Gear 101
Insulation for every adventure
Learn how to choose the best insulation layer
Just like snowboards, not all insulation layers are created equal. The best insulation layer to throw in your pack when you leave the trailhead or to slip into on a cold summit depends on the day and the destination. Understanding what weather and touring conditions that different types of insulation excel in is the key to choosing the best layer for your next adventure.
For 2024, we have an entirely new insulation line up including the new Dark Start Recycled Hoodie, the new Ultra Re-Up Down Recycled Jacket, and the redesigned Men’s and Women’s Re-Up Down Recycled Hoodie. The Dark Start is insulated with 100% recycled synthetic Airflake insulation, while the Ultra Re-Up and Re-Up Hoodie are insulated with 100% recycled 750-fill down. The Re-Ups are unique because they are some of the only jackets on the market insulated with 100% recycled down of this high performance fill power.
New for 2024, the Men’s Dark Start Recycled Hoodie is designed to be an insulation layer you can wear when skinning or climbing as it offers breathable warmth and dynamic comfort when you’re on the move. The Dark Start is made with 100% recycled Air Flake insulation. Air Flake is a unique synthetic insulation material made with woven fibers that behave like down clusters. The structure of the fibers traps air to create a soft, high loft and quick drying insulation material that’s super packable. Air Flake retains its warmth even when wet, making it ideal insulation for humid winter climates. The Dark Start is the perfect layer to put on under your shell jacket on cold, stormy days at the resort or in the backcountry. The Dark Start also features a PFC-free DWR coating and zippered pockets so it can be worn as an outer layer on all but the wettest days.
Key characteristics
- Breathable insulation designed for dynamic days
- 100% recycled poly 30D face fabric treated with PFC-free DWR
- High performance 100% recycled Air Flake synthetic insulation
- Articulated fit for comfortable movement
- Stows into zipped internal chest pocket
New for 2024, the Men’s Ultra Re-Up is an ultralight down layer that is the perfect mid-layer to put on under your shell jacket on a brisk yet dry day at the resort, or to keep stashed in your touring pack in case of an emergency in the backcountry. The Ultra Re-Up offers an amazing warmth-to-weight ratio as its made with 100% recycled 750-fill down. The 100% recycled nylon Pertex face fabric is also treated with a PFC-Free DWR to help shed off wet snowflakes.
Key characteristics
- The ideal ultralight mid-layer
- 100% recycled Downproof nylon Pertex 10D face fabric treated with PFC-free DWR
- High performance 100% recycled 750-fill down
- Articulated fit for comfortable movement
- Stows into zipped internal chest pocket
Redesigned this season with larger down baffles, the Re-Up Recycled Hoodie is our warmest insulation layer. It is designed to be worn on its own, or layered under/over a shell jacket. The Re-Up Hoodie has zippered hand pockets and a hidden chest pocket for holding valuables and it’s made with 100% recycled 750-fill down insulation just like the Ultra Re-Up Jacket. The Re-Up Hoodie also features 100% recycled face fabric treated with a PFC-Free DWR.
Key characteristics
- Our warmest and most versatile insulation layer
- 100% recycled Downproof nylon 20D face fabric treated with PFC-free DWR
- High performance 100% recycled 750-fill down
- Articulated fit for comfortable movement
- Zipped hand pockets and a hidden chest pocket
- Stows into zipped internal chest pocket
The best days for down
All down jackets are best used in cold, dry conditions. Down loses its insulative properties when it gets wet, and it’s not that quick to dry out once it’s saturated, so down is not the ideal insulation to bring on soggy, wet days in the mountains. On cold, humid days, synthetic insulation is a better option.
How to choose
Whether a Re-Up or Dark Start is the best choice for you should come down to how you will use the layer the most. If you’re looking for an insulation layer primarily for staying warm before you start moving or at camp, go with one of the down Re-Up’s. If you want a breathable warm layer you can keep on while you climb, check out the Dark Start.
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