Winter 2012?

No sooner does Christmas end than the bulk of buying for autumn/winter 2012 begins.

Clothing kicks it off and so far we have already seen Arcteryx, Mountain Equipment, Marmot and Montane. Rab and Mammut follow closely this week. Everybody from the big brands down are cautious about next year and whilst everybody is positive, nobody is predicting major fireworks. Accordingly there are no huge developments for Winter 2012. Polartec Neo Shell was a new fabric everyone dabbled with this season, and as a durable shell fabric it’s great, but I haven’t seen much of it so far for 2012. Insulated shell jackets will be very evident again for 2012 both in snowsports and the general standing about category. Down and synthetic insulation seems largely unchanged with more down layering pieces like the ever popular Rab Microlight Alpine jackets from other brands. Lots of softshell as usual although in general it is the more breathable and less water resistant fabrics that are being used. Softshell is great as abrasion resistant climbing clothing in various weights and fabrics which doubles as kicking about clothing but I do struggle with being sold lightweight softshell which can be used for layering!

At the end of the month is ISPO 2012 where all the skis and hardware developments will be unveiled for next winter. I have heard that the Plum touring binding with brake will be on show but not available till next autumn. Always fun to see what crazy marketing theme K2 have come up with and I have heard the meerest whisper of a new transceiver…

Please blog readers do not hesitate to drop me an email or comment here on any products that you feel fit in with us at Facewest that I should take a look at for 2012. If you like them there is a very good chance that a lot of our other customers will too.