Just about every brand claims that their new waterproof jacket has high breathability, but it’s usually hot air. So when The North Face announced that they’d created a brand new type of fabric that was going to redefine waterproofing, we were sceptical. We’re a little less so now after actually seeing and feeling the material at The North Face’s massive stand at ISPO. It looks impressive, feeling lightweight, stretchy, and having a translucent, airy look to it There was also an interesting demonstration that showed Futurelight fabric and normal waterproof fabric alongside each other, with water sat on top of them and air being blown through both from underneath. Thousands of tiny air bubbles were bursting through the Futurelight, whereas no air came through the standard fabric whatsoever. It could be a clever ruse, who knows. But still, we’re now very, very keen to try this stuff out.

Patagonia Macro Puff

Last year we had the Patagonia Micro Puff jacket, this year from Patagonia we have the Macro Puff, a beefed up – though still light and lofty – synthetic insulated jacket. Plumafill features once again, but more of it this time. They’ve also lowered the hem and added two-way zips. The Micro weighs 264g while this comes in at around 420g.

Fjällräven Singi Backpacks

“I’ve been hoping they’d release something like this,” commented one of our Instagram followers when we posted about Fjällräven’s new Singi collection of backpacks. Available in a number of different capacities ranging from daypack to expedition sizes, these G1000 backpacks are designed for personal customisation with daisy chain loops on the front and sides to allow you to attach a load of extra pockets and pouches which are purchased separately. Another nice touch is the Bergshell waterproof fabric that’s used on the base of each pack to protect your kit when you’re plonking it down on wet ground.

Rab Infinity

We saw a lot of new kit that uses Gore-Tex Infinium at the show this year, and the messages on it all seemed to be a little bit vague, as if it’s not quite been worked out just yet. We’re still getting our heads around it as well. In essence, it’s a replacement for Gore’s Windstopper fabric that supposedly offers a better, much more persistent water resistance and full windproofing.

Among the brands to adopt it as an ingredient in one of their new products are Rab who’ve used it in their new Infinity jacket. Designed for mountaineers operating at high altitude, it feels incredibly lofty and warm (in the conditions of the exhibition hall anyway), and it’s said to have an extremely high water resistance. There’s also a lighter version of it that we expect will go down well with the less serious outdoor punter. Two items we’re definitely looking forward to testing.

Filson Down Jacket

This isn’t a new one from Filson, but ISPO 2019 gave us the chance to finally see it in the flesh, and it looks great. It’s not necessarily a down jacket to go for if you’re looking for something to keep in your backpack, but rather it’s a hardy option for hunkering down in for a day out in the woods. The down has a high fill power of 850, and there’s a ripstop shell with tough reinforcements on the shoulders.

Lowe Alpine Uprise

A new fast and light range of packs from Lowe Alpine. The Uprise 30:40 and 40:50 are alpine styled options that, despite having a stripped back appearance, still have plenty of tech, including 210D ripstop fabric, ice axe and ski attachment points, a roll top closure and a clever wet/dry divider. It’s good to see the harness that was used on the impressive Lowe Alpine Aeon (released last year) has been transferred to this as well – it’s simple and low-profile but holds so well.

Páramo Duology

As well as celebrating 15 years of working with Mountain Rescue, the other story from Páramo for 2019 is the release of their new Duology fabric. It involves a two-piece Nikwax-treated layering system, with an outer ultralight shell and a close fitting fleece jacket that both combine to make for waterproof, breathable protection. Designed for use during high tempo activities, the key factor in their performance is the wicking ability of the fabrics, spreading moisture quickly and pushing it outwards, away from the body.