Salomon X ALP at the forefront of the light mountaineering trend

March 20, 2015

As mountaineering continues to move away from big, slow, gear intensive expeditions to fast ascents and descents, both the people and the gear are also evolving.

Building on its mountain heritage and expertise in outdoor sports and product innovation, Salomon introduces the revolutionary S-LAB X ALP range for light and fast mountaineering.

“Modern mountaineering is about carrying less gear and moving faster, so your clothing needs to be really versatile. The technical fabrics we built into the gear, along with Motion Fit, make this stuff amazingly good on the lower trails as well as the higher reaches of the mountain”, says Brian Anthony, Salomon’s Product Line Manager for Mountaineering Apparel.

X-ALP is at the forefront of the light mountaineering trend. The products were developed and tested with professional mountain guides, Chamonix Mountain Rescue Team PGHM and influential mountain athletes.
Salomon’s new S-LAB X ALP CARBON GTX^® is unique for moving fast in alpine conditions. In the past, mountaineers had to bring at least two pairs of shoes; a light, flexible pair for the lower flanks of the mountain, and also a more rigid pair of boots for edging, mixed rock, and crampon use up higher.

S-LAB X ALP CARBON GTX^® changes that dynamic via a unique, patented Carbon Edging Chassis. It is a flexible carbon plate built into the midsole, providing forward flexibility to move fast on easier terrain, but a rigid edge for assurance on small ledges or snow.With its lightweight, dedicated Mountain Contagrip, and the protection of GORE-TEX^®, it is the right shoe for an approach or higher on the mountain.


“This might be the most tested shoe we’ve ever developed,” Anne Deroulede, Product Line Manager for Salomon Hike Footwear points out.

“We’ve had more than 40 testers and dozens of prototypes for over two years, and finally we’re confident we have the ultimate shoe for the new generation of mountaineers. It’s the one shoe that you can wear from the bottom of the mountain to the top, and back.”

Salomon’s X Alp range of mountaineering footwear includes four models, from the superlight S-LAB version to a more approach focused X Alp low. All of them are based on the edging chassis concept, delivering flexibility and versatility for any kind of fast mountain adventure.

Efficient, simple, versatile

Salomon S-LAB X Alp apparel is ideally suited for light and fast mountaineering.

Each piece in the collection is carefully considered and refined to ensure weather protection but also to enable complete freedom of movement for hiking, mixed and technical climbing, and ski touring. X Alp is also exceptionally lightweight and packable.
“In developing this lightweight gear, we approached it from an endurance standpoint”, explains Brian Anthony.

“We want protection, but accessible venting, features that enable dynamic moves, and ways to convert to different levels of protection without having to stop, take your pack off, stuff a piece and get going again. Everything in the collection is designed to let you keep moving quickly in an alpine environment.”

S-LAB X Alp Anorak is a lightweight, GORE-TEX^® Pro outer layer designed for both approaches and higher alpine conditions.

Built with Motion Fit for freedom to reach up and forward, the anorak also has an innovative FLOWTECH™ construction, enabling the user to roll the entire front up and stowe it for maximum airflow without taking the pack off, so it is much easier to use than a typical jacket.

S-LAB X Alp Down Hoodie uses Motion Fit construction, as well as a combination of down and synthetic insulation in key areas to balance warmth and moisture management. It’s also highly packable.

S-LAB X Alp Half-Zip Midlayer is made from lightweight stretch Polartec fabric and has a fitted silhouette. It is an exceptionally warm, soft midlayer that works equally well as a cozy first layer.

S-LAB X Alp Pant is a lightweight stretch softshell with Dyneema reinforcement in the knees, lower legs and ankles, designed for fast movement in the high mountains. Dyneema is a lightweight ripstop fabric that is 15 times stronger than steel.

The pant is built with Motion Fit to let you step up and stretch out in mountaineering movements, without affecting the waist or cuffs.


Salomon S-LAB X Alp 20 is a small pack ready for a huge adventure. It combines a sleek silhouette and Motion Fit strap system that lets you move freely, with innovative ways to protect and access your gear. Even with a built-in waterproof storage box for crampons, everything in the pack can be reached or stowed without taking the pack off, something guides and athletes demanded during development.
http://xalp.salomon.com/


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