Adventure wear to get a little shell-shocked

NATIONAL: When Australian mountaineer Andrew Lock was scaling up an 8000 metre summit earlier this year, he was no doubt feeling the weight of expectation.

After all, when you're one of the country's leading high-altitude mountaineers - and ascending the world's 10th highest mountain Annapurna 1 - the pressure's got to be on.

Now back on solid ground, and with another climbing credit to his name, it's unsurprising that Lock is dedicating his time (and face) to lighter pursuits.

The adventurer is backing a new product from technical brand, Gore-Tex which has released a jacket 65 grams lighter than its predecessors. Alongside added functionality, Lock is plugging the Gore-Tex Pro Shell jacket as the next big thing in light-weight adventure wear.

"From a mountaineers perspective, weight is critical. We look for every possible way to save a few grams so lightweight technology is the only option."

Manufactured for serious outdoor professionals, the jacket features a special membrane which is bonded between a hard-wearing outer fabric and a tough inner lining. The patent-pending lining, dubbed Gore Micro Grid Backer Technology, is made from an exclusive weave design that makes it more breathable, abrasion resistant and lightweight. It is also completely waterproof, even after more than 500 hours of flexing and abrasion when wet.

Another advantage Lock is quick to plug.

"Snowstorms, rain, high winds and plummeting temperatures have often left lightweight fabrics wanting. For me, [the new jacket] is the perfect balance of protection, comfort and weight."

Available to the Australian and New Zealand market from September, the jacket comes in a range of nine styles; from $499 for the Pro Shell Axis Jacket to $1050 for the Pro Shell Theta AR Jacket.

Confirmed stockists include Mountain Hardware, Lowe Alpine, Arc-Teryx, Mammut, Berghaus and Outdoor Research in New Zealand.

By Assia Benmedjdoub