That’s precisely what DÆHLIE Sportswear did, and the result is the RAW collection.

“The RAW range is about perfecting absolutely everything. Here, we’ve considered nothing else other than developing the coolest cross-country jacket and pants. We dare to say that Dæhlie RAW 5.0 is the coolest collection we have ever released,” says Linda Linnebo of Dæhlie Sportswear.

Among the contributors to the development are World Championships and long-distance skiing queen Astrid Øyre Slind and veteran cross-country skier Emil Iversen: Conscious and demanding skiers who are always looking for what can help optimize their training.

The designers who develop the RAW series work closely with skiers to create garments with ingenious solutions and “that little extra” in every detail: strategically placed insulation and material choices that focus on breathability where ventilation is important.

“At DÆHLIE, we think like an athlete in everything we do, always looking for improvements. The quest for innovation and perfection can be recognized in the development of RAW 1.0 to RAW 5.0. We make no compromises in pursuing perfection to ensure that the cross-country skier has the very best clothing on the market,” explains Linnebo.

RAW has a sophisticated and stylish design that lasts for several seasons and is made from durable materials of the highest quality to extend the life of the garments.

The RAW collection was launched in 2017 and has established itself in markets that can handle a higher price range.

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Smart, versatile solutions

One thing athletes want is a jacket that is suitable for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.

That’s why RAW 5.0 has an inner vest that can be used as part of the jacket on the coldest days or as an outer garment on its own on warmer days and during, for example, interval sessions where the jacket is a little too warm.

The jacket also has a detachable hood, which can be worn on the jacket or the vest – or not at all. This is a result of feedback from athletes who wanted a 3-in-1 jacket.

“With this adjustability, the jacket accommodates variations in preferences. The constant discussion about whether you need a hood or not is now up to you,” says Linnebo.

Furthermore, several details from its predecessor, RAW 4.0, have been upgraded with even more functional materials. For example, the cuffs and panels at the top of the back and under the sleeves, which were previously made of wool stretch, have now been replaced with a more durable hardshell material that is just as warm and breathable.

“It’s also important for us to take the innovation and experience we gain from products at the very top of the pyramid to a larger part of the collection. Knowledge and qualities will also be recognizable in larger parts of the season’s collection. Extra insulation in exposed areas on the front of the chest and thighs, strategically placed seams that provide the best possible freedom of movement in the shoulder area, shaped knees, and smart details in functional, breathable materials make the garments extra comfortable and versatile. We call it the ‘RAW effect,’” says Linnebo.

Challenging the “cross-country skiwear” 

“We’re always looking to develop even further, which is why feedback from top skiers is invaluable. This applies to everything from materials to fit, but also style and color choices,” says Linnebo, and continues:

“The goal with RAW 5.0 is to create the best, most functional garments, to challenge what is possible and push the traditional perceptions of what a cross-country ski jacket is, and to challenge the ‘cross-country suit’ with a modern – but still stylish and timeless – color palette. After all, there’s more than red, white, and navy blue. Our goal is for you to show your identity and choose what makes you perform at your best on the ski tracks.

The RAW 5.0 jacket and pants come in white/black for women and in white/black or all-black for men, both with some vibrant orange touches. The inner vest with a detachable hood is black. We also offer a limited women’s color in delicate light pink, which addresses a younger RAW consumer.

More information about DÆHLIE and its products can be found HERE.