Something's different this year! ? Featured synthetic insulation jacket

Rab Alpha Flash Jacket

Alpha Flash Jacket

Rab

19,440 yen

Filling: Polartec Alpha Direct

273g

Heat retention ★★☆ Comfort & mobility ★★★ Breathable ★★★ Windproof ★☆☆ Weight ★★★

Common synthetic fiber padding is a sheet-like material with fine holes that allow dead air to be stored, and it can only be achieved by clamping it between the outer and lining. On the other hand, due to its structure, Polartec Alpha can be made into a fabric without the padding being pinched between the outer and lining. This makes it possible to create an insulation jacket that looks like fleece (and is lighter and more insulating than fleece), like Alpha Flash Jacket

At first glance, you can see that jackets made in this way are not suitable for outerwear. For this reason, by wearing it as an intermediate layer between the base layer and the shell layer, this jacket is very useful as a middle layer that is lighter and more compact than any other synthetic fiber insulation, with excellent breathability and high heat retention. The slim silhouette that fits the body, the highly mobility patterning and stretchy construction make it difficult to complain as a brand that has always pursued the highest comfort in extreme situations. , as it doesn't have a hood suitable for a mid-sized item, and it's also easy to get a pricing for a Rab

MAMMUT Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket

Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket

MAMMUT

35,640 yen

Filling: Ajungilak OTI Strtech Fiber Fill

Heat retention ★★☆ Comfort & mobility ★★★ Breathable ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★☆☆

Along with Polartec® Alpha®, Toray is another male next-generation synthetic padding material that combines breathability and insulation. The padding itself is stretchy and is said to have excellent heat retention and bulkiness compared to conventional synthetic cotton, and has quickly attracted attention as one of the materials that has opened up a new genre of "insulation that keeps heat retention (thermal insulation) even when active." Over the past few years, more and more brands are using materials with similar characteristics, and it can be seen that this genre is finally becoming more popular to the point of being a given that it owns.

MAMMUT's active insulation jacket, which is functionally based on this trend, is a versatile insulation jacket that combines breathability, heat retention and stretchability, ensuring outstanding comfort in a stylish MAMMUT-like form, and has more pockets to improve usability. What I especially felt when I wore it was more padded than other models of the same type, so the heat retention seems to be a great insulation even in the harsh winter.

THE NORTH FACE Bentrix Hoodie

Bentrix Hoodie

THE NORTH FACE

29,160 yen

Filling: Ventrix

375g

Heat retention ★★☆ Comfort & mobility ★★★ Breathable ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★★☆

TNF has been making since last season is a high-performance model belonging to the brand's high-end SUMMIT series. The basic function, like 3DeFX+, is a middle layer that is perfect for active scenes that combine ventilation, heat retention, and stretch, but the Ventrix features a slit-filled seat structure. Personally, the slits close when stationary improve heat retention, and the slits open and close while active, improving breathability, which is designed to make each function more effective. The outer material uses HYVENT ES, a windproof and waterproof material that does not interfere with breathability, making it ideal for use as an outerwear, and Goldwin is well-known for its wide range of colors and sophisticated designs. But it's a long name.

summary

Until last year, I thought synthetic fiber insulation was still far from a simple cold weather wear, but it's only been a year since I thought it would be far from a down jacket. As always, I am amazed at the rolling speed of the outdoor industry. Of course, it is true that there is no material that can surpass down in terms of heat retention per weight, but it would be surprising that synthetic fibers that are worthy of even that would be possible soon, and we cannot help but feel that way from this year's new product. On the other hand, when it comes to optimal insulation for activities that have begun to become popular a few years ago, as we have seen, highly-finished items have been released from many brands, and the lineup is also extensive, allowing users to choose from a wide variety of options, so try to think about the price and think about it.

This time we're listing only this year's new releases, so this is not the same as all of the recommendations available in the market today. I hope to be able to make a comparison review in the near future, so please look forward to it!

We also recommend this article about middle layers.

• It's about time to summarize how to choose a middle layer
• 3 questions to choose insulation wear that won't make a mistake and 15 recommended items
• "Moving" winter clothes! 7 reasons why we recommend modern synthetic fiber insulation and 7 popular items
• Comparison review: [Beyond fleece!?] We compared the latest synthetic fiber insulation (cold protection clothing)
• I'm left wearing it and not getting cold and sweaty! 7 recommended synthetic fiber insulation for your activities