Everbreath® Primo: A Reliable Hard Shell for Snow Hikes and Beyond

Interest in winter activities at lower altitudes is growing year by year. Local snow-covered mountains are now attracting not only entry-level users eager to try snow hiking, but also seasoned mountaineers seeking new discoveries closer to home.

To meet this demand, Finetrack has developed a new hard shell that balances simplicity with essential performance. Designed for snow hikes in low-elevation mountains yet capable of handling mid-level alpine climbing routes, the Everbreath® Primo delivers the protection and usability needed to enjoy a wide range of winter adventures.

From Local Snow Hikes to Alpine Routes

Interest in winter hiking, alpine climbing, and skiing remains strong, but snowfall and weather have become less reliable in recent years, likely due to climate change. Long trips to remote alpine areas often end in disappointment, leading more people to focus on nearby mountains where snow can still be enjoyed.

At Finetrack, we’ve noticed the same trend among our staff. Instead of chasing only the toughest conditions far away, many are finding new ways to enjoy winter closer to home on local snow-covered hills.

From this shift came the idea of a shell that makes winter mountain activities more approachable. We set out to design a simple, easy-to-use hard shell that still provides the essential functionality for real mountain use. With Everbreath® Primo, our goal was to offer a shell that beginners can trust, while also delivering the reliability and thoughtful details that intermediate and advanced users demand.

Simple but No Compromise: Functional for Risk Management

The Everbreath® Primo was built around one goal: to provide the essential functions needed for safe and enjoyable winter mountain travel, without unnecessary complexity or cost.

In winter, most operations are done while wearing gloves or over-gloves. To ensure smooth operation, details like zipper pulls, drawcords, and pocket openings are carefully shaped and sized for easy handling with bulky gloves.

The hood also received careful attention. A helmet-compatible hood is vital, yet without a helmet it can block upward visibility and compromise route-finding. Primo solves this with a two-point adjustment system that fine-tunes the fit around the face, head, and depth of coverage, keeping both protection and clear vision.

For the pants, we considered situations with shallow snow where gaiters are not used. The lower leg silhouette can be tightened to block snow entry, enhancing both mobility and safety.

Also, Primo carries Finetrack’s signature thigh pocket—large enough for a map or compass, accessible even with a harness, and positioned so it does not interfere with high steps. Combined with the stretch of Everbreath® fabric, the design ensures freedom of movement without compromise.

A Light Winter Shell for a Wide Range of Adventures

To balance durability and comfort, the Everbreath® Primo uses Finetrack’s signature Everbreath® stretch fabric. The jacket’s outer shell is made with 20-denier yarn, while the pants use 50-denier yarn for added strength where it matters most. This ensures freedom of movement for layering-heavy winter conditions without sacrificing durability.

Primo is light enough for snow hikes and approachable routes, yet reliable enough for mid-level alpine climbs. For beginners, it offers the confidence of a simple, functional shell they can trust. For experienced mountaineers, its carefully considered details and practical usability deliver a dependable option for everyday winter adventures.

By keeping the design straightforward but never cutting corners, Primo creates a balance that makes winter mountains more accessible, without losing sight of real-world functionality.