IMI Norgren & Under Armour Hike Collaboration: Boosting Performance on the Trail

Littleton, CO – November 8, 2023 – IMI Norgren LLC, a global leader in fluid and motion control technologies, today announced a surprising, yet strategic, collaboration with Under Armour, focusing on enhancing the durability and performance of Under Armour’s men's hiking clothing line. It might sound odd, a tech company and apparel? But trust us, it's a game changer for hikers. For those who don’t know IMI Norgren, we’re the guys behind the stuff that makes stuff work. Think hydraulics, pneumatics, things that control movement and pressure in everything from factory automation to aerospace. Basically, we build reliable, tough components. And that’s exactly what we’ve brought to the table with Under Armour. Under Armour's men's hiking clothing is already known for being pretty solid, offering comfort and protection on the trail. But they wanted to take it to the next level. They came to us looking for ways to significantly improve the durability of key stress points in their hiking pants, jackets, and backpacks – areas that take a real beating when you're scrambling over rocks, pushing through brush, or carrying a heavy load. “We’re not designing hoses for hiking pants,” laughs Mark Johnson, a lead engineer at IMI Norgren. “But the principles are the same. It’s about understanding how materials behave under stress, and finding ways to reinforce them. We applied our expertise in fluid sealing, abrasion resistance, and high-performance materials to help Under Armour build clothing that can truly withstand the rigors of the outdoors." So, How Did We Do It? It’s not about adding bulky, rigid parts. It’s about integrating smart material solutions at crucial points. Here’s a breakdown of where IMI Norgren’s technology is making a difference: Reinforced Hiking Pant Knees & Seat: This is a big one. Hikers kneel and sit a lot. Those areas get shredded quickly. Under Armour, with our input, is now using a specialized, abrasion-resistant polymer – originally developed for industrial seals – strategically bonded to the fabric in high-wear areas of the pants’ knees and seat. It’s almost unnoticeable, but it drastically extends the life of the pants, even against sharp rocks and rough terrain. We’ve seen a 300% increase in abrasion resistance in our lab tests. That means fewer ripped pants, fewer repairs, and more time enjoying the hike. Enhanced Backpack Strap Connectors: Backpack straps take a serious beating. The connection points where the straps attach to the pack itself are particularly vulnerable. IMI Norgren helped Under Armour redesign these connectors, incorporating a micro-engineered polymer insert that distributes stress more evenly. It’s a small change, but it significantly reduces the risk of straps tearing or buckles breaking, even with heavy loads. We also focused on optimizing the material’s resistance to UV degradation – because let’s face it, backpacks spend a lot of time in the sun. Abrasion-Resistant Jacket Shoulder Panels: Jacket shoulders get rubbed raw by backpack straps. It’s just a fact of life. Under Armour is now incorporating a unique, low-friction polymer coating on the shoulder panels of select hiking jackets. This coating, developed using our surface engineering expertise, minimizes friction and abrasion, protecting the fabric from wear and tear. It also makes the jacket more comfortable to wear, even with a fully loaded backpack. Zipper Pull Durability: It sounds minor, but a broken zipper pull can ruin a hike. IMI Norgren helped Under Armour improve the design of their zipper pulls, incorporating a micro-engineered polymer core that’s incredibly strong and resistant to cracking. This simple change dramatically increases the lifespan of the zippers, ensuring they stay functional even under extreme conditions. Beyond Durability: Comfort & Performance It's not just about making things tougher. We also focused on enhancing comfort and performance. The materials we helped Under Armour select are lightweight, breathable, and flexible, ensuring they don’t restrict movement or add unnecessary weight. “We didn't want to create bulky, over-engineered clothing,” explains Sarah Miller, a product designer at Under Armour. “The goal was to seamlessly integrate these durability enhancements into our existing designs, without compromising comfort or performance. IMI Norgren’s expertise in material science and engineering was invaluable in achieving that." What Does This Mean for Hikers? Simply put, it means you can spend more time enjoying the trail and less time worrying about your gear. Under Armour’s men's hiking clothing, enhanced with IMI Norgren’s technology, is built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, providing exceptional durability, comfort, and performance. “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Under Armour on this project,” says David Thompson, CEO of IMI Norgren. “It’s a testament to our ability to apply our expertise in fluid and motion control technologies to solve real-world problems in unexpected ways. We’re confident that this collaboration will result in a significant improvement in the quality and durability of Under Armour’s hiking clothing, providing hikers with the gear they need to explore the great outdoors with confidence." The new line of enhanced Under Armour men’s hiking clothing is available now at Under Armour retail stores and online. Look for the “Powered by IMI Norgren” tag to ensure you’re getting the toughest, most durable hiking gear available. We're not just building components; we're building confidence on the trail.