What is the Ortles Hybrid?
The Ortles Hybrid is a super technical, warm, wind resistant and breathable insulated jacket for fast paced, stop-start activities such as mountaineering and climbing. Featuring a tough outer fabric and a temperature regulating insulation, it's ideal for moving fast and light in the mountains when the weather is changeable.
What is the Ortles made of?
Insulation: Probably the most technical, mind-bending description of an insulation we've ever seen lies in the Ortles, so we'll try and explain it in a logical way! The Ortles features Salewa's TirolWool Celliant insulation; this lightweight insulation combines two fibres, polyester and wool. The polyester has been combined with heat-reactive minerals to essentially regulate your temperature as you stop and start. For example, you're heading up a steep scramble, sweating heavily and exterting a lot of energy, you then reach the summit and stop, therefore cooling yourself down; these fibres attempt to prevent you over-cooling when you reach the summit, and over-heating as you climb. The other fabric used is a high-quality wool sourced from Tirolean sheep to provide warmth and natural odour-resistant properties when using the Ortles for multi-day trips. This insulation is lightweight, warm when wet and incredibly effective; even more so when Salewa position it in specific areas prone to cold.
Outer fabric: Salewa use a mix of fabrics to optimise performance within the Ortles. An abrasion resistant, weather resistant and tough Durastretch fabric is used in areas prone to wear and tear, while a stretchy, breathable fabric is used for areas prone to over-heating such as the underarms. These areas are also far more flexible, offering an unrestrictive range of movement when climbing or mountaineering.
Are there any other features?
Yes, lots. A rear-adjustable, insulated hood offers additional warmth while stationary and will fit underneath a helmet (we also found that it will squeeze over a helmet for short periods) when climbing, while a wide collar offers high coverage for your face and neck in cold conditions. Pre-shaped articulated sleeves are designed not to allow the jacket to rise up when your arms are above your head, and elasticated bindings on the cuffs and hem seal out the cold. Pockets wise, you get two zipped hand pockets, one chest pocket and one inner pocket which can be converted into a compression sack when you need to stuff it into a rucksack or attach it to your harness. All fabrics are BlueSign approved, meaning your jacket is responsibly sourced and environmentally friendly.
How does the Ortles fit?
Featuring an Athletic Fit, the Ortles is slim, long and close fitting for optimal heat retention. That being said, it still has enough room inside to move freely.
Where does this fit in the layering system?
The Ortles is primarily designed to be used with just a baselayer underneath and nothing over the top unless conditions are less favourable. It performs best when moving fast as an outer layer, however in heavy rain it can also be used underneath a shell jacket. The nature of the jacket means if you do get caught out in the rain, it will still stay warm and will dry quickly.
Summary
Probably the techiest, most nerdy jacket in existence, the Ortles is perfect for those who are looking to cover large distances and heights in short periods of time. It's slim, weather resistant, moisture wicking and temperature regulating, making it brilliant for high output activities such as climbing, mountaineering and ski-touring.
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Wind and water resistant
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Insulated with Polyester/Wool mix
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Temperature regulating
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Stretchy underarms
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Internal pocket/compression sack
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Under-helmet hood
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Perfect for high-output activities