New technologies for outdoor sports with CIMALP®

Over the years, CIMALP has patented numerous technologies for garments and accessories dedicated to mountain sports. Ultrashell and CIMASHELL membranes, ethical Cimaloft down, Cimadry thermal regulation, and CIMAFLEX freedom of movement: these are all essential outdoor innovations that help adventurers and athletes push further. With CIMALP, reach your goals with complete peace of mind and maximum comfort.

Innovation at the service of performance

Within the SME based in the Drôme, the R&D department works to design products at the cutting edge of innovation. This is indeed the area of expertise of CIMALP's CEO, Lionel Marsanne. With a background in engineering, his ambition is to making technical performance accessible to all. Numerous patented technologies have emerged through his work, competing directly with those already on the outdoor sports market.

CIMALOFT^®, eco-designed water-resistant down jackets

The French outdoor clothing and equipment brand recently developed CIMALOFT technology. It guarantees a thermal insulation as warm as goose down. Ideal for mountain outings and everyday use alike, this down product based on organic fibres brings lightweight performance and efficiency. It is found in warm down jackets for winter from the brand: the 'Ecrins', 'Morzine' and 'Montets' models. In the form of small fibre clusters, CIMALOFT down delivers the same thermal insulation as natural down. This outstanding ethical alternative to the use of goose or duck feathers, keeps the body warm all winter long. Lightweight and ultra-compactable, it also has the advantage of offering superior protection in wet conditions thanks to its hydrophobic properties, for maximum comfort. It thus sets a new benchmark, equivalent to a 550 cuin goose down construction. Inspired by nature and enhanced by science, this down has become one of the most insulating on the outdoor market. A level of effectiveness and performance highly valued by mountain sports enthusiasts.

The ULTRASHELL^® membrane, the pinnacle of waterproofing and breathability

The Ultrashell membrane by CIMALP is waterproof and ultra-breathable. Based on 20,000 Schmerbers, it offers a waterproofing optimal protection against rain and snow. It is also totally windproof. With a breathability of 80,000 g/m²/24h, it ranks among the best membranes. Featuring extremely resistant 3-layer fabrics, the Ultrashell membrane guarantees maximum product durability and performance. That is why it is used by mountain professionals : guides and mountain leaders, or high-altitude rescue teams and firefighters. This premium technology was launched a few years ago — first on a waterproof hiking jacket. Today, it is used across various products such as hiking overtrousers, trail running jackets and waterproof trail trousers. The trail jacket has also been developed in a 2.5-layer fabric: this produces an even more lightweight product with optimal performance (10,000 Schmerbers and 12,500 g/m²/24h). The 'Storm' is currently the brand's best-selling trail jacket, approved for ultra races such as the UTMB^® or the Diagonale des Fous. These technical performances are remarkable.

AERODRY, an innovative patented system for maximum breathability!

After patenting the high-performance Ultrashell® CimAlp membrane in 2016, the head of the rope at CIMALP, CEO Lionel Marsanne, took on a new challenge: develop a technology capable of ventilating a garment more effectively without compromising on waterproofing. In collaboration with a Scientific and Technical Research organisation, CIMALP's R&D team ran multiple tests until reaching one clear conclusion: the perfect balance between breathability and waterproofing relies on a 3 cm diameter opening in the membrane. AERODRY was born — an optimal ventilation system delivering permanent active airflow, unlike a zip. « It works with the body's movements. For example, when arms move during hiking or on the trail, pressure and depression zones are created — like squeezing a balloon, explains Lionel Marsanne. On current garments, air escapes at the neck, wrists or zip openings — often positioned under the arms and only when opened. With the Aerodry, air renewal is continuous and this system can be placed in more relevant positions. » The question of design still remained: what form should this innovative system take? CIMALP's CEO first thought of the Sydney Opera House — an iconic Australian symbol recognised worldwide for its white sails or shells, which had shaken up the architectural codes of the 1950s. In the end, without borrowing the avant-garde aesthetic of the opera house that had so captivated people at the time, the AERODRY adopts a 3D shape. This flexible pad, positioned on the upper sleeves of the jacket, facilitates moisture evacuation while protecting against external humidity. AERODRY — guaranteed optimal breathability from the membrane, twice that of anything else on the market.

CIMASHELL^®, the ideal barrier against cold and harsh weather

When it comes to waterproof and breathable fabrics, the CIMASHELL membrane is recognised for its multiple properties at once insulating, water-repellent, breathable and windproof. Patented by CIMALP, it withstands water pressure up to 10,000 mm and offers a breathability of 10,000 g/m²/24h. Stretchy and supremely comfortable, it is also built-to-last and resistant to winds exceeding 60 km/h. It is integrated into various products from the French brand — including all-season hiking trousers, ski jackets and trousers, CIMALP 3-layer softshell garments, and gloves for cold-weather sports (ski touring, trail running, nordic walking). For activities involving variable conditions, CIMASHELL acts as a formidable barrier against cold and harsh weather, becoming the perfect companion in autumn and winter.

CIMAFLEX^® technology, for total freedom of movement

The innovative CIMAFLEX POWER fabric is warm, breathable and stretchy. It offers an excellent weight-to-warmth ratio, high breathability and exceptional freedom of movement. This mid-layer is warm and technical. It is ideal for active sports in cold conditions as well as everyday use. And it is twice as stretchy as a standard fabric ! Giving you incredible freedom, comfort and flexibility. The 3D-Flex weave^® initiated by the Drôme-based brand, further guarantees the 100% stretch of the garment. CIMAFLEX moves with you through every activity — hiking, trail running or ski touring — thanks to its versatility and resistance.

Optimal thermal comfort with CIMADRY^®

With its CIMADRY technology, the Drôme-based brand set out to tackle the challenge of delivering the optimal thermal regulation for an athlete during exertion. Building on years of innovation, the brand has succeeded in combining breathability, technical performance and lightweight construction with its smart-dry breathable fabric. Thermal regulation happens rapidly with garments featuring CIMADRY technology that dries 10 times faster than a standard fabric. Guaranteed freshness and breathability! CIMALP has added the Cyclone technology to this innovative fabric. It draws moisture from inside the fabric and pushes it outwards. This enables a 10 times faster moisture transfer. This keeps your skin dry, even during intense effort. CIMADRY | Cyclone jerseys therefore deliver superior evaporation to cool your body, boosting your performance and endurance. In addition, the CIMADRY mesh — a highly stretchy piqué construction — is both flexible and lightweight. Its feel is very soft, combined with excellent moisture transfer. This ultra-breathable effect is further enhanced by the CIMAFRESH anti-odour technology which promotes rapid evaporation of perspiration. Its natural treatment based on silver salts prevents the growth of bacteria and unpleasant odours. In short, a highly fluid material that delivers a feeling of hygiene and freshness.

Thoughtful and responsible design

In order to limit its ecological impact, the French brand CIMALP has decided to certify all its fabrics as BLUESIGN^®. The BLUESIGN label^®, created by the Swiss company Bluesign Technologies AG in 2000, focuses not only on the finished product, but on the entire textile supply chain. This makes it possible to jointly reduce its impact on people and the environment. The goal behind this label is to bring together chemical suppliers, textile manufacturers and brands in order to promote a healthy, responsible and profitable textile industry. This label therefore requires a lower water and energy consumption in manufacturing and fabrics free from all toxic substances. It aims to preserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact. At CIMALP, the ability to assess and reduce natural resource consumption — particularly for dyeing and finishing products — was paramount. Furthermore, it is one of the pioneering brands to have eliminated polyfluorinated substances (PFCs) from its products. Indeed, the DWR water-repellent and stain-resistant treatment on its fabrics is PCF-free and derived from renewable resources. Another commitment to the environment: driven by a desire to combat waste, the brand favours garment repair wherever possible, with a dedicated after-sales service.