Alpha Direct, PrimaLoft ACTIVE and Octa: A Guide to Active Insulation
Posted by Andy Neil on 3rd Nov 2026
Keeping warm while moving can be tricky. Too much insulation and you’ll sweat on the climb; too little and a cold wind can quickly chill you at the ridge. Polartec Alpha Direct, PrimaLoft ACTIVE, and Octa take a particularly effective approach: lightweight, open constructions that trap warm air while letting heat and moisture escape. Paired with the right outer layer, they offer exceptional
…
OMM Core Technology Explained
27th Jan 2026
The OMM CORE Range is a new concept in active insulation made entirely from PRIMALOFT ACTIVE ultra-light insulating fabric. Built from a synthetic plume woven through a knitted mesh CORE offers the warmth of a fleece but with less than half the weight. Paired with a shell, the CORE is an incredibly effective insulator, but the lightest breeze can take away that heat thanks to near-total air permea
…
Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Synthetic Jacket
Posted by Mark Richardson on 6th Dec 2023
There are basically three types of synthetic insulation used in outdoor jackets:
1. Sheet Insulation – Fibres are woven into a ‘mat’ structure and this is used to fill the jacket, this is the ‘traditional’ way of doing this and provides excellent warmth to weight and is pretty durable.
2. Loose Fill Insulation – This is where synthetic fibr
…