Helinox, known for outdoor gear such as camping chairs and tents, is entering the fashion market.
Kolon Industries FnC division (hereafter Kolon FnC) said on the 22nd that it has launched Helinox Wear for the 2025 fall-winter (F·W) season.
Helinox is a homegrown outdoor gear brand that Dong-A Aluminum (DAC) launched in 2009. It has built a solid base of enthusiasts, collaborating with well-known brands at home and abroad. This time, together with Kolon FnC, which has accumulated experience in functional materials and licensed brands, it has thrown its hat into the apparel market.
Seen that day at a pop-up store (temporary shop) in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Helinox Wear touted itself as "wearable gear" that translates Helinox's technology and aesthetics showcased in outdoor gear into clothing. The company said it applied the module concept of camping gear (functional components that make up a product) to clothing to enhance lightness, durability, and innovation. Through this, it aims to leap forward as a performance outdoor brand that encompasses diverse lifestyles.
A total of 60 products were unveiled. Alongside seasonal releases, the lineup includes an Edition series sold year-round. The first Edition series includes the Eclipse Pack down jacket and the Clips Pack down vest. By using Cyan Blue, the signature color symbolizing the Helinox brand, it emphasized brand identity. The company plans to expand seasonal products to 240 items going forward.
Prices are in the 100,000 won range for T-shirts; 300,000–400,000 won for lightweight vests, padded jackets, and fleece jackets; and in the 800,000 won range for heavy down jumpers.
In the industry, many are watching to see what results will come from the meeting of Helinox and Kolon FnC, homegrown corporations that have each established a foothold in the outdoor gear and apparel markets.
Kolon FnC launched Korea's first outdoor brand, Kolon Sport, in 1973 and expanded into the Chinese market. The new Helinox Wear is an outdoor brand the company is releasing for the first time in 52 years.
Helinox launched the ultralight folding camping chair Chair One in 2012 and sold 1.2 million units over 10 years. It collaborated with global brands such as Louis Vuitton, Supreme, and Nike. With exports accounting for 75% of Helinox's sales, Helinox Wear is also known to have been planned with overseas expansion in mind.
A Kolon FnC official said, "We focused on strengthening identity as a lifestyle brand by communicating continuously with Helinox headquarters," and added, "We plan to secure stores centered on department stores in line with customer response." Helinox Wear will be sold through the company's online mall starting that day.