Active insulation
Overview
Active insulation is a category of clothing designed to provide warmth while remaining breathable enough to be worn during continuous movement in cool or cold conditions.
Key points
- Typically uses synthetic insulations and air-permeable face fabrics.
- Intended to reduce frequent layering changes when alternating between uphill effort and rest.
- Often used as a midlayer in cool, dry, or mixed conditions.
Details
Active insulation garments aim to bridge the gap between highly breathable midlayers and more wind-resistant, traditional insulated jackets. They are generally built with synthetic insulation that retains some insulating ability when damp and with fabrics that allow controlled air exchange. This combination helps limit overheating and moisture buildup when hikers are moving steadily in cooler temperatures. While no single garment suits all conditions, active insulation pieces are often chosen for long climbs, shoulder-season trips, and routes where temperatures and exertion levels fluctuate throughout the day.
Related topics
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