The creation process of the DOWNWOOL 270 JACKET
This is a story in which nature is the connecting element. It is about a special combination of natural fibers and a collaboration between two Bavarian brands that not only share a long wool tradition, but also the urge to rethink things.
Since its first clothing collection in 1988, ORTOVOX has relied on wool – to an extent and with a consistency that is quite unique in the industry. “But this also involves a constant search for genuine material innovations,” says Christine Brien, Head of Material Management at ORTOVOX. “We wanted to go one step further, especially in terms of warmth.”
Why wool and down?
Christine and her team knew that there was nothing better than down — but also that it was extremely difficult to combine down with other materials in order to retain its advantages while balancing out its downside, namely that it loses its loft and thus its thermal performance when wet.
“We experimented a lot, but were never 100% satisfied,” explains Christine. And then the obvious solution presented itself: DownWool ® from Bavaria – developed by Markus. “From the very first second of testing, it was clear: this is it. It's sensational.”
Why wool and down?
Christine and her team knew that there was nothing better than down—but also that it was extremely difficult to combine down with other materials in order to retain its advantages while balancing out its downside, namely that it loses its loft and thus its thermal performance when wet.
“We experimented a lot, but were never 100% satisfied,” explains Christine. And then the obvious solution presented itself: DownWool® from Bavaria – developed by Markus. “From the very first second of testing, it was clear: this is it. It's sensational.”
The connecting element
And then there is their shared passion for wool. Both ORTOVOX and Grüezi bag want to further develop this natural fiber for demanding applications. “It's the component that brings us together,” says Markus. “Nothing is as good as nature. I've experimented with so many materials, and nothing comes close to nature. No plastic, nothing chemical.”
But it is also a raw material that must be sourced responsibly. “The sheep that provide the DownWool® fiber are at home in the Alps. The RDS-certified down comes from Europe and is produced in Regensburg,” emphasizes Markus. ORTOVOX and Grüezi bag have both set out to prove how valuable regional materials are, even (or especially) for the most demanding applications. The DOWNWOOL 270 JACKET is the warmest jacket in the ORTOVOX range, developed for really cold days in the backcountry. The fact that it won the ISPO AWARD 2024 even before its launch shows that when you share your strengths and think collectively, you can achieve great things – beyond traditional brand or industry boundaries.
The connecting element
And then there is their shared passion for wool. Both ORTOVOX and Grüezi bag want to further develop this natural fiber for demanding applications. “It's the component that brings us together,” says Markus. “Nothing is as good as nature. I've experimented with so many materials, and nothing comes close to nature. No plastic, nothing chemical.”
But it is also a raw material that must be sourced responsibly. “The sheep that provide the DownWool ® fiber are at home in the Alps. The RDS-certified down comes from Europe and is produced in Regensburg,” emphasizes Markus. ORTOVOX and Grüezi bag have both set out to prove how valuable regional materials are, even (or especially) for the most demanding applications. The DOWNWOOL 270 JACKET is the warmest jacket in the ORTOVOX range, developed for really cold days in the backcountry. The fact that it won the ISPO AWARD 2024 even before its launch shows that when you share your strengths and think collectively, you can achieve great things – beyond traditional brand or industry boundaries.
Markus Wiesböck
Founder of Grüezi bag
DownWool® by Grüezi bag Men & Women
When alpine tradition meets innovation: DownWool® by Grüezi bag jackets combine the warmth of down with the moisture regulation of wool — made for demanding backcountry adventures.
