hybrid jackets becoming more common

[wayno]

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/gear-featu ... /8726.html

Four New Hybrid Jackets For Autumn 2011

Zoning or body-mapping from Berghaus, Rab, adidas and The North Face - four new jackets for autumn 2011.
Posted: 6 September 2011
by Jon

In The Zone For Winter 2011
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There's nothing particularly novel about combining fabrics to create a hybrid zoned or even 'body-mapped' jacket, savvy outdoor designers have been doing it for ages, but we noticed four subtly different new designs out there for this winter, all using a mix of fabrics and insulation in subtly different ways to optimise performance. Or that's the idea anyway.

In no particular order, they're the new adidas Terrex fast XFM Hi Pulse jacket, with windproof outer mixed with zone microgrid fleece liner in different weights, then there's the North Face Super Zephyrus Jacket, which mixes PrimaLoft and PowerStretch fleece.

Also on the insulation side of things, for this winter, Berghaus has its Mtn.Haus developed hybrid of PrimaLoft and water-resistant down Mount Asgard Hybrid Jacket. And finally, the new Rab VapourRise Guide winter jacket has an interesting zoned liner to make it easier to wear and pull on and off.

What they all have in common is the use of different linings or fillings in different areas. You might, for example, choose a thinner insulation for the sleeves to avoid restricting movement. Or for areas that are more likely to get wet. Or sit under a pack, where thick insulation isn't necessary.

You might choose to use thicker insulation in areas which cool fast and thinner in the hotter bits. Or vice versa if your're aiming to lose rather than retain heat. In any case, here are four new jackets you'll be seeing in the shops soon along with some details of what makes them tick. First looks to follow.

[slparker]

interesting...I've occasionally used my cycling jacket for x-country skiing and walking as it is windproof on the front only (meaning it breathes well under the arms and has no wondproofing under the pack area) it works well.