Hobbs debuts protective insulation wool fabric at Outdoor

Developed in collaboration with Doug Hoschek, co-inventor and marketer of Polarfleece in the early 1980s, and Carey Hobbs, owner of Hobbs Bonded Fibers, RamTect is an extremely soft and pliable wool insulation fabric using the company's patent pending, no yarn compression technology.

RamTect holds its shape and retains its insulating properties without having to be quilted or baffled, two process that compromise a garment's warmth by punching holes through its liner and outer fabric. RamTect is also lightweight. Garments insulated with RamTect will weigh similar to or less than down garments.

"Clothing designers have been trying to find the perfect balance between garment weight, warmth and moisture wicking for a long time," said Hoschek. "Down and treated down have been the hot thing, but the puffy jacket is getting old. RamTect creates unlimited options for lightweight technical clothing designers, as well as creating a vibrant 'Made in USA' marketing message for brands."

Hobbs uses American raised wool in RamTect because of its superior loft and resistance to compression. This claim is supported by a study and testing done at Texas A&M for the American Sheep Institute (ASI).

The American textile and apparel manufacturing industries are seeing opportunities as U.S. apparel brands demand higher quality and quicker turnaround than they receive from overseas factories.

Following that trend, Hobbs has contracted with Idaho-based garment sewer All Seasons Apparel to provide finished goods production services to brands who want to deliver their products to retailers by fall 2014.

"Besides RamTect providing a superior and light weight insulation for outdoor clothing, at Hobbs we hope to help contribute to overseas jobs returning to the United State," says Hobbs.

About Hobbs Bonded Fibers

Established in 1962 in Waco, Texas, Hobbs Bonded Fibers is privately owned by Carey Hobbs and produces fabrics and insulation for the aerospace, automotive, environmental cleanup, healthcare, military, outdoor industries.

The company also produces organic cotton and super washed wool fiberfill battings for retail sales to home quilters. The company is credited with playing a major part in development and production of some of DuPont's most recognized technical fiberfill fibers, including Primaloft, and has received numerous awards from Dupont for its production quality and customer service.

Hobbs Bonded Fibers