dmb658
02-02-2008, 21:11
" Seattle, WA, January 24th, 2008 — Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) today announced its collaboration with eVent™* fabrics in the development of REI’s new high-performance outerwear collection constructed with the revolutionary eVent three-ply waterproof breathable fabric.
When introduced next fall, REI Gear & Apparel – REI’s private label -- will be the first nationally distributed apparel brand in the country to bring eVent fabrics technology to its customers. This new brand-defining collection – consisting of the men’s REI Shuksan eVent jacket and pant, and the women’s REI Kulshan eVent jacket and pant -- represents the next wave of innovation for the outdoor retailer’s popular gear and clothing brand.
"REI's eVent jackets and pants are the pinnacle products within our impressive fall 2008 outerwear line, and will set the standard for future REI Gear & Apparel collections," said Lee Fromson, vice president of REI Gear & Apparel. "These products will be the first of many to feature this amazing technology in the seasons ahead, for our customers who place high value on product breathability during high aerobic activities."
The foundation of REI’s new outerwear is eVent fabric, which allows sweat to vent directly to the outside of the garment in one easy step through a process called Direct Venting™ technology. eVent fabrics get their unique properties from a proprietary and patented waterproof membrane. Its unique composition allows millions of tiny pores to breathe at their full potential. This process allows moisture to vent away from the body without condensing on the inside of the fabric, helping to keep the user dry no matter what the activity or conditions.
“Due to our direct venting technology, sweat escapes from the jacket while it is still water vapor. Traditional PU membranes force sweat out while it is in liquid form,” said Jim Lenox, the global product leader of consumer products for eVent fabrics.
“We are honored to collaborate with REI on this important project. For REI, this new product line represents a commitment to innovation, and to providing outdoor enthusiasts with the best products possible. Under the leadership of Fromson, REI’s team of designers created the Kulshan and Shuksan products with the best materials and construction processes available,” added Lenox.
Both the men’s REI Shuksan eVent jacket and pant and the women’s REI Kulshan eVent jacket and pant feature waterproof eVent fabric. All of which offer exceptional breathability to keep you dry and comfortable during backcountry skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering or any other highly aerobic pursuit requiring the most advanced technology.
The REI Shuksan and Kulshan eVent jackets will include oversized dual mesh-lined chest pockets that double as vents, eliminating the need for separate arm-pit zippered ventilation. They will also feature a fully adjustable helmet-compatible hood, and an inside security pocket with headphone port. The pants feature cargo pockets with waterproof zippers, built-in snow gaiters and full-length zippers on the outside of the legs.
The jackets will retail for $289, and the pants for $229. All four products in the collection will be available at all REI stores and online at www.REI.com (http://www.rei.com/) beginning in September 2008.
Inspiration from the product names comes from Washington state’s sister peaks Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker – for which the Native American name is “Kulshan” – home of some of the country’s best backcountry skiing located in the “backyard” of REI’s hometown. Aptly, the sister peaks hold the world record for the most snowfall in a single year, which was 96.6 feet in 1999.
About REI:
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores – http://www.rei.com (http://www.rei.com/) and http://www.REI-OUTLET.com (http://www.rei-outlet.com/) – and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning outdoor gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.
About eVent fabrics:
eVent fabrics are made with GE’s proprietary expanded PTFE membrane technology to produce an exceptionally breathable, highly-functional waterproof laminate with a very loyal following. Honored by the American Alpine Institute with its prestigious Guides’ Choice award, eVent fabrics are used by more than 70 brands worldwide in their most demanding outerwear, footwear, gloves, hats, gaiters, sleeping bags and bivy bags. For additional information, please visit www.eventfabrics.com. (http://www.eventfabrics.com./) "
When introduced next fall, REI Gear & Apparel – REI’s private label -- will be the first nationally distributed apparel brand in the country to bring eVent fabrics technology to its customers. This new brand-defining collection – consisting of the men’s REI Shuksan eVent jacket and pant, and the women’s REI Kulshan eVent jacket and pant -- represents the next wave of innovation for the outdoor retailer’s popular gear and clothing brand.
"REI's eVent jackets and pants are the pinnacle products within our impressive fall 2008 outerwear line, and will set the standard for future REI Gear & Apparel collections," said Lee Fromson, vice president of REI Gear & Apparel. "These products will be the first of many to feature this amazing technology in the seasons ahead, for our customers who place high value on product breathability during high aerobic activities."
The foundation of REI’s new outerwear is eVent fabric, which allows sweat to vent directly to the outside of the garment in one easy step through a process called Direct Venting™ technology. eVent fabrics get their unique properties from a proprietary and patented waterproof membrane. Its unique composition allows millions of tiny pores to breathe at their full potential. This process allows moisture to vent away from the body without condensing on the inside of the fabric, helping to keep the user dry no matter what the activity or conditions.
“Due to our direct venting technology, sweat escapes from the jacket while it is still water vapor. Traditional PU membranes force sweat out while it is in liquid form,” said Jim Lenox, the global product leader of consumer products for eVent fabrics.
“We are honored to collaborate with REI on this important project. For REI, this new product line represents a commitment to innovation, and to providing outdoor enthusiasts with the best products possible. Under the leadership of Fromson, REI’s team of designers created the Kulshan and Shuksan products with the best materials and construction processes available,” added Lenox.
Both the men’s REI Shuksan eVent jacket and pant and the women’s REI Kulshan eVent jacket and pant feature waterproof eVent fabric. All of which offer exceptional breathability to keep you dry and comfortable during backcountry skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering or any other highly aerobic pursuit requiring the most advanced technology.
The REI Shuksan and Kulshan eVent jackets will include oversized dual mesh-lined chest pockets that double as vents, eliminating the need for separate arm-pit zippered ventilation. They will also feature a fully adjustable helmet-compatible hood, and an inside security pocket with headphone port. The pants feature cargo pockets with waterproof zippers, built-in snow gaiters and full-length zippers on the outside of the legs.
The jackets will retail for $289, and the pants for $229. All four products in the collection will be available at all REI stores and online at www.REI.com (http://www.rei.com/) beginning in September 2008.
Inspiration from the product names comes from Washington state’s sister peaks Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker – for which the Native American name is “Kulshan” – home of some of the country’s best backcountry skiing located in the “backyard” of REI’s hometown. Aptly, the sister peaks hold the world record for the most snowfall in a single year, which was 96.6 feet in 1999.
About REI:
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores – http://www.rei.com (http://www.rei.com/) and http://www.REI-OUTLET.com (http://www.rei-outlet.com/) – and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning outdoor gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.
About eVent fabrics:
eVent fabrics are made with GE’s proprietary expanded PTFE membrane technology to produce an exceptionally breathable, highly-functional waterproof laminate with a very loyal following. Honored by the American Alpine Institute with its prestigious Guides’ Choice award, eVent fabrics are used by more than 70 brands worldwide in their most demanding outerwear, footwear, gloves, hats, gaiters, sleeping bags and bivy bags. For additional information, please visit www.eventfabrics.com. (http://www.eventfabrics.com./) "