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SIR JOSEPH ALPIN WOOL COLLECTION - SINCE 2017

Have you experienced true natural warmth? Try out now ...

Wool insulation collection - Since 2017 by Sir Joseph ®

Since 2020 we use new outer material Softex® NIUS XT with higher water resistance (DWR treatment 1.000 mm H2O)


Why insulation made of genuine sheep Wool?

We never stop the process of testing new insulation materials, both natural and synthetic, in laboratories as well as in the nature. Getting new experience we are able to introduce top quality products.

  • Goose down has always been the base of Sir Joseph® collection as it has no match in terms of warmth/weight and packability.
  • After an intensive and successful testing of wool insulation, it persuaded us at Sir Joseph® so much that we have decided to leave the traditional insulation material Primaloft and have designed a new line with wool insulation – Sir Joseph® Tirol Wool. And later, from 2020 we use its softer version ALPIN WOOL 3000.

Why has Wool beaten synthetics? How does Wool work?

Air is the key. The main task of all insulation materials is to keep a layer of warm air around your body. Thus hollow fibres, curly fibres and many others have been developed. Not the fibre but the air it contains and keeps matters. The more air, the more body heat it retains.

Wool fibre absorbs vapour and gives out vapour – the magic no synthetic material can perform (it is able to absorb 30 % of moisture compared to its weight).

  • Wool absorbs and evaporates body moisture in the form of vapour. The moisture is trapped inside the fibre and the space around the fibre keeps to be filled out with air that effectively retains the body heat. Wool keeps the body in so called “dry warmth”.
  • Synthetic materials transport moisture in the form of liquid. The body moisture condenses in the insulation layer, the water drops fill the space between the fibres and expel the air. The less air, the less warmth. Moreover, the liquefied moisture conducts the body heat away and increases thermal losses.

Wool insulation actively supports thermoregulation of your body. Thanks to the fibre structure it is able to keep the balance between the heat emanated by the body and the heat transmitted to the surrounding.

Down or Wool?

These insulation materials are close to each other and get more popular because of:

  • 100% natural origin, 100% biodegradability, 100% recyclability
  • long lasting performance
Down Wool

Top quality goose Down used by Sir Joseph® keeps you warm even in the most extreme conditions.

  • High thermal resistance at low weight of insulation fill. Down keeps a layer of still air around the body. The air works as thermal insulation. It retains the body heat and warms us up. The higher quality Down, the more air, the more thermal resistance, the more warmth.
  • Down absorbs moisture to a certain level and transports away from the body. Even wet Down features sufficient thermal resistance.
  • Packable (minimum transport volume).
  • Deserves more care.
  • May cause allergic reaction *.

Wool has longer tradition warming up a human body than Down (or Feather) and thanks to its unique properties and the current trend of healthy lifestyle it is back to keep you warm during active aerobic activities.

  • Optimum thermal comfort at most temperature and humidity conditions.
  • ALPIN WOOL 3000 used by Sir Joseph® is hypoallergenic – the fibre structure does not allow growth and dissemination of dust mites thus minimizes possible allergic reactions.
  • ALPIN WOOL 3000 used by Sir Joseph® features active antibacterial and fungicide agent zinc pyrithione thus it resists odours and bacteria multiplication.
  • Durable and resistant to washing, keeps original properties for years.
  • Worse warmth/weight ratio **

* Sir Joseph® uses Down with hypoallergenic treatment minimizing the presence of dust mites.
** Expedition jacket Sir Joseph® 8000 II for extreme mountains or polar adventures up to -40 °C filled with Down weights 1120 g. A jacket filled with wool with the same thermal comfort would weight 2500 g.

Activities and conditions suitable for Wool and /or Down?

Choosing our sports outfit we take into account conditions prepared by the nature (temperature, weather) and given by our decision (place and intended activity):

Low temperatures up to severe freezing (-10 to -40 °C) and less aerobic load mean: Down wins without any doubt.

The body emanates heat but not enough to make us feel comfortable. Quality insulation with minimum thermal loses is needed. The lighter, the better. Days like these are ideal for a Down jacket.

Temperature rises (-10 to +5°C), a man moves faster, the body emanates more heat and generates body moisture (sweats).

The need to insulate remains to keep the comfort, plus the question of body moisture has to be solved. Either you can use Down garments with less fill weight (thinner Down jacket), or a Sir Joseph® ALPIN WOOL jacket. Possibly combine the two, ALPIN WOOL jacket and Down vest. ALPIN WOOL for constant comfort during the whole activity. DOWN for immediate and instant warming up while having a rest during climbing or summiting the peak.

Temperature rises above 0°C; Wool beats Down at most activities.

Aerobic load does not require so much insulation. The only issue matters - the moisture. The thermal insulation is to be solved after the performance, while taking a rest and relaxing. Warmer conditions are in favour of Wool.

Conditions Activity Goose Down Alpin Wool Insulation
Extremely low temperature, dry freeze
(up to -40°C)
Low humidity
Extreme expeditions, mountaineering and climbing, hiking, trekking
Aerobic / anaerobic
+++++Down is unbeatable insulation for any activities +Suitable as insulation 2nd layer only
Low freezing temperature
(up to -15°C)
Low humidity
Downhill skiing, alpine touring, trekking, hiking, walking, climbing ... +++++Less active sports and anaerobic activities
(downhill, climbing ...)
+++Active aerobic sports
(cross-country, backcountry, alpine touring ...)
... summiting the peak put on a down jacket
Low temperature
(-10°C to +5°C)
Medium and higher humidity
Alpine touring, hiking, Nordic walking, climbing, running, biking ... ++++Anaerobic activities
A layer for fast warm up
++++Aerobic activities (alpine touring, Nordic walking, climbing ...)
Active thermoregulation for the whole activity
Warmer conditions
(0°C to + 15°C)
Medium and high humidity
Trekking, hiking, Nordic walking, climbing, running, biking ... ++A back-up layer for extra warm +++++Active thermoregulation for the whole activity

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