ISPO Award Winner 2024: Adidas Terrex Xperior Hybrid Primeknit Climaproof+ Pants

With a 20k water column and 10k breathability, these pants keep you dry in any condition. The stretchy, waterproof Primeknit material is strategically placed, ensuring the right amount of stretch in key areas, and is combined with durable 3L woven fabric. The Adidas Terrex Xperior Hybrid Primeknit Climaproof+ Pants offer the comfort of a soft shell with the protection of a hard shell, setting them apart from traditional waterproof options. All materials used in these pants (3L and Primeknit) feature a waterproof and breathable membrane. The product has a 20k watercolumn and 10k breathability and is windproof. It is also made with recycled materials and has a PFAS-Free DWR.

The big idea behind this product is the placement and integration of Adidas Terrex proprietary Primeknit material, which was also a big hit with the ISPO Award jury, when trying on the pants, also in combination with the also ISPO Award winning jacket. Primeknit’s features lie in the stretch and durability of the material, facilitating unrestricted movement while ensuring waterproof performance. 

Years of athlete-driven research have guided its design, utilizing body mapping for targeted flexibility. It is placed it where it is needed most, for example around the knees to allow a greater range of movement when skiing or snowboarding. “Our Xperior Hybrid Primeknit Jacket and Pants are one of a kind in the waterproof breathable product area”, explains Allen Liu, Director Materials Development at Adidas Terrex. “The innovative Primeknit material achieves an extraordinary abrasion resistance, waterproofness, and stretch. It marries the strength of the world of woven and knits. And, they simply look nice! We place Primeknit material strategically at the area where needed to provide optimum experience of wear. We believe our Xperior Hybrid Primeknit jackets and pants will offer the benefits you rarely see in snow apparel.”

Primeknit is warp knitted using a special selection of yarns and a dense construction, making it both highly durable and waterproof. Unlike other waterproof materials, Primeknit is stretchy and quiet, enhancing comfort and usability. In terms of durability, Primeknit surpasses typical knitted fabrics by passing over 100,000 abrasion cycles, a standard usually reserved for woven materials. This durability is crucial for outdoor use, where the fabric must withstand rigorous conditions.

The design process incorporated key elements of Terrex, focusing on carrying, layering, durability, and weight. Body mapping was also used to optimize the fabric’s performance based on data from athletes, ensuring the right amount of stretch and protection in key areas. Overall, Primeknit represents a significant advancement in fabric technology, offering a unique blend of comfort, durability, and waterproof performance.

The combination with a 3L shell fabric is based on popular demand: consumers want to rely on 3L performance but do not want to be restricted by its non-stretch, which is why Primeknit is placed where stretch is needed most. »Get ready for ski season with our Xperior Primeknit Jacket and Pants. It combines waterproof protection with exceptional stretchability for great comfort and performance. Packed with top-notch ski features and a versatile shell construction, it’s perfect for everything from untouched powder to groomed slopes. The perfect companion for your next freeride or winter adventure,« says Lorena Sopp, Adidas Terrex Product Manager. This innovative fabric, described by Sopp, offers the comfort of a soft shell with the protection of a hard shell, setting it apart from traditional waterproof options.

The Adidas Terrex Xperior Hybrid Primeknit Climaproof+ Pant features rich snow-specific details and a sleek design and also transitions seamlessly from slopes to backcountry. Adjustability around the hips, and a bit of elasticity in the back of the waistband make it fit different body types nicely. The pockets are placed a little lower for easier access in the chairlift or when wearing a longer jacket. It also features side opening zippers for ventilation when hiking.

• Waterproof protection with a water column of 20.000mm
• Ultra stretchable Primeknit material ensures freedom of movement and high durability
• Snow-specific features for storage and protection during backcountry skiing and snowboarding