Made to be Worn Stories
Nicolas
Meribel & the Three Valleys
Tell us about your week in the jacket
I loved spending a week in this jacket — but more so for what it represents, more on that later… Months of planning were supposed to have culminated in daily hikes up the Col de la Loze, mixing familiar lines with new ones. However, a persistent weak layer deep in the snow pack meant the avalanche risk was considerable with potential for large slides, this forced us to rethink and replan. What followed was a wonderful week of alternative adventures, making friends, building community, honing skills and even a couple of powder days freeriding in the trees.
What activities did you do this week?
Every day was spent where I want to be — snow-covered mountains with a solid crew of old friends and new faces. We ran avalanche rescue drills, ski toured the Col du Borgne, rode fresh powder, explored new terrain and skied new lines. Real days out with real people, really putting this jacket to the test. From a technical perspective the jacket was faultless, but what it represented and the conversations it triggered were brilliant and unexpected. I’m a bit of a gear freak so having great kit feels like a must — none of it has ever triggered meaningful conversations with total strangers!
Touring up the Col de la Loze
Handing the jacket over to go on it’s next adventure.
What do you think of the project?
I love it.
Made to be Worn treats clothing as a catalyst for connection rather than a disposable product. The jacket didn’t just perform — it sparked meaningful conversations around values, fresh perspectives and what community in the mountains can look like. The connections felt genuine, far beyond the usual surface-level chat. It’s proof that gear doesn’t need to be the latest ‘greatest’ pro level breathable fabric. This jacket functioned really well but more importantly it now also carries stories and is a symbol of community, shared endeavour and a different kind of future.
Has it made you think differently about clothing?
Absolutely.
The project reframed clothing as something to commit to, repair and build memories with — not churn through and replace. Wearing this repurposed jacket showed me how gear can connect people, spark conversations and carry values beyond pure performance. It reinforced and expanded my view that well-loved kit earns its place as an invaluable companion in the mountains and may well have an opportunity for a second life after its mountain days are over.
Find out more about the Made to be Worn project
More about the project, the organisations who helped to make it happen and the stories it’s creating.