Polartec Alpha was created as an “active insulation” layer thanks to the US Special Operations Forces and the cold, wet Afghan mountain range. Polartec writes, “SOF approached Polartec® with a brief to develop a versatile insulation technology that could remain comfortable through extreme temperature variations.” The fabric was first released to the public circa 2019, but was developed in 2012 and replaced insulation layers within the standard issue Special Forces jacket. Polartec claims that the insulation is quick drying, breathable, lightweight, and durable. In the last couple years we’ve seen a surge in Polartec Alpha based insulation.
What is Polartec Alpha?
This material is a unique insulation layer compared to what we normally see: down or synthetic batting sandwiched in layers. While highly compressive, the batting style insulation tends to migrate and must be contained adequately, as a puncture or tear renders it useless. Alpha uses a knit-lattice structure which offers airflow and breathability, while connected lofted fiber. The fuzzy mesh structure is great at trapping air while staying light and porous. The sheet-like structure means there’s no need for extra sheeting or batting structure which adds weight.
Break Out Year
Polartec Alpha is breaking out this year in the active apparel space with applications in both running and cycling. Most of these use Polartec Alpha Direct insulation, which is a modified version that requires no backing or facing (protective) fabrics. The beauty of this technology is that you can actually see it. The material itself is appealing and mimics the popular shaggy mohair cardigans that made a come back in the fashion industry in the last 10 years.
The material is incredibly lightweight, breathable, and soft, making it a valuable player in active apparel. Next to skin it can be a valuable baselayer. It’s stretchy, yet compressive enough to be a midlayer. It is warm enough in higher weights to be an outer layer for high intensity activities in the cold. Better yet, even if you sweat, it will keep you warm, and quickly dry.
In the Wild
Satisfy created their entire GhostFleece AD line with Polartec Alpha Direct. They made hats, gloves, neckwarmers, and a midlayer hoodie with the material. This is perfect for high effort activities in very cold weather. Satisfy used AD 90, which is a bit warm for fall days, but great for the winter or cooler rainy fall and spring weather.
Saysky insulates their Polartec Blaze jacket with Alpha 60.
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Nike ACG nicknamed it Wolf Lichen for their mid-layer hoodie. Great nickname for the material given it has a lichen texture from the tufted lattice, but is soft yet durable. This hoodie pattern is pretty similar to what we see from Senchi (below) and Satisfy.
Diadora launched their winter protection line this year, featuring jackets insulatedw with Polartec Alpha.
Cycling brand Pedaled lined their Alpha jacket with Alpha Direct panels.
Outdoor brand And Wander has a full Alpha Direct line.
Marmot lined their stretch jacket with Alpha Direct
Senchi made a collection of Alpha Hoodies
Outwear brand Norrona has been producing Alpha layers since 2022.