Abstract: A compressible insulating material for use in active garments and other gear is provided herein. The material comprises an insulating material including one or more types of fiber, with portions of the insulating material removed or cut to improve the warmth-to-weight and compression characteristics of the insulating material. In some embodiments, the insulating material is an elastic insulating material that defines perforations or other features that expand or contract depending on stretching or relaxation of the elastic insulating material. Stretching and relaxation may vary an insulating property of the compressible, low-weight insulating material. The material may further be secured to a stretch-resistant material to provide a reference point for stretching and for and elastic memory. A garment comprising one or more panels of a compressible, low-weight insulating material as described herein is also provided.