At the heart of Finland’s landscape lies the story of Sasta, a brand born from true wilderness and driven by innovation. For over five decades, Sasta has been dedicated to creating outdoor garments that blend tradition with modern performance. Their latest collaboration with Ventile represents a continuation of this legacy, offering outdoor enthusiasts a blend of durability, functionality, and sustainability.

This month, we spoke with Sasta’s Product Manager, Kirsi Kärkkäinen, about the inspiration behind the brand and the use of Ventile fabrics in its collections.

What is the inspiration behind Sasta?

Sasta's story began in 1969 with Urpo Saastamoinen, a young hunter and explorer of the Northern Karelia wilderness. Faced with the harsh, unpredictable terrain, Saastamoinen knew the importance of quality clothing designed to withstand nature’s extremes. What started as a personal pursuit soon became the foundation of Sasta, a brand that embodies the spirit of endurance and respect for Mother Nature.

Sasta’s ethos remains grounded in the wilderness. Our deep connection to nature and unwavering commitment to creating functional, long-lasting garments have guided our designs for decades. Today, this same spirit drives our collaboration with Ventile, offering modern adventurers clothing that stands up to the most challenging environments.

What is the inspiration behind the Peski W jacket?

The Peski W jacket represents our commitment to creating outdoor apparel that caters to all adventurers. Recognising that Sasta’s first Ventile products were only available in unisex sizing, we wanted to design a product specifically for women, paying attention to the shape of the female form.

We didn’t compromise on functional details either, with the Peski W jacket equipped with an adjustable storm hood and large zippered pockets, ensuring that performance is never sacrificed for design. It’s a piece built for the rugged outdoors, crafted to provide the same level of comfort and protection for women as their male counterparts.

How did you hear about Ventile and why have you chosen it?

Ventile fabric has been part of our journey since the 1990s when we introduced our first Ventile products. Known for its water repellence and breathability, Ventile was originally developed for pilots and adventurers facing extreme conditions. For us, it was the perfect match, offering the durability and protection we were looking for.

The natural properties of Ventile - its tightly woven cotton fibres that swell when wet - provide inherent water resistance without compromising breathability. This ensures that wearers stay dry and comfortable, no matter how demanding the conditions.

The jacket uses Ventile fabric treated with Nordshield. Could you explain what this treatment is and how it enhances the jacket’s performance?

The Peski W jacket takes innovation a step further by incorporating Ventile fabric treated with Nordshield, a groundbreaking plant-based textile treatment. Nordshield replaces heavy metal treatments with a sustainable wood-based technology that provides antimicrobial and anti-odour properties. This eco-friendly treatment ensures that the jacket not only protects the wearer from the elements but also maintains freshness over long periods of use.

Nordshield’s technology enhances the performance of the Peski W jacket, allowing it to offer the durability and protection Sasta customers expect while staying true to sustainable practices.

Do you have any new Ventile product launches in the pipeline?

While we are not planning any new Ventile product launches at the moment, our existing collection - featuring jackets and trousers for both men and women and a unisex anorak - continues to garner praise. In fact, our Ventile anorak recently came top in a prestigious test conducted by Erä-magazine, one of Finland’s largest outdoor publications.

As Sasta moves forward, its partnership with Ventile remains a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality, performance, and respect for nature. In different ways, we both play a part in creating clothing that serves those who venture into the wilderness, honouring legacies of innovation and endurance that began many years ago.

For more information on Ventile fabrics and Sasta's range of Ventile products, visit Ventile and Sasta.