Polartec Alpha explained
Posted by Mark Richardson on May 26, 2022
POLARTEC ALPHA Explained
ALPHA®
ACTIVE INSULATION
Polartec® Alpha® was invented for the U.S. special forces.
They required a superior insulation system for extreme temperature variations and the start-stop conditions of combat.
Alpha® active insulation is engineered for consistent warmth, while allowing greater breathability during activity. This air exchange technology creates sustained comfort without shedding layers, which isn’t an option during a mission.
REGULATE COMFORT IN CHANGING CONDITIONS.
POLARTEC ALPHA FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Regulates Warmth
- Fast Drying
- Lightweight
- Advanced Breathability
- Compressible
- Highly Durable
ABOUT ALPHA® TECHNOLOGY
Polartec® Alpha® active insulation continuously releases excess body heat before it builds to cause saturation and discomfort.
This patented, adaptive quality is made possible through Alpha’s lofted fibers connected to a solid mesh core. And since Polartec® Alpha® is inherently hydrophobic, it resists all moisture and dries incredibly fast.
Our View on Polartec Alpha insulation:
When backpacking I normally take a synthetic insulation jacket for putting on during the day if it gets cold, of course I'm interested in a high warmth to weight ratio but the highest tend to use more traditional insulation which doesn't breathe very well. Consequently if you are moving fast or climbing something steep you tend to overheat and sweat.
Polartec Pioneered 'Breathable' insulation with their Alpha products which transfer sweat to the outside of the grament where it can evaporate easily. They work supremely well but their warmth to weight ratio is not as good as with traditional insulation - so you need to make a choice when deciding what to take, it will also depend on where you are going and how hard you intend to work!
Alpha is one of a range of insulation from Polartec, we explain what it does and include our opinion of it.