IMI Norgren & Under Armour: Powering Performance on the Trail – A New Partnership for Rugged Reliability

Content: Okay, so you know IMI Norgren, right? We’re this engineering company based out of Littleton, Colorado – 5400 S Delaware St, if you need the exact address. We’ve been around a while, building super reliable pneumatic and fluid control systems. Basically, we make the stuff that makes other stuff work – think factories, automation, even medical equipment. We’re known for durability, precision, and solving tough problems. You can hit us up at 218-689-3298 if you're curious. We're all about making things run smoothly, even in the most demanding environments. Now, you might be thinking, "What does an industrial engineering company have to do with hiking clothes?" Good question! It's all about shared values, actually. We recently started looking at how our engineering expertise, specifically our focus on robust, dependable components, could enhance outdoor gear. And that's where Under Armour comes in. Under Armour, as everyone knows, is a massive player in athletic apparel, and their men's hiking clothing line is seriously good stuff. They’re focused on performance, comfort, and keeping you prepared for whatever the trail throws at you. We started thinking about how we could help them take that even further. See, hiking gear takes a beating. It's constantly exposed to dirt, dust, moisture, abrasion, and extreme temperatures. Zippers break, buckles fail, straps wear out. These might seem like small things, but a failed zipper or a broken buckle miles from civilization can ruin a whole trip. And that's where IMI Norgren's expertise comes in. We've been designing components that withstand incredibly harsh conditions for decades. Things like seals that keep out dust and water, materials that resist corrosion, and mechanisms that can handle thousands of cycles without failing. We started collaborating with Under Armour’s design team to explore ways to integrate these principles into their hiking clothing. The initial focus has been on enhancing the durability of key components like buckles, zipper pulls, and adjustment systems. Think about those little plastic buckles on your backpack straps. They're usually the first thing to go. We’ve been working with Under Armour to replace those with buckles made from a new, incredibly strong polymer composite developed in our materials science lab. This stuff is seriously tough – it can withstand way more weight and stress than traditional plastic, and it’s also resistant to UV degradation, so it won’t get brittle and crack in the sun. And it’s not just about the materials. We've also been looking at the design of these components. We've applied our knowledge of fluid dynamics and stress analysis to optimize the shape and construction of buckles and zipper pulls, making them more streamlined, more ergonomic, and – crucially – more resistant to breakage. We've even been exploring the use of miniature, sealed bearings in some of the adjustment systems to provide smoother, more reliable operation. The results are already showing up in the latest Under Armour men’s hiking clothing line. You’ll notice subtle improvements in the durability and reliability of key components. The buckles feel more solid, the zippers glide more smoothly, and the adjustment systems are easier to use, even with gloves on. It's not a radical redesign, but it's a significant upgrade that adds up over time. We’re also working on integrating our sealing technology into the clothing itself. Under Armour already uses waterproof and breathable fabrics, but we're exploring ways to enhance that protection by sealing seams and closures more effectively. This could mean using specialized gaskets and seals to prevent water from seeping in, even under extreme conditions. Imagine hiking through a torrential downpour and staying completely dry – that’s the goal. This partnership isn't just about making better hiking clothes. It’s about bringing together two companies with a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and performance. IMI Norgren’s engineering expertise combined with Under Armour’s design and manufacturing capabilities creates a powerful synergy that benefits hikers of all levels. “We’re really excited about this collaboration,” says Mark Johnson, Lead Engineer at IMI Norgren. “Under Armour is a fantastic company, and they share our dedication to building products that last. We believe our expertise in fluid and motion control can add a new dimension to their hiking clothing line, making it even more durable, reliable, and comfortable.” And the future looks bright. We’re already exploring other ways to apply our technology to Under Armour’s outdoor gear, including backpacks, boots, and tents. We’re also looking at ways to integrate smart sensors into the clothing to provide hikers with real-time data on things like temperature, humidity, and elevation. So, next time you're hitting the trail, keep an eye out for the subtle improvements in Under Armour’s men's hiking clothing. You might not notice them at first, but they're there, quietly ensuring that your gear can withstand whatever the adventure throws your way. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to building products that perform, even in the toughest conditions. It’s IMI Norgren’s engineering, powering your outdoor experience. We're proud to be part of it.