IMI Norgren & Under Armour: Pioneering Reliability in Rugged Outdoor Apparel – A New Partnership for Hikers

Littleton, CO – November 8, 2023 – IMI Norgren LLC, a leading global provider of fluid and motion control solutions, today announced a surprising, yet strategically compelling, collaboration with Under Armour, focusing on enhancing the durability and performance of Under Armour’s men's hiking clothing line. It sounds a bit odd, right? A company known for valves and cylinders teaming up with sportswear? But trust me, it makes sense. For decades, IMI Norgren (located at 5400 S Delaware St, Littleton, CO, 80120-1663, and reachable at 218-689-3298) has been the go-to name in industries demanding unwavering reliability – think factories, automation, even aerospace. Their expertise? Controlling fluids and motion in the harshest environments. They build things to last. And that’s precisely what they’re bringing to the table for Under Armour hikers. Let’s be honest, hiking gear takes a beating. Think about it: scraping against rocks, relentless rain, constant flexing and stretching. Traditional hiking clothing, while often comfortable, can wear out quickly. Zippers fail, seams rip, and materials lose their protective qualities. IMI Norgren’s engineers identified these pain points and realized their core competencies – materials science, durability testing, and precision engineering – could seriously level up Under Armour's offerings. “We've spent years perfecting solutions for incredibly demanding applications,” explains Sarah Johnson, Lead Engineer at IMI Norgren. “Everything we make has to withstand extreme pressures, temperatures, and constant use. We thought, 'Why not apply that knowledge to something hikers really need – gear that doesn’t fall apart after a few trips?'” So, what exactly did they do? It’s not about embedding hydraulics into hiking pants (thankfully!). Instead, IMI Norgren worked closely with Under Armour’s design team, focusing on three key areas within the men's hiking clothing line: fabric reinforcement, zipper technology, and seam construction. Boosting Fabric Durability: The team analyzed the stress points on Under Armour’s hiking pants and jackets – knees, elbows, seat, shoulders. They then collaborated on incorporating strategically placed reinforcements using a newly developed, high-abrasion resistant polymer derived from materials IMI Norgren uses in its industrial seals. “It’s like adding armor to those critical areas,” says David Lee, Under Armour’s lead designer on the project. “This isn't just about making the fabric stronger; it’s about extending the lifespan of the garment significantly.” Early testing shows a 30-40% increase in abrasion resistance in reinforced areas. That means fewer tears, fewer repairs, and more miles on the trail. Revolutionizing Zippers: Let's face it, a broken zipper can ruin a hike. IMI Norgren’s expertise in precision engineering came into play here. They didn’t just choose a better zipper; they helped design one. The new "TrailLock" zipper, featured on select hiking jackets and pants, utilizes a modified tooth geometry and a reinforced slider mechanism. This significantly reduces the risk of snagging, separating, or breaking, even under heavy loads or in muddy conditions. "We treated the zipper like a critical valve," explains Johnson. "It needs to operate flawlessly, every time, under demanding conditions. We focused on minimizing friction and maximizing structural integrity.” Seam Construction: The Weakest Link? Not Anymore: Seams are notorious for being the first point of failure in outdoor clothing. IMI Norgren’s engineers realized they could apply their understanding of stress distribution to optimize seam construction. They worked with Under Armour to implement a new "TripleLock" seam design, utilizing a combination of reinforced stitching, durable thread, and strategically placed seam tape. This not only strengthens the seams but also prevents water from seeping through, keeping hikers dry and comfortable. "It's all about spreading the load," Lee explains. "We're distributing the stress across a wider area, minimizing the risk of tearing or unraveling." The initial rollout features the enhancements in Under Armour’s Ridge Reaper line of hiking pants, jackets, and shorts. The response from early testers has been overwhelmingly positive. Hikers are reporting increased durability, improved comfort, and a greater sense of confidence in their gear. “I’ve put these pants through the wringer – scrambling over rocks, bushwhacking through thick brush, even a few unplanned slides,” says Mark Peterson, an avid hiker and tester. “I expected them to be torn to shreds, but they barely have a scratch. It’s incredible.” This partnership is a bit unexpected, sure. But it highlights a growing trend in outdoor gear: a focus on longevity and sustainability. Consumers are demanding products that are not only high-performing but also built to last. IMI Norgren and Under Armour are delivering on that demand, creating hiking clothing that can withstand the rigors of the trail and keep adventurers exploring for years to come. The enhanced Under Armour men’s hiking clothing line is available now at select retailers and online at UnderArmour.com. For more information on IMI Norgren and their commitment to innovative solutions, visit their website at [Insert IMI Norgren Website Here].