Main Story. 09. 06.

Cut From A Different Cloth <br> Polartec X ThruDark</br>

Having spent most of their careers within the United Kingdom special forces, Anthony ‘Staz’ Stazicker CGC and Louis Tinsley know more than most about gearing up for extreme, demanding and often dangerous circumstances. So, when they left the elite military but not the power-to-endure mindset, they took point and created ThruDark: a perfect blend of high-end tactical and outdoor gear to inspire the civilian population. Even the brand name – Thru-Dark – pays homage to the power to dig deep, take aim and persevere when faced with adversity.

Strength through Unity

Backed by decades of combined special forces experience and a collective desire to produce outstanding clothing for the most challenging environments and ventures, ThruDark prides itself on developing products to the highest possible specification. After all, the team is essentially comprised of former Special Forces operators whose unquestionably authentic principles are supported by powerful experience-led stories.

Authentic Hard-Core Resilience

From versatile, expedition-ready trousers to the latest generation of insulated jackets and technical mid-layers, ThruDark equips folks around the world with some of the most advanced Polartec® fabrics known to man. Their latest concept collection is no exception. True to its relentless pursuit of excellence, ThruDark has enhanced its offer with Wraith. Designed to take you on a journey “Between Worlds”, these lifestyle jackets for urban environments double as exceptional, performance garments in the outdoors. And because Wraith is made with Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation, it delivers exceptional warmth-to-weight ratios while allowing you to regulate heat during periods of high activity. Pairing best-in-class breathability and lightness with next-to-skin comfort, the premium all-season insulating fabric also folds and flattens to save space in your pack. After all, ThruDark wanted you to hardly notice it’s there, until you do.

Weathering the Storm

More than just the company mantra, “Endeavour Through Adversity” “is an intrinsic philosophy. It is a constant reminder that none of us get to choose whether we face hardship or not; all we can choose is how to face it when we do.

When Staz was crawling around the sniper course, for example, he didn’t like the way his military-issued clothing would snare on prickly bushes. So he fixed the problem himself. Tracking down a surplus canvas tent, he stitched patches of the heavy canvas material on the elbows, knees and butt of his combat uniform — granting him the ability to stealthily move through the densest and most treacherous terrains quietly and comfortably.

Fast forward to 2024. Not only are the elite co-founders still at the helm, but they also personally test the entire kit to make sure it performs to their highest standards. This also helps ensure that what you see is what you get, with no surprises or shortcuts. Because ThruDark doesn’t just stand by their products, they stand in them.

Made to inspire

When Flight Sergeant Frankie Tinsley embarked on the UK’s first ultra-triathlon in 2021, it was more than just a test of endurance—it was a profound personal, professional, and spiritual journey. In establishing the Talisman Triathlon, a run, swim and cycle journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats across the tallest mountains and longest lakes, Frankie was stepping into uncharted territory. Yet, fueled by a mission far greater than personal glory, Frankie wanted to honor lost friends and inspire anyone grappling with mental and physical health issues.

Today, having overcome the extreme physical, mental, and spiritual challenge of this and similar feats, Frankie remains an unstoppable force. So, when we asked what part of his ThruDark kit he’d be willing to part with, his look spoke for itself. But he did share one secret: his Centurion Alpine Jacket, crafted from a combination of Polartec® Power Air™, Power Stretch™ fabric technologies and Hardface™ enhanced fabric treatment, isn’t going anywhere without him.

Optimized for the unknown

“We are fortunate to have the unique expertise to personally test, develop, and refine our gear, alongside a global network of Special Forces contacts. Partnering with Polartec, we share a common commitment to innovation, sustainability, high performance, and durability, all while creating technical utility clothing designed for everyday adventures.” – Anthony ‘Staz’ Stazicker.

Polartec has been outfitting ThruDark with the most advanced fabrics known to man since they started their mission in 2018. And, at the end of the day, ThruDark is more than exceptional clothing; it’s an ethos. Because they’ll make sure you’re prepared and ready, but the endeavor is uniquely yours.