ISPO Award Winner 2025: PELLIOT Polaris Hardshell Jacket

For mountaineers and expedition travelers, a hardshell is more than outerwear. It is the first barrier against unpredictable weather, rapid temperature drops and the constant challenge of moisture management. The Polaris Hardshell Jacket was developed to meet these demands through a design approach where aesthetics follow function. Every line, seam and choice of material exists to make movement safer and protection more durable in extreme terrain.

The big idea behind the PELLIOT Polaris Hardshell Jacket is to deliver expedition-level protection and breathability at a value that makes extreme-environment gear accessible to more outdoor athletes. By combining an advanced eVent membrane, high-mobility stretch nylon and integrated safety technologies, it aims to remove cost barriers while maintaining performance standards required for polar, alpine and long-distance winter exploration.

What defines the Polaris immediately is its use of the eVent 3L Direct DryTech membrane. Traditional waterproof membranes quickly lose breathability in humid or high-moisture environments, leading to condensation, heat loss and discomfort. The Polaris solves this with active ventilation valve technology, achieving up to 32,000 g/m²/24 h breathability while maintaining a 20,000 mm waterproof rating. Even in heavy wet snow or relentless rain, the interior climate stays drier and more stable, reducing the risk of hypothermia and fatigue.

Movement is another critical factor for mountaineering shells. With N66 mechanical-stretch nylon, constructed from 70D fibers and offering at least 25% stretch, the Polaris avoids the stiffness commonly found in expedition hardshells. This results in smoother movement under pack straps, better articulation during climbing and less fabric stress in cold or abrasive conditions. The material has passed more than 300,000 Martindale abrasion cycles, ensuring long-term reliability across multi-day or multi-season use.

Safety was also a priority during development. The integrated RECCO 2.0 system uses dual-frequency reflectors to improve avalanche search precision and snow penetration depth while connecting the wearer to a global professional rescue network. A 3M comprehensive reflective system enhances visibility during night travel, storms and low-light conditions crucial for winter mountaineering, ski touring and long-distance arctic expeditions.

The modular design of the Polaris reflects the idea of “One Jacket, Many Scenes.” Its minimalist construction reduces unnecessary components and optimizes adaptability. Whether worn as a technical shell on expedition, as a stormproof jacket for winter trekking or reliable outer protection on everyday outdoor missions, the Polaris adapts to different needs without compromising performance. This functional versatility is an essential part of PELLIOT’s design philosophy, where simplicity becomes a tool for broader usability.

• Exceptional breathability even in wet-cold environments

• High-stretch N66 nylon for mobility and durability

• Integrated RECCO 2.0 and 3M systems for safety

• Modular minimalist design for multi-scenario use

• Great value for true expedition-level protection