Carinthia HIG 4.0 — High Insulation Garment
The Carinthia HIG 4.0 is a premium cold-weather protection jacket developed in close collaboration with NATO special operations forces and law enforcement tactical units. Manufactured in Europe by Carinthia — an Austrian company with over 45 years of expertise in extreme-weather gear — the HIG 4.0 represents the pinnacle of their military outerwear line, delivering reliable protection in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F).
About Carinthia
Founded in 1975 by Augustin Mayer in Seeboden, Austria, Carinthia (originally Goldeck Textil) pioneered synthetic insulation technology when the industry was still reliant on natural down. Their proprietary G-LOFT® insulation was born from years of intensive R&D, with the first production facility opening in 1981. By 1982, the Austrian Army placed its first order, followed by the Swiss Army (1988), the Indian Army (1999 — 70,000 sleeping bags), and the Swedish and German Armed Forces (2003). Today, Carinthia exports to over 70 countries and maintains 100% European production, including a state-of-the-art G-LOFT® plant constructed in Slovakia in 2017. Their gear is trusted by elite units worldwide, including the German KSK, Polish GROM, and British SAS.
G-LOFT® Insulation Technology
At the core of the HIG 4.0 is Carinthia's proprietary G-LOFT® premium synthetic insulation — engineered to combine the outstanding thermal properties of natural down with the durability and wet-weather reliability of synthetic fibers. Unlike down, G-LOFT® maintains its insulating capacity even when wet. Its unique memory effect ensures the insulation always returns to its original loft and warming shape, even after frequent washing and heavy field use.
ISO Mapping & NIR Signature Reduction
The 4.0 series features Carinthia's ISO Mapping Technology, which divides the body into distinct thermal zones to build warmth where it is most needed. The body core receives 145g/m² of insulation while the arms receive 110g/m², optimizing heat retention without unnecessary bulk. Additionally, the HIG 4.0 incorporates NIR (Near-Infrared) signature reduction — through optimized cut geometry, reduced outer seams, covered hardware components (cord stoppers, pull cords), and specialized IR CAMO-treated materials, the jacket minimizes infrared emission, reducing detectability by night vision devices.
Materials & Construction
- Insulation: G-LOFT® — 145g/m² body, 110g/m² arms (100% polyester)
- Outer Shell: 100% polyamide with PTFE membrane — windproof and water-repellent
- Inner Lining: 100% polyamide
- Reinforcements: Cordura®-reinforced elbows and shoulders for extended durability
Features
- Hood: Three-way adjustable, fully stowable in the collar — helmet compatible
- Front Closure: Two-way concealed front zipper with internal storm flap, wind guard, and chin protection
- Ventilation: Dual side-access ventilation openings for on-the-move temperature regulation
- Cuffs: Elastic arm bands with integrated pulse warmers — allows watch visibility while blocking wind
- Hem: Adjustable elastic drawcord for sealing out cold and wind
- Standing collar for additional wind protection
Pockets & Storage
- 2 large outer zip pockets — thermofleece-lined for hand warming
- 3 arm pockets with zip closure
- 1 Napoleon-style internal zip pocket
- 3 square Velcro loop areas for IFF patches and unit identification
Specifications
- Weight: 1,200g / 2.6 lbs (size M)
- Pack Size: 17 x 33 cm — compression bag included
- Temperature Rating: Down to -20°C (-4°F)
- Color: Olive
- Made in Europe
Note: Fit runs slightly large. Includes compression storage sack.
