Merino base layer wins Scandinavian Outdoor Award

17 August 2010, Krøderen - A base layer garment in a knitted net structure made from merino wool has won the Scandinavian Outdoor Award for Summer 2010. According to competition judges Woolnet from Norwegian sports underwear brand Aclima showed an “innovative approach in terms of material, form and durability”.     

Aclima’s WoolNet is based on an open knit structure that allows the garment to breathe and keep the wearer cool and dry. The net construction also traps air that insulates against the environment in both warm and cold temperatures and the garments which are made with fine merino and are said to have gained attention from sports and outdoor enthusiasts in Europe.

WoolNet garments are a base layer for varying activity all year round made in 100% merino wool. The mesh construction is said to have the unique ability to transport moisture and as it is made from wool it also provides good insulation. According to Aclima the product breathes when you are moving and insulates when you stop. The sides are rib knitted for comfort and to preserve the shape of the product, which also has shoulder panels to make it comfortable to wear a backpack. In addition WoolNet garments are said to be body odour resistant and 100% recyclable. The garments are said to be suitable for average to intense activity where extra insulation is required, like mountain hiking, cross-country skiing, hunting or trekking.

Aclima Sales Manager Lars Eivind Johansen said “we have been in this business for many years and know that merino is the ultimate performance product for next-to-skin wear. It is very exciting to see that this knowledge is now spreading to more and more consumers.”  This was seen at the recent European Outdoor fair in Germany where merino was prominently featured by brands such as Aclima, Ortovox, Lundhags, Woolpower, Apani and others.

Aclima, which was founded in 1922 focuses on sports-underwear and with its new collection it wants to show the world what to expect of modern underwear. “That it’s possible to produce elegant sports-underwear that is warm and soft and at the same time breathes and does not let odour remain in the fabric,” the company says

Aclima delivers functional underwear to armed forces in several NATO countries and also markets its Aclima underwear through high class sports stores in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Aclima’s employees are said to be determined to keep and to develop their knowledge in close relation to its production facilities. The company is one of only a few who still run circular knitting machines in Norway and are located one and a half hours’ drive from Oslo, next to the famous Norefjell ski resort.

Australian Wool Innovation sports -outdoor manager Lars Ulvesund congratulated Aclima on its recent award and praised the ongoing commitment the brand showed toward a new way of thinking.

“The WoolNet is a great development and is the perfect base layer for any outdoor activity in any season.”  As both Woolmark and Merino Perform certified, Australian Wool Innovation works closely with Aclima, which is well known for supplying garments to both the Norwegian and Swedish Armed Forces, another example of where innovation is helping to increase demand for wool.