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

Littleton, CO – October 26, 2023 – IMI Norgren LLC, a global leader in fluid and motion control solutions, today announced a fascinating, albeit unexpected, collaboration focusing on enhancing the durability and reliability of Under Armour’s men’s hiking clothing line. While seemingly disparate industries, the partnership leverages IMI Norgren’s expertise in engineering robust components – normally found in industrial automation and demanding environments – to address a key challenge for outdoor apparel: long-lasting performance in harsh conditions. You might be thinking, “What does pneumatic control have to do with hiking clothes?” It's a fair question! IMI Norgren, known for building components that withstand serious punishment – think factory floors, heavy machinery, and even aerospace applications – realized their materials science and design principles could be applied to drastically improve the wear and tear resistance of outdoor gear. “We’ve spent decades perfecting materials and designs that can handle extreme pressure, temperature fluctuations, and constant abrasion,” explains David Miller, VP of Engineering at IMI Norgren. “We started looking at the challenges hikers face – constant friction from backpacks, exposure to the elements, snagging on rocks – and thought, ‘We can help with that.’” Under Armour Hiking Clothing – Now with IMI Norgren’s “Hidden Strength” The collaboration isn’t about IMI Norgren making hiking clothes. Instead, they’ve been working closely with Under Armour’s design team to integrate specialized materials and construction techniques into key areas of their men’s hiking line. Specifically, the focus is on: Reinforced High-Wear Zones: Areas like the seat, knees, and shoulders of hiking pants and jackets receive the most abuse. IMI Norgren has provided Under Armour with advanced polymers and textile reinforcement technologies, originally developed for industrial hose protection. These materials significantly improve abrasion resistance, preventing rips and tears that can ruin a hike. Think of it as adding an invisible shield to the areas that get beat up the most. Enhanced Zipper and Fastener Durability: Zippers are notorious for failing at the worst possible moment. IMI Norgren’s expertise in precision seals and durable coatings has been applied to the zippers and fasteners used in Under Armour hiking gear. This means smoother operation, reduced snagging, and a much longer lifespan – even when loaded with gear and exposed to dirt and grime. They’ve essentially given the zippers a “tough skin.” Improved Water Resistance in Key Areas: While Under Armour already offers excellent water-repellent finishes, IMI Norgren has contributed advanced sealing techniques to critical areas like pocket closures and seams. This provides an extra layer of protection against moisture, keeping electronics and other essentials dry even in wet conditions. It's not about making the clothes waterproof, it's about preventing water from getting in. Backpack Strap Reinforcement: Heavy backpacks put a tremendous amount of stress on clothing, especially around the shoulder straps. IMI Norgren has developed a unique textile reinforcement system that distributes load more evenly, preventing fabric from stretching and tearing. This extends the life of the clothing and makes carrying heavy loads more comfortable. They’ve essentially built a “skeleton” into the fabric to provide support. Why This Partnership Makes Sense On the surface, the collaboration seems unusual. But dig a little deeper and you'll find a shared commitment to quality, durability, and performance. Under Armour is known for its innovative athletic apparel, and IMI Norgren is a world leader in engineering robust solutions for demanding applications. "We're always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what's possible," says Sarah Chen, Lead Designer at Under Armour. "IMI Norgren brought a completely different perspective to our design process. Their materials science expertise has allowed us to create hiking clothes that are not only comfortable and functional but also incredibly durable.” The partnership isn’t just about making clothes that last longer. It’s also about reducing the environmental impact of outdoor gear. By creating more durable products, Under Armour and IMI Norgren are helping to reduce the need for frequent replacements, ultimately reducing waste. What This Means for Hikers For hikers, this collaboration translates into clothing that can withstand more abuse, last longer, and perform better in challenging conditions. Whether you’re tackling a weekend backpacking trip or embarking on a multi-day expedition, you can rely on Under Armour’s new hiking line to hold up to the rigors of the trail. The initial line featuring IMI Norgren’s “hidden strength” includes the following: Ridge Reaper Hiking Pants: Reinforced seat and knees for enhanced abrasion resistance. Mountain Forge Jacket: Durable zippers and reinforced shoulder straps for comfortable backpack carrying. Trail Warrior Shorts: Abrasion-resistant fabric and durable pocket closures. Base Layer Shirts & Pants: Improved seam integrity and moisture management. Looking Ahead IMI Norgren and Under Armour are committed to continuing their collaboration, exploring new ways to apply materials science and engineering expertise to enhance outdoor apparel. They are currently working on developing even more durable and sustainable fabrics, as well as incorporating advanced sensors into clothing to monitor performance and provide valuable data to hikers. “This is just the beginning,” says David Miller. “We believe that there’s a huge potential to leverage our expertise to create a new generation of outdoor gear that is both high-performing and environmentally responsible.” The new Under Armour men’s hiking clothing line featuring IMI Norgren’s advanced materials is available now at UnderArmour.com and select retailers. It's time to hit the trail with confidence, knowing your gear can handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way.