Most upcycled gear trades substance for sustainability. A cut here, a patch there, and as long as it forms a garment, it’s functional.
Icelandic brand 66North does things differently.
The line’s “Kria” collection, launched earlier this year, is a novel take on the intersecting worlds of fashion and the outdoors. While Kria (translation: “cry,” like “bird cry”) consists of t-shirts, beanies, and other logowear, the centerpiece is an eco-conscious performance shell that’s turned heads over at Field Mag HQ.
Dubbed the Kria Neoshell Jacket, 66North’s patchwork raincoat is a design-driven rain slicker worth a look for more than its looks.
First and foremost, there’s the material.
As the name suggests, the Kria jacket is made from Neoshell, the air-permeable membrane fabric introduced by materials innovator Polartec. Unveiled in 2010, Neoshell is the OG of the electronically-spun membranes. Compared to their conventional ePTFE cousins (i.e. GORE-TEX), electronically-spun membrane fabrics are both more breathable and more stretchable, merging the versatility of a softshell with the protection of a hardshell. 66North has used NeoShell in its multi-sport Snaefell line for years.
