Auclair’s Nordic Ski Gloves
COMP MORA & PRF CANMORE
As winter approaches, Nordic skiers are prepping for the cold, and nothing is more essential than having the right gear. This season, Auclair, a historic Canadian glove brand with over 80 years in the industry, is redefining performance with their Nordic Athletic Collection. In partnership with AX Materials, Auclair brought three new glove styles to life: the COMP Mora and PRF Canmore.
These gloves blend advanced material technology from AX Materials with the brand’s traditional design philosophy to support athletes at their highest level. By finding materials that perform best while providing superior protection against the elements, Auclair helps athletes unlock their full potential to face any condition on the trail.
Innovations in Glove Technology: The AX Materials Partnership
AX Materials develops materials tailored to the unique properties of gloves with highly technical options that fit applications ranging from sports to rugged job sites.
With a handful of materials suitable for the demands of Nordic skiing, Auclair landed on AX Fit RPET for their collection.
Exploring AX Fit RPET: Designing a Sustainable Glove for Nordic Skiing
Some key features that make AX Fit RPET an excellent choice for Nordic skiing include:
- Superior Stretch and Breathability: The material’s permeability and controlled stretch allow moisture to easily escape while keeping the cold out, ensuring hands remain dry and comfortable during rigorous activities. This is an essential factor when tackling winter sports for hours on end.
- Lightweight Dexterity: The thin construction of AX Fit RPET creates exceptional flexibility with a low gauge of 0.55mm. This allows for easy handling of ski poles and ensures comfort during long sessions, helping users control their gear without the bulkiness often found with traditional winter gloves.
- Engineered Durability: Most of the AX Materials range is designed with engineered polyester, often referred to as the “workhorse of fibers.” These specialty polyester fibers are produced from continuous filaments, resulting in a material that is stronger, thinner, and more comfortable than traditional options, including natural leather which has been a longtime material staple in glove design.
- Sustainable Practices: Over half of AX Fit RPET’s composition is made with recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer plastic water bottles. In an era increasingly focused on eco-friendly practices, the use of recycled materials underscores Auclair’s values in sustainability and their commitment to preserving the landscape of winter sports.
“Our commitment to sustainability is stronger than ever, and we’re proud to work with global partners to develop eco-conscious materials and responsible manufacturing practices,” notes the brand.
“AX Fit RPET provides better results than leather in terms of durability, abrasion resistance, and breathability. The fact that it comes from recycled bottles makes it more sustainable.”
The Nordic Athletic Collection: Tailored for Elite Athletes
The COMP styles in the Nordic Athletic Collection were developed in partnership with the Norwegian and Canadian national teams for high-level competitions, emphasizing athletic performance through leading material technology and insights from elite athletes.
For those seeking additional warmth, the PRF styles combine the performance attributes of the COMP styles with enhanced insulation and construction options, making them perfect for braving colder conditions without sacrificing agility.
The gloves in the Nordic Athletic Collection that feature AX Fit RPET include:
COMP Mora: The COMP Mora glove is constructed from a PFAS-free, 100% recycled polyester shell featuring a brushed fleece backing. It includes a 100% polyester tricot cuff, a nose wipe on the thumb, and AX Fit RPET on the palm, which has added silicone grip in strategic areas for improved control over ski poles. The Auclair brand logo is printed on the finger with reflective properties to enhance visibility at night, ensuring the safety of skiers near vehicles or other Nordic skiers.
PRF Canmore: The PRF styles merge the same high-performance qualities of both COMP gloves with increased insulation and more style choices. The PRF Canmore is an ultra-versatile glove ideal for various Nordic activities and comes in three different styles: a five-finger glove, a mitt, and a lobster glove. The PRF Canmore is made with a 75% nylon and 25% spandex shell with a membrane film backing. It includes 40g of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Type EC insulation (made from 78% post-consumer recycled polyester) on the back of the hand and a 100% polyester brushed fleece lining. The glove also features a neoprene raw edge cuff, a nose wipe on the thumb, and an AX Fit RPET palm with silicone grip. Additionally, the glove is touchscreen compatible and has a reflective logo printed on the finger for increased safety and visibility.
Premium Gloves for Nordic Winter Sports
Auclair’s Nordic Athletic Collection is specially designed for serious Nordic skiers, focusing on functionality and performance. With advanced moisture-wicking properties, lightweight construction, and insulation tailored for winter weather, the COMP and PRF gloves provide Nordic skiers with multiple options to tackle the season with confidence.