Outdoor USA Magazine

Polartec has unveiled the North American APEX Award winners for 2011. (Click here to see the European winners).

This honor goes to the finest Polartec-based garments that will be available to consumers in the fall of 2011. A panel of judges selected the winners based on the style, function and fit of the garments as well as the most innovative and appropriate uses of Polartec fabrics in the designs.

Out of the dozens of garments submitted, the judges selected 13 North American APEX winners ranging from diving-specific insulation layers, to high-tech flame resistant work wear, to the latest and most innovative extreme weather protection garments.

The winners are:

Patagonia Northwall Jacket and Pants - Polartec Power Shield Pro
BARE SB System Midlayer - Polartec Power Stretch
Cabela's Thermal Zone - Polartec Power Dry
Special Operations Forces (SOF) Protective Combat Uniform (PCU) - Polartec Power Dry
Westcomb Apoc - Polartec NeoShell
Marmot Zion - Polartec NeoShell
Athleta Tagalong - Polartec Thermal Pro
Orvis Targhee Full Zip Fleece - Polartec Thermal Pro
Dragonfur Polartec Power Dry FR Hi-Viz Shirt - Polartec Power Dry FR
Tyndale Polartec Baselayer Thermal Top & Bottom - Polartec Power Stretch FR with wool
Big Bill Polartec Power Shield FR Jacket - Polartec Power Shield FR
The North Face Jammu Jacket – Polartec NeoShell
LL Bean Bean's Insulated Fleece Jacket – Polartec Wind Pro

In addition to a Tiffany crystal award and bragging rights for a year, manufacturers can participate in a custom hangtag program promoting the winning garments at the consumer level. Polartec also provides additional marketing support through product placement with media and events.