“It was a better alternative to the fleece, shell combo…”
Category: Backcountry Gear
Jacket: 1996 Windstopper Fleece
Designer: Ingrid Harshbarger
Details: This is one of our oldest styles. The Gore Windstopper fabric represented an important step in jacket construction and technology. At the time fleece was the dominant choice as a mid-layer or outer layer in dry conditions. The achilles heel of fleece was that it was warm and comfortable, but when the wind picked up, the cold air rushed straight threw it.
“The 3-layer Windstopper fabric blocked out the wind, which minimized bulk and weight. It was a better alternative to the fleece, shell combo,” said Keith Phizackerley, one of our longest surviving equipment developers.
And then there’s the stitching and extra protection on the collar, shoulders and elbows, which makes for an extra bomber piece. We wouldn’t be surprised if there are hundreds of these still out there with that kind of construction. Not to mention, that classic styling! “Ingrid was one of the best gear designers who ever lived,” said Keith.
