Key takeaways
- CrossCore is an insulation technology that incorporates aerogel for high warmth-for-weight.
- Aerogel is an ultra-light, exceptionally insulating material (gel with gas replacing the liquid).
- It aims to deliver warmth in a thinner, lighter profile than conventional insulation.
- It's an advanced, niche technology used in some performance jackets and gear.
Brand technology using aerogel.
What CrossCore is
CrossCore is an insulation technology that incorporates aerogel — an ultra-lightweight, exceptionally insulating material — into synthetic insulation to boost warmth without adding bulk. Aerogel is a solid derived from gel with its liquid replaced by gas, and it’s one of the best-insulating materials known.
Why aerogel
Aerogel has extremely low thermal conductivity for its weight, so incorporating it can deliver more warmth in a thinner, lighter package than conventional fills. The challenge has been making aerogel flexible and durable enough for soft, wearable apparel — which CrossCore addresses by combining it with synthetic insulation.
A buyer choosing a slim performance jacket sees it uses CrossCore aerogel insulation — getting notable warmth in a thin, low-bulk profile by harnessing aerogel’s insulating power, where a conventional fill would need more loft for the same warmth.
Where it’s used
CrossCore appears in some performance insulated jackets and gear aiming for high warmth-to-weight in a slim profile. It’s an advanced, niche technology — one of several next-generation approaches to insulation alongside premium fills like PrimaLoft and breathable active insulation — rather than a mainstream jacket fill.
The bottom line
CrossCore is an advanced insulation technology that brings aerogel — one of the most insulating materials known — into synthetic insulation, aiming for high warmth in a thin, light profile. By harnessing aerogel's exceptional insulating power, it's one of several next-generation approaches to insulation, found in specialized performance jackets rather than everyday gear.
Frequently asked questions
What is CrossCore?
CrossCore is an insulation technology that incorporates aerogel — one of the most insulating materials known — into synthetic insulation to increase warmth without adding bulk. Aerogel is an ultra-lightweight solid (a gel with its liquid replaced by gas), and CrossCore harnesses its exceptional insulating ability to make warmer, thinner insulation for jackets and gear.
Why is aerogel used in insulation?
Because aerogel is one of the best-insulating materials in existence, with extremely low thermal conductivity for its weight. Incorporating it into insulation can boost warmth in a thinner, lighter package than conventional fills. The challenge has been making aerogel flexible and durable enough for soft, wearable apparel, which technologies like CrossCore work to address by combining it with synthetic insulation.
Where is CrossCore used?
It's used in some performance insulated jackets and gear aiming for high warmth-to-weight in a slim profile. It's an advanced, relatively niche technology — one of several next-generation approaches to insulation — rather than a mainstream fill like down or standard synthetic insulation, so you'll find it in specialized rather than everyday products.
Sources
- Insulation technology — The Mountaineers
- Advanced materials — Textile Exchange