Basecamp

From Feedback To Function

In the outdoor industry, the search for the 'perfect' product is a continuous endeavor. Learn how we've continued to refine our BREATHE by Paka® collection, re-releasing this Thursday.

At Paka, we know that a key part of product development is genuinely listening to our customers. This has led us on a mission to refine our Breathe Zip Hoodie, ensuring it combines comfort and functionality for all-climate pursuits. Here, we offer a look into our design journey, underscoring how your feedback was instrumental in developing a hoodie that aims to elevate athletic performance.

Understanding Customer Needs: Building a Strong Foundation for Innovation

Every time someone emails Paka, a dedicated member of our team reads it. They ensure any pertinent feedback, whether about design, website usability, or brand messaging, is shared across relevant departments. Feedback, especially on design and fit, is not just read but also integrated into our future product planning. The inception of our new Breathe Zip Hoodie began with a simple, yet significant message:

"I just got the breathe hoodie.... I'm impressed and very happy... [but] the hood does slip off my head while running."

The Breathe Full Zip Hoodie was intended to be a versatile outdoor piece. And while it met many of our user needs, feedback like the above showed room for improvement. Paka doesn’t aim for broad functionality; we want our products to be reliable when you’re pushing boundaries. This ethos was evident when our Founder, Kris Cody, tested the PAKAFILL® Puffer in the challenging conditions of one of Peru's towering peaks. With the Breathe Full Zip feedback in mind, our design team meticulously reviewed the hoodie, ensuring it would be ready for any challenge.

Hoodie Redesign: Versatility and Protection Across Seasons

Customers highlighted the hood's role in layering during various weather conditions. In response, we refined the hood with a three-panel design for a more secure fit, removed unnecessary drawcords, and adjusted the zipper's placement. Our reimagined scuba hood is designed for ease of use and offers enhanced protection against wind, rain, and snow. Further enhancements, such as a chin guard and a zipper wind guard, ensure the hoodie remains adaptable, whether you're tackling a brisk morning run or prepping for a winter training session.

Enhanced Mobility: The Freedom to Move

Unrestricted movement is paramount in athletic gear. Taking cues from our community, we integrated flatlock seams, ensuring the hoodie supports all your activities, from stretching and lifting to dynamic movements, with utmost comfort.

Functional Stealth Pockets: Smart Storage On-the-Go

Understanding the active lifestyle of our community, we gave the pocket design a fresh and minimal look. The revamped side pockets, suitable for smartphones to energy gels, focus on convenience and utility, ensuring users stay focused on performance without unnecessary distractions.

Unwavering Commitment To Sustainability: Eco-Conscious Performance

Our redesigned Breathe Full Zip Hoodie remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability. Each hoodie champions the use of 100% natural materials: alpaca fiber, organic pima cotton, and eucalyptus pulp.

Conclusion: A Shared Journey of Innovation

The journey from customer feedback to a functional and beautiful athletic zip hoodie was a collaborative effort that highlighted the power of listening and interacting directly with our community. By paying heed to the voices of numerous athletes who use our products day in and day out, we were able to innovate and design a hoodie that meets and exceeds their expectations. From enhanced mobility to breathability, functionality, and sustainability, our new zip hoodie is a testament to the impact of customer feedback. We're proud to present a garment that not only supports your athletic endeavors but also reflects the values of our community. As you zip up, remember that your community feedback drove this innovation and commitment to sustainability, and together, we're redefining athletic wear for the better.