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Look inside | Aetherm™ Precision Insulation
Game-changing outdoor insulation.
Photo by Hamish Frost
The status quo for performance insulation hasn’t changed in years; Alpinists can choose either down or synthetic. Both have benefits, and both have drawbacks. This is something we couldn't accept, so rather than be limited by the technology of the past we forged a new path.
Introducing AethermTM Precision Insulation. Painstakingly developed over many years, it’s precisely where it needs to be, balancing warmth and weight, feel and durability, and packability and comfort. This brand new, patent pending insulation technology from Mountain Equipment finally breaks the status quo, providing down-like performance and feel but with the durability and weather resistance of synthetic insulation.
Currently, Aetherm™ is only used in our Oreus range. But, given the technology's versatility and performance benefits we aim to use it in more products soon.
Down or Synthetic | A problem of the past
For as long as we have been heading into the mountains, the decision between down or synthetic insulation has been the first crux of many trips. Whichever you choose, you know you'll be warm. But from there, the drawbacks of each type of insulation start to weigh on your mind.
Down insulation is incredibly effective with exceptional warmth to weight ratio, and feels great when you wear it. But, when it gets wet the performance drastically reduces. On the other hand, synthetic insulation works almost as well in damp conditions as dry but it isn’t as efficient in terms of warmth, weight or pack size.
This is the problem we set out to solve with Aetherm™, combining the warmth and comfort of down with the ruggedness and weather resistance of synthetic insulation.
An evolution in insulation
Aetherm™ Precision Insulation pushes the limits of what is possible with insulation. It has best-in-class warmth-to-weight ratio, high loft, a small pack size and feels incredible to wear.
The patent-pending construction uses multiple strands of recycled polyester fibres weaved within a heat-reflective layer. This 3D structure maximises loft and air trapping but minimises the weight and packsize. It also means you need no stitch lines, reducing cold spots and moisture ingress.
Offering several advantages over down insulation, Aetherm™ retains a “down-like” and yet protective feel. But unlike down, it is brilliant in damp and snowy conditions, absorbing barely any moisture and drying quickly. Like down, the interlocking structure of the insulation minimises bulk but also ensures it does not lose its loft.
Ideal for using year-round, Aetherm™ Precision Insulation pushes the limit of insulation so you can push yours on the mountain.
Mountain Equipment & Insulation | Where does experience get you
Mountain Equipment was born out of crafting performance insulation. From our early founding days of hand-stuffing down sleeping bags in the British Peak District, to pioneering the use of synthetic insulation and peerless construction techniques vital to modern mountaineering clothing and sleep systems.
We have over 60 years of experience in designing and engineering insulated clothing, and we are continuously evolving our technology to meet the exacting standards of modern alpinists and climbers today.
Crafting the Oreus
The Oreus is changing how Alpinists layer in the mountains.
Using Aetherm™ Precision Insulation, the Oreus Jacket and Vest offer versatility in extreme environments. The jacket can be worn as an outer layer, a super warm mid-layer, or thrown over everything as a lightweight belay jacket, and the vest option adds even more options to your layering system.
The Oreus's warmth, quick-drying performance, low weight, and pack size make it perfect for any mountain activity.
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Caring for insulated clothing
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Synthetic insulation clothing guide
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Our synthetic insulation range
