Compare and solve your problems when choosing insulation (heating clothing) for autumn and winter climbing. Review and verification of 3 latest insulation jackets from MONTURA

Insulation for autumn and winter (heating and cold weather clothing) has been released one of the hottest categories of mountain tools, with new materials being released one after another, including active insulation that doesn't get stuffy even when you're in the mood, as well as new types of padding that are as light as down and heat-insulating as it is, making it one of the hottest and hot categories of mountain tools that are currently being evolved.

On the other hand, it can be said that it is a bothering and troublesome problem that you have to choose from among many options, whether it is best to wear in any situation, what kind of product, and how to wear it.

Which insulation should I choose?——？

The best way to answer this question is to actually compare the clothes on the field. This time, the one that responded to such requests was MONTURA, an Italian outdoor brand that boasts absolute confidence in its pursuit of thorough, high functionality and is often featured on this site.

Montura's insulation jackets for autumn and winter this season use a variety of insulation materials, including active insulation, which is currently popular, as well as light and highly insulating synthetic filling, offering a high-performance, high-quality lineup that suits a variety of autumn and winter activities and situations.

So, this time, I would like to review them in the same situation as the autumn Southern Alps, and evaluate the performance of each insulation, as well as compare and verify what differences exist between them, what kind of scenes they are suitable for, and how they are ideal to use them. We hope this will be helpful for those who wanted to know the differences between the various synthetic insulation materials and the key points to use, or for those who are thinking of choosing the active insulation that suits them in the future. Now let's take a look at the characteristics of each insulation jacket.

1: EIGER LIGHT JACKET

Main features

A hooded jacket made of windproof and water-repellent nylon fabric on the outer material and "OCTA® Thermo Fly®" as the insulation material on the lining. Although lightweight, it combines moderate heat retention with high sweat absorption and quick-drying and breathability, and keeps your body temperature constant while you are on the go while protecting yourself from the wind in a low-temperature environment. Packable design that can be rolled up in an inner pocket and stored.

Recommended points

• Thin, lightweight, compact
• Easy movement through three-dimensional cutting and stretching
• The lightweight outer material is windproof and water-repellent, while providing excellent durability due to double ripstop nylon
• It's just right for versatility, from hiking in early autumn to skiing tours in winter.
• Hood fit
• Packable specification

Points that interest me

• The insulation is merely just to prevent coldness during activities, and is not reliable as a warm-up in severe cold weather.

Main Specifications and ratings

Lightweight OCTA®Thermo Fly® combines heat insulation, ventilation and sweat absorption and quick drying functions

The insulation material used in EIGER LIGHT JACKET Many of you may know this, but once again, we will look at the characteristics of this material, and it is a very unique shape of polyester fiber with a cross section with eight protrusions arranged radially around the hollow fiber. Thanks to this shape, it is lighter than ordinary polyester fibers, and by creating many gaps, it allows a lot of dead air to be stored between the fabric, providing excellent heat retention per weight. Furthermore, the fabric, made from tangled jagged fibers, allows air to pass through easily, and the moisture quickly absorbs and spreads easily, reducing sweating and heat even when sweating from intense exercise. This is a type of active insulation suitable for cold weather wear.

From Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd. website

This model also uses the OCTA® Thermo Fly®, a type that uses a special knit fabric to create a bulky, upright hair structure that does not brush, making it more sweat-absorbent and quick-drying property. According to Teijin Frontier official , this "Thermo Fly®" can not only keep the heat in place as an intermediate piece (middler), but also sweat removal as an inner layer that comes into contact with the skin.

This means that EIGER LIGHT JACKET , which features a thin, durable double ripstop nylon with windproof and water repellent properties on the outer material, can in theory cover the three layering functions of "base, middle and outerwear" simply by wearing this piece directly on the skin (by the way, this usage is not a division recommended by the manufacturer). No, it's amazing.

OCTA® Thermo Fly® has been able to improve sweat-absorbent and quick-drying functions from its previous brushed structure to function as an inner layer

Outer material with windproof and DWR durable water repellent finish.

However, it is true that it is not a bit uncomfortable to wear, so in order to make it more natural to the touch and to enhance sweat processing ability, I tried wearing a thin sweat-absorbing, quick-drying mesh inner layer (I happened to wear a Finetrack dry layer here, but I think there are other MILLET Amiami and North Face dry dots too) to the areas that come into contact with the skin. This then feels pretty good.

After trying out a variety of layers, the solid base layer was actually too hot in the alpine mountains in the early autumn, when it was not yet very cold, so a mesh inner layer was enough. Another attractive feature of OCTA® is that it has a wide range of layering techniques.

We tested the trail from the forest area at around 15°C, which was not too cold, to the ridgeline, but although it was too hot at a low altitude when we first started walking, until we reached the ridgeline, even this combination was not too hot or too cold, and I was able to continue wearing it quite comfortably (photo below). While walking, you will always feel the sweat that has oozed suddenly evaporating, and in places where the breeze is shining along the ridge, you will also feel the cool air passing through your body (while preventing the direct cold air from the wind).

By the way, looking at the entire lining, the OCTA® is stretched on the back and upper body, with stretch mesh material placed on the side panels and under sleeves that are prone to heat buildup, and the hood is made of stretch mesh instead of insulation. While placing importance on not getting stuffy, it ensures heat retention in the right places, and should be able to cover up on the behavioral wear of Snotrekking.

Easy movement through three-dimensional cutting and stretching

This model is still the true essence of Montura, its comfort when moving and outstanding ease of movement. In addition to the three-dimensional cutting that follows the body lines and is not too wasteful and loose, taking into consideration ease of movement, the outer material has horizontal stretch and the lining is moderately stretchy, so it does not interfere with the natural movement of the upper body.

Easy-to-use pockets and convenient packable design

In addition to the left and right hand pockets, the pockets also have inner mesh pockets on the left and right. The details on the cuffs and the balaclava-type hood are also carefully and stunningly designed for a fit and warmth (photo below).

As always, this stunning hood offers a perfect fit without any adjustments and no lean fit.

The inner pocket on the right is also packable, allowing you to roll it up and store it by turning it over and pushing it in (photo below).

Recommended for these occasions: This one piece can play the role of a "bass, middle and outerwear" so it is valuable

EIGER LIGHT JACKET is made to take advantage of the advantages of OCTA®, which is "lightweight, sweat-absorbs, quick-drying innerwear," even though it is active insulation that does not warm up too much or cool down while you are on the move. Since the fabric is also relatively thin, the emphasis is on "reducing coldness during activities" rather than "warming a cold body," and it seems to be available in a wide range of seasons, from early autumn to alpine mountains at the end of spring.

The most traditional recommended way to use it is to wear it over a base layer as a midler and outerwear and wear it as a go-to clothing, but as mentioned earlier, it can be used comfortably in situations where the temperature is higher if you don't wear it as a thin mesh inner layer, or if you don't take the plunge and take the plunge and do anything. Conversely, if you layer a thick base layer or another OCTA® layer, it is perfect for wearing when climbing a winter mountain.

As for activities, hiking, trekking, running, skiing, etc. are sure to fit in, but alpine climbing is not impossible, and it can be used in a wide range of activities. In other words, this piece gives you the most versatile item this time, allowing you to create endless uses depending on the way layering it.

2: INSIGHT PLUS HYBRID JACKET

Main features

A hooded hybrid insulation jacket made of POLARTEC® ALPHA® DIRECT lining, double ripstop Cordura® nylon on the outer fabric around the shoulders from the front, and softshell material with DWR durable water-repellent treatment on the side panels and back. It has windproof and durability that can withstand extreme cold weather, moderate heat retention and quick-drying, and excellent movement.

Recommended points

• Exceptional ease of movement due to precise three-dimensional cutting and high stretchability
• High weather and wear resistance to tough activities
• POLARTEC® ALPHA® DIRECT that deals with cold and stuffiness and allows for comfortable activities in low temperatures
• Great fit hood

Points that interest me

• It's a bit heavy and bulky
• At lower temperatures, more intense activities are more suitable. Conversely, it is somewhat over-spec for mild climates and mountain travel.

Main Specifications and ratings

Using POLARTEC® ALPHA® DIRECT

The insulation material used by INSIGHT PLUS HYBRID JACKET The incredible high-performance padding, which has been on the forefront since over 10 years ago, has been a pioneer of active insulation, which is now becoming commonplace, with the characteristic of heat-retaining clothing, perfect for preventing cold weather and excellent ventilation and quick-drying that prevents the inside of the clothing from overheating when sweating.

This time I tried comparing this Alpha again with OCTA®, but personally, I felt that there was no clear difference in superiority or inferiority in terms of its performance as a warming clothing. In other words, both have the same heat retention and quick-drying properties, and function as convenient heat retention clothing that does not "warm too much or too cold" while you are in the process.

Instead, I feel that the difference in heat retention has a greater impact on the thickness (weight per unit area) used in each model than the type of material. In this article, according to catalog information, the OCTA® used in EIGER LIGHT JACKET the POLARTEC® ALPHA® used in INSIGHT PLUS HYBRID JACKET the INSIGHT PLUS HYBRID JACKET was clearly more likely to be higher. Furthermore, the INSIGHT PLUS HYBRID JACKET , fleece and brushed materials are placed on the lining other than those where the alpha padding is applied, and the outer material is made of a more windproof fabric (while maintaining its resistance to stuffiness) and the overall design is to keep you warm even in the very cold (photo below).

On the other hand, POLARTEC® ALPHA® was originally intended to serve as an intermediate layer, and since the fibers themselves are polyester that do not absorb water, the fabric itself cannot be as absorbent as OCTA® (photo below). In other words, OCTA® functions as an inner layer when worn directly on the skin, but POLARTEC® ALPHA® DIRECT is difficult to function as an inner layer when worn directly on the skin, which is the major difference between it and OCTA®.

However, it does not absorb anything (do not wear it directly on the skin), but hydrophobic fabrics are quick to dry, and water that has become steam is quickly expelled out, so wearing it on a base layer as an intermediate layer will definitely help to dry quickly. For this reason, there should be no particular inconvenience as long as you wear it as a middle-wear during the cold season.

Hybrid fabric structure, 3D cutting, stretch, and does not interfere with movement and eliminates stuffiness.

The INSIGHT PLUS HYBRID JACKET designed as a warm clothing for your activities , was outstanding among the three items this time. It was as if I was wearing a jersey, and there was no stress in my movements.

Looking at the pattern of this jacket, it's understandable. The front and shoulders are easily exposed to wind, and are highly windproof and wear-resistant, but two types of elastic softshell fabrics are placed in movable parts, such as the elbows and shoulder blades, to the back and sides, and are prone to heat buildup, making them easy to understand, and are made to prevent the movement of the upper body through the dense, three-dimensional cutting and this stretchability.

This hybrid construction provides a high level of weather resistance, durability, ease of movement and comfort that can withstand harsh winter activities.

Furthermore, the hood was clearly focused on shutting out the cold air rather than preventing rain, and was also designed to prevent any discomfort when wearing a helmet. Of course, this also does not require adjustment, and fits firmly to the shape of your head and follows the movement of your head (photo below).

A comfortable fit that follows the movement of your head, and stretch material on the edges that shuts out the cold air, providing excellent cold resistance.

The hood is lining with brushed fleece for excellent heat retention.

Recommended for these scenes: Active insulation with excellent protection and mobility can become an invincible wear during the snow season.

The INSIGHT PLUS HYBRID JACKET the EIGER LIGHT JACKET we first reviewed , but as mentioned above, this model is designed to provide tougher activities, especially at lower temperatures, thanks to its higher heat retention, durability, and ease of movement.

For this reason, in this test, it was still too hot to wear as a behavioural outfit, but that doesn't mean that this jacket is prone to getting stuffy, and there is no doubt that the material and construction make it a structure that is likely to expel sweating. The target scene is that hiking or running on a slightly chilly level is still over-spec, but it is ideal for harsh winter mountain activities such as snowy mountain climbing, winter variation routes, ice climbing, and backcountry skiing. Personally, I can fantasize about how to wear this while hiking backcountry during the upcoming snow season and then throw on a hard shell over it when I slide, which is something I can't look forward to.

3: MID LAYER JACKET

Main features

An insulation jacket made with artificial down Comfortemp® padded. The lightweight synthetic padding is highly insulating yet maintains stable heat retention even when wet. The outer material and lining are made of highly stretchable material, providing a fit that feels like it sticks to your body. A hoodless type that prevents hood traffic jams when layering in winter.

Recommended points

• A gentle texture and a comfortable fit that sticks to your body
• Stretchy that does not interfere with movement
• Excellent heat retention that won't be lost even when wet

Points that interest me

• It's a bit heavy and bulky

Main Specifications and ratings

Comfortemp® artificial feathers are used for padding

Finally the MID LAYER JACKET uses Comfortemp® (60g/sqm), which is well-known for its lightweight and excellent heat retention, so it can be positioned as a normal heat retention wear, not so-called active insulation. In terms of heat retention alone, it was the best of the three items, and warmed my cold body even in the tent at night when the temperature was below 10°C.

The Comfortemp® padding itself is breathable, and the fabrics on the front and back are also breathable, so it does not cause heat to build up like a down jacket. Of course, it is not enough to release the intense sweat during activities, but it always keeps you feeling smooth and comfortable when resting or resting after arriving at a tempura area.

A gentle texture that gives it a perfect fit that sticks to the skin, and detailed three-dimensional cutting and stretch that does not interfere with movement

The front and back are made of stretch material that feels gentle on the skin, making it the most comfortable to wear of the three items. The gathered structure of the elastic thread on the side panels of the sides fills the gaps between the skin and clothing, and the three-dimensional cutting that takes into consideration movement works well, allowing for a comfortable fit and stress-free movement. (Photo below).

It is useful during long breaks while you are on the move. It also prevents sudden cold from the cold winds along the ridge.

Although it is not generally light, the tightly enclosed padding prevents the body temperature inside the clothing from escaping. After coming to the tent, I put on this jacket, and my tense feeling calmed down and I was completely relaxed.

Recommended for these occasions: The warm and comfortable fit makes it perfect for cold weather wear in relaxing situations

MID LAYER JACKET is an orthodox, lightweight, highly insulating synthetic insulation jacket, yet has excellent moderate elasticity and breathability. Rather than being primarily intended for active activities, it is good at warming your body in situations where there is little movement or stopping. Of course, it can maintain heat retention even when wet, which is a characteristic of synthetic fibers, so you can take it out safely even in harsh environments, so it is your first choice to use it as a winter wear all year round. Its excellent elasticity and breathability make it a great mid-wear during activities in harsh cold situations.

Summary: Find the right scene by combining materials, weight (thickness), and fabric

It was found that all three of the reviews are more useful when worn in suitable situations. However, even if the functionality has evolved to this high level, it is important to note that there are still situations where performance cannot be achieved in some situations. In that sense, EIGER LIGHT JACKET is the most defensive range and is a piece that is unlikely to fail, and is recommended for those who are getting active insulation for the first time.

Also, the hidden theme of this article is whether insulation materials will produce differences in performance, which is one of the reasons why it seems there is no need to worry about a big difference in the materials themselves (although I had imagined to some extent). Of course, differences in the characteristics of materials such as octa and alpha are not unavoidable, but this is only meaningful due to differences in large categories such as "active insulation or not," but even more so, the thickness, weight of the fabric, and how it is combined with other fabrics have a greater impact on performance. When thinking about choosing insulation, be sure to be aware of this and find the ideal outfit for you.

The season is fast moving towards the long winter. Have a great winter mountain life with satisfying equipment.

Latest information and purchase of MONTURA's synthetic fiber insulation products

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