POLARTEC ALPHA DIRECT FABRIC £VARIOUS
Polartec (www.polartec.com) produce a range of fabrics that are incorporated into manufacturers’ outdoor apparel. Alpha Direct is an evolution of their original Alpha insulation, eliminating the need for an outer fabric. The result is a furry-feeling, fleece-like fabric that efficiently traps warm air while increasing breathability and compressibility, and decreasing drying times and garment weight. Such advances are helping to spur the reinvention of the traditional mid layer. The Nørrona Lofoten Alpha Raw Zip Hoodie (£140; www.norrona.com) and Rab Alpha Flash Jacket (£100; www.rab.equipment) are two new-for-winter 2017/18 products that exploit Alpha Direct’s qualities. Either will serve the wearer well as part of a cold-weather layering system.
> WE SAY We hope to get a chance to thoroughly test both products soon!