Polartec Alpha vs Arcteryx Coreloft vs Patagonia Full Range

[Eric K]

So, I’ve got a jacket by Millet that uses Polartec Alpha. I use it mostly in colder temperatures when I am on the move. Are these newer active insulations any better or just on par with Alpha in terms of air permeability?

 

Thanks.

Eric

[Woubeir (from Europe)]

Do you mean Coreloft Continuous ?

[Eric K]

Yes, I think so. The Coreloft that Arcteryx puts in their Atom LT jacket.

Eric

[Woubeir (from Europe)]

The normal Coreloft is no active insulation at all.

Coreloft Continuous (in the Proton-models) is.

[Eric K]

Aw, okay, thanks. Any experience with the Proton at all? In a perfect world, I’d like to find something with the active insulation AND a water-resistant/wind-resistant shell BUT also is highly breathable/air permeable. I’ve got a couple of Mammut and Mountain Equipment Gore Windstopper softshells, they’re nice, but they certainly aren’t very air permeable and I find myself sweating in them when working hard (for example hiking up a fairl steep hill). I suppose it is impossible to find the perfect midlayer.

Any thoughts?

Eric

[Woubeir (from Europe)]

No experience at all as I only need insulation from the level of fleece, etc … when it’s really cold (perhaps only from 5°F or lower).

[Paul S.]

The flexibility of two layers gives you the best of both insulation and wind resistance for the planned conditions. Yes there is more faff with two layers but you can’t beat the versatility.

[Eric K]

Good point there Paul.

[Woubeir (from Europe)]

If you’re sure you will need both all the time, it will be a comparison between active insulation OTH and fleece + windshell on the other. If not, the combo rules.

[Author]

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