Hero Product - Developed with Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team
The Axiom was designed because alpinists desperately needed something that didn't exist anymore. Most shells on the market had shifted toward lighter fabrics and balanced performance, trying to be both waterproof and breathable, but ending up doing neither well.
For the people working in severe alpine environments, compromise isn't acceptable. They need a shell they can rely on through big snow, heavy rain, and prolonged exposure to reduced terrain. It has to keep them warm and dry, and not die.
We made the Axiom to prioritize waterproof protection and structural durability over chasing weight. Breathability comes from construction, not lab data, which is why we added pit zips for direct venting. The result is a shell made for professionals who stay out when everyone else heads in.
Key Differentiators:
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DualAccess 'RAP' Chest Pocket: Opens from both the top and bottom for complete accessibility with pack sternum straps or radio harnesses. Eliminates pocket obstruction in technical setups and rescue scenarios.
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Advanced 4-Layer Construction (Dory Dermizax™): Body fabric developed in Japan using a non-porous hydrophilic PU membrane bonded to a non woven face for targeted moisture control. Delivers 40,000 mm waterproofing and 10,000 g/m2/24h breathability, with a 140d nylon face for superior abrasion resistance.
Created with field input from Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Rescue professionals. Every seam, pocket, and closure was refined to perform in the most severe alpine conditions - engineered for those operating in the 1% margins.
Common Q&A:
Q: What is the difference between Tory Dermizax and GORE-TEX (ePTFE)?
A: GORE-TEX (ePTFE) uses a porous membrane. When the pores are clean and dry they allow moisture vapour to pass through effectively. However, when the jacket is wet, dirty, or used long-term, the pores can become clogged, reducing breathability. Tory Dermizax uses a non-porous hydrophilic membrane that absorbs and transfers moisture through molecular transport rather than through pores. It does not rely on pore openings to function, so its performance stays consistent when the jacket is wet, dirty, or used daily in harsh conditions. Dermizax does not use the same marketing-driven lab tests as GORE-TEX, but depends on ideal conditions.
Q: How does it compare to a 3-layer shell?
A: A 3-layer shell uses a single membrane that is laminated directly to both the face fabric and the lining. This makes it lighter and more packable. The Axiom uses a 4-layer system to separate these functions: the outer face fabric handles abrasion, the membrane handles waterproofing and breathability, and the inner layers provide reliable ventilation during climbing, bouldering, winter work and any sustained movement. This approach remains in the sweet spot where the shell is not so calculated, but still light enough to move in.
Q: Is it still breathable?
A: Yes, but the Axiom prioritizes protection first. Waterproof shells are not highly breathable in wet, snowy, or cold alpine environments, regardless of the membrane used. The Axiom's 4-layer system is separate these functions under the arms, which provide reliable ventilation during climbing, bouldering, winter work and any sustained movement. This approach remains in the sweet spot where the shell is not so calculated, but still light enough to move in.
