Recently I was introduced to a new brand called ThruDark. This brand distinguishes itself in outdoor clothing by combining tactical functionality and stylish design. Founded in 2018 by two former members of Britain’s Special Boat Service (SBS), Louis Tinsley and Anthony ‘Staz’ Stazicker, this hybrid brand offers a comprehensive collection perfect for adventurers who demand high performance coupled with design aesthetic.
The story behind ThruDark begins with the founders, both veteran military personnel who have fought in some of the world’s harshest environments during their service. However, after their military career, they wanted to find a way to combine their passion for adventure and technical knowledge. This is how the idea was born to create high-quality outdoor clothing that was durable and functional and had a contemporary style.
Based on experience in extreme conditions
The ThruDark collection is based on years of experience in extreme conditions. Each item has been carefully designed and tested to meet the demands of professional adventurers and avid outdoor enthusiasts alike. The brand uses advanced materials such as eVent, PolarTec, Dyneema, Schoeller Dynamics, Pertex, etc., making the clothing waterproof, breathable and insulating. In addition, the garments are equipped with strategically placed pockets, reinforced seams and other details that are essential when performing outdoor activities.
The ‘Oryon’ range
The Oryon range is inspired by the constellation of stars regularly seen in the night sky, commonly referred to as “Orion”. Orion has been used by civilisations across the world for centuries as a way of navigating and telling stories of great cultural and moral importance. ThruDark saw it as the perfect platform on which to base their Active Arid range, a hot weather clothing system designed to help you navigate no matter where you are. The colours in the range contain our signature subtlety, Obsidian Black, Wolf Grey, Khaki Green and a new Sand colour for desert environments.
Designed for blistering heat
The Oryon range consists of garments suitable for various outdoor adventures. Each item offers maximum performance without compromising style, from technical jackets to base layers and accessories. For example, the jackets have waterproof zippers, adjustable hoods and strategically placed ventilation zippers to ensure optimal temperature regulation during intense activities.
Oryon’s high performance smart fabrics
ThruDark exclusively uses high-performance smart fabrics for their Oryon range. The Carbon Shirts and Trousers feature a fabric called “Super Biflex, Chrono-Carbon Rip-Stop” manufactured by Italian textile specialists Mectex. Mectex has been producing the best performance technology for athletes, sportswear, and luxury clothing companies for decades. While they cannot compete with Asian textiles’ prices, Mectex now focuses on creating specialist fabrics for a few exclusive clients.
But why Carbon?
This fabric uses a nano carbon filament to regulate heat by controlling the infrared radiation emitted by the body. The yarns in the fabric contract when you sweat, allowing more radiation to pass through and cool you down. When dry, the yarns expand and trap radiation and heat to keep you warm. The fabric also has antimicrobial properties for odor control and UPF protection to block sun rays.
Polartec Delta
The cooling fabric called “Delta” by Polartec works on the principle of cooling hot, dry air when it passes through water. The fabric is made up of hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers woven in a radiating pattern to form a 3D structure. This pattern creates channels that draw perspiration away from the body and distribute it across the fabric surface, holding onto it without making the wearer feel wet. The moisture held next to the skin enhances the body’s natural evaporative cooling process, which Polartec refers to as “metabolic cooling”.
ThruDark’s target group are adventurous people who value functionality and style in their clothing. Whether hiking in the mountains, camping in the wild, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, ThruDark’s collection perfectly balances performance and aesthetics.
High-end outdoor clothing
All in all, ThruDark is a brand that produces high-quality outdoor clothing and tells a story. The founders have combined their military background and passion for adventure to create a brand that ticks all the boxes. With the recently launched ‘Oryon’ range, ThruDark shows they constantly strive for innovation and renewal. So if you’re looking for clothing that protects you and looks great on your next outdoor adventure, ThruDark is definitely a brand to watch.
