Mountain Pursuit Line: Elite-Grade Layers Built for the High Country
When the trail gets steep, the wind cuts hard, and temperatures collapse at dusk, you want gear that does more than survive. You want gear that performs. The Mountain Pursuit Line is engineered for just those moments—moments when your comfort, safety, and success depend on your gear.
Here’s a deep dive into what makes the Mountain Pursuit Line a game-changer for backpackers, alpine hunters, and anyone who demands backcountry performance without compromise.
What Is the Mountain Pursuit Line?
The Mountain Pursuit Line is our newest Performance-First Ultralight Gear collection built for use above treeline. It’s a system of layers designed for high-exertion movement and brutal stillness at elevation—i.e. hiking, scrambling, hunting, or watching out from a ridge in freezing wind. The line includes:
- Vantage Alpine Down Jacket – ultralight insulation with protection from wind and cold
- Pursuit Hybrid Fleece – a breathable, mapped insulation mid/outer layer built for activity
- Altura Dynamic Pant – stretch, breathable performance pants for mobility and protection in rough terrain
Tech That Matters: ExpeDRY Down + Zero Stitch™ Fabric
These aren’t buzzwords. ExpeDRY down and Zero Stitch fabric solve real problems that other ultralight gear often ignores.
- Zero Stitch™ Fabric: This is a double-weave shell with integrated baffles—no sewn holes, no bonding glues—that prevents wind penetration and minimizes down loss through stitch holes. The result is greater wind resistance, fewer cold spots, and longer durability.
- ExpeDRY Down: Moisture is the archenemy of insulation. Down collapses when wet, warmth is lost, comfort is gone. ExpeDRY down dries more quickly than any other down & gives you reliable warmth day after day in the backcountry. The result is warmer down that performs better than even DWR treated downs.
Key Features & Layer Synergies
| Piece | Weight / Fit / Fabric Highlights | Best Use Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Vantage Alpine Down Jacket | Ultralight, high loft, wind-blocking; built for alpine cold, static periods, camp nights. | Keeping warm while stationary at elevation |
| Pursuit Hybrid Fleece | Under 10 oz; combines stretch woven nylon + grid fleece; breathability + mapped insulation. Moves with you, ventilates on exertion. | High-exertion activities in cold conditions |
| Altura Dynamic Pant | 4-way stretch double-weave nylon; abbreviated weight (~175 g/m²); articulated knees; heat vents & mobility built in. Great for brush, off-trail travel, rocky terrain. | Active use in backcountry environments where flexibility, comfort, & some degree of durability are important |
Together, these layers work as a system. You get a down jacket for static warmth, a hybrid fleece for activity, and a pant that keeps you moving freely without overheating. They’re designed so you can layer up or peel off—no useless bulk, no unnecessary weight.
Real-World Performance & Field Testing
Outdoor Vitals doesn’t just spec gear in lab reports—they test it in "real mountains." Users report:
- Excellent performance in cold, windy snow when stationary and while moving.
- Ability to handle temperature swings without constantly swapping layers.
- Pants that stretch, breathe, and take on abrasion from bush, rocks, and brush without snagging.
Tips
-
Layer smart: Use the hybrid fleece during high output, then under the down jacket when motion stops.
- Care: Keep down dry when possible; wash per instructions to maintain loft. Zero Stitch™ fabric helps delay down degradation but doesn’t make it immune.
The Mountain Pursuit Line isn’t just a collection—it’s a performance declaration. It says: if you demand warmth when everything else fails, if you value mobility when the terrain is punishing, if you refuse to accept cold or fatigue as part of your journey—this line is built for you.
The mountains are waiting.
