New Gear | Norrøna tamok Collection | Fall 23

Updated for the 2023-24 winter season, the Norrøna tamok collection returns as a freeride favorite. As durable as ever, the tamok collection also features Gore-Tex’s new ePe Membrane, the first Gore-Tex membrane to be completely PFC-free.

What IS epe?

For decades, the best available textile options have been treated with perfluoro substances (PFAS), a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that, among other traits, resist water and repel wind. This is where GORE’s new ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane comes into play.

A first-of-its-kind fabric from Gore-Tex, the new ePE membrane is the first to use a PFC-Free face fabric. The innovative construction method to create the ePE membrane (shown in the photo above) provides similar water- and wind-proofing to a traditional 3-layer membrane without this PFC face fabric, as well as being lighter and more flexible than a traditional membrane. This allows the new tamok collection to be even better in the backcountry and eliminates the crinkle found in other 3L membranes. The new material also uses ~25% less energy to produce, further reducing its environmental impact. Part of this savings comes from the solution-dyed backer fabric, which significantly reduces the amount of water required to dye it.

In short, the new ePE membrane from Gore-Tex is a necessary step forward in providing more environmentally-friendly and high-performance outdoors gear. While a truly innovative product, Norrona would not use simply for novelty, but has included it in the tamok collection due to its durability, performance in bad weather, and longevity. Norrona is one a short list of industry partners allowed to create items with ePE this winter, thanks to the longstanding and strong relationship between the two companies.

tamok collection

Performance Shell jacket

The forefront of freeride functionality and style, the tamok Performance Shell Jacket is the flagship jacket in the collection. Featuring a 3L ePE membrane and 70D main body fabric, the Performance shell jacket is as long-lasting as it is durable. Unique to this coat, the Performance Shell Jacket includes two large front hand warmer pockets with YKK zippers that are large enough to store skins on the descent or a small softbottle and snacks when skiing in the resort, as well as front chest ventilation (the zipper opposite the logo) with a water-resistant YKK zipper and mesh cover to help prevent any unwanted snow ingress.

performance shell bib

The other 3L ePE product in this collection, the tamok Performance Shell Bib brings the same burly fabrics and high performance into a lightweight bib. Despite the extra material to create the bib, it actually is ~50g lighter than the pants, thanks to the lighter recycled nylon face fabric compared to the pants heavier recycled polyester face fabric. The Performance Shell bibs feature a stretchy mesh backpanel for breathability and comfort, as well as a full side zip for easy in and out, with mesh down low to prevent snow ingress while keeping breathability high. Capping it off, the large chest pocket is big enough to hold lunch while featuring internal organizer sleeves to keep your wallet, keys, and snacks separated.

Gore-tex Jacket

A versatile jacket for freeriding, the tamok Gore-Tex jacket utilizes a lightweight 2L ePE membrane that shares all the benefits of the 3L ePE membrane, but with a significantly softer hand. 2L constructions are almost always softer than 3L and when you add the additional flexibility of ePE, you get one of the softest, most comfortable, fully water and windproof jackets on the market. The Gore-Tex Jacket also includes large side-entry hand warmer pockets as well as the same large Napoleon chest pocket with a clip-in goggle wipe included. There also are internal pockets, a removable powder skirt, and left-arm pass pocket.

Gore-tex Pants

For those who prefer something more breathable and flexible than bibs there’s the tamok Gore-Tex Pants. Utilizing the same ultra-soft 2L ePE membrane and recycled polyester fabric as the jacket, the pants feature side zips for venting, regular hand pockets, as well as thigh pockets with internal organization for phones and other small items. The pants are also compatible with Norrona’s zip-in add-a-bib system, allowing for total customization and a bib option that is more breathable than a full bib pant.