Auralite Active New Zealand: Trail Running Programme Comparison Test
Auralite Active is a New Zealand-based brand whose trail running programme is one of its most demanding programmes. We tested the new power mesh warp knit against the fabric Auralite Active used last season. Both were made into identical garments and evaluated side by side for trail running programme.
Auralite Active: Power Mesh Warp Knit in use during long off-road efforts on mixed terrain
Evaluation background
The programme covers trail shorts, technical tees and light shells, used for long off-road efforts on mixed terrain. The environment is mud, grit, wind and rapid weather changes and the requirement written into the brief was abrasion resistance with fast drying after stream crossings. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Power Mesh Warp Knit |
| Composition | 85% nylon / 15% spandex |
| Weight | 130 GSM |
| Width | 170 cm |
| Primary function | gives controlled support with maximum air exchange |
| Target | air permeability above 400 mm/s |
| Test method | ISO 11092 |
| Additional note | ventilation mapped onto the pattern |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Power Mesh Warp Knit close-up showing the fabric surface
What was compared
Construction, weight and colour were held constant. The only difference was the fabric, which is the only way a comparison tells you anything useful.
Laboratory comparison
The new fabric reached air permeability above 400 mm/s against ISO 11092, while the previous material missed the same target. Comfort measurements were closer, which is expected because hand had already been approved.
Evaluation session with the Auralite Active team
Wear comparison
Over four weeks the difference appeared during mud, grit, wind and rapid weather changes. Wearers described the new version as cleaner and lighter in use, even though the scales said the two garments weighed the same.
Cost comparison
The upgrade adds a modest amount per garment. Measured against the return rate of the previous season, the change pays for itself within a single drop.
Test records and inspection notes for the Trail Running Programme
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.5 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.7 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.4 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.6 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 4.5 / 5 |
“Our athletes noticed the difference in the first week, and the test data explained why.” — Auralite Active Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to New Zealand
Verdict and recommendation
The new power mesh warp knit outperformed the previous fabric on every measured criterion and we recommend switching the whole programme over. For Auralite Active the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ISO 11092 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
