polartec alpha insulation hoddy

[wayno]

I've got my hands on a Marmot Isotherm hoddy made from polartec's new alpha synthetic insulation. ironically i'm heading into hot weather for a few weeks , but if i can get high enough i'll see how it performs
unlike most synthtic insulated jackets, this one has a more breathable knitted fabric inside to allow better moisture transfer.. and the fibres have more of different direction where they are orientated away from the body to help moisture transfer again
i've got a Mens size.. i'm 5 11, average build, its ok length wise but its a bit tight around the shoulders especially if i'm raising my arms, a climber would definitely want a larger size.


http://www.polartec.com/apex-awards/201 ... armot.aspx

[wayno]

video of the jacket, if i hear right, the claim is it can dry up to 45 times faster than standard synthetic insulated jackets

http://vimeo.com/58285185

[GPSGuided]

video of the jacket, if i hear right, the claim is it can dry up to 45 times faster than standard synthetic insulated jackets

Really? If the others take 45mins then this one can do it in 1min?

[wayno]

"up to 45 times faster" so under perfect conditions which would probably be in windy, low humidity, low temp conditions.
dont expect it to function as well in high humidity, still air...

[GPSGuided]

Still, double digit multiple improvement is pretty unreal. Will have to wait for real life reports.

[wayno]

if the forecast is accurate it could be tested in a typhoon shortly....

[forest]

Typical gram weenie question. .... What's your jacket weigh. It looks interesting.
I'm assuming it packs down like a regular synthetic puffy.

[wayno]

408 grams

[wayno]

hoping to try it out on the 17th up close to 3000m, i'll give some feedback on performance if it leaves my pack,,,, looking at the forscast of ten degrees thats only likely to be when i'm taking a break unless its windier than forecast

[wayno]

rabs equivvalent clothing using alpha is their strata range
info here and videos of athletes using the strata clothes in norway outside of summer and commenting on them
http://www.projectstrata.com/

[wayno]

rab are revamping the xenon design. coming up with a cheaper options..
plus some mountain equipment insulateds
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/gear-news/ ... 11422.html

[wayno]

havent really had the conditions to try out the hoody i'm reviewing...
its been to warm to use it while exercising
there's a review here, BUT not for the isotherm.
the RAB jacket here is a closer approximation to the isotherm than the marmot jacket being reviewed here

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/gear-featu ... 11488.html