What is Alpha Insulation?

Alpha is Polartec's original "active insulation", developed for the U.S. Special Forces when they required a more advanced insulating material in their uniforms that could regulate body temperature during the starting and stopping of active combat.  More details below the colour swatches! By placing patented low density fibers between air permeable woven layers Polartec created a more efficient fabric for regulating warmth and transferring moisture. This advancement increases thermal adaptability in changing conditions and different phases of physical activity. 

Alpha is intended to be sandwiched in between a water repellent face/shell fabric and a light lining.  You can choose whatever fabrics you like, but we recommend one of the shell fabrics such as those found in our Technical Performance Shells collection.  For a liner, use either a lightweight breathable nylon or polyester or for moisture-wicking, choose Polartec Power Dry or Power Grid.  Both do an amazing job. We sell those too, of course!   There is no limit to the combinations you can use. If you’re looking to make a stand-alone Alpha garment, choose Alpha Direct styles which are more durable.  All Polartec® fabrics are certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®.

For more information, including info on Alpha Direct, please read our blog article