After several years in development, Gore Wear is launching its first cross-country (XC) skiing collection for this winter season. The collection includes eight products that have all been made using the latest Windstopper technologies combined with stretch materials for ultimate freedom of movement.
The new XC collection consists of eight products including a shirt and tights set for training purposes, and a similar jacket and pants set for performance-oriented skiers. Both are available in men’s and women’s cuts, and each of these products are based on the same DNA — Stretch materials and a streamlined “body shaped” fit for complete freedom of movement; Windstopper technologies for protection against wind, snow and the cold; Plus a carefully selected blend of highly breathable fabrics for optimum moisture management. The collection is rounded out by dozens of other multifunctional products, ranging from baselayers, socks, and headbands to insulating pants.
The Gore X7 Partial Gore Windstopper Long-Sleeved Shirt ($200; Gore really has the worst naming scheme) stops you from overheating during high exertion but keeps you warm enough on the cold downhills. This form-fitting top has a very light insulation and ensures that any sweat is wicked away quickly. At the same time, Windstopper fabrics are used in specific areas of the shirt to offer reliable protection against the cold air.
All the while, you get complete freedom of movement thanks to an form-fitting cut and cleverly placed stretch panels. Additional comfort is provided by a seamless hip construction so that bottle belts sit comfortably, a skin-friendly lining on the inside of the collar, a side slip-in pocket at the back on the right and elasticated cuffs. The long-sleeved shirt is available for men and women and comes in two color schemes.
The shirt is best worn with the Gore X7 Partial Gore Windstopper Tights ($170) that use the same multi-fabric design concept as the shirt. The tights feature a wide, elasticated waistband with an integrated drawstring for minor adjustments. A discreet zip pocket on the right thigh can store small items and wide leg cuffs give you maximum comfort in cross-country skiing boots.
The X7 Partial Gore Windstopper Jacket ($270) and Pants ($200) feature a more comfortable cut and offer more warmth. Made from a combination of breathable fabrics, stretch fabrics, and Windstopper, the XC jacket includes a soft inner collar, a drawstring in the collar and at the waist for width adjustment and better heat retention, side slip-in pockets with zip ports, pockets positioned higher than usual for bottle-belt comfort, stretch panels in the cuff area, and reflective logo and print features for added visibility.
The matching pants are available in both men’s and women’s specific cuts. A woven, elastic Windstopper fabric is combined with a lightweight, breathable and warm hollow fibre fabric. Side zips at the bottom of the legs paired with rubber reinforcements on the inside of the ankles mean that these ski pants fit firmly over your boots, even when you‘re on the move. The X7 Partial Gore Windstopper Pants also feature an elasticated waistband with drawstring and a zip pocket on the right thigh, with reflective logo and print features for added visibility.
The Gore XC collection is available now from the Gore Wear website.