A truly versatile wardrobe isn’t about accumulating pieces but about a focused, coherent selection that performs year-round in varied conditions. AYAQ designs its apparel as modular tools — RWS merino base layers, active or fleece jackets, 52,000 Schmerber hardshells, insulated jackets matched to effort intensity, technical pants — engineered for use from deep winter to warm alpine days. The key lies in understanding physiological needs: warmth, ventilation, wind protection, moisture management.
1. Understanding Versatility: Apparel Beyond a Single Season
Outdoor clothing isn’t designed for a temperature range but for a function. A lightweight merino tee works in summer and winter; a hardshell performs in heavy rain or dry strong winds; a fleece can be worn alone in transitional seasons or layered under a hardshell in winter. Versatility comes from layering and intensity management.
2. Merino Base Layers: The Core of the Four-Season System
AYAQ’s RWS merino plays a central role, delivering year-round performance:
- BIAFO and MEFONNA: 100% lightweight merino, ideal for active spring-to-fall use or ski touring.
- SHIRWALI: merino-Tencel blend, warmer, perfect for winter or cold alpine days.
- MOLVENO, TENNO, LÉVICO: ultralight pieces for continuous effort, suitable for summer, mid-season, or as a base in three-layer systems under variable conditions.
Merino fiber enables genuine seasonal thermoregulation: cool in summer, warm in winter, even when wet.
3. Fleece Jackets: Two Complementary Approaches
- KOKANEE: active fleece designed to wick moisture during ski touring, winter trail running, or fast hiking. Performs well alone in mid-season and layered under a hardshell in winter.
- AROLLA: brushed fleece, warmer and cozier, ideal for winter, post-activity, or cold-weather hikes.
These two fleeces complete the four-season wardrobe through simple layering.
4. Hardshells: Consistent Protection Year-Round
AYAQ hardshells — SKORA, SKORA-XT, LONAK, BATURA — are built for all weather. Their hydrophilic membrane tested at 52,000 Schmerbers ensures extreme waterproofing without micropores:
- rain protection for summer mountain use,
- high-level windproofing for exposed winter summits,
- breathability (RET < 12) for intense efforts.
BATURA adds integrated insulation for cold rain or winter conditions.
Ergonomic cuts — raglan sleeves on LONAK, tailored volumes — ensure mobility for skiing, hiking, or climbing.
5. Insulated Jackets: Warmth Matched to Effort
- ULTAR: the warmest, for harsh winter, long waits, and static outings.
- BALTORO: award-winning innovative design, excellent freedom of movement for active pursuits.
- FORNO: magnet-closure sleeveless jacket, ideal for mid-season or dynamic layering.
Again, versatility depends on use: the same insulated jacket can be a primary layer in autumn or a mid-layer in deep winter.
6. Pants: Seasonality by Design, Not Thickness
- RIMO: versatile softshell, windproof, ideal from spring to winter depending on layering.
- NUNATAK: full hardshell for rain, wet snow, or strong wind.
- CLIFTON: Sympatex fabric, windproof and highly waterproof, designed for technical daily use.
- VERNAGO and LUGANO: lightweight pieces for active efforts.
Each pant covers multiple seasons depending on activity intensity and weather.
7. Accessories: The Final Element of the Four-Season System
- Upsala Beanie: 100% RWS merino, effective from mild cold to deep winter.
- Technical Gloves: essential in winter, useful in transitional seasons.
- Breathable Caps: summer protection and heat management.
- Merino Socks: thermal regulation year-round.
Accessories complete the wardrobe’s performance.
Conclusion
AYAQ’s wardrobe doesn’t separate seasons: it meets the physiological needs of the user—warmth, protection, ventilation, mobility. Thanks to the synergy of RWS merino, active fleeces, some of the world’s most waterproof hardshells, insulated jackets adapted to all activity levels, and multi-use technical pants, a limited number of pieces can support a full year of outdoor pursuits.