Strong wind is one of the most destabilizing forces for the body in the mountains: it speeds up heat loss, increases evaporation, creates intense convective cold, and makes effort transitions more challenging. Proper gear for these conditions requires a system that can block air penetration while allowing internal moisture to escape. The AYAQ wardrobe is designed precisely for this, featuring high-level windproof membranes, active fleece jackets, and high-performance natural base layers.
1. Understanding Wind’s Impact on the Body
Wind causes two major effects:
- Convective cooling: air removes body heat faster than it can be produced.
- Accelerated evaporation: if the base layer doesn’t properly wick moisture, wind turns sweat into immediate cold.
The priority: block the wind while preventing heat or moisture buildup inside.
2. Base Layer: The Foundation of Thermal Stability
RWS merino wool is ideal in strong wind: warm even when damp, soft, breathable, it regulates temperature without overheating.
- BIAFO (men / women) (100% lightweight merino): for sustained effort in strong wind with a high pace.
- MEFONNA (men / women) (100% versatile merino): warmer, ideal for active efforts with frequent gusts.
- SHIRWALI (men / women) (merino + Tencel ~240 g): for windy, cold days with variable intensity.
The goal: a base layer that wicks moisture so wind doesn’t amplify cold.
3. Midlayers: Precise Heat Management in Gusts
KOKANEE (men / women)
AYAQ’s active fleece, perfect for ridge lines, exposed cols, or wind-swept plateaus. Excellent internal moisture management, stable warmth without overheating.
AROLLA (men / women)
Warmer, brushed fleece. Best when wind combines with prolonged cold or long rest periods.
4. Essential Wind Protection: AYAQ Hardshells
AYAQ hardshells — SKORA (men / women), LONAK (men / women), LONAK-XT (men / women) — use a unique non-microporous hydrophilic membrane: 52,000 Schmerbers, RET < 12, fully windproof, ultra-light (170 g/m²), PFC-free, non-clogging.
In strong wind, they serve three functions:
- Block air to stop thermal convection,
- Protect against wet cooling,
- Allow internal moisture to escape to prevent condensation.
SKORA (men / women)
Sleek hardshell, ideal for most users: lightweight, simple, highly effective against wind.
LONAK (men / women)
Iconic AYAQ piece: raglan sleeves, external tapings inspired by Inuit traditions, enveloping cut. Exceptional choice for long exposed days.
LONAK-XT (men / women)
Fully equipped hardshell: chest pockets, revolver pocket, skin pockets, multiple adjustments, RECCO beacon. Ideal for technical terrain, ski touring in strong wind, and demanding conditions.
5. Lightweight Outer Layer: SHANDAR (men / women) for Intense Effort
SHANDAR (men / women) is AYAQ’s ultra-light windbreaker. It blocks wind while remaining extremely breathable, making it perfect for:
- fast ascents,
- altitude transitions,
- short but highly exposed outings,
- efforts where a hardshell would be too warm.
It’s the controlled ventilation piece for windy environments.
6. Leg Protection: Windproof and Hardshell
The lower body loses significant heat in the wind. AYAQ offers several suitable options:
- RIMO (men / women): softshell windproof front, breathable back. Perfect for ski touring, active ascents, and cold dry terrain.
- NUNATAK (men / women): full hardshell pants using the same windproof membrane as the jackets. Ideal for highly exposed environments.
- CLIFTON: technical pants with Sympatex membrane, highly windproof, ultra-durable, perfect for long days in dry cold.
Choice depends on effort intensity: the higher the effort, the more relevant a hybrid construction becomes.
7. Building an Effective System for Strong Wind
- Active effort, strong wind: BIAFO (men / women) + KOKANEE (men / women) + SHANDAR (men / women) or SKORA (men / women).
- Cold wind, moderate intensity: MEFONNA (men / women) + AROLLA (men / women) + LONAK (men / women).
- Technical terrain, long durations: MEFONNA (men / women) + KOKANEE (men / women) + LONAK-XT (men / women).
- Highly exposed environment: SHIRWALI (men / women) + AROLLA (men / women) + LONAK (men / women) or LONAK-XT (men / women).
Wind demands a finely tuned system: ventilate just enough to avoid overheating, but fully block cold air penetration.
8. 100% European Manufacturing & Responsible Materials
As with the entire AYAQ range, all wind gear is:
- woven in France, Italy, Germany,
- assembled in Portugal,
- made from premium recycled materials or RWS merino,
- field-tested by Mike Horn, Vincent Defrasne, and AYAQ teams.
Wind is an invisible but formidable opponent: proper protection radically changes the experience.
Conclusion
Equipping for strong wind means blocking air without trapping moisture. With its 52,000 Schmerbers hardshells, ultra-light windbreaker SHANDAR (men / women), windproof pants, and RWS merino base layers, AYAQ offers a coherent system to stay thermally stable, mobile, and efficient even in the most demanding gusts.
