Blog

Alpha Direct, PrimaLoft ACTIVE and Octa: A Guide to Active Insulation

Posted by Andy Neil on 3rd Nov 2026

Keeping warm while moving can be tricky. Too much insulation and you’ll sweat on the climb; too little and a cold wind can quickly chill you at the ridge. Polartec Alpha Direct, PrimaLoft ACTIVE, and Octa take a particularly effective approach: lightweight, open constructions that trap warm air while letting heat and moisture escape. Paired with the right outer layer, they offer exceptional …
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Montane's ExpeDRY™ Down Technology Explained

29th Jan 2026

ExpeDRY™ works through a permanent and chemical-free bonding of non-toxic gold particles to the down cluster, which actively attacks the humidity inside the insulation and keeps the entire chamber dry in extreme conditions. The ExpeDRY gold particles create an electro-static shield that provides a small hydrophobic barrier and weakens the hydrogen bond that allows water to form. By attacking …
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Rab PrimaLoft Technology Explained

27th Jan 2026

From active sheet insulation that responds to your output to loose fill insulation that mimics the structure of down, we use a variety of types of PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation in our gear. Each one has its unique benefits, tailored to particular conditions and activities. So how do we select which one to use in each product? Discover how these PrimaLoft® insulations work to provide …
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OMM Core Technology Explained

27th Jan 2026

The OMM CORE Range is a new concept in active insulation made entirely from PRIMALOFT ACTIVE ultra-light insulating fabric. Built from a synthetic plume woven through a knitted mesh CORE offers the warmth of a fleece but with less than half the weight. Paired with a shell, the CORE is an incredibly effective insulator, but the lightest breeze can take away that heat thanks to near-total air permea …
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Outdoor Research VerticalX SuperStrand Synthetic Insulation

Posted by Mark Richardson on 1st Oct 2025

Outdoor Research's VerticalX SuperStrand Synthetic Insulation is built to deliver exceptional warmth to weight ratio, it compares to 700-800 Fill Power down in terms of its softness, weight and lofting ability. On this page we explain how it works. — VerticalX SuperStrand is the lightest, softest, most compressible synthetic insulation available taking the best qualities of down and imp …
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Montane Respond Dry Line Gloves Review - ''Combining PrimaLoft insulation, a Pertex outer and a brushed micro fleece lining makes these gloves ideal for long days in cold conditions.''

Posted by Liam Hollinshead on 29th Jan 2025

Comfort and Warmth Wrapped up in one lightweight package. Heading out on be it a day hike or a multi-day trek, gloves are something that can be easily overlooked. I myself, have fell foul of this oversight. Keeping your hands warm is rather important, but in cold and damp climates it makes this task especially difficult. A good pair of gloves can make or break a day out. With snow and cold weathe …
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Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie - ''Whether layering up on cool summer mornings or braving sub-zero winter conditions, this hoodie has consistently impressed with its versatility, warmth, and innovative design.''

Posted by Andy Neil on 9th Jan 2025

Four-Season Review: Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie From the chill of dawn on a springtime Scottish coast to the biting frost of winter in the Lakes, the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie has been with me every step of the way. Over the past year, it has become my go-to insulation layer, tackling everything from multi-day treks to daily hikes with unwavering reliability. Montane kindly p …
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Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie Review - “A highly technical, lightweight down hoodie, for active people with high demands for packable, performance”

Posted by Lois Fife on 29th Oct 2024

Montane Women’s Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie – with added GOLD!! Jacket tested in a UK12, (Eclipse Blue) weight: 196g The Montane Women’s Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie is a highly thermally efficient, technical down jacket. My first impression of this jacket is the weight - it is extremely light - weighing less than 200g. I have tested this jacket for six months, from late spring, throu …
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Montane Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie Review - “I’ve loved this jacket since the moment I first tried it on. Super lightweight, really comfortable on and offering a lot of warmth for its weight.”

Posted by Rob Farquhar on 22nd Oct 2024

Sometimes you get an item of clothing that as soon as you put it on it feels right. Montane’s Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie for me is one of these. A very lightweight down jacket that for dry days provides plenty of warmth as my outer layer and then gives me a lot of comfort as a middle layer when the rain is falling. As of October 2024, the  Alpine 850 Nano Down Hoodie is the second …
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Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Synthetic Jacket

Posted by Mark Richardson on 6th Dec 2023

There are basically three types of synthetic insulation used in outdoor jackets: 1. Sheet Insulation – Fibres are woven into a ‘mat’ structure and this is used to fill the jacket, this is the ‘traditional’ way of doing this and provides excellent warmth to weight and is pretty durable. 2. Loose Fill Insulation – This is where synthetic fibr …
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The Hiking Layered Glove System

Posted by Andy Neil on 4th Dec 2023

A hiking layered glove system provides a variety of advantages, including increased comfort and functionality during outdoor activities. The multi-layered design is adaptable to various weather conditions and terrains. The glove system is comparable to the layering system for the body. The base layer, or liner glove, is a thin, moisture-wicking glove that promotes good movement and dexte …
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Rab Sustainability and Responsibility

23rd Nov 2023

Our Mountain Manifesto is a set of shared commitments to help us all tread more lightly on the planet. Join us in creating positive change in our industry. Product: Prolong life and performance and minimise the impact of end-of-life. Planet: Drive more sustainable packaging solutions and highlight the environmental impact of air freight. Partner: Improve standards for workers and mi …
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