Main Story. 03. 13.

Customized Zero-Waste Performance: <br> Polartec X Thuja </br>

Some garments are made, others roll off a production line. And then there’s the Thuja Custom Burrow Hoodie, a hand-sewn, made-to-order masterpiece that’s in a class of its own. Built from primarily deadstock Polartec® Power Grid™ fabric, this high-performance technical hoodie ensures enhanced breathability and moisture management to keep you warm without the weight and dry when you’re pushing the limits. But more importantly, the Custom Burrow Hoodie reflects an underlying commitment to sustainability, performance, and individuality that is hard to beat.

High-performance gear shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment. Using deadstock Polartec® Power Grid™ fabric allows us to create our durable, technical midlayer hoodies while keeping materials out of landfills. At Thuja sustainability is rooted in everything we do.

Henry Sengle, Founder of Thuja
 

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More than a Hoodie


In the heart of Vermont, where the mountains demand gear that works as hard as the people who wear it, Thuja is redefining what it means to make outdoor apparel. Unlike mass-produced garments that often travel the globe before reaching customers, the Custom Burrow Hoodie is hand-sewn, made to order, and built to last. With over 1,800 possible color combinations no two hoodies are the same, just like the people who wear them. And while most brands see excess fabric as waste, Thuja sees opportunity. By using mainly deadstock Polartec® Power Grid™ fleece, Polartec® Power Wool™ and Polartec® Power Dry™ for their designs, they extend the lifespan of existing materials. They also ensure that fabric scraps don’t go unused, repurposing them for accessory products, insulation, art supplies, and even as a fill for dog beds. Now that’s what we call a win-win.


A Sustainable Business Model


Thuja began in 2018 when Henry Sengle wanted to make the perfect midlayer for his backcountry adventures. Driven by the mission to create high-quality products that encourage connection with nature while fostering positive ecological practices, Sengle partnered with Jake Sienkiewycz and Kimberly Piscadlo in 2021. Things grew from there. Polartec has been there every step of the way, helping Thuja scale up from a basement business to a bonafide outdoor company that prioritizes ethical production over mass manufacturing. And just like the Vermont-based company whose values are intertwined with the unique culture of its state, Polartec’s cutting-edge fabrics are US-produced, made from recycled and natural materials, and help ensure that Thuja’s gear functions at the highest level.

 

Authentic Outdoor


Before becoming the Manufacturing Director and a co-founder, Kimberly Piscadlo was one of Thuja’s first customers. She also knows firsthand the demands of working and playing in the great outdoors. Literally. Kimberly not only manages snow making at Stowe Mountain Resort, but she’s also a Triple Crown Thru-Hiker, Maple Sugar tapping expert and all-around BC junkie. She also likes gardening, by the way. Which is why she relies on Polartec® to keep her comfortable in any condition all year round. 


Knowing what gear works best for you is a game changer. When you find your right set up and can trust your garments to stand up to the elements, you get to spend more time enjoying the activities you love.

Kimberly Piscadlo, Thuja Manufacturing Director

 

Performance Driven


What’s Kimberly’s go-to layering system? The Merino Wool Hell Brook Hoodie as a base layer. Made with soft, lightweight Polartec® Power Wool™, it delivers natural moisture-wicking and temperature regulation making it perfect for warm days, cold weather activities, and everything in between. When paired with the Burrow Hoodie mid-layer – and yes, she did pick the colors and patterns herself – Kimberly enjoys breathable warmth and rugged durability without the bulk.
Polartec has led the charge in sustainable innovation for decades and Thuja is taking it one step further by giving new life to premium deadstock fabric. Plus, by designing an all-season collection that delivers elite-level performance with an impact that’s anything but disposable, Thuja is proof that we can respect the environment without compromising performance.