Why an arctic collection at decathlon? A real challenge for our teams?
When trekking, the climatic conditions encountered vary according to the activities and locations, and may require a specific line of clothing.
A challenge indeed! It takes years to develop such equipment. Collaboration with adventurers was fundamental, as we didn't have all my knowledge, experience and ideas to tackle the smallest details necessary for Arctic exploration, but also to make the outfit as comfortable as possible.
Why choose a 3-in-1 modular jacket? Because it's simply the most efficient.
MODULAR 3-in-1 JACKET:
It's the combination of a very warm layer (down jacket) + hyper-protective layer (windproof - blizzard & waterproof jacket).
Warmth must stay inside! We make the most of the multi-layer system* Several layers of clothing, all with different functions that can be superimposed
- protective layer against wind, rain and snow
+1 warmth layer to combat the cold
+1sub-layer to transfer moisture
Have you ever heard of the multi-layer system? It's not complicated, and it's very important.
It comes to us from northern countries: Canada, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland. Multilayer is a way of dressing used by people to stay comfortable outdoors during their activities, whatever the temperature. The system involves the use of several layers of clothing, each with a different function.
Clearly, this technique is essential for perfectly thermoregulating your body during rest and, above all, during exercise.
The protective layer of our 3-in-1 molar vest, here are some of its defining technical features.
It's a WATERPROOF JACKET with an ULTRA high collar (above the chin) and a deep, adjustable blizzard hood for optimum protection against very aggressive, swirling winds.
High-performance synthetic fur with long, removable pile.
Membrane 100% windproof + 100% waterproof + 100% taped seams
Cuffs adjust with Velcro cold weather straps
Skirt windproof and snowproof
Reinforcing fabric on exposed areas
Insulated feather or synthetic down jacket: beware of preconceived ideas
Feather-down insulation is lighter and compresses better in dry weather.
But for the same warmth, synthetic insulation retains heat much better when wet or damp, and is much easier to care for.
The same applies to sleeping bags: most adventurers on multi-day winter bivouacs use sleeping bags with synthetic insulation, which perform very well over time and stay warm even when wet!
Men's cut for freedom of movement
Asymmetrical jacket specifically adapted to the morphology of men on the move.
Its specific design has been specifically chosen to facilitate our mobility during trekking and bivouac.
If the difficulty of the terrain requires it, this specific ease of movement also allows easier access to safety equipment such as a safety harness without causing discomfort.
Its distinctive cut offers great freedom of movement in action without ever feeling cramped.
This Arctique waterproof jacket is not just a jacket, it's a piece of equipment!
The ARCTIC 900 jacket features the very best in insulation and hard-wearing fabrics, with a design inspired by products worn by professionals in the world's toughest conditions.
Every detail has been carefully considered and tested. From oversized accessories and ultra-resistant main components, to a double-security system for every basic function (ZIP + snaps or Velcro).
You'll be ready for anything winter can throw at you!
Winter hiking pockets, everything cools down! even batteries
"RED Pocket" a safety pocket to keep your phone warm in the cold
The inner down jacket has large chest pockets for hands to warm fingers stiffened by the intense cold and store small equipment.
The jacket has large pockets inside the chest and underneath to accommodate a ski mask and gloves for example.
The adapted design ensures that the front pockets do not interfere with the waistband when wearing a backpack.
Jacket suitable for use with thick and thin gloves. Single or double front zip?
We've tried them all: single, double slider, with or without magnet etc.
But when fingers are numb and gear is hard at work in the cold, it's the simple things that have worked for good.
So SINGLE slider main front zipper! This is by far the one that allows "possible" use with gloves in the cold - our partner adventurers have also made this choice!
Our buttons and main zippers are OVER-sized (+ cord).
Napoleon pocket" system of pockets for exploration, observation and orientation
These "Napoleon pockets" are found throughout the Arctic collection.
Concealed under the storm flap of your jacket, this pocket can be used without opening your jacket.
Ideal for navigating with a map, protecting binoculars and your camera in a single gesture while staying warm!
Tip: our large chest pockets are made of MESH for optimal breathability and ventilation, and help reduce the humidity of your gloves warmed by your own body.
We often talk about heat, but not enough about thermal regulation
Underarm zippers ensure comfortable temperature regulation, while the long, roomy cut offers plenty of space for intermediate insulating layers for immediate, effective thermal regulation, because the number-one enemy of winter hiking is perspiration.
Particular attention has been paid to the design of the zippers, so that they can be used in a single gesture without removing the parka. Video tip ;)
When it's cold, why do you need a jacket with vents?
You've probably been there! When you're hiking in winter, the effort is quickly intense and generates heat - TOO much heat. It's clearly established that enemy no. 1 is not lack of heat, but perspiration.
Simple rules to follow: adapt your pace to sweat as little as possible, dress in multi-layers and play with mechanical ventilation as often as necessary.
This modular jacket facilitates and optimizes all this, and we'll leave the pace to you ;)
Why did you choose a blue jacket? It's all about visibility.
This jacket from our Arctic collection has been designed in our specific visibility color blue, which offers optimum visibility in all weather conditions and on all types of terrain. Without being a safety color (orange, yellow), its visibility on white days is impressive.
Some colorful details chosen by our designer bring even more visibility on the hood and back for greater visibility during the dark winter months.
Do you need such equipment?
The atmospheric conditions encountered vary according to the activities practiced and the location. Each condition requires its own line of protective clothing.
In extreme conditions, such as expeditions, the criteria for choice should focus on protection against the cold, robustness, a cut offering maximum ease of movement during trekking and bivouac, the technical nature of the hood, and the best possible compromise between waterproofing and breathability.
When it's cold out, why did we choose to develop a waterproof jacket?
In the Arctic, even though conditions can be very wet, depending on the time of year, this jacket will protect you perfectly from very wet snow, and even rain (waterproof seams).
But we made this choice for another reason!
The waterproof fabric forms an impenetrable barrier against humidity and will keep you dry without fail. This barrier limits the entry of moisture into the component, which helps it dry and keeps it supple.
To understand, how is the impermeability of our components measured?
The resistance of a fabric to water pressure is measured in mm water column (test based on ISO 811). The higher the pressure, the more waterproof the fabric. The main component of our jacket has a waterproof rating of 8000 schmerber, i.e. it withstands the pressure exerted by 8000 mm of water. This corresponds to the equivalent of 100l of water / m2 / hour for 3 hours, the equivalent of a mountain thunderstorm.
How is the recommended temperature measured for this set? in a laboratory following a rigorous protocol
In the laboratory, we tested the thermal neutrality T1 (neither hot nor cold) of this PANOPLIE (Modular Jacket + Overalls)
These results were obtained according to the ISO 11079 standard. We observed the following conditions: an intensity of use corresponding to the metabolism of a slow hike (4km/h) in snow with a 10kg load on the back.
Classification of reference temperatures used in our laboratory tests
T1 - Thermal neutrality temperature or Thermo-Neutral equilibrium is a safe temperature, which can be tolerated over a very long period of time (neither hot nor cold)
T2 - Thermal equilibrium temperature is a safe temperature, which can be tolerated over a long period of time with the body slightly cooled, sensation of cold especially in the extremities)
T3 and T4 are limit temperatures: we are not in comfort but in
a possibility of use over a short period of time.
When you're pulling a pulka or a sled, what temperatures can you expect to withstand with this equipment?
Pulling weight on snow is easier than carrying it on your back (it divides the weight felt by almost 3), but it won't be without effort! or a lot of heat!
These results, obtained in the laboratory and during field trials in the coldest places on the planet, allow us to envisage temperatures of T1= -25°C; T2 = -33°C for a light load of 10 kg (Km/h) and for a heavier load > 30 kg T2 = -40°C (4km/h) or even higher if the effort is very intense.
Can you pull a pulka or a sled with this equipment? But what is a pulka?
For the Nordic hiker, the pulka replaces a large backpack. It is mainly used for Nordic raids (from a few days to several weeks). This means of transport allows you to carry all your equipment: tent, sleeping bag, personal belongings, etc.
Please note that all temperatures given are for guidance only. They are an aid to choice, not an absolute truth.
Yes, because even though our equipment is field-tested in the coldest places on the planet. And although our laboratory tests provide a high level of objectivity, each individual is different, as are his or her experiences and feelings. In extreme conditions, it's important to bear in mind that these temperatures are only indicative. Each individual must adapt his or her equipment to his or her own needs, so as to guarantee his or her own safety.
Are we talking Panoply? Our lab dummy was equipped with arctic-specific multi-layers.
Panoply used when measuring on a thermal mannequin produced in the laboratory:
- Modular 3-in-1 JACKET PARKA ARCTIC 500 DRY HOMME
- Trousers Dungarees Forclaz ARCTIC BIB 500 DRY LCT-ECH-14188-2
- Hiking cap
- Layer 1 Quechua LCT-ECH-14189-2
- Socks Quechua LCT-ECH-14195-2
- Fleece Quechua LCT-ECH-14190-2
- Trekking gloves
- Shoes
