Gore-Tex and Byborre also became official technical partners of the expedition to the North Pole.
Woolmark Company, an Australian wool research and quality control company, will be the official partner of the Dark Ice Project, an expedition to the North Pole led by experienced explorers Alex Hibbert, George Bullard and James Wheeldon.
Other official project partners appointed Adidas Terrex, Gore-Tex and Amsterdam-based innovative textile design studio Byborre. The main task of the Dark Ice Project participants is to design and build a 6-month travel kit that will allow researchers to feel comfortable in hurricane-force winds and extreme temperatures down to -50 degrees Celsius.
As part of the expedition, new discoveries about the environment will be made. After all preparations are completed, the three travelers will set off on their journey in March 2021. The first stage of the trip will include independent rafting on a boat, the second - trekking trips 8-10 hours long per day.
To date, Woolmark has already developed a wool-based base and midlayer system from the Südwolle Group's technical merino fleece, designed specifically for travelers. According to company managing director Stuart McCullough, the Dark Ice project highlights Woolmark's commitment to "promoting best practices to ensure minimal environmental impact."
In turn, Adidas Terrex developed a line of outerwear in collaboration with Byrorre, supported by Woolmark and Gore-Tex. The collection is distinguished by weather protection and fleece lining on trousers and jackets, widely used for maximum thermoregulation during the ski phases of such expeditions.
“Obviously, the conditions in which the journey will take place will be a real test for both men and their equipment. Dark Ice Project is an example of our belief that performance should not be sacrificed for sustainability. The lessons we learn from this work will help us develop even more efficient and sustainable outdoor products,” commented Tim Genaway, General Manager adidas outdoor.
After testing the new design, it was found that the base layer for wool and knitwear presented as part of the development surpassed the knitted layer previously used by polar explorers. It was found to be lighter on the 18% and more heat resistant on the 26%, and more breathable on the 3% and quicker drying on the 61%.
