NWAlpine is a small business that makes technical outdoor clothing. They began in 2010 and are located in Salem, Oregon.

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What is NW Alpine’s philosophy for making outdoor climbing apparel? 

We believe in several things:

• Making strong and reliable technical apparel for conditions that put our gear to the test while keeping you comfortable.
• Keeping designs simple. We don't make superfluous lifestyle clothing, we make useful technical clothing.
• We believe in the revitalization of American manufacturing, that's why our factories and headquarters are located in Salem, Oregon.

You have a pretty incredible product guarantee. What is it and why is it so good? 

We have strong philosophical standards that drive our business. We do not agree with a "throw-away" culture. So, our philosophy is this:
 
"Use them up, wear them out, make them do, or do without." 

Every product we make is supported for the entirety of its life. Climbing apparel takes on some of the most wear than any other activity. If it doesn't fit, we'll exchange it. Damage from an epic climb? We'll forever repair it. Our website details how to make an exchange or repairs. 

Tell us about Spectra. What is it? What are its properties? What clothes do you use it in? 

Since tough, reliable, comfortable clothing is our goal, we've teamed up with Honeywell to create the first ever apparel to be made with Spectra fiber. You may be familiar with Spectra from its use in climbing ropes, slings, and bullet-proof vests. Spectra is stronger than steel and Kevlar yet super light. We've created unique Spectra/Nylon blends that are:

• ultra light - our clothing won't weigh down cloyingly on your skin;
• abrasion resistant, both increasing the longevity of your clothing but also protecting your skin; and
• it's both breathable and water resistant - a unique combination not offered by other materials. 

We currently have six products that use the Spectra material:

• The men's and women's Spectra long sleeve shirts;
• The men's and women's Spectra short sleeve shirts;
• Two different hoodies; and
• our knit cap.

(We also have many other products made with high tech, high quality materials like Polartec.)

Men's short sleeve Spectra shirt.

Men's long sleeve Spectra shirt.

Women's short sleeve Spectra shirt.

Women's long sleeve Spectra shirt.

Fortis Spectra Hoodie

Men's Rock Spectra Hoodie

 
How do you test your products?

We have a team of athletes, rock climbers, alpine climbers, ice climbers, and ultra runners who test our products in extreme conditions for extended periods of time. They give us feedback on both the material (toughness, breathability, comfort) so we can adjust the proportions of the fibers we use, as well as fit and design. We have a nimble product design and testing set-up. For example, with our Honeywell Spectra partnership, we can get new Spectra/Nylon combinations sent to us within two weeks of our request. Then we can sew up products for our athlete testers. 

What is NW Alpine’s business philosophy? 
 
We believe in conscientious business. In addition to creating clothes that last you a long time and won't end up in land fills, as well as, manufacturing our clothes here in the U.S. and providing living wages, we share proceeds with organizations that are committed to giving access to climbing and alpine recreation, including The Access Fund, Ouray Ice Park, multiple avalanche centers here in the Pacific Northwest, the Mazamas, and more. We believe businesses have a responsibility to the people they sell to, the people who work for them, and the communities who support them.

You can order NW Alpine Gear at: https://www.nwalpine.com/
Instagram: @nwalpinegear
Facebook: @nwalpine

*Common Climber does NOT take a percentage of sales when you follow a link to a business from our website, nor do we make money by featuring these businesses on the Common Climber Marketplace. We feature small businesses to help raise awareness and advance our climbing community.  NW Alpine has generously donated clothing for giveaways to Common Climber readers.