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The proprietary yarns used in our Fortis fabrics are spun from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber blended with other polymers and knit to create a stronger, lighter, more durable fabric. UHMWPE does not take dye well which gives it a unique look and feel.
UHMWPE is better known by the trade names Dyneema and Spectra. UHMWPE fibers have special characteristics, in that they are among the strongest and lightest fibers available. UHMWPE is used in a wide range of applications from body armor to suspension bridges, to sailboat racing sails, climbing cordage and fishing line.
UHMWPE has a strength to weight ratio 10x greater than steel and is 40% stronger than aramid (Kevlar) fibers. It has excellent abrasion resistance, is non-toxic, and will float on water.
In 2013 we were the first company to commercialize an award winning waterproof/breathable jacket that utilized UHMWPE fibers reinforcing a light membrane and ultralight shell material. We were able to make a sub 5 oz. jacket.
In 2019 we started working with Honeywell (who owns the Spectra brand and product) on using UHMWPE in knit fabrics to experiment with a variety of products through our Fortis line.
We’ve discovered through testing that knitting anything over a 10% UHMWPE content creates problems in the knitting process.
Therefore, our Fortis line fabrics are 10% UHMWPE 90% POLY/NYLON. The PE fiber content reinforces the other fibers, creating a stronger yarn.
Our Fortis line of knit garments with UHMWPE are created to last longer, with smaller likelihood of failure, all while needing to be replaced less often than competitor’s products.
This is sustainability through durability.
Fortis is made right here in the USA. We manufacture quality, purpose-built apparel in the United States because it’s the right thing to do. We have concluded that this is the more environmentally friendly way to produce our apparel.
Fortis 115
(90% Polyester, 10% UHMWPE) is ultralight and very breathable. Punches above its weight, matching the tear strength and abrasion resistance of heavier weight synthetic fabrics, and significantly outperforms common 250gsm merino wool fabrics. Â
Use Case: 115 is perfect for spring/summer/early fall use as a light layer to cut the chill and protect from the sun. In cold temps wear it under a midlayer and shell for optionality when your aerobic output varies.
Sourcing: Made / spun in Taiwan and then dyed, cut, and sewn in Los Angeles, USA.
Fortis 150
(90% Nylon, 10% UHMWPE) is our standard weight offering. Buttery to the touch, you would never know it contains the same fibers as body armor. Stronger fibers create a longer lasting garment that is highly abrasion resistant. Fortis 150 is a UPF 50 rated fabric.
Use Case: 150 is ideal year round as a more substantial layer than the 115 when you need a little more warmth or better sun protection. Perfect for outdoor activities, or being used as a highly durable casual layer.
Sourcing: Made / spun, dyed, cut, and sewn in Los Angeles, USA.
“If you’re anything like me, you’ve got half a dozen or so lightweight Merino t-shirts sitting in a drawer somewhere, because they’re all full of holes after being washed regularly. But it’s hot out, and I need a fabric that stays cool, without soaking up sweat like cotton. Enter NW Alpine’s new Fortis series of synthetic tech fabrics. They wick moisture just like merino, but these ones stay perfectly dry (Merino can hold on to 30 percent of its weight in sweat). The big innovation is a proprietary, made-in-America blend of nylon and virtually indestructible Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers that’s incredibly lightweight, yet extremely durable. At 115 grams per square-meter, this is the lightest piece in the range, making it ideal for summertime exertion.
—Wes Siler, contributing editor Outside Magazine
