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KOKANEE: Active Fleece with Moisture Management

KOKANEE (men / women) is AYAQ’s active fleece: a mid-layer designed for intense effort, sustained climbs, rapid temperature changes, and all situations where managing internal moisture is critical. It’s one of those pieces you put on as soon as temperatures drop but want to keep on during activity without overheating. Minimalist, technical, and made in Europe, it embodies AYAQ’s philosophy: real performance, durability, and comfort in motion.

1. A fleece engineered for activity, not just warmth

Most traditional fleece jackets warm but quickly saturate with moisture. KOKANEE (men / women) follows a different approach: wicking sweat before it condenses. Its recycled technical fabric features:

  • a brushed inner face that captures and disperses water vapor,
  • a breathable structure allowing continuous moisture evacuation,
  • quick-drying during effort/rest cycles,
  • moderate insulation to stay comfortable on the ascent.

KOKANEE (men / women) is not a heavy fleece: it’s an active fleece.

2. The perfect link in the 3-layer system

Within AYAQ’s layering concept, KOKANEE (men / women) occupies the mid-layer position, between:

  • merino base layers (BIAFO (men / women), MEFONNA (men / women), SHIRWALI (men / women), ISEO) — moisture management and next-to-skin comfort,
  • outer shell — hardshell SKORA (men / women), LONAK (men / women) or LONAK-XT (men / women), depending on wind and precipitation.

This positioning is crucial: KOKANEE (men / women) should be worn most of the time during activity, even when weather shifts suddenly.

3. A layer built for movement: ski touring, alpine climbing, active hiking

Thanks to its high breathability and mechanical comfort, KOKANEE (men / women) is ideal for:

  • ski touring: steady climbs, precise heat regulation, alternating cold and sun,
  • summer or autumn alpine climbing: windy sections, shaded areas, technical holds,
  • active hiking: variable temperatures, cold wind at altitude, moderate to long effort,
  • technical daily use: cold facilities, commuting, light outdoor activities.

It fills the gap between lightweight insulation (like FORNO (men / women)) and a full hardshell.

4. Mobility & comfort: the design advantage

KOKANEE (men / women) features a cut optimized for wide movements:

  • freedom of shoulder for pole use,
  • flexible fabric facilitating torso rotation,
  • protective collar without over-insulation,
  • clean finishes allowing easy layering under a hardshell.

The freedom of movement is immediate: the fleece never restricts motion.

5. Recycled materials & European manufacturing

Like all AYAQ pieces, KOKANEE (men / women) is fully sourced within Europe:

  • technical recycled fabrics woven in Italy, France, and Germany,
  • precise assembly carried out in Portugal,
  • continuous durability checks.

This proximity ensures lasting performance and controlled environmental impact.

6. When to choose KOKANEE (men / women)?

KOKANEE (men / women) is the go-to fleece when you need to:

  • effectively manage internal moisture,
  • avoid overheating while staying protected,
  • maintain comfort in motion over several hours,
  • intelligently coordinate your 3-layer system.

KOKANEE (men / women) is one of the most essential pieces in the AYAQ wardrobe: an active, durable, precise fleece designed to support effort rather than hinder it.


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