LabelsLafuma
Lafuma’s partner since 1992, at the time when the brand first launched their textile range, Gore-Tex® has revolutionised the world of outdoor protective clothing.
Why? Because of the properties of the membrane developed by the chemist Bob Gore in the late 70s: water-repellent, breathable, flex resistant, and long-lasting. Lafuma was the first brand to sell a Gore-Tex® jacket, the Shangar, for less than 150 euros (1,000 francs at the time!) in 1992, selling more than 200,000 units. Later on, the Twingar jacket was the first “3 in 1” design. In 2010, Lafuma was also one of the first brands to offer recycled Gore-Tex®.
For Christophe Dumarest, high altitude mountain guide and technical advisor to Lafuma: “This light, comfortable membrane, which provides protection from wind, rain and cold, has been a huge contribution to mountaineering. It has been a revolution, pushing back the boundaries of our adventures. It has even become a household name. The ongoing innovations and its combination with technical, tensile fabrics, makes it even more efficient.”
Sharing the values of innovation, technical prowess and sustainable development, Polartec® has been supporting Lafuma in designing outdoor clothes since its textile range was launched in the early 90s.
World leader in developing and manufacturing technical fabrics, today Polartec® delivers over 400 different fabrics that provide warmth, breathability, comfort and lightweight for all outdoor activities.
Stéphanie Bodet, a world-renowned climber and technical advisor to Lafuma, is sold on them: “Polartec® made a real breakthrough in the 80s by inventing fleece fibre. Cosy, warm, light and fast-drying, this fabric is ideal in the mountains where weather conditions change fast and where the technical abilities and light weight of the material play an important role.”
Some of Stéphanie’s favourite Lafuma models are the Polartec® 200, “extremely warm and comfortable”, and, even more importantly in her opinion, “made from recycled materials.” In this cosy cocoon, she says “I feel great in it and I’m helping to protect the environment!”
She also often wears the Polartec® Powerstretch, “it’s a must for mountain racing. Ultra-technical, comfortable and close-fitting, it gives me great freedom of movement, which is crucial for mountain-climbing.”
In late 2000, Lafuma adopted OutDry® patented technology for its technical footwear collection.
This innovation, designed by the Italian company Nextec, changed the product manufacturing process. Through a lamination process, it seamlessly joins the waterproof, breathable membrane of the sole with the shoe’s upper, thereby completely preventing water from getting in. It also offers outstanding breathability and reduces the risks of condensation from transpiration as well as blisters.
For Antoine Guillon, runner for the Lafuma Team, “it’s a major breakthrough. It’s really great in winter. We can run in the snow and our feet stay dry. This avoids us having to change footwear. On some models like Speedtrail, the use of OutDry® makes the shoe firmer, providing extra foot support. This is a great added bonus.”
For more than 70 years, Vibram® has been providing outdoor sports enthusiasts with technical and functional soles for optimal security. Stamped with their famous little yellow octagon, they excel by the outstanding grip they provide across different types of terrain.
Partner to Lafuma since it launched its footwear range in 2000, Vibram® has become one of the group’s key labels for each of its brands, including Lafuma of course, but also Millet and Le Chameau. Vibram® constantly innovates to deliver product excellence, and, like Lafuma, it stays in close contact with its users to keep track of what’s going on in the field.
Marc Balaskovic, technical advisor to Lafuma, manages the mountain quest team, and is an eminent figure in French mountain quests. He started using Lafuma/Vibram® shoes six years ago, and for him “the sole has outstanding grip in multi-sport mountain quests, including on wet stone.” He also appreciates the shoes’ strength in all conditions as well as their high quality support.
In addition, both brands have pooled know-how to uphold mountain quests at their highest level. For this, they created a team to carry the “Lafuma-Vibram” colours on the international scene for the past five years.
Batyline® products are specially designed to be used pool-side, given their outstanding UV resistance, antifungal treatment and open weave that does not retain water. Batyline® canvases are extremely tear-resistant, do not lose their shape and are easy to maintain. They are also environment friendly: Oeko-Tex® label (confidence in textiles – tested for non-toxic substances).
Toile Batyline® Iso: the most ventilated. Single-thread weave
Toile Batyline® Natural: a richer look due to its tighter weave. 2-thread weave
Toile Batyline® Cannage: authentic look mesh. 4-thread weave
