A versatile outdoor wardrobe is not just a collection of pieces for every situation: it’s a coherent system designed to support effort, manage moisture, withstand harsh weather, and adapt to changes in pace and conditions. At AYAQ, versatility is not a marketing term but a direct result of 100% European manufacturing, carefully selected materials (RWS merino wool, high-performance hydrophilic membranes, premium recycled polyamides), and rigorous feedback from Vincent Defrasne and Mike Horn, testers in real conditions. AYAQ’s philosophy is simple: each piece must perform year-round, across multiple environments, without technical compromise.
1. The Three-Layer System: AYAQ’s Universal Wardrobe Grammar
A versatile wardrobe starts with a mastered layering logic:
- RWS Merino Wool Base Layers: BIAFO (men / women) (lightweight), MEFONNA (men / women) (versatile), SHIRWALI (men / women) (warmer), ISEO (breathable long sleeves). Merino regulates temperature, limits odors, and performs even when damp.
- Active Midlayers: KOKANEE fleece (men / women) for continuous effort, MEOLA for lighter insulation. These pieces trap warm air and stabilize temperature.
- Hardshells: SKORA (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women), LONAK (men / women) or BATURA, chosen based on intensity, cold, and moisture. Featuring the world’s most waterproof membrane (52,000 Schmerbers), always breathable (RET < 12), and PFC-free.
This setup allows adapting the entire wardrobe to seasons without excess pieces. A solid base, a suitable midlayer, and a coherent hardshell: the AYAQ signature.
2. Multi-Use Pieces, Not Single-Purpose
AYAQ’s versatility stems from product design:
- SKORA (men / women): minimalist, lightweight, suitable for summer hiking and winter skiing.
- LONAK-XT (men / women): same uses as SKORA (men / women), but with advanced features (chest pockets, revolver pockets, skin pockets, adjustable cuffs, RECCO) for alpine climbing, technical skiing, or expeditions.
- LONAK (men / women): iconic hardshell with raglan sleeves and Inuit taping, worn year-round against strong wind, blowing snow, or heavy rain.
- BATURA: the only insulated hardshell, ideal for damp cold, cold rain, skiing, and winter mountain conditions.
- KOKANEE (men / women): active fleece jacket transitioning from trail running to ski touring.
- RIMO (men / women): breathable softshell for continuous effort.
- NUNATAK (men / women): lower-body hardshell for rain, snow, and very wet terrain.
Each piece is developed with broad specifications: never designed for a single activity but for all outdoor daily use.
3. Materials Selected for Durability and Year-Round Consistency
Versatility also depends on material choices. AYAQ manufactures in Europe (France, Italy, Germany, Portugal) and adheres to three criteria: durability, consistent performance, and reduced impact.
- RWS Merino Wool: thermoregulation, moisture management, lasting comfort.
- Premium Recycled Polyamides: abrasion resistance, fit stability, dynamic comfort.
- 170 g/m² Hydrophilic Membrane: extreme waterproofing, stable breathability even when saturated, no micropores to clog.
A wardrobe based on these materials performs from spring through winter without losing coherence.
4. Versatility as an Exploration Tool
AYAQ’s athlete partners — Vincent Defrasne in Nordic terrains, Mike Horn on expeditions — share one demand: carry less, but carry right. Their approach shaped AYAQ’s philosophy: a garment must always enable more than expected. A SKORA (men / women) works for hiking, urban rain, and strong alpine winds. A KOKANEE (men / women) transitions from trail running to ski touring. A BATURA becomes the go-to piece for snow, damp cold, and mixed days.
5. A More Responsible Wardrobe Through Smarter Use
Versatility is also a sustainable choice: fewer pieces, better designed. A hardshell worn year-round has a far lower impact than a specialized jacket left unused in a closet. 100% European manufacturing, material traceability, and zero PFCs align with this logic: a durable garment replaces multiple unnecessary ones.
AYAQ’s philosophy rests on one conviction: exploration doesn’t require an endless wardrobe but an intelligent one. A controlled, coherent wardrobe that follows the user from summer breezes to winter storms. A wardrobe where every piece is an ally — everywhere, in all weather.
