After extensive testing, below we break down the strengths and weaknesses of the Uberlayer including warmth, water and wind resistance, fit, features, and more. Performance Active Insulation: Polartec Alpha To see how the Uberlayer stacks up against the competition, see our comparison table and article on the best synthetic jackets. One of the most intriguing features of the Outdoor Research Uberlayer is the stuff on the inside: Polartec’s Alpha synthetic insulation. The Uberlayer is at home in a wide range of temperatures Having enjoyed Patagonia’s Nano-Air for about a year, which aims for the same goal of breathability and lightweight warmth with its FullRange insulation, we were curious to see how the original active insulation would compare. The Uberlayer certainly made some strong first impressions. Our first venture out was a late season hike with conditions varying from 30 degrees and snowing to 50 and sunny. While my hiking partner was slipping their insulating layer on and off as the terrain and weather changed, I never once thought to remove it. Even when we stopped for lunch, it kept me warm enough that I didn’t need to reach for a shell-a testament to its temperature regulating properties. Polartec Alpha is differentiated from traditional synthetic insulation like PrimaLoft by its low-density design. This different fabric weave releases sweat vapor efficiently through the jacket but traps heat in its numerous air pockets when you’re inactive. It’s warm when you stop and stays cool when you’re on the go. The design was first conceived for the U.S. Special Forces, but its benefits are enjoyed in nearly every form of outdoor activity. If all-out warmth is your aim, we recommend a different piece. There are synthetic jackets with more insulation that weigh about the same or less. This is where the hi-pile Alpha insulation can’t keep up with an equivalent amount of PrimaLoft, and neither synthetic insulation can compete with a premium down jacket. For synthetic jackets in its price range, we found that the Uberlayer is slightly warmer than the Patagonia Nano-Air and Arc’teryx Atom LT, but not as much as one would expect for having significantly more insulation (98 g/m2 for the OR compared with 60 g/m2 for the other two). If you’re not working hard, expect a comfort range of about 45F to 60F with a lightweight baselayer underneath. On the move, that can dip below freezing. Simply put, we haven’t found a jacket that brings together this level of warmth and breathability. Time and time again, we were impressed with the breathability of the Uberlayer, and it wasn’t always on the trail or slopes. It even excels at mundane tasks like shoveling a driveway. And the excellent breathability doesn’t just come down to the insulation. Mesh lining the interior as well as the stretchy nylon shell promotes moisture transfer away from your baselayer. The Uberlayer is a better breather than competition like the Atom LT or Rab Strata and a better insulator than the similarly breathable Nano-Air.
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