IMI Norgren & Under Armour: Powering Performance on the Trail – A New Partnership for Durable Hiking Apparel

Littleton, CO – November 8, 2023 – IMI Norgren LLC, a global leader in pneumatic and fluid control solutions, today announced a surprising, yet strategic, partnership with Under Armour to enhance the durability and reliability of Under Armour’s men's hiking clothing line. While seemingly an unusual pairing, the collaboration focuses on integrating IMI Norgren’s material science and engineering expertise into the core fabrics of Under Armour’s hiking gear, resulting in significantly increased resistance to abrasion, tearing, and environmental factors. You probably know Under Armour for its high-performance athletic apparel – those moisture-wicking shirts, comfy running shoes. But when you're out on a serious hike, things get different. You need gear that can really take a beating. That's where IMI Norgren comes in. We build stuff that lasts – think cylinders and valves for industrial machines. They have to work, day in and day out, under tough conditions. “We’re known for making things that hold up in harsh environments," explained David Miller, VP of Engineering at IMI Norgren’s Littleton facility. “Think about it: hydraulic systems in construction, pneumatic controls in manufacturing. Everything we do is about reliability and durability. Under Armour approached us because they wanted to bring that same level of toughness to their hiking line." So, What Does This Actually Mean For Hikers? For years, Under Armour has been a go-to for a lot of outdoor enthusiasts. Their hiking clothes are generally light, breathable, and comfortable. But let's be real, hitting rocks, brushing against trees, getting caught in the weather… it takes a toll. The typical hiking pants or jacket might last a season or two with heavy use. This new collaboration changes that. IMI Norgren’s team focused on strengthening the core materials used in Under Armour’s most popular hiking items: pants, jackets, and shirts. Here’s how they did it: Reinforced Fabric Weave: IMI Norgren’s material scientists analyzed the existing fabric structures. They then worked with Under Armour's textile engineers to incorporate a new, tighter weave pattern utilizing high-tenacity fibers. Think of it like upgrading from a standard rope to a braided steel cable – it's much harder to break. This significantly increases tear resistance, meaning you're less likely to rip your gear on a sharp rock. Abrasion-Resistant Coating: A unique, proprietary coating, developed by IMI Norgren, is applied to key impact areas of the clothing – knees, elbows, seat, and shoulders. This coating isn’t just a surface treatment; it actually penetrates the fibers, creating a durable shield against abrasion. It's like adding a built-in layer of armor. This dramatically reduces wear and tear from rocks, branches, and rough terrain. Enhanced Water Repellency: While Under Armour already offers water-resistant options, IMI Norgren’s expertise in fluid sealing has taken it to the next level. The new coating isn’t just water-repellent; it’s hydrophobic – meaning water beads up and rolls off, rather than soaking in. This keeps you drier and more comfortable in wet conditions, and also prevents the fabric from becoming heavy and waterlogged. Improved UV Protection: Hiking often means long hours exposed to the sun. IMI Norgren integrated UV-blocking agents into the fabric during the manufacturing process. This provides enhanced protection against harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Key Products Receiving the Upgrade The initial rollout includes several popular Under Armour hiking items: Under Armour Men's Ridge Reaper Pant: These pants are a staple for many hikers. The new version features the reinforced weave and abrasion-resistant coating on the knees and seat. Hikers are reporting significantly improved durability, even after multiple trips through challenging terrain. Under Armour Men's Storm Repel Jacket: The jacket already boasted good water resistance, but the IMI Norgren upgrade takes it to another level. The hydrophobic coating now provides exceptional water repellency, keeping hikers dry in even the heaviest downpours. Under Armour Men's HeatGear Long-Sleeve Hiking Shirt: This shirt is known for its comfort and breathability. The new version features the enhanced UV protection and reinforced weave, making it ideal for long days on the trail. Under Armour Men's Launch Hiking Shorts: Offering increased comfort and durability, the shorts now benefit from improved resistance to abrasion and wear. “We've seen a huge improvement in the wear resistance of these products,” says Sarah Chen, a product tester for Under Armour. “We put them through some seriously tough tests – dragging them across rocks, scrubbing them with abrasive materials, exposing them to harsh weather. The upgraded versions held up remarkably well – far better than anything we’ve tested before.” A Unique Partnership, Built on Engineering Expertise It might seem odd to see an industrial company like IMI Norgren partnering with a sportswear brand like Under Armour. But the collaboration makes perfect sense when you consider the core engineering principles involved. Both companies are focused on creating products that perform reliably under demanding conditions. “We’re not just about cylinders and valves,” Miller explains. “We’re about materials science, fluid dynamics, and precision engineering. Those same principles apply to creating durable hiking apparel. We brought our expertise to the table, and Under Armour brought their knowledge of textile design and athletic performance. It was a winning combination.” What’s Next? Under Armour and IMI Norgren are already exploring ways to expand the collaboration. Future plans include incorporating the new technology into other outdoor apparel, such as backpacks and boots. They are also researching new materials and coatings that could further enhance the durability and performance of hiking gear. "This is just the beginning," Chen says. "We're committed to creating the most durable and reliable hiking apparel on the market, and we believe this partnership with IMI Norgren will help us achieve that goal." The upgraded Under Armour men’s hiking clothing line is available now at select retailers and online at UnderArmour.com. Hikers looking for gear that can withstand the rigors of the trail will find a reliable partner in this new collaboration. It's about building gear that lasts, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.