--- title: Alpha™ date: 2018-11-27T06:34:00-08:00 author: Admin Istrator canonical_url: "https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/insulation/alpha" section: Interior Pages --- [Skip to Main Content](#main-content-wrapper) Accessibility Feedback Ask Us About Alpha™ # Alpha™. ## Beyond Active Insulation. [ Features & Benefits. ](#fdp-features) [ Fabric Film. ](#fdp-film) [ Information. ](#fdp-information) [ FAQs. ](#faq) [ Products. ](#fdp-products) [ Stories. ](#fdp-stories) Jump to Section. Adaptive knit technology, made for changing conditions. ![Alpha™ fabric detail]() ## Alpha™ Key Features & Benefits. ![]()### Regulates warmth. ![]()### Lightweight. ![]()### Highly breathable. ![]()### Fast drying. ![]()### Compressible. ![]()### Durable. ![Alpha™ fabric detail]() ![Alpha™]() # Alpha™. ## Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation regulates body warmth for optimized comfort during stop-start activities. Tough, yet lightweight, it's lofted fibers, mesh core and hydrophobic qualities make Alpha™ dependable, highly breathable and fast drying. - A heat regulating experience for changing conditions and unpredictable environments. - Keep heat in when it's needed, let it out when it's not. - Actively moisture resistant and fast drying, to keep up with high output. - Compressible for easy packing. - Made to layer comfortably with other fabrics. ![Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation regulates body warmth for optimized comfort during stop-start activities. Tough, yet lightweight, it's lofted fibers, mesh core and hydrophobic qualities make Alpha™ dependable, highly breathable and fast drying.]() ### What is Polartec® Alpha™? ### What is Polartec® Alpha™? Polartec® Alpha™ is an innovative active insulation designed to adapt to changing conditions by effectively regulating heat and moisture. Originally developed for the US Special Forces to effortlessly handle the stop-go conditions of active combat, Polartec® Alpha™ is available in different lightweight compositions and can be worn as a direct, next-to-skin fabric. By keeping you warm when needed and releasing excess heat during high-exertion activities, it is ideal for outdoor activities. ### What is Active insulation? ### What is Active insulation? Active insulation refers to the dynamic ability of Polartec® Alpha™ to seamlessly insulate the body to regulate heat management during high aerobic output levels while keeping you warm when less active. ### How does Polartec® Alpha™ work? ### How does Polartec® Alpha™ work? Polartec® Alpha™ uses a lofted fiber structure with a mesh core, allowing warm air retention when needed and enhanced airflow during movement. This active thermal-management system prevents overheating and keeps you comfortable in unpredictable environments. ### How is Polartec® Alpha™ different from traditional insulation? ### How is Polartec® Alpha™ different from traditional insulation? Unlike traditional insulation, which traps heat indiscriminately, Polartec® Alpha™ offers dynamic breathability, fast dry times and moisture-resistance. By actively adjusting and automatically responding to your activity level, it keeps you comfortably warm without the risk of overheating. ### What are the key benefits of active insulation? ### What are the key benefits of active insulation? Polartec® Alpha™ active insulation can be worn for a much wider range of activities and conditions than traditional insulation technologies, such as fiber fill or down, which are best suited for static conditions. In fact, Polartec developed its active insulation technology for the US Special Forces to effortlessly handle the stop-go conditions of active combat. With its active air-exchange system that adjusts to temperature variations, the next-to-skin insulation technology excels when actively put to work. ### Is Polartec® Alpha™ moisture-resistant? ### Is Polartec® Alpha™ moisture-resistant? Yes! The hydrophobic properties of Polartec® Alpha™ allow it to repel water and dry quickly. They also prevent moisture buildup, ensuring consistent insulation performance even in damp conditions. ### How breathable is Polartec® Alpha™? ### How breathable is Polartec® Alpha™? Polartec® Alpha™ features an enhanced air-exchange system that is highly breathable. Furthermore, the continuous airflow efficiently manages heat and perspiration, preventing dampness and discomfort during intense activities. ### Is Polartec® Alpha™ lightweight and packable? ### Is Polartec® Alpha™ lightweight and packable? Yes! Polartec® Alpha™ is lightweight and packable, making it very easy to pack without damaging its insulation properties. Offering exceptional warmth without the bulk, Polartec® Alpha™ is an excellent choice for on-the-go adventures or as that extra layer to put in your pack just in case it's needed. ### How durable is Polartec® Alpha™ compared to other types of insulation? ### How durable is Polartec® Alpha™ compared to other types of insulation? Polartec® Alpha™ is expressly designed for high-performance durability. Its resilient structure maintains warmth and breathability over time, even with repeated use and compression. ### What types of garments can be made with Polartec® Alpha™? ### What types of garments can be made with Polartec® Alpha™? Polartec® Alpha™ is perfect for adding an active insulation layer to jackets, mid-layers, and hybrid performance wear. It can also be worn directly next to the skin, and used by fashion brands for its aesthetic appeal. As a result Polartec® Alpha™ is ideal for outdoor sports, hiking, mountaineering, all-weather activities and within the latest fashion trends. ### How should I care for garments made with Polartec® Alpha™? ### How should I care for garments made with Polartec® Alpha™? For best results, wash Polartec® Alpha™ in cold water with mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners to maintain its insulating and breathable properties. And be sure to follow the garment’s care instructions. ### Where can I purchase Polartec® Alpha™ ? ### Where can I purchase Polartec® Alpha™ ? If you're interested in using Polartec® Alpha™ for your designs or collections, please fill out the form below and our team will contact you with more details. Looking for inspiration for your designs? Check out Products and our Made To Partner stories. ## Go Beyond, Today. From industry insider access, to community updates, be the first to know what we’re doing next. [ Made With Alpha™. ](/products?Fabric%20Technology=Alpha%E2%84%A2) [ ![Polartec® Alpha™ Collection]() Sunlove. ### Polartec® Alpha™ Collection. Made with **Alpha™.** ](https://www.polartec.com/partners/products/sunlove-polartec-alpha-collection) [ ![Alpha Sweater]() Ornot. ### Alpha Sweater. Made with **Alpha™.** ](https://www.polartec.com/partners/products/ornot-ornot-alpha-sweater) [ ![FuzzFleece™ AD T-Shirt]() SATISFY. ### FuzzFleece™ AD T-Shirt. Made with **Alpha™.** ](https://www.polartec.com/partners/products/satisfy-fuzzfleece-ad-t-shirt) [ ![Wraith Bomber Jacket]() ThruDark. ### Wraith Bomber Jacket. Made with **Alpha™.** ](https://www.polartec.com/partners/products/thrudark-wraith-bomber-jacket) [ ![Wraith Crew]() ThruDark. ### Wraith Crew. Made with **Alpha™.** ](https://www.polartec.com/partners/products/thrudark-wraith-crew) [ ![falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood]() Norrøna. ### falketind Alpha120 Zip Hood. Made with **Alpha™.** ](https://www.polartec.com/partners/products/norr%C3%B8na-falketind-alpha120-zip-hood) [ ![Men's Hrannar Alpha Zipneck]() 66°North. ### Men's Hrannar Alpha Zipneck. Made with **Alpha™.** ](https://www.polartec.com/partners/products/66-north-mens-hrannar-alpha-zipneck) [ ![Women's Hrannar Alpha Zipneck]() 66°North. ### Women's Hrannar Alpha Zipneck. Made with **Alpha™.** ](https://www.polartec.com/partners/products/66-north-womens-hrannar-alpha-zipneck) [View All Alpha™. ](/products?Fabric%20Technology=Alpha%E2%84%A2) ![Micro Series Fleece]()## Micro Series Fleece. Beyond The Original. The benchmark for soft fleece, made for the cold outdoors. [Explore Micro Series Fleece. ](https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/insulation/fleece-series) ![High Loft™]()## High Loft™. Beyond Cozy And Light. An original, elevated. Fleece made lighter and loftier. [Explore High Loft™. ](https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/insulation/high-loft) ![Power Air™]()## Power Air™. Beyond Efficient. Thermal insulation, made to last. [Explore Power Air™. ](https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/insulation/power-air) ![Power Fill™]()## Power Fill™. Beyond Maximum Warmth. Synthetic insulation made for the freezing outdoors. [Explore Power Fill™. ](https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/insulation/power-fill) ![Thermal Pro™]()## Thermal Pro™. Beyond Fleece. The evolution of an original, made to be versatile. [Explore Thermal Pro™. ](https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/insulation/thermal-pro) ![Wind Pro™]()## Wind Pro™. Beyond Wind Resistance. Advanced weather protection fleece, made to face the wind. [Explore Wind Pro™. ](https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/insulation/wind-pro) ## Alpha™ Stories. [ ![Partner Product Release: Manors Outsider Polartec® Hoodie And Polo X Polartec® Power Dry™]() ### Partner Product Release: Manors Outsider Polartec® Hoodie And Polo X Polartec® Power Dry™ ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-release-ornot-alpha-sweather-2) [ ![Partner Product Release: Ornot Alpha Sweather]() ### Partner Product Release: Ornot Alpha Sweather ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-release-ornot-alpha-sweather) [ ![Partner Product Release: Black crows Stratus Insulator Jacket]() ### Partner Product Release: Black crows Stratus Insulator Jacket ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-release-blackcrows-stratus-insulator-jacket) [ ![Partner Product Launch: Portal X Polartec®]() ### Partner Product Launch: Portal X Polartec® ](https://www.polartec.com/news/-portal-polartec-2025-launch) [ ![Partner Product Release: Santini X Polartec® Windbloc™]() ### Partner Product Release: Santini X Polartec® Windbloc™ ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-release-santini-x-polartec-windbloc) [ ![Featured Partner: Mammut]() ### Featured Partner: Mammut ](https://www.polartec.com/news/featured-partner-mammut) [ ![Partner Product Launch: Sportful x Polartec | Layer Beyond Limits]() ### Partner Product Launch: Sportful x Polartec | Layer Beyond Limits ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-launch-polartec-x-sportful-layer-beyond-limits) [ ![Partner Product Release: Assos X Mammut]() ### Partner Product Release: Assos X Mammut ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-release-assos-x-mammut) [ ![Featured Partner: Berghaus]() ### Featured Partner: Berghaus ](https://www.polartec.com/news/featured-partner-berghaus) [ ![Partner Product Release: Velocio Alpha Zero Vest X Polartec®]() ### Partner Product Release: Velocio Alpha Zero Vest X Polartec® ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-release-velocio-alpha-zero-vest-x-polartec) [ ![Featured Partner: Jöttnar]() ### Featured Partner: Jöttnar ](https://www.polartec.com/news/featured-partner-j%C3%B6ttnar) [ ![Partner Product Launch: Wanderlust Vision Exclusive X Polartec® Alpha™]() ### Partner Product Launch: Wanderlust Vision Exclusive X Polartec® Alpha™ ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-launch-wanderlust-vision-exclusive-x-polartec-alpha) [ ![Partner Product Release: Gallant Outdoor: The G/LAB® Collection X Polartec®]() ### Partner Product Release: Gallant Outdoor: The G/LAB® Collection X Polartec® ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-release-gallant-outdoor-the-g-lab-collection-x-polartec) [ ![Featured Partner: Gobik]() ### Featured Partner: Gobik ](https://www.polartec.com/news/featured-partner-gobik) [ ![Partner Product Release: Ryzon Phantom Running Insulated Vest X Polartec® Alpha™]() ### Partner Product Release: Ryzon Phantom Running Insulated Vest X Polartec® Alpha™ ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-release-ryzon-phantom-running-insulated-vest-x-polartec-alpha) [ ![Partner Product Release: Dynafit]() ### Partner Product Release: Dynafit ](https://www.polartec.com/news/partner-product-release-dynafit) [View All. ](/news) ## Welcome in. ### From Industry insider access to community updates, stay in the loop with everything we do. ### Polartec® Accessibility Feedback. We are committed to making our website accessible to all users. Please provide feedback on how we can improve. Looks like you're visiting from a different country. Would you like to switch to your local site? [ English ](https://www.polartec.com/fabrics/insulation/alpha) [ Chinese ](https://www.polartec.com/cn/fabrics/insulation/alpha)