The Midlayer Jacket and Hoody are cross-functional pieces which find their DNA in Sitka’s Kelvin Active Jacket. However, due to material and construction, the Arrowhed Midlayer is even lighter and more breathable.
The key to this midlayer is its effectiveness as both a standalone piece and as part of a wet weather layering system. Exceptionally lightweight, highly breathable and compressible making it well suited for Special Reconnaissance tasks.
In fact, I’ve been wearing one for several months and love the comfort, both in how it feels against the skin but also how it feels as it warms up and under exertion.
The key to the success of the Midlayer Jacket and Hoody is the employment of Polartec Alpha Direct which is the newest variant of their Alpha insulation, originally invented for use in USSOCOM’s Protective Combat Uniform level 3 jacket.
Alpha has become extremely popular in outdoor clothing due to its high air permeability, allowing perspiration to escape. Alpha Direct is even more breathable as they’ve eliminated the next to body layer of the sandwich-style application of the insulation. Yet, Alpha Direct retains the loft to create air pockets which create a layer of insulating air. When you’re static it insulates, but when you move, heat and perspiration can be be pushed away from the body. This process is facilitated by the use of Brookwood AEROLITE H600 30d Nylon Ripstop face fabric which offers breathability and packability.
Because Alpha Direct has direct contact with the skin or other fabric layers, it increases breathability, while reducing weight, bulk, and dry-times.
In addition to those factors, you also get zippered handwarmer pockets and a single chest mounted zippered pocket.
The backer and exterior face readily accept dyes and can be color matched to maintain a consistent subdued tone throughout the garment. It not feels good, but looks good as well.
Offered in Coyote, Black and Lead, sizes Small – XXLarge, the jackets are made in El Salvador meaning they are TAA compliant.
US Elite has posted a blog entry about Polartec Alpha. They’ll will also be conducting a concurrent Facebook and Instagram Live event today at 1430 EDT where they’ll show you the line and conduct a giveaway.
Find an Arrowhead Dealer here.
