The Fabrics
Every material in a Forgewell piece is chosen for a reason. Here's what we use, why we use it, and how to take care of it.
Polartec® Alpha® Direct 90 - 4004
Used in products such as: Drift 01
Polartec® Alpha® Direct was originally developed for U.S. Special Forces — the requirement was insulation that kept troops warm without overheating during high-output movement in cold conditions. Alpha Direct is the evolved version: it removes the need for a face fabric lining, letting the insulation sit directly against skin. The result is lighter weight, faster moisture escape, and better breathability during sustained effort.
At 2.5 oz per square yard, it's one of the lightest active insulation fabrics available. It is not windproof — that's by design. The open knit structure is what allows heat and moisture to escape while you move. 78% recycled polyester content.
How to layer it:
Cold + calm: Alpha hoodie alone or over a thin base layer
Cold + windy: Alpha hoodie + wind shell
Stop/start conditions: Add a puffy over the Alpha when you stop moving
Care:
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle. No fabric softener or dryer sheets — they clog the fiber structure and reduce breathability. Tumble dry low or hang dry. Do not iron directly on the fabric. On trail, a rinse and overnight hang will have it ready by morning.
Polartec® Power Grid®
Used in products such as: Power Grid Headband
Polartec® Power Grid® is a moisture-wicking fabric with a patented grid-knit construction. The raised grid pattern creates air pockets against your skin for insulation, while channeling moisture outward to the face of the fabric where it dissipates quickly.
The grid structure does three things standard fleece can't: it keeps you warmer without adding weight, it wicks more efficiently because the grid channels moisture rather than just absorbing it, and it compresses tighter than a standard knit — so it actually fits in the pocket you want to put it in.
This version I use is Mid Warmth classification. That puts it in the right zone for active trail use: warm enough to be useful at a cold trailhead, light enough not to overheat on the climb.
The fabric is also certified bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. bluesign® covers the production process — water, energy, chemical use. OEKO-TEX® certifies no harmful substances in the finished fabric. 92% Polyester 8% Spandex (92% recycled content).
Care:
Machine wash cold or warm, gentle cycle. No fabric softener — it reduces wicking and odor resistance performance.Tumble dry low or hang dry. Do not iron directly on the fabric.
Upcycled Fleece
Used in products in the ramble line
Thrift-sourced locally in Michigan. Every fabric run is different — which means every Ramble headband is one-of-a-kind. This isn't a sustainability talking point; it's just how it works. We buy what's available, cut it up, and sew it into something worth keeping.
Care:
Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low or hang dry.
Lycra® Power Mesh
Used in products such as: Drift 01
80% nylon, 20% spandex. 4-way stretch with a DWR finish. The back panel on the Drift 02 is PowerMesh specifically because that's where your pack sits — it vents heat, moves with your body, and dries fast when you're working hard. Where traditional insulation traps heat under a pack, PowerMesh lets it out.
Care:
Machine wash cold. Hang dry. The DWR finish will degrade over time with washing — this is normal and doesn't affect performance significantly.
Questions about materials, layering, or fit? Email hello@forgewelloutdoor.com — I answer everything personally.