Synthetic Insulation


Featured Group Test

Head To Head Heavyweight Belay Jackets from Mountain Equipment and BD

Stand around in cold conditions and you'll soon conclude that most synthetic insulated jackets are not really that warm. For max winter comfort you need to go large. Here two of the world's beefiest synthetic jackets - Black Diamond's Belay Parka and the Mountain Equipment Citadel - slug it out. Which will be crowned the heavyweight ...


Latest Reviews

These are reviews from the UKH editorial team

Arc'teryx Proton Heavyweight Hoody

Warmer and more weatherproof alternatives are better for winter belaying duty, while the Proton Heavyweight is notable chiefly for its balance between insulation and breathability, says John McKenna. There can't be many synthetic jackets this t...

Black Diamond First Light Stretch and First Light Hybrid Jackets

Designed to be worn on the go in a range of conditions, these midweight synthetic insulated jackets are each a good breathable choice for hillwalkers, climbers and mountaineers, says John McKenna. But one is cut rather better...

Rab's Updated Xenair Alpine Jacket

Comfy on the move yet warm when you're stationary, the new version of this synthetic insulated jacket is significantly thicker than the original, making it potentially a better bet in winter. But has it improved in other respects? Dan Bailey finds out.

The North Face Casaval Hoodie

This lightly insulated hoody is sold as a mountaineering jacket - and it's great for that, says Rob Greenwood; but it's a lot...

Mountain Equipment Shelterstone Jacket

Warm for a midweight synthetic insulated jacket, and boasting a full complement of climber-friendly features, the...

Sprayway Grendel Jacket

This midweight synthetic insulated jacket is ideal for keeping warm on the move. Its Gore-Tex Infinium fabric offers excellent...

Montane Fireball Lite Hooded Jacket

Light, breathable and extremely versatile, this hybrid synthetic insulated jacket is easy to love and hard to fault, finds...


Latest News

These are announcements direct from manufacturers

Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody

 Atom LT Hoody - An icon evolves. Steeped in the alpine, this versatile hoody has warmed climbers, hikers, backcountry skiers and downtown commuters for over a decade.

Arc'teryx Nuclei FL Jacket

Back by popular demand after a three-year hiatus, the Nuclei FL Jacket returns to provide warmth. Made with best in class materials to deliver the greatest possible warmth-to-weight ratio that synthetic insulation has to offer.

Arc'teryx Proton LT Hoody

The Proton LT Hoody is equipped with a breathable insulation package to manage the dynamic needs of mountain pursuits and perform as a self-regulating mid layer for a variety of high output activities.

Jöttnar Launches New Elvar Jacket

Jöttnar introduces its brand new Elvar jacket as part of its Winter 2018/19 range launch.

Rab: Update your insulation in time for winter

Rab are world leaders of insulation - we have spent decades perfecting the performance of our products....

Montane Winter Range Overview

Highlights of Montanes Winter Range, including innovative new insulation, shell, and mid-layers.

The North Face Summit L3 Ventrix™ 2.0 Hoodie

Your new alpine workhorse, this synthetic-insulated mid layer features our cutting-edge dynamic-venting...


All Synthetic Insulation Posts

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