Insulation
Insulation Recommendations
Insulation is warmth insurance. Layering beats “one big thing.”
Primary
Your normal warmth layer for expected conditions.
- Primary Insulation Pick #1 (Base Layer)
- Primary Insulation Pick #2 (Mid Layer)
- Primary Insulation Pick #3 (Packable Insulation)
- What to look for: warmth-to-weight, comfort, packability.
Alternate
Backup warmth layer stored separately.
- Alternate Insulation Pick #1 (Backup Layer)
- Alternate Insulation Pick #2 (Warm Hat/Gloves)
- Alternate Insulation Pick #3 (Dry Socks)
- What to look for: different material/strategy, quick access.
Contingency
Extra warmth for colder-than-expected conditions.
- Contingency Insulation Pick #1 (Warmth-to-weight Upgrade)
- Contingency Insulation Pick #2 (Wet-weather Warmth)
- Contingency Insulation Pick #3 (Sleep Warmth Boost)
- What to look for: works damp, compresses well, durable.
Emergency
Emergency warmth to stabilize a survival situation.
- Emergency Insulation Pick #1 (Emergency Bivy/Blanket)
- Emergency Insulation Pick #2 (Heat Retention Layer)
- Emergency Insulation Pick #3 (Hands/Feet Warmers)
- What to look for: fast deployment, high reliability.