Singing the praises of lightweight synthetics

Yesterday afternoon a good hour was spent discussing the merits of lightweight synthetic insulation and one question kept cropping up, why do not more people yet use lightweight synthetic garments? Heavier weight synthetic jackets now do seem to be catching on, certainly the success of our elusive Fitzroy Jacket would suggest a growing demand but this growth in interest does not yet seem to have been replicated in lightweight insulation.

There is little doubt that lightweight synthetics are absolutely brilliant for so many situations and given that they are suitable for year round use any climber, mountaineer, hillwalker or backpacker should consider these an absolutely essential part of their year round kit.

Other than on the hottest of Summer days, I cannot remember a single time in the past 2 years when I have not packed a Compressor Vest or Compressor Jacket into my pack. A synthetic garment is infinitely more versatile than fleece. Its generally lighter than fleece, certainly has a much better warmth to weight ratio, compresses down smaller so takes up less space in your pack, is generally windproof whereas a fleece rarely is and will continue to work in even the most awful weather conditions. And even with all these protective attributes they remain exceptionally breathable. What more could you ask for in a layering piece?

Keeping the evening chill at bay during high Summer

So bear this in mind. Your average mid-weight fleece weighs around 600 grams whilst your average lightweight microfleece weighs around 300 grams. Both of these, but especially the microfleece would be considered year-round pieces. A product such as our Compressor Vest weighs just 255 grams, our Compressor Jacket little over 300 grams. You can do the maths!

So why have these products still not taken the outdoor world by storm? Why is it that every mountain guide, or instructor I know swears by them and yet they are still rarely seen? Is it that they look technical, they don't have the casual and cosy look that fleece does? Is it that the word insulation pigeon holes these garments into the preserve of some hardy winter mountaineers or are they just too difficult to find in retail stores?

In winter, a light synthetic vest can be be the perfect booster

Well if you want to re-think the way your outdoor layering system works, want products that will lighten your load, garments that have year round versatility and therefore represent maximum value for money, you could do a lot worse than start looking at lightweight synthetic insulated jackets.