A number of running and outdoor brands have been recognized by Polartec in its 2024 Polartec Apex Awards. By awarding cleverly authentic sport, performance and lifestyle concepts, Polartec brings its commitment to People, Products and the Planet to a full circle. 

Guided by a shared desire to push the envelope, the winning designs reflect an “inside out” approach — where thoughtfully crafted gear supports people’s well-being, fueling growth and resilience. By enhancing lives from within, these garments empower everyone to thrive outdoors, driving a cycle of impact that connects personal performance with planetary care.

The 2024 winners were selected from hundreds of entries based on their creative approach, the ability to address and overcome challenges and the degree to which they successfully blend high-performance, aesthetics and functionality across sports, lifestyle, and performance categories. The 2024 winners are:

SATISFY RUNNING – GhostFleece AD Light Half-Zip

Satisfy Running’s GhostFleece AD Half-Zip harnesses the advanced thermoregulation of Polartec Alpha active insulation to keep runners warm, dry and fully in sync during dynamic movement. Engineered with thumb loops, gusseted underarms and a seamless design, it offers a friction-free running experience. 

DIRECT ALPINE – Alpha T-Shirt

Crafted with Polartec Alpha active insulation, it adapts to the body’s needs, balancing warmth and breathability with next-to-skin comfort. With reinforced shoulders to prevent wear and tear and fitted thumbholes to keep the sleeves in place (and hands warm), Direct Alpine proves that versatility and high performance can go hand-in-hand.

ThruDark – Wraith Bomber Jacket

Blending urban style with tactical prowess, the Wraith Bomber Jacket features Polartec Alpha active insulation, which was originally created for the US Special Forces, it is built for the outdoors yet perfect for city life.

SANTINI – MAGIC PACKABLE WATERPROOF UNISEX JACKET

This lightweight, fully non-PFAS stowable jacket is made of 100 percent recycled and recyclable  Polartec Power Shield RPM shell fabric to provide all-day protection without the risk of overheating. Fully thermo-sealed and exceptionally resilient, it’s built to withstand the elements while folding neatly into its own back pocket for ultimate portability. 

GOBIK – SUBZERO BLACK Bib Tights

The Subzero Bib Tight by Gobik features Polartec Power Shield Pro made with Biolon nylon and a non-PFAS DWR and membrane construction. The pants provide advanced weather protection while the premium padding and antibacterial graphene threads ensure comfort over long distances. The fabric’s 48 percent plant-based content also lowers carbon footprint by up to 50 percent.

OBERMEYER – Women’s Explorer Tech Henley

Obermeyer’s Explorer Tech Henley from the Off Grid Collection is infused with the warmth of Polartec Power Air, a technology that encapsulates air within a smooth shell to deliver reliable insulation while reducing shedding and microfiber pollution.

FORLOH – Women’s Raider Polartec 200 Fleece Vest

Forloh’s Raider Vest for women is designed for multifaceted versatility in any outdoor setting. It combines rugged functionality with soft Polartec 200 fleece with proprietary Shed Less technology to drastically reduce microfiber shedding without compromising the performance, comfort or durability of the fleece fabric.

INDYEVA – Lampaat Vest

This lightweight, multi-season sleeveless jacket is made of retro-looking Polartec Thermal Pro shearling fleece and pairs heat retention and freedom of movement with a comfy vibe. Taffeta pocket inserts add a distinctive look, while the soft fleece provides warmth without the bulk. 

MILLET – Women's Softshell jacket RUTOR XCS AIR

Engineered for high-intensity ski touring, Millet’s Rutor XCS Air jacket combines stretch and durability in a lightweight shell. Its strategic use of the new Polartec Power Dry mesh fabric technology wicks away moisture, delivering comfort during the most intense alpine challenges. 

SUN DAY RED – 3L Wind/Rain Half Zip Jacket

Designed to facilitate a full range of motion and an unrestricted swing, the jacket is built for performance – from its use of Polartec Power Shield Pro breathable weather protection to its streamlined shape that won’t billow or bend out at the wrong moments.

VUORI – Aspen Shirt Jacket

The versatile indoor-outdoor vibe of Vuori’s Aspen Jacket delivers more than meets the eye. With its use of Polartec Wind Pro fabric technology, this jacket feels as comfortable in rugged conditions as it does when you’re cruising the beach.  With a durable and water repellent exterior, Wind Pro makes the Aspen shirt a dependable wind resistant fleece with versatility for all weather conditions.

ARITZIA – Polartec 200 Aurora Zip-Up

Aritzia’s Aurora Zip-Up features Polartec 200 Series Fleece made from 100 percent recycled polyester and featuring Polartec Shed Less technology to reduce microfiber shedding up to 85 percent during home laundering, it also has a cinchable shock cord hem and sleek zippered pockets.