Hiking gear makes strides with TPE

The THERMOLAST® K FC/LF series of compounds from KRAIBURG TPE, a global thermoplastic elastomer manufacturer with a diverse range of products and custom solutions for a wide range of industries, is gaining traction in hiking equipment applications.

The healthy lifestyle trend is sweeping the globe, with more people engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, that can strengthen the immune system and reduce disease risks.

Hiking, without a doubt, improves overall health and reduces stress. To endure the long, strenuous walks on rocky terrains, hikers must use proper gear, clothing, and accessories that protect them from injuries, bad weather, encounters with wild animals, and other unforeseen hazards.

As with any outdoor adventure activity, packing the right gear and making sure it's made of advanced materials such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) are essential for a successful hike.

KRAIBURG TPE, a global thermoplastic elastomer manufacturer with a diverse range of products and custom solutions for a wide range of industries, offers multifunctional, custom-engineered TPE compounds for use in hiking goods and other outdoor activity products to achieve flexibility, scratch and abrasion resistance, and resistance to UV, temperature, and chemicals.

FC/LF series for trekking poles and wearables

It is a good idea to bring trekking poles when hiking for safety. When navigating unpredictable trails, this hiking gear aids in providing stability while out walking.

KRAIBURG TPE offers the THERMOLAST ® K FC/LF series for use in trekking pole handles, to assist in maintaining a steady hiking pace over longer distances. The TPE compounds provide an ergonomic design for ease of use and a perfect fit for a secure grip.

This series of compounds is resistant to abrasion and scratches and accords a soft and velvety surface. It also has consistent colorability, allowing for more eye-catching equipment design.

Furthermore, the TPE series of compounds provide good adhesion to PP, thereby benefiting wearable accessories, such as sunglasses. It is used for seals and end elements on eyewear to make them more comfortable and safer for long-hour wear while still being robust enough for outdoor use.

AD1 series for shoe dial and headlamp sealing

KRAIBURG TPE’s THERMOLAST® K AD1 series of compounds is a durable and stable material solution for shoe dial and headlamp sealing applications. The series provides a soft and velvety feel and non-sticky haptics.

Sustainability successes of our TPE

In addition to the material for outdoor activity equipment and gears, other recent sustainability innovations from KRAIBURG TPE include a material solution specifically developed for automotive, consumer and industry applications that contains post-consumer recycled (PCR) and post-industrial recycled (PIR) content.

This demonstrates how strongly KRAIBURG TPE adheres to its sustainability principle.

Are you looking for a sustainable TPE solution? Talk to us!

Our experts are happy to answer any questions you have, as well as to offer the right solution for your application.