In the world of outdoor gear, features come and go. One that’s gained popularity in recent years is the underarm zipper, often called a “pit zip,” designed for added ventilation. At Wintergreen Northern Wear, we take a different approach. Instead of relying on extra zippers that can fail in extreme conditions, we design our garments with breathable fabrics and clean construction that naturally vent body heat and moisture. This isn’t an oversight; it’s intentional design.

Venting 101: Breathability vs. Mechanical Vents

Pit zips exist because many shells & outer layers don’t breathe well. If a garment can’t release moisture naturally, manufacturers add zippers to help you dump heat. But here’s the trade-off: zippers add bulk, complexity, and another failure point.

At Wintergreen, we believe in building garments that breathe to vent naturally. Our Shell Anoraks, Windshirts, and Shell Pants are made from Supplex® nylon—a fabric that sheds snow and light rain while allowing heat and moisture to escape. This ensures you stay dry and comfortable without fumbling for zippers mid-adventure.

Reliability in the Cold: Fewer Zippers, Fewer Failures

Extreme cold is unforgiving. Every extra feature has to earn its place, because when something breaks in subzero conditions, you can’t afford to be without it. Pit zips bring several risks:

• Cold-weather breakdowns: Zippers can freeze, jam, or snap in frigid air.
  

• Awkward placement: If a zipper fails in the armpit, it compromises warmth right where you need it most.
  

• Added weight and bulk: More zippers make gear heavier and less streamlined.
  

By eliminating pit zips, we eliminate these weak spots. The result is safer gear that lasts longer in the conditions where reliability matters most.

Our Design Philosophy: Simplicity, Durability, Lifetime Use

We don’t build for gimmicks. We build for decades of adventure. Our philosophy is simple:

• Simplicity means fewer failure points
  

• Breathable fabrics remove the need for mechanical vents
  

• Clean construction holds up longer in the field
  

For waterproof shells, pit zips may make sense because those fabrics often don’t breathe. But our approach is different by design. We use materials that vent on their own, reducing complexity while improving comfort and durability.

Managing Heat Without Pit Zips

How do you stay comfortable on climbs, ski tours, or other high-exertion activities without pit zips? The answer is simple: thoughtful layering.

• Start with a moisture-wicking base
  

• Add an insulating midlayer like our fleece jackets
  

• Top with a breathable shell
  

When you start to overheat, shed a layer instead of relying on zippers. It’s an age-old system that continues to work better than gadgets.

Our gear is trusted for the cold from the streets of Minneapolis to the North Pole!

Tested in the Field

Our designs aren’t theory, they’re field-tested from Minnesota’s Northwoods to Arctic expeditions. Guides, explorers, and everyday adventurers confirm what we’ve known since 1989: breathable fabrics plus clean design outperform mechanical gimmicks when temperatures drop, and reliability is life-critical.

FAQ: Venting Without Pit Zips

Q: Can I request pit zips as a custom option?
A: No. We don’t add them because they compromise reliability. Our breathable fabrics are engineered to make pit zips unnecessary.

Q: What temperatures are Wintergreen Northern Wear garments designed for without pit zips?
A: Our shells are built for active use in cold-weather climates, from Minnesota winters to Arctic expeditions. Breathability ensures you won’t overheat, even when working hard.

Q: How do I manage heat on climbs or ski tours?
A: Use the layering system. Base, midlayer, and shell. Remove a midlayer when working hard and add it back when you stop. It’s simpler and more reliable than zippers.

Q: Are pit zips ever useful?
A: For waterproof shells that don’t breathe, pit zips can help. At Wintergreen, our design philosophy avoids the need entirely.

Q: What if a zipper breaks in the field?
A: That’s the problem we’re avoiding. By eliminating unnecessary zippers, we reduce the chance of failure in critical conditions.

At Wintergreen, every decision comes back to durability, simplicity, and field-tested reliability. No pit zips isn’t a compromise, it’s a choice rooted in decades of making gear that lasts.