Wearing something from Voormi—a clothing line based out of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, attracts attention and curiosity.
Retail: $149.00
For the last two months I’ve tested out their Eleven.9 hoodie, and almost every day someone makes a comment about it. Initially I suspected they had some good marketing, but upon deeper inspection into the ethos of the company, it’s because they are as local as American outdoor clothing companies get—I was wearing Merino wool from sheep that inhabit the same mountains I recreate in.
The Eleven.9 lands on the side of a warmer hoodie, (think thicker and more insulating than the ever-popular Patagonia R1) making it an ideal weather for colder climbing conditions. The specs for the materials are 50% wool, 35% polyester, 12% nylon, and 3% lycra. This layer excelled in climbing conditions ranging from 30 to 45 degrees, anything past that it was too warm.
Another benefit of this layer having 50% wool is that rarely needs to be washed. It doesn’t get stinky like other all-synthetic layers, and thus would be perfect for a lazy dirtbag, or someone on an extended trip.
Voormi’s unparalleled commitment to sourcing Rocky Mountain Highcountry Merino wool is worth noting—especially for customers in the United States, and more particularly the West. Their ethos is a throwback to the past, but also an indication of where things may be going in the future. Small production scales and craftsmanship is key to their products, and that’s something that make you feel good about Voormi’s line.
All in all, the Eleven.9 is my go to hoodie in the cooler climbing months, and for sure a layer that I put on when the sun goes down, as I layer up for the night. And, it gets bonus points for Voormi’s commitment to using materials harvested right here in our backyard of Southwest Colorado.
-LM
View the Voormi Eleven.9 Hoodie
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About us: The Climbing Zine was started in 2010 by Al Smith III and Luke Mehall. It continues to the day with the mission of representing the true essence of climbing. Our crown jewel is our printed version, but we also do the interweb thing, and Kindle.
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