (such as oil). Most common in scuba gear and often used in sportswear and accessories for durability and warmth. [Top] |
| Neotek (Toughgrip) | It's neoprene coated over nylon Cordura(r). Such a recipe makes for a glove fabric that has high tear-strength, good grip, and more abrasion-resistance than Kevlar. Neotek is found on the palms and fingertip areas of gloves. Marmot. [Top] |
| No-See-Um Mesh | Tent mesh so fine that it keeps out the dreaded no-see-ums, those nasty biting midges that are as common to campsites as fire pits. Marmot. [Top] |
| Nonwoven Fabric | Fabrics made directly from individual fibers that are matted together by forming an interlocking web of fibers either mechanically (tangling together) or chemically (gluing, bonding, or melting together). [Top] |
| Nortek | Filament nylon and spandex yarns are woven in a twill construction to provide maximum lightweight, freedom of movement. The face is extremely smooth to repel and shed water. The fabric is laminated with breathable polyurethane to block water penetration. The North Face. [Top] |
| Nubuck | A full grain leather that has been "sanded" on the right side for suede finish. [Top] |
| Nylon | Produced in 1938, the first completely synthetic fiber developed. Known for its high strength and excellent resilience, nylon has superior abrasion resistance and high flexibility. [Top] |
| Nylon Mesh | Chosen for its superior resistance to abrasion, tearing and snagging, this tough nylon mesh is used for external pockets on many of our packs and accessories. [Top] |
| Oil Cloth | Fabric which is treated with linseed-oil varnish to give a patent-leather effect. [Top] |
| Olefin | Fabrics are usually bulky but lightweight, with a wool-like touch. Olefin is quick drying and resistant to deterioration from mildew, rot and perspiration. [Top] |
| Omni-Dry™ Nylon | Developed for hiking, trekking and adventure travel, Omni-Dry Nylon(tm) is a lightweight, crinkled and sanded, plain weave dull yarn nylon. This combination of dull yarns and fabric finishing create an extremely soft cotton-like hand. The exclusive Omni-Dry(tm) process renders superior moisture management in a variety of conditions. Columbia. [Top] |
| Omni-Dry™ Technology | Engineered to be quick drying and provide comfort and performance in a variety of conditions. It keeps the body comfortable and dry by drawing moisture to the fabric face where it can quickly evaporate. Columbia. [Top] |
| Omni-Tech Ceramic™ Coating | The ultimate protection for active users in extreme weather.Ceramic technology increases waterproofing without compromising breathability, meeting the demands of backcountry skiers, mountaineers and backpackers. Omni-Tech/Ceramic provides an absolutely waterproof, breathable and fully seam-sealed barrier guaranteed. Columbia. [Top] |
| Omni-Tech™ | is Columbia Sportswear's exclusive waterproof/breathable technology. It's carefully engineered to not only keep you dry, but also to keep you comfortable even when the weather is miserable. Guaranteed. A microporous coating is applied to the underside of the fabric. Water molecules are too large to penetrate the tiny pores, so you stay dry. In addition, a super durable water repellent finish is added to the outside of the fabric to keep water beading, even after washing. Those same microscopic pores that prevent water from coming in are large enough to allow moisture vapor (perspiration) to escape, preventing you from getting wet from your own sweat. Designed to stop the wind completely and all seams are sealed at the factory for a true waterproof environment. [Top] |
| Oxford | (1.) Soft, stout cotton shirting with small "basketweave" (tiny squares when examined closely). Can be a solid or stripe or may have tiny geometric patterns. (2.) A lace-up style shoe; covers the top of the foot fully with a lacing closure; stops below the ankle. [Top] |
| Pack Pockets | Diagonal-opening chest pockets that can be accessed even when a pack's bulky shoulder straps are hugging your body. Marmot. [Top] |
| Paragon Fabric | A non-pilling polyester combined with Lycra(r) spandex to offer a comfortable fabric with excellent stretch and recovery for an athletic fit. A surface treatment speeds moisture evaporation. Pearl Izumi. [Top] |
| Parka | An outerwear garment that is below the hip line. This may be insulated or uninsulated. It often has a drawcord at the waist & lower edge, also may have a hood. [Top] |
| Patent Leather | This is a leather [Top] |
| Pearl Izumi Light™ Fabric | A superior woven fabric that is quick drying and comfortable. [Top] |
| Percale | (1.) Dress percale is a medium-weight, printed cotton cloth with a firm, smooth finish. (2.) Sheet percale is fine, smooth, lustrous, and highly textured. A very high grade sheeting. [Top] |
| Perfecta Cloth™ | Made with a Tactel(r) nylon fiber, it is basic windwear with a soft, more cotton-like hand. When coated the fabric is best used as outerwear with superior ability to shed water; uncoated the fabric is perfect for summer. Columbia. [Top] |
| Pigment Dyed | A process in which additional substance is added to bulk up the dye. Excess is washed out to give the fabric a worn, used appearance. [Top] |
| Pile | Insulative pile is not a member of the fleece family. Rather than being one stretch of knit fabric, pile is made of cut staple fiber that's placed into a knit matrix. The fibers can stand taller than fleece tufts, so pile garments can be warmer. Marmot. [Top] |
| Pilling | The formation of groups of short or broken fibers on the surface of a fabric, which are tangled together in the shape of a tiny ball called a pill. [Top] |
| Pima Cotton | A variety of American-Egyptian cotton, grown in Southwestern U.S.; long staple cotton used for woven and knit fabrics. Very strong. [Top] |
| Pinpoint | Finely, tightly woven oxford cloth; finer texture than a basic oxford cloth having a soft, silky feel yet retaining the durability of a heavier weave. [Top] |
| Pinwale | A very narrow ridge or rib in a fabric (from 16 to 23 wales to the inch) for example [Top] |
| Pitch | The vertical distance of a tent measured from the eave to the top of the tent roof. [Top] |
| Pittards® | A highly durable trademark leather used in gloves. The company's WR100X permanent tanning process, leaving the hides very water-resistant (hence less spongelike), as well as breathable, quick-drying, and eternally soft. Marmot. [Top] |
| PitZips® | Zippered openings in the armpits of our jackets. Since rising heat and moisture can well up in the armpits, it's an obvious place to seek all the ventilation one can get. PitZips(r) have protective double-flaps to keep out precipitation. Marmot. [Top] |
| Placket | Additional fabric sewn on the edge of a sleeve, collar, sofa cushion, etc. that gives the appearance of a rolled edge; decorative as well as functional (controls fraying) [Top] |
| Platypus® Hydration System | Flexible bottles and reservoirs that fit into tight spaces. No plastic taste due to beverage-grade polyethylene liner. Very light and durable. Drinking tube creates hands-free hydration system. Cascade Designs. [Top] |
| Pointelle | Very feminine, delicate-looking rib knit fabric made with a pattern of openings. [Top] |
| Polar fleece | A fleece-back jersey fabric. [Top] |
| Polarguard® | Used for insulation. The registered name of a continuous filament fiber manufactured in bats (sheets of fiber, not loose fibers). The long intertwine fibers do not shift, mat or clump. Non-allergenic, mildew resistant, and retains most of its loft when wet. [Top] |
| Polarguard® 3D | Insulation that is as durable as earlier generations of Polarguard(r), yet is softer, so it is more compressible. It also has less weight for the same loft. Made of 100% polyester, it absorbs very little moisture, reatining loft even if wet. It is easily stored and laundered, non-allergenic, and mildew resistant. [Top] |
| Polarguard® HV | Used for insulation. A hollow continuous fiber that is 25% lighter than standard Polarguard(r) and more compressible for backpacking and expedition use. The fibers trap a greater quantity of air for their weight than the usual solid synthetic fibers, creating a superior warmth-to-weight ratio. It absorbs very little moisture and if it does become wet, it continues to retain its loft and dries very quickly. Durable, won't mildew, is easily laundered and stored, and is non-allergenic. [Top] |
| Polarized Lenses | Polyvinyl alcohol sheet sandwiches between sheets of lens material to reduce glare. [Top] |
| Polartec® 100 Series Fleece | (5.5oz./yd²) This double velour fleece provides great insulation for its weight. Ideal for layering or on its own, this fleece wicks moisture away from the body for quick drying, making it comfortable for high-aerobic activities. An anti-bacterial finish resists odor-causing bacteria. Malden Mills [Top] |
| Polartec® 100M Series Microfiber Fleece | (5.5oz/yd²) A high performance microfiber fleece with excellent warmth-to-weight characteristics, even when wet. This fleece fabric dries quickly, launders well, resists piling, and is both hypoallergenic and odorless. Malden Mills. [Top] |
| Polartec® 100M Series with Stretch Flecce | (5.2oz/yd²) A high performance microfiber fleece with ESP (Extra Stretch Performance) for additional stretch in the fabric. The fleece offers lightweight warmth for use next to the skin or in a layering system. It launders well, resists pilling, wicks moisture for quick drying and is hypoallergenic and odorless. Malden Mills. [Top] |
| Polartec® 200 Series Fleece | (8oz/yd²) Finished on both sides for maximum durability, Polartec(r) 200 has excellent insulating properties. The fleece stays warm when wet, is hypoallergenic, odorless and easy to clean. Malden Mills. [Top] |
| Polartec® 200S Series Fleece | (7oz/yd²) A 94% Polyester / 6% Lycra(r) stretch fleece fabric that is an excellent insulator with superior stretch capabilities. Malden Mills. [Top] |
| Polartec® 300 Series Recycled Fleece | (10.5oz/yd²) Made from 89% recycled polyester, mostly from plastic bottles. Finished on both sides for maximum durability. Same insulation properties and luster as virgin polyester. The fleece is warm when wet, hypoallergenic, odorless and easy to clean. Malden Mills. [Top] |
| Polartec® Bipolar 200 Series Fleece | (8oz/yd²) A double-sided fleece fabric with a dense low-shear velour that sheds light rain and snow. The opposite shearling side traps air close to the body, creating thermal insulation. Malden Mills. [Top] |
| Polartec® Powerstretch Fleece | (6.6oz/yd²) This fleece is engineered with Lycra(r) to provide four-way stretch for maximum freedom of movement. Brushed polyester inside and denser nylon outside work together to pull moisture away fast. Nylon outer surface also adds abrasion resistance, tear strength, and wind resistance. Anti-microbial finish. Malden Mills. [Top] |