FROM IDEA TO INNOVATION - FUNCTIONALITY AND DURABILITY AT THE CORE OF HALTI’S APPAREL DESIGN
How is an outdoor garment created to withstand harsh northern Conditions? To make a product truly functional, it must be the perfect combination of the right materials, good fit, and essential details. Halti’s experienced and award-winning apparel designer, Maaret Pääkkö, draws inspiration from outdoor activities and the Finnish wilderness.
The Design Process at Halti: Prioritizing Functionality and Materials
The design process always starts with a need. Maaret emphasizes the importance of understanding the demands of different sports and considering the needs of the end-users. A graduate of the University of Lapland, she has worked at Halti since the beginning of her career, designing a wide range of products, including cross-country skiing, active sports, outdoor, and cycling apparel.
Material choices and functional details are key. Each sport has its own requirements, and design must account for movement patterns, breathability, and weather conditions. Collaboration within the team and with athletes plays a crucial role at Halti.
Feedback from top athletes, in particular, helps develop even better and more functional products. Test feedback often focuses on material properties, structural durability, or the functionality of specific details. For example, feedback from skiers led to a lighter material being used for a ski vest, making it more flexible and versatile. Additionally, the Lycra section on the back was reduced because the original design felt too cold.
Northern Roots and a Connection to Nature as Part of the Design
Maaret grew up in Rovaniemi, spending her childhood skiing down the slopes of Ounasvaara, picking cloudberries, and enjoying all that nature has to offer. The outdoors remains an essential part of both her life and work. She finds inspiration in nature’s calming effect, such as when cycling through Sipoonkorpi National Park on her way to work in the summer:
"Sometimes, I stop to admire a frost-covered field or a forest bathed in the soft light of the morning sun. Moments like these inspire me when designing color palettes for clothing."
Innovation Through Experimentation and Testing at Halti
At Halti, innovation is driven by experimentation and testing. Design has always been about problem-solving—whether it’s equipping expeditions for extreme conditions or meeting the needs of elite athletes. This tradition continues today.
For example, Maaret designed a new airflow lining structure for a Halti ski jacket. The tunnel-like structure filled with insulation traps air, making the garment both lightweight and warm. This innovation won an ISPO Award, demonstrating how technology and practical experience come together to create highly functional products.
Although Halti designs apparel for specific sports, Maaret highlights the importance of versatility. Clothing should be suitable for multiple uses—for example, Drymaxx cycling pants can also serve as waterproof hiking trousers.
"EVERYONE’S CONTRIBUTION MATTERS, AND TOGETHER, WE ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULTS."
Durability and Responsibility
Sustainability and responsibility are key values in Halti’s design philosophy. Maaret strives to use recycled materials and create garments built to last. She values teamwork at Halti and the sense of collective achievement: "Everyone’s contribution matters, and together, we achieve the best results."
