The Marmot Project Alpha jacket uses the new Polartec insulation
A brand new synthetic insulation fabric will start appearing in outdoor gear later this year.
Polartec’s Alpha is, according to the company, focused on unsurpassed thermo-regulation and breathability.
A Polartec spokesperson said: “Unlike conventional synthetic insulations, Alpha is a woven material that offers excellent stability and superior durability without the need for scrims or tightly woven fibre proof lining fabrics.
“Its unique woven structure allows for the use of highly breathable lining fabrics which permit body heat and moisture vapour to move through the insulation away from the body.
“This unrestricted movement of moisture vapour allows these garments to be worn in a much wider range of activities compared to conventional insulated garments.”
The new fabric is aimed at solving the problem of breathability in outdoor clothing designed primarily for warmth.
Traditionally, insulated jackets are fine for fairly static situations in cold conditions, but once the wearer starts any serious activity the insulation restricts the ability to wick away sweat.
Among the first to use the new Polartec Alpha, due in shops for the autumn-winter season later this year, is a range from Marmot.
The Project Alpha Jacket is described by Marmot as its most exciting new hybrid jacket in years, which includes the new and cutting-edge Polartec Alpha insulation sewn throughout the body of the garment.
The women's version of the Isotherm Hoody
“It also includes Polartec Power Stretch Pro on the sleeves and Polartec PowerDri on the side panels, tailored for outstanding athletic performance in cold, winter temperatures,” Marmot said.
The jacket also has zipped chest pockets and zipped handwarmer pockets, a collar drawcord, DriClime mesh lining, elastic drawcord hem and Angel-Wing Movement.
The jacket weighs 439g and will retail at £180 when it hits the shops.
The Marmot Isotherm Hoody also features Alpha insulation throughout the entire garment. It has a 20 denier Pertex Quantum face fabric and softshell reinforcements on the shoulders, and Marmot says it is ideal for backcountry ski-touring and mountaineering. The Hoody is available in men’s and women’s versions and weighs 417g for the men’s.
Its price will also be £180.
The hoodless version, the Marmot Isotherm Jacket is also available in men’s and women’s models and weighs 348g. It will sell at £160.
