Balance has been updated for 2024; our definitive fully waterproof, breathable jacket for big days out. The sweet point for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, climbing, packing and moving light.
We are focused on making gear that doesn’t cost the earth and is made to last. Because of this, you can come back to it season after season, year after year. There is no better example of this approach than our Balance waterproof jacket.
Striking the perfect Balance
Two years in the making and completely refreshed for 2024, our Balance waterproof jacket features a world-class fabric at an accessible price point, not forgetting the all-important PFC-free DWR.
To make Balance more durable we have upgraded its face fabric. This has been achieved with a thicker ripstop and higher denier yarn (the thickness of the yarns used to make the fabric). We think these updates cement its claim to be the perfect balance between performance, price, and sustainability.
"We wanted the Balance to be equally as comfortable on the bike as on the north face of Tryfan, so we spent a lot of time streamlining the fabric, feature set and fit to achieve this. The result is a jacket with all the features you need and none that you don’t."
The amazing world of ripstop fabrics
Let's take a moment to dive into the brilliant world of ripstop fabric - that tough-as-nails material you've probably spotted in your favourite outdoor kit.
Born during the Second World War when parachute failures were a matter of life and death, Ripstop Fabric stepped up to solve a crucial problem. Since then it has woven itself into our outdoor clothing.
But what makes it so special? Picture a regular piece of fabric, then add a clever grid of reinforced threads running through it like a superhero's suit. These beefier threads are the defenders of the fabric world - when a tear tries to spread, they shut it down fast. Think of ripstop as a grid of stronger threads woven into lighter fabric.
Balance uses Nylon ripstop: The all-rounder champion, it is as tough as old boots (but much lighter!). It dries fast and has a supple feel.
The best technical performance textiles
Because we work directly with Japanese fabric mills we get to see the latest technical and environmental developments. We’re continuously learning, refining and cherry-picking the best combination of face fabric, membrane and backer fabric (essentially creating a new fabric) to meet your needs.
Thanks to this close relationship, we stay ahead of the game and can get the latest technology into your hands quicker than other brands.
By cutting out the middleman, we have better transparency when it comes to environmental certification. We can navigate any problems well ahead of time, saving time, money, and resources. Plus, thanks to our smaller product runs, we’re not overproducing, we’re not wasting product, and we continuously improve our products and fabrics.
When it comes to outdoor clothing, we don’t play by the rule book - we redefine it. Balance distils our design expertise into a brilliant waterproof that you just have to try.
Mens Balance waterproof | Womens Balance waterproof
Price, sustainability and performance - our secret sauce
Our product design program offers distinct benefits in terms of price, sustainability, and performance, thanks to our direct collaborations with fabric mills. Here’s how:
Cost-Effective Customisation: We’re not tied to any single supplier, allowing us to work with specialised mills to tailor the materials precisely. This flexibility lets us select the ideal combination of face fabric, membrane, and backer fabric, optimising for weight, durability, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.
Enhanced Waterproofing: Our access to advanced three-layer fabric technologies, with interchangeable face layers, enables us to continuously innovate and meet specific performance demands, crafting bespoke solutions that push industry standards.
Control and Transparency: By knowing the origin of every fabric, we ensure greater transparency and control over environmental certifications, directly addressing sustainability from the ground up.
Reduced Waste and Improved Efficiency: Directly interacting with mills allow us to preemptively tackle potential issues, significantly reducing waste and saving both time and money, streamlining production processes to be more agile and responsive.
Continuous Improvement and Direct Feedback: Working closely with the mills enables ongoing improvements in fabric quality. This collaboration fosters a cycle of feedback and innovation, ensuring that each year’s products surpass the last in quality and performance.
Innovation and Market Leadership: Engaging directly with those at the forefront of fabric technology keeps us ahead of the curve, accelerating our time to market and ensuring we’re always equipped with the latest and most effective materials.
Balanced Excellence: Partnering with world-class Japanese mills renowned for their meticulous attention to durability, allows us to continually enhance our range and meet your needs without compromising on quality.
Sustainability and Direct-to-Consumer Efficiency: Our strategy of producing small batches close to market demands ensures that we do not overproduce, favouring quality over quantity.
In summary, our product design program leverages strategic mill partnerships to maintain superior control over the manufacturing process, enabling us to deliver products that are not only cost-effective and high-performance but also sustainably made and progressively improved.
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