Introduction – What is Polartec® Alpha™ and why is it different?
The material is initially developed for the US special forces, engaged in Afghanistan, where the operators quickly moved from phases of high effort to static moments in extreme climatic conditions.
The result is an isolation active:
- retains heat when needed
- quickly releases excess moisture
- does not require additional layers to be removed or put on
Unlike traditional insulations, Alpha™ works in continuo, adapting to the intensity of the effort. And this is precisely why, in recent years, it has become one of the most interesting materials for technical winter clothing.
The field test
For some years now, for my winter clothes, I have been using almost exclusively clothing with Polartec® Alpha™ membrane.
I believe that, as of today, it is the best possible compromise between wind protection and thermoregulation, especially when temperatures drop below freezing.
However, a fundamental element was missing from the roll call: an intimate able to:
- maintain body heat
- effectively expel sweat
- leave the skin dry even after hours of activity
Santini filled this void with the new underwear and vest from the Terranova line, both based on Polartec® Alpha™.
Conditions of use
I tested these items on the coldest days of the year, with exits where the temperature was always below zero.
The main pairings:
- Santini underwear with Polartec® Alpha™ in contact with the skin
- jacket from the Terranova line
- or second layer in merino wool + Santini vest with Alpha™
The result?
Un practically perfect balance between:
- comfort
- freedom of movement
- temperature management
- style
Yes, the style too. Because the line Terranova manages to unite unquestionable technical quality to a refined design. And let's remember this: We're Italian, fashion and style also matter when talking about technical clothing
The definitive proof: when rushing is no longer a problem
But how does this combination really work?
The testing conditions were anything but easy:
- long outings
- extreme climate
- numerous static pauses to take shots (the ones you've seen in my reels and stories)
My philosophy is simple:
If after three hours you come home tired but not because you're cold, then the boss is working.
Or even better:
If after an hour-long climb you stand still for 15 minutes in the shade, on a completely icy path, adjusting your Osmo Action 6… and you don't feel cold, then either you're dead or your gear is working.
Luckily I'm still alive
This means that The Terranova line with Polartec® Alpha™ really does its job. And it does it very well.
Conclusions
In winter, having good clothes is not enough: it is essential to combine them in the correct way.
My ideal setup:
- Underwear with Polartec® Alpha™ in contact with the skin
- Merino wool for insulation and moisture management
- Third layer in Polartec® Alpha™ with windproof membrane
With this combination they can be tackled without any problems long outings, extreme cold and static breaks.
Wanting to exaggerate… you can also go to the North Pole.
