Over the years, CIMALP has patented numerous technologies for clothing and accessories designed for mountain sports. Ultrashell and Cimashell membranes, ethical Cimaloft insulation, Cimadry thermal regulation and the freedom of movement offered by Cimaflex: these are essential outdoor innovations that help adventurers and athletes push further. With CIMALP, reach your goals with complete confidence and maximum comfort.
Innovation in the service of performance
Within this SME based in the Drôme, the R&D team is dedicated to developing cutting-edge products. This is indeed the specialist field of CIMALP's CEO, Lionel Marsanne. With a background in engineering, he is passionate about making technical innovation accessible to everyone. Numerous patented technologies have emerged through his work, competing directly with those found elsewhere in the outdoor sports market.
CIMALOFT® — water-resistant eco-designed down jackets
The French outdoor clothing and equipment brand recently developed CIMALOFT technology. It delivers thermal insulation as warm as goose down. Ideal for mountain outings and everyday use alike, this insulation made from biological fibres combines lightness and performance.
It features in the brand’s warm winter insulated jackets: the "Ecrins", "Morzine" and "Montets" models. Made up of small fibre clusters, CIMALOFT insulation provides as much thermal insulation as natural down. This ethical alternative to goose or duck down helps keep the body warm throughout winter.
Lightweight and ultra-compressible, it also offers superior protection in wet conditions thanks to its hydrophobic properties, for maximum comfort. It sets a new benchmark, equivalent to a 550 cuin goose down construction. Inspired by nature and enhanced by science, this insulation stands among the most effective on the outdoor market. A level of performance and efficiency highly valued by mountain sports enthusiasts.
The ULTRASHELL® membrane — the ultimate in waterproofing and breathability
CIMALP’s Ultrashell membrane is waterproof and highly breathable. With a 20,000 mm Schmerber rating, it provides excellent waterproof protection against rain and snow. It is also completely windproof. With breathability of 80,000 g/m²/24h, it ranks among the best-performing membranes. Combined with exceptionally durable three-layer fabrics, the Ultrashell membrane gives products maximum durability and performance. That is why it is used by mountain professionals, including guides, mountain leaders, high-mountain rescue teams and firefighters.
This high-end technology was launched a few years ago, initially in a waterproof hiking jacket. Today it is used in products including hiking overtrousers, trail running jackets and waterproof trail trousers. The trail jacket is also available in a 2.5-layer fabric, making it even lighter while maintaining strong performance (10,000 mm Schmerber and 12,500 g/m²/24h). The "Storm" is currently the brand’s best-selling trail jacket and is approved for ultra-distance races such as the UTMB® and Diagonale des Fous. These technical performance figures are notable.
AERODRY — an innovative patented system for maximum breathability!
After patenting the high-performance Ultrashell® CimAlp membrane in 2016, CIMALP's CEO Lionel Marsanne — the team's number one — set himself a new challenge: to develop a technology capable of ventilating a garment more effectively without compromising on waterproofing.
Working alongside a Scientific and Technical Research organisation, CIMALP's R&D team ran extensive tests until they reached a definitive conclusion: the perfect balance between breathability and waterproofing relies on a 3 cm diameter opening in the membrane. AERODRY was born — a system of optimal aeration providing permanent active ventilation, unlike a zip. "It works with the body's movements. For example, when arms move during hiking or trail, pressure and depression zones are created, like squeezing a balloon," explains Lionel Marsanne. "On current garments, air escapes at the neck, wrists or zips — often positioned under the arms and only when they're open. With the Aerodry, air circulation is continuous and the system can be placed in more effective positions."
The question of design remained: what shape should this innovative system take? CIMALP’s CEO first thought of the Sydney Opera House, an Australian landmark recognisable by its white sails or shells, which had challenged architectural conventions in the 1950s. In the end, rather than borrowing the opera house’s avant-garde appearance, which had made such an impression at the time, AERODRY took on a 3D shape. This flexible pad, positioned on the upper sleeves of the jacket, helps sweat escape while protecting against external moisture. AERODRY helps the membrane achieve optimal breathability, twice that of membranes on the market.
CIMASHELL® — the ideal barrier against cold and bad weather
In terms of waterproof and breathable fabrics, the CIMASHELL membrane is recognised for its multiple properties: insulating, water-repellent, breathable and windproof. Patented by CIMALP, it withstands water pressure of up to 10,000 mm and delivers a breathability rating 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 used in a range of products from the French brand, including all-season hiking trousers, ski jackets and trousers, CIMALP three-layer Softshell garments and gloves for cold-weather sports such as ski touring, trail running and Nordic walking. For activities with changeable conditions, CIMASHELL provides an effective barrier against cold and bad weather, making it a useful choice for autumn and winter.
CIMAFLEX® technology — freedom of movement
The innovative CIMAFLEX POWER fabric is warm, breathable and stretchy. It delivers an excellent weight-to-warmth ratio, outstanding breathability and exceptional freedom of movement. This mid-layer is warm and technical — ideal for active sports in cold conditions as well as everyday use. And it's twice as stretchy as a standard fabric, giving you incredible freedom, comfort and flexibility.
The 3D-FLEX® weave developed by the Drôme-based brand guarantees a truly 100% stretch garment. CIMAFLEX moves with you in every activity — whether hiking, trail running or ski touring — thanks to its versatility and durability.
Optimal thermal comfort with CIMADRY®
With its CIMADRY technology, the Drôme-based manufacturer tackled the challenge of delivering optimal thermal regulation for athletes during effort. Drawing on years of innovation, the brand has succeeded in combining breathability, technical performance and lightness with its smart-dry breathable fabric. Thermal regulation is rapid with garments featuring CIMADRY technology, which dries 10 times faster than standard fabric. A guaranteed sensation of freshness and breathability!
CIMALP has added Cyclone technology to this innovative fabric. It draws moisture from inside the fabric and pushes it outward, enabling a 10x faster moisture transfer. Your skin stays dry even during intense effort. CIMADRY | Cyclone jerseys therefore offer better evaporation to cool your body, boosting your performance and endurance.
The CIMADRY knit, a highly stretchy piqué construction, is both supple and lightweight. It has a very soft hand feel combined with excellent moisture transfer. This ultra-breathable effect is 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, an exceptionally fluid material that delivers a lasting sense of hygiene and freshness.
Thoughtful, responsible design
To limit its ecological impact, French brand CIMALP has decided to certify all its fabrics with the BLUESIGN® label.
The BLUESIGN® certification, created in 2000 by the Swiss company Bluesign Technologies AG, looks beyond the finished product to the entire textile supply chain. This helps reduce its impact on people and the environment. The aim is to bring chemical suppliers, textile manufacturers and brands together to promote a healthy, responsible and profitable textile industry. The certification therefore involves lower water and energy consumption during manufacturing and fabrics free from toxic substances. It aims to conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact.
At CIMALP, being able to assess and reduce natural resource consumption — particularly in the dyeing and finishing of products — was paramount. The brand is also among the pioneering brands to have eliminated polyfluorinated substances (PFCs) from its products. Indeed, the water-repellent and stain-resistant DWR treatment on its fabrics is PFC-free and derived from renewable resources.
Another commitment to the environment: driven by a zero-waste ethos, the brand prioritises garment repair wherever possible, backed by a dedicated after-sales service.
