Jeff, that was my thought exactly. The OR Ascendant hoody weighs a claimed 13.0 oz, which is a whole 1.4 oz lighter than the top-recommended Arcteryx Proton LT. The Ascendant uses the same weight of PolarTec Alpha insulation as the reviewed Uberlayer, so I assume they would both be the same warmth. And according to Max’s review, the Uberlayer is the same warmth as the Proton LT and Nano Air.

So Max, I have two questions if you would be kind enough to reply. First, how do you think the OR Ascendant hooded jacket would compare in this review?

And, you state that PolarTec Alpha insulation is not durable? Can you please explain why? I thought that since Alpha is basically long-pile fleece, it would not break or lose loft like short-fiber, loose synthetic insulation fills having very small fiber diameters. I’ve not noticed my fleece layers losing loft. Do you have experience with Alpha not being durable?

I am asking sincerely, because I plan to buy either the Proton LT or the Ascendant hoody soon, and I want to make sure I correctly understand the pros and cons of each.

Max or Ryan, do you have any further information on why you say the Polartec Alpha insulation is not durable?