table of contents
- The synthetic insulation is excellent and allows you to move freely without feeling cold from sweat
- The problems with fleece, a staple winter garment
- The rise of high-tech synthetic insulation
- 7 Reasons to Consider High-Tech Synthetic Insulation This Season
- 1. Highly breathable heat-retaining material for excellent sweat evacuation
- 2. Stretch material throughout and in key areas for excellent ease of movement
- 3. Superior heat retention, better than fleece
- 4. Heat retention that won't fall off even when wet and quick-drying
- 5. Lightweight and compact
- 6. Durable water-repellent finish makes it great as an outer layer in light rain
- 7. Easy to wash and clean
- Summary: High-tech synthetic insulation vs. fleece/down
- 7 Recommended High-Tech Synthetic Insulation Items
The synthetic insulation is excellent and allows you to move freely without feeling cold from sweat
When outdoors in the cold seasons, especially in autumn and winter, it is very difficult to regulate body temperature because you get drenched in sweat while walking and get cold suddenly when you stop, so in the past, the only option was to frequently take off and put on warm clothing. If you leave your sweaty and wet clothes in the mountains, you run the risk of losing more body heat than you might imagine, and in the worst case scenario, it could develop into a serious condition such as hypothermia
High-tech synthetic insulation, a new trend in mid-layers (i.e., winter clothing) that is set to become a major trend this year, looks set to dramatically improve this problem. When most people hear the term mid-layer, they probably think of fleece, mountain shirts, or down insulation. With the popularity of new synthetic materials as a catalyst, a steady stream of interesting models are being released by various manufacturers, and this image is about to change dramatically
If you want to know about recommended high-tech synthetic insulations right away, click here
The problems with fleece, a staple winter garment
Recently, fleece has been improved to be more stretchy, windproof, and able to wick away sweat efficiently
When outdoors in the fall and winter, the need for warm clothing suddenly increases compared to summer. Down jackets are fine for keeping warm in the morning and evening when you don't sweat much, but down jackets are no good for keeping you warm when you're out and about and sweating profusely. So, while there are many options available, fleece, which offers just the right balance of price, functionality, and design, has been considered the most popular style of convenient cold weather clothing for both stationary and active use, as it combines just the right amount of breathability and warmth .
Fleece certainly has a certain degree of heat retention and breathability, but on the other hand, it has weaknesses such as low heat retention compared to its weight and bulk, and also has limitations in its ability to effectively absorb and release large amounts of
The rise of high-tech synthetic insulation
Polartec Alpha, a new synthetic padding material developed by Polartec , a manufacturer of fleece and other materials, appeared around 2012. Developed in the United States for military use, this material was the dream high-tech synthetic insulation, combining the comfort and breathability of fleece with the warmth, lightness, and compactness of insulation.
This material was naturally met with praise, but the fascinating thing about the world of outdoor gear is that it doesn't end with just a few manufacturers capitalizing on this material to develop new clothing. Manufacturers inevitably emerge to compete with this fascinating material, trying to create even more amazing gear, each continuing to experiment. Thus, after several years, the 2015-2016 season was in which the race to become the leading high-performance mid-layer (cold weather garment) to replace fleece began. While this can be frustrating for users, it's also exciting in the sense that new products are constantly being released.
Although it cannot be distinguished from the outside, the padding and surface fibers of each insulation are all made from different materials
Well, that was a long introduction, but below I have summarized seven features that show just how excellent this high-tech synthetic insulation is
7 Reasons to Consider High-Tech Synthetic Insulation This Season
1. Highly breathable heat-retaining material for excellent sweat evacuation
Conventional cold weather clothing was not designed to be used while moving. One of the greatest advantages of high-tech synthetic insulation is its high breathability and sweat absorption/dispersion performance, which are designed for movement. These insulations use synthetic fibers that are far more breathable than conventional insulations, allowing heat to escape moderately while maintaining heat retention, and also effectively dissipating sweat as water vapor
2. Stretch material throughout and in key areas for excellent ease of movement
Another important factor when "moving is assumed" is, of course, the ease of movement while wearing the garment. Many models that use this insulation are stretchy (or have stretch panels in certain areas), so they are designed not to hinder active movement
3. Superior heat retention, better than fleece
The advantage of insulation over fleece, not just the latest synthetic materials, is the high insulating (= heat retention) provided by the padding. The new synthetic insulation has inherited this advantage, not only achieving the breathability and ease of movement of fleece, but also retaining the traditional advantage of heat retention, making it a truly excellent combination
4. Heat retention that won't fall off even when wet and quick-drying
This is also an inherent characteristic of synthetic insulation. Unlike traditional down, which absorbs moisture easily and loses its heat retention when wet, the superiority of synthetic insulation is that it retains its heat retention even when wet, and this advantage has been faithfully inherited
5. Lightweight and compact
Although it is not as good as down, it is more compressible than fleece with the same heat retention, and is lighter and more compact (however, compressibility varies depending on the concept and ingenuity of each manufacturer)
6. Durable water-repellent finish makes it great as an outer layer in light rain
What's even more impressive about this collection is that it offers excellent breathability and some models are treated with DWR (durable water repellent), meaning they can withstand light rain and are perfect as outerwear in stable weather
7. Easy to wash and clean
The final benefit, which is common to all synthetic clothing, including fleece, is that it can be easily washed in the washing machine every time, so it can always be kept clean
Summary: High-tech synthetic insulation vs. fleece/down
| kinds | High-tech synthetic insulation | fleece | Down insulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathable | ◯ | ◯ | △ |
| Breathability | ◎ | ◯ | △ |
| Stretchability | ◯※1 | ◯ | × |
| Heat retention (dry) | ◯ | △ | ◎ |
| Heat retention (wet) | ◯ | ◯ | × |
| Weight and compressibility | ◯ | △ | ◎ |
| water repellency | ◯ | × | △ |
| Windproof | ◯ | ×※2 | ◯ |
| Ease of washing | ◎ | ◎ | △ |
*1 Polartec Alpha itself does not have stretch, so whether it stretches or not depends on the material and model used.
*2 Windproof fleece is excluded as this would change the overall characteristics.
7 Recommended High-Tech Synthetic Insulation Items
The latest articles for 2016 have been updated. Click here to find out the latest recommendations
High-tech synthetic insulation wear is sure to be a hit this coming fall and winter season, keeping you warm while on the move and warm while at rest. Here we introduce seven items recommended by our editorial team from among the models released this year. We will also be conducting a comparative test report on these items in the future, so please look forward to it!
*The indicators shown for each model are currently (as of September 24, 2015) relative estimates based on specs and try-on testing, so please use them for reference only
MAMMUT Eigerjoch Light Jacket
Warmth ★☆☆ Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Weather resistance ★★☆ Lightweight and compact ★★★
Let's start with a noteworthy model incorporating Polartec Alpha, which pioneered the world of breathable synthetic insulation. By mapping stretchy fleece to the armpits and sleeves while maintaining high breathability, it allows for high mobility despite its extremely slim silhouette. The result is a lightweight, compact jacket that can be worn over a base layer without needing anything else. It's a unique model that allows for surprisingly light and nimble movement
Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody
Warmth ★★☆ Mobility ★★☆ Breathability ★★★ Weather resistance ★☆☆ Lightweight and compact ★★☆
Next up is Patagonia's new synthetic material, FullRange, which takes on Polartec Alpha head-on. This revolutionary insulation has been incredibly popular for the past two years. Its greatest appeal is its incredibly smooth feel and moderate stretch, making it incredibly comfortable to wear. It's also highly breathable (extraordinary airflow), and the best part is that it's treated with DWR (durable water repellent) to repel even light rain, making it the perfect outer layer for when you're on the move. *A hoodless model is also available
MILLET TOI 3D INSULATED ST JKT
Warmth ★★☆ Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★★ Weather resistance ★☆☆ Lightweight and compact ★★★
This ambitious new product from a long-established European outdoor manufacturer, featuring the new material "3DeFX+," is a long-awaited entry into the market. The material itself has stretch, a feature not found in Polartec Alpha, and four types of coiled fibers ensure the bulk necessary for high thermal insulation. The highly breathable padding, breathable outer fabric, and three-dimensional cut silhouette ensure an unparalleled level of mobility. While weather resistance and lightweight/compactness are largely unknown, the specs suggest great promise. (Hooded model also available.)
finetrack Draught Polygon 3
Warmth ★★☆ Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★★ Weather resistance ★☆☆ Lightweight and compact ★☆☆
Finetrack, a domestic manufacturer that is proactive in developing new materials and unique technologies, is competing with its proprietary synthetic fiber materials. While synthetic fibers are typically in the form of threads, its proprietary material, "Fine Polygon," has a unique structure that creates bulk by using an ultra-lightweight, special sheet fabric in a three-dimensional structure. This eliminates the risk of fiber leakage and allows for the placement of outer and inner fabrics that are nearly ideal for achieving breathability, stretchability, and water repellency. While Polartec Alpha models are appearing one after another from various manufacturers, and may be a bit jaded, these efforts and various challenges are welcome
MONTANE ALPHA GUIDE JACKET
Warmth ★☆☆ Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Weather resistance ★★☆ Lightweight and compact ★☆☆
Montane, known for its lightweight and highly mobile jackets, has adopted Polartec Alpha technology for this incredibly technical winter garment, delivering the highest level of mobility as expected. As evidenced by the fact that it was designed for climbing, the front and back panels feature high-density, breathable, water-repellent, and wind-resistant PERTEX Microlight fabric with stretch functionality, while the shoulders, sleeves, and hood, where active mobility is essential, are lined with DRYACTIV stretch fleece, achieving both high mobility and moderate warmth. However, the design is a bit off this time
Houdini C9 Loft Houdini
Warmth ★★☆ Mobility ★★☆ Breathability ★★☆ Weather resistance ★★☆ Lightweight and compact ★☆☆
Houdini's Polartec Alpha insulation has many secret fans thanks to its Scandinavian-inspired design and reliable quality, but the two models introduced above, which use the same padding material, prioritize cold weather protection and are suitable for casual outdoor activities like city wear or ski resorts. However, its ample heat retention, fine texture, and slight stretch provide unparalleled comfort. It's best suited for elegant winter activities rather than sweating profusely. also a hoodless version available for use as an inner layer .
Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody
![Arc'teryx Men's Atom LT Hoody, Black (Size S) [Parallel Import]](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41ipDM1C4XL._SS300_.jpg)
Warmth ★★★ Mobility ★☆☆ Breathability ★☆☆ Weather resistance ★★★ Lightweight and compact ★★★
The Atom LT is Arc'teryx's standard synthetic insulation. The Coreloft filling material used here was introduced as a down alternative (similar synthetic materials like PRIMALOFT), so its advantages are naturally light weight, compactness, and high warmth, rather than mobility or breathability. However, what makes this model impressive is that it's already optimized for active activities in low temperatures, with features like three-dimensional sleeves, highly stretchable fleece on the side panels and underarms for breathability and mobility, and a windproof and durable water-repellent outer fabric. While we'll be doing a detailed comparison, this synthetic insulation offers plenty of room for movement. (A hoodless model is also available.)
That concludes our introduction to our seven recommended items. There are many other interesting models using Polartec Alpha insulation released by other manufacturers, and we will continue to add more as we find more interesting models. That's all for now. See you next time for a comparison test of each model!
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