Something different this year!? Synthetic insulation jackets are in the spotlight
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
Rab Alpha Flash Jacket
Warmth ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★★ Windproof ★☆☆ Weight ★★★
Typical synthetic padding is a sheet-like material with tiny holes that trap dead air, and it only functions properly when sandwiched between the outer and inner layers. However, Polartec Alpha's structure means that it can function as a fabric without the padding sandwiched between the outer and inner layers. This makes the Alpha Flash Jacket , which not only omits the lining but even the outer layer, and yet is almost fleece-like (but lighter and more insulating than fleece).
At first glance, it's clear that a jacket constructed like this is not suitable for outerwear. Therefore, when worn as a mid-layer between a base layer and a shell layer, this jacket is extremely useful as a mid-layer that is lighter, more compact, more breathable, and more warm than any other synthetic insulation. The slim, body-fitting silhouette, highly maneuverable patterning, and stretchy construction are impeccable, as you'd expect from a brand that has always pursued maximum comfort in extreme conditions. The fact that it doesn't have a hood, making it suitable as a mid-layer, and that it's priced reasonably for a Rab
MAMMUT Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket
Warmth ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★☆☆
Alongside Polartec® Alpha®, Toray's 3DeFX+ is another next-generation synthetic padding material that combines breathability and insulation. The padding itself is stretchy and is said to offer superior warmth and bulk compared to conventional synthetic padding. It has quickly gained attention as a pioneering material in the new category of "insulation that keeps you warm (insulated) even during activity." In recent years, more and more brands have adopted materials with similar characteristics, and it appears that this category is becoming increasingly commonplace
Following in the footsteps in terms of functionality, the MAMMUT Active Insulation Jacket combines breathable, warm, and stretchy materials for exceptional comfort in a stylish MAMMUT design, and is a highly versatile insulated jacket with many pockets for improved usability. What I noticed when wearing it in particular was that it contains more padding than similar models from other companies, so it seems like it will be useful as just the right amount of insulation to keep you warm even in harsh winters
THE NORTH FACE Ventrix Hoodie
Warmth ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★★☆
TNF 's latest synthetic insulation jacket, featuring their proprietary Ventrix padding material, launched around last season, is a high-performance model in the brand's high-end SUMMIT series. Similar to the 3DeFX+, it offers breathability, warmth, and stretch for a mid-layer perfect for active activities. However, Ventrix's padding is unique in that it features a sheet-like structure with slits. The slits close when stationary to improve warmth, and open and close during activity to improve breathability. I personally find the design of each function to be optimally integrated. The outer material, HYVENT ES, a windproof and waterproof material that does not impede breathability, makes it suitable for use as an outer layer. With a wide range of colors and sophisticated design, Goldwin is clearly adept at differentiating itself in this area. By the way, that name is a bit long.
summary
Until last year, I thought that synthetic insulation still fell far short of down when it came to simple cold weather clothing, but what a change it has been in just one year. As always, the outdoor industry's rapid pace of change is astounding. Of course, there's still no material that can beat down in terms of warmth per weight, but it wouldn't be surprising if a synthetic material that can even beat down were developed in the near future, and this year's new products make it hard not to foresee such a future. Meanwhile, optimal insulation for active activities, which began to gain popularity a few years ago, has seen many brands release highly refined items, and lineups have expanded, offering users a wide variety of options to choose from. Take your time to consider the price and think about your options
Please note that this time we are only listing new products from this year, so it is different from our recommendations of everything currently available on the market. We hope to do a comparison review on that in the near future, so please look forward to it!
We also recommend this article about mid-layers
- Let's summarize how to choose a mid-layer
- 3 questions to ask yourself when choosing the right insulation gear and 15 recommended items
- Cold weather clothing that lets you move! 7 reasons why we recommend the latest synthetic insulation and 7 noteworthy items
- Comparison Review: [Better than fleece?!] We compare the latest synthetic insulations (for winter wear)
- Stay warm and sweat-free with these 7 synthetic insulation items recommended for active wear
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