Active Insulation 2024 - Patagonia vs. Arcteryx vs. Mammut vs. Black Diamond

[@curtl1694]

For backcountry skiing I found the Proton and Patagonia too hot. Last year I got the North Face Summit Series Future Fleece. It’s thin, super light, compress to nothing for pack storage. It’s super warm but breathes extremely well and can even use on the skin up. Give it a try!

[@Engearment]

I will definitely have to look into that! I’ve not seen that one.

[@grantwilliams2912]

Great insight.. I have both of these jackets (slightly earlier versions) and love both for what they are designed for.. The warmth to weight of the micro puff, and its features make a fav’.. Hope to see more about the macro and this seasons DAS light - I believe it has a drop pocket 🙂👍

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Thanks for the comparison!

[@Engearment]

Thanks for the nice note!

[@dsw001]

Incredibly informative and your reviews on the previous model (fitted) Patagonia nano air and the Arc’teryx proton are the reason why I have those two hoodies today. Love the active insulation category and looking forward to that Patagonia nano air ultralight coming next year!

[@Engearment]

Awesome to hear, thanks for the great note! So glad you are enjoying the Nano air and Proton. Those are so useful. Happy adventures!

[@sixsanchezNatchyawn]

Thank-you Sean, there's a few brands in there that kick-ass indeed , appreciate the practical review man.

[@Engearment]

Thanks so much for the nice note! So much kick ass gear! :)

[@azvipers]

Just ordered the Proton from REI due to your review. Also ordered the Patagonia hybrid and the updated nano air (don’t like the new baggy fit), just to name a few, due to your past reviews. Always spot on, most informative reviews around.

[@Engearment]

Thanks for the support! Happy to hear the reviews are helping you find the perfect jackets!! These kind of comments are why we do what we do. It is an absolute pleasure to be of any level of help to great people such as yourself. Thank you VERY much for the kind note!

[@JasonVargovchik]

Great video Sean, I think you provide the best reviews on these jackets, solid honest approach on all your reviews! Keep up the great work! Still like to see some honest reviews on STIO and what your thoughts are, thx man!

[@jf7393]

The Atom LT (now just atom) I just can’t get over. I’ve had mine for about 4 years and it’s amazing. So versatile. My favorite absolutely

[@Engearment]

Glad you are loving yours too!!

[@ai7783]

great review! thanks!

[@Engearment]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind note

[@rodrev_hiking6757]

Best active Layer ive ever owened is the Arcteryx Proton Hybrid , closely fallowed by Atom SL

[@whamilto]

I know this was mentioned recently in the comments of another video, but you should test out an Alpha Direct hoodie and wind shirt combo along with a lineup like this. Much lighter, and also more versatile than any of these options. Also much less $$$. I love my Patagonia Nano Air options too as they are about as comfy as anything else I own, but can’t be mixed and matched to accommodate changing conditions as well.

[@Engearment]

Thanks for the suggestion - I'll look into that. I have heard good things.

[@kidavokado]

Super informative thank you! I am considering the Mammut Rime Light but was wondering how does it stack up to the Proton and Atom in terms of warmth and breathability?

[@stringoes]

Great video, thanks for a great range of reviews in one. I love the Arcteryx Atom hoodie, but mine is a bit older and quite short in the torso. Also love the Patagonia hybrid you reviewed, it's a unique but amazing layer. Have you ever tried anything from Gore Wear? They have the R5 windproof running jacket with alpha insulation. Most insane layer I have tried and incredible for running - I'm curious if it would be good for snowsports as it's very breathable. They also just launched the hybrid windstopper Puffy Jacket with Primaloft Gold Cross Core. I can't find much info on that insulation and how it ranks, or the jacket itself. Would be cool if you could review either of them.

[@PaulBeiser]

Another great comparison, my brother! I'll probably use my Proton and Nano Air for Alpine skiing (looks like the Proton may have bit more insulation and warmer?) but the Hybrid for backcountry. Not sure I can afford (or need!) the Mammut and BD but they look great. You killed it again in this review, thanks! Looking better for getting that splitboard out soon! 🏂 Lookout Seans Run..

[@Engearment]

Yea brother man! Good call on the uses for the Nano Air and Proton. But have to agree - the Nano Air Hybrid is the BEST for touring. That and the BD Firstlight. Love to link up at the spot! What size are you in jackets?! I may have something for you :)

[@PaulBeiser]

@ You are the man! I’m between XL (fitted) and L (regular). Look forward to ripping some POW with the Big Dawg! ⛷️❄️🏂

[@bikeste]

Great information. Wish Patagonia would have stayed with a trim fit on the nano air. Hopefully Patagonia listens to your reviews, because that's what most people want based on reviews on their own website.

[@Engearment]

Thanks for the note! I agree that the trim fit works best for this category. I am not sure why they went with the "regular" or baggier fit. I think, maybe, they are trying to hit a larger market with the Nano Air and perhaps a more niche market with the awesome Nano Air Hybrid (and upcoming UL Nano Air). Lets see if they take the insights and make some adjusments. Like you said, the feedback helps them dial in the fit they want to offer for future items. Take care!

[@bikeste]

I know you've reviewed the Aaron heavyweight, which also has a relaxed fit. In your opinion is it relaxed enough to buy a size down?

[@readyme]

Loved my nano air but the face fabric wore pretty quickly. Lots of pilling. My old Atom LT had similar issues. Seriously considering the new Proton for the tougher face fabric. Would you say the Proton is warmer since it has more insulation?

[@colinfarrell3377]

Sitka ambient series with primaloft evolve… best active insulation pieces I’ve ever used. May be a hunting company but they’ve made serious innovations for active pieces in my opinion.

[@Engearment]

I’ve heard good things about the Sitka, I’ll have to take a closer look! I appreciate how they (and KUIU and others) are using such advanced materials. Patagonia and KUIU actually use many similar materials (Toray). Thanks for the heads up on the Primaloft Evolve. I will look into it!

[@MrEricStratten]

Great reviews from someone that is in my size range, I'm a climber, mountain biker, CrossFitter. I also have the same issue with some Patagonia jackets that they are too 'general purpose' cut, I love Arcteryx for their more active cut. Could you please specify which ones can be packed into a pocket? As a climber its helpful to be able to pack the jacket into a pocket to clip to a harness or to stuff into a day bag. Thanks

[@TheMowen21]

I'm interested in your thoughts on the rab xenair alpine and alpine light? Can we have a review please

[@Engearment]

Hello! I would be very interested in that as well! LOL. I need to see if I can get my hands on those. Give me a month. I think I can get a meeting with them :)

[@samhart6277]

Are these in a similar category as the marmot novus hoody? Do you think the novus would perform comparably?

[@Engearment]

Good question. I feel like the Novus is a bit warmer than these jackets. But it is very close in function. It has pockets of insulation as opposed to the panels of insulation that these jackets have. Hope that helps!

[@samhart6277]

Thanks! Great video as always!​@Engearment

[@thdjjfsfh]

I didn't see the OR Deviator, did you miss it or does that go under a different category? Or maybe because it's a size too small.

[@Engearment]

Good call out! I have that one and we reviewed it last year. It is great and would fit in this category. I do not have it anymore (gave it to a friend) so that is why it is not in this. Take care!

[@noblesummits]

Do you ever review Himali? Curious to get your take on their Ascent Stretch Hoodie (100g Primaloft gold active+)

[@Engearment]

Hello! We have tested several Himali items, but not the Ascent Stetch Hoody. yet. Thanks for putting it on our radar! (we are big fans of Himali and have been for years - several of our mountaineer writers use their gear on the big mountains). Thanks and take care!

[@kylebocanegra5948]

Does the Atom LT's cuff bother you? I got it and there is a seem on the cuff that just rubs my wrist and I find it super annoying. Great video!

[@Engearment]

Thanks for the nice note! Honestly, I had not even thought about the cuff. I do have rather scrawny wrists though LOL. I am going to have to pay closer attention to that now that you mentioned it :) Take care!

[@tallndorky]

What size are all of these jackets? I just got the Mammut in an XL and it’s tighter than most of my size large jackets, including my size Large Mammut goretex jacket.

[@Engearment]

Hello! Sorry if I did not clarify. But these are all XL size jackets. I find that “active insulation “ jackets tend to run on the trim or fitted side. I believe that is how they benefit from pushing moisture and heat away from the body.

[@eddiegrinwald]

I'm surprised you didn't throw the North Face Casaval Hybrid Hoodie (Ventrix) in here. How would you rate that among these others? (I already own one and love it, but I'm curious) Thanks for the great reviews!

[@Engearment]

Hey! I included that one last year in the roundup. Great jacket. I loved mine, but I ripped it on a nail. So, I could not physically include it in this years video. Glad you are enjoying yours!

[@ondrejjanoska660]

04:06 You have two of them that mean 50 days of use I guess… not 200 😅

[@Engearment]

The Yellow Patagonia is on its 3rd year of use. The Hybrid is on year 2. Do the math.

[@ChangwoonChoi]

please let me know the size of all jacket . L size?

[@Engearment]

These are all men’s XL. I should have made better note of that. Thanks!

[@kisi5209]

All these versions of jackets with fleece on the underarms/sides have clearly been designed by people who don't live in areas with wind.. 🫣 Please, if you want to add fleece, limit it to underarms, don't use in the arms or down the sides of the body..