Materials & Manufacturing
Why Materials Matter
When you're 5'9" and up, you already know that most outdoor gear wasn't made with you in mind. Sleeves are too short, torsos ride up, and layers never quite layer right. That's why we obsess over every detail of what goes into Alta Reina gear — starting with the fabric itself.
Polartec® Power Stretch™ Pro
Every Alta Reina base and mid-layer is built from Polartec® Power Stretch™ Pro fabric, a mid-weight thermal fabric designed to move, keep you dry when sweaty, and handle a little dirt along the way. We use domestically sourced Polartec® Power Stretch™ Pro fabric — a mix of new and deadstock fabric.
Our base layer fabric is thicker, more durable, and moisture-wicking, with just enough compression to stay put all day. We pair that with reinforced seams, pockets big enough for gear, and finishes that resist abrasion and weather. Flatlock seams reduce bulk so layers sit flat against your body.
One thing worth knowing: breathability and moisture-wicking are not the same thing. Breathability is the ability to let air through the fabric, whereas moisture-wicking is when fabric pulls sweat away from your skin. Polartec® Power Stretch™ Pro does both — it lets air circulate while actively pulling moisture off your skin. That matters when you're working hard on the trail and need your layers to keep up.
Made in the USA
Alta Reina is manufactured by our partner in The Bronx, New York. Finding that partnership wasn't easy. Our founder Suzi spent two years sourcing fabrics and US-based manufacturers through the Factory 45 mentorship program, overcoming setbacks like factories pivoting away from small designers.
Her philosophy has always been clear: making fabric in the US, or getting USA fabric, getting deadstock if possible, and then manufacturing in the US. Making things here is more expensive — we're honest about that. But it means fair treatment of workers and real oversight of every step in our production process.
Alta Reina is committed to ethical production, opposing fast fashion and ensuring fair treatment of workers. That commitment is baked into every piece we make.
Deadstock & Responsible Sourcing
Alongside new Polartec® fabric, we source deadstock Power Stretch™ Pro from a US-based deadstock supplier. Deadstock is surplus fabric that would otherwise go unused — by putting it to work, we reduce waste without compromising on quality.
We're honest about the tradeoffs. We'd love to use more natural fibers, but US manufacturing availability is limited for the performance fabrics we need. We're always exploring new options — including recycled polyester (RPET ChitoSante) and Polartec® Power Wool™, a polyester-wool blend that could offer the best of both worlds.
Our guiding principle: durability and performance are integral. We'd rather make gear that lasts for years than chase trends that end up in a landfill.
Care Instructions
Your Alta Reina gear is built to last. Here's how to keep it performing at its best:
- Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
- Do not use fabric softener — it coats fibers and reduces moisture-wicking performance
- Tumble dry low or hang dry
- Do not iron
- Do not bleach
- Do not dry clean
For detailed care specific to your garment, always check the care label inside.