FINAL
~ The Development Story of the 2025 Spring/Summer New Release: Everbreath® Photon ~
Our beloved Everbreath® Photon rainwear, trusted by countless outdoor enthusiasts, has been completely redesigned! This latest version features a next-generation water-resistant zipper, delivering high-level water protection without an inner flap, which also results in improved usability. Additionally, we’ve refined the fabric construction, further enhancing durability and comfort.
Redefining What Rainwear Should Truly Deliver
—True Rain Protection and Ultimate Comfort.
What Should Rainwear Truly Deliver?
Rain protection is the fundamental role of rainwear, but that alone is not enough to fully support your mountaineering adventures.
True rainwear must provide both ultimate rain protection and uncompromised comfort, allowing you to move with confidence and return home safely.
With this in mind, we developed the Everbreath® Photon, featuring our proprietary Everbreath® membrane—a cutting-edge, stretchable, waterproof, and breathable fabric.
With its stretchable fabric, high breathability, and reliable waterproof performance, the Everbreath® Photon minimizes discomfort and restrictions during your hike. When it first launched in 2012, it redefined the perception of rainwear, challenging the notion that "rainwear is stiff, restrictive, stuffy, and uncomfortable—just something you have to put up with." This innovation quickly gained attention and has remained a trusted choice among mountaineers ever since.
In 2025, the Everbreath® Photon undergoes its second major redesign in eight years. Incorporating the latest innovations throughout, this marks the birth of a new era in rainwear.
Breaking Away from Conventional Rainwear Norms with a Next-Generation Water-Resistant Zipper
For years, rainwear design has followed a set of well-established “theories” and principles.
One key example is the use of water-resistant zippers. While these zippers were one of the greatest innovations in the outdoor industry, their performance against water pressure still had room for improvement. To compensate, conventional rainwear incorporates a fabric flap placed either inside or outside the zipper to prevent water from seeping through. This method has long been the industry standard.
However, this traditional approach comes with inherent drawbacks.
One of the most common issues is that the zipper often catches on the flap, making it difficult to open or close. This can cause frustration, especially in situations where quick gear changes are essential. Additionally, the overlapping fabric adds bulk and restricts movement, which compromises mobility and overall comfort.
We knew that redesigning the Everbreath® Photon—a product already known for its high performance—would only be meaningful if we tackled these weak points head-on. With this in mind, we set out to challenge the conventional "theory" of rainwear design and push the boundaries of innovation.
Product developer Aikawa (right) and fabric developer Tanaka (left) discuss potential zipper improvements while examining the previous model of the Photon Jacket.
Around 2018, we approached YKK Corporation, the world's leading zipper brand, with a request to develop a water-resistant zipper that could provide sufficient water pressure resistance without requiring a fabric flap.
In 2020, after extensive research and countless design iterations, YKK’s development team achieved a breakthrough. This led to the official launch of a collaborative project between Finetrack and YKK to bring the innovation to life.
Now, after four years of development, we are thrilled to introduce AquaGuard® Tightened, a next-generation water-resistant zipper featured in the Everbreath® Photon.
On the left is AquaGuard® Tightened, and on the right is a conventional water-resistant zipper.
When pressure is applied, the zipper tapes on both sides push against each other, creating an M-shaped bulge. Unlike conventional water-resistant zippers that achieve sealing through a linear contact, AquaGuard® Tightened ensures a broader surface contact, enhancing its sealing performance.
By incorporating AquaGuard® Tightened, we have eliminated the need for a flap in our rainwear while maintaining high waterproof performance in a more streamlined design.
This innovation delivers three key benefits:
- Enhanced Water Resistance – AquaGuard® Tightened delivers superior water pressure resistance, eliminating the need for an additional flap.
- Smooth, Snag-Free Operation – No more frustration from the zipper catching on fabric, ensuring effortless usability.
- Sleek and Streamlined Silhouette – The flapless design reduces bulk, creating a cleaner, more refined look.
A close-up view of the front zipper on the new Everbreath® Photon, featuring AquaGuard® Tightened. The bottom-right image shows a conventional zipper, with the red diagonal lines highlighting the flap that has been eliminated in this update.
Additionally, the fly area of the pants has traditionally been a weak point for water resistance, as water can seep through even with a flap, especially when seated. By integrating AquaGuard® Tightened, we have significantly improved waterproof performance in this critical area.
A New Fabric Construction for Enhanced, Long-Lasting Performance
This update isn't just about the water-resistant zipper. We have also reengineered the Everbreath® waterproof and breathable fabric used in the main body. While preserving its stretchability, long-lasting breathability, and lightweight, compact nature, we have enhanced its durability and reliability to withstand the rigors of the outdoors.
Designed to be a trusted companion for every adventure, the new Everbreath® Photon is built for long-term comfort and peak performance, even in the harshest conditions.
Newly Engineered Everbreath® Fabric with a Redesigned Waterproof and Breathable Construction
The fabric features two key advancements in technology:
- Optimized Yarn and Weave Structure – Redesigned to maintain water resistance and durability, even under heavy use.
- Enhanced Knit Lining – Upgraded for improved comfort and long-lasting performance.
These advancements enhanced the durability of the membrane, making it more resistant to repeated stretching, fabric abrasion, and exposure to sweat and skin oils. As a result, breathability and waterproof performance now last longer under demanding conditions.
Additionally, the updated fabric design introduced a non-glossy, matte texture. While this was a secondary outcome of the material improvements, it also enabled a more refined and subdued color palette in the new collection.
We strive to break conventions and push the boundaries of innovation.
The engineering of AquaGuard® Tightened is more than just an upgrade—it represents a bold step toward the future of rainwear. By challenging conventional wisdom and embracing new technology, we are committed to developing innovative outdoor apparel and gear that push the boundaries of performance.
As the first brand to integrate this next-generation water-resistant zipper, we hope to help shape a new era of rainwear—one that is lighter, more streamlined, and more functional than ever before. As rainwear design and "Theory" continue to evolve, the new Everbreath® Photon marks an important milestone in this transformation.
