Polartec Alpha insulation is one of the modern marvels in the apparel industry. Called an active insulation, the airy material provides surprising warmth while staying highly breathable, quick drying, compressible, lightweight, and surprisingly durable. It’s no surprise then that the material is included on many of our staff’s favorite cold-weather pieces.
Now, Ornot is adding Alpha insulation to two new pieces (and one updated piece) to keep your hands, feet, and core nice and toasty.
Alpha Gloves
The Alpha Gloves ($85) are designed for winter cycling conditions. The Polartec Alpha insulation relies on “an air-exchange system” that manages moisture while maintaining warmth.
The gloves include pre-shaped fingers for brake and gear operation, palm padding for handlebar comfort, and wind and water-resistant exterior fabric. Additional features include conductive fingertips for touchscreen use and reflective graphics for visibility.
The lightweight, compressible design aims to provide thermal protection without restricting hand movement during extended rides in cold weather conditions.
Alpha Shoe Covers
For your feet, the Alpha Shoe Covers ($95) feature Polartec Alpha insulation that maintains warmth even when wet. They also include wind and water-resistant exterior fabric with a waterproof lateral zipper.
The shoe covers incorporate several practical elements, including Velcro closure on the underside (which is said to be great for gravel), reflective graphics for visibility, and reinforced toe and heel areas for durability. A pull tab allows for quick removal after rides.
The breathable design aims to manage moisture while providing insulation during cold, wet, and windy conditions.
Alpha Vest
The Alpha Vest ($152) was initially introduced back in late 2024, so it seems that this news is mostly for the new Azul colorway. The vest still incorporates Polartec Alpha Direct insulation with a wind-blocking front panel made from recycled stretch-woven fabric (unlike the unfaced Alpha vest that integrated into their former Trail Magic jacket). The back is exposed Alpha insulation, for excellent ventilation out back and wind blocking up front. Thanks to the lightweight construction, the vest weighs just 150 grams in medium size.
The vest includes a 2-way YKK zipper to adjust ventilation and access rear jersey pockets while maintaining coverage. An Ornot staple, the 120 gsm Polartec Alpha insulation used is from deadstock materials, and the vest is constructed using bluesign-approved recycled materials manufactured by hand in Oakland, California.
The vest is intended to be layered over thermal jerseys in cool weather or worn under jackets for additional insulation on the coldest days.
