I tried using an insulation jacket made with an unknown insulation material "Aerogel" in Hokkaido in winter [Real wear review]

This mid-layer is an essential winter outdoor wear for cold weather protection, but this season, the synthetic padded insulation jacket equipped with aerogel, which can be considered the material of the future, is hot! This means that we recently introduced it as an "introduction section" on this website . When you read that article, you will fully understand how innovative and wonderful this unknown object is. The more you know, the more surprising you will be.

So this time, I actually purchased five synthetic insulation jackets that are luxuriously equipped with aerogel material, and compared them in the extremely cold Hokkaido field.

I tried using it in Hokkaido in December 2020 for mountain climbing, running, and everyday use. Basically, I only wear a jacket over a base layer (I'm quite sweating).

This verification has the commonality of being equipped with aerogels, but please understand that since each one has a very different specs and different usage concepts, the verification factor was largely based on the traditional side-by-side comparison method. Let's go now.

Comparison results & specs

*☆☆☆☆☆~★★★★ Ratings are relative ratings by reviewers.
If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here

Aerogel-equipped insulation jacket reviews for each item

Patagonia DAS Parka: Achieves the most light and warmth in the history of synthetic insulation

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• Absolute security that can be used without hesitation even in harsh winters
• Excellent heat retention per weight
• Easy to operate zipper and drawcord

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• Portability
• touch
• price

It's synthetic, but it's warmth and light, just like it's covered in air.

Speaking of DAS hoodies, it has continued to reign as a masterpiece as Patagonia's belay hoodie, but in 2016 it was discontinued, despite its regrettable appearance. I don't know the details, but this season he made a spectacular comeback with aerogels. First of all, I would like to say that in this test, this DAS parka would definitely say that it has the best heat retention. This is a very luxurious and highly finished item that combines the good points of the down jacket and synthetic insulation at a high level.

The moment you put it on, you get the feeling of being wrapped in warm air. Even in the midst of the cold, I couldn't help but be surprised at how warm it is, which is hard to imagine from the weight of the appearance. The padding material used is 133g, the most voluminous of PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core Technology. Of the five items this time, the overall weight is 556g, which is the heaviest, but it was definitely one of the best in terms of heat retention.

In addition to the 133g volume of insulation, the front is supplemented with 40g insulation, which not only improves heat retention, but also significantly improves windproof performance, and has been thoroughly treated with DWR processing, making it highly weather resistant.

Looking at the silhouette, the hem length is longer than the dimensions of a typical jacket, and even if the hem shifts due to intense exercise, it prevents wind from entering from below (Photo 1).

It is intended to be worn over a hard shell, so the size is slightly larger. I usually wear size L (size M for overseas projects), which is of Japanese standard size), but this item is in the S size and it looked just right.

Extremely usable detailed features

In addition, the smallest features are also excellent. The drawcords in the left and right pockets are easy to access and can be adjusted by simply pulling, and the large release buttons placed at the hem are easy to press and extremely easy to operate (Photo 2).

Furthermore, by hooking your thumb onto the thumb loop on the inside of the sleeve and applying tension, you can easily squeeze the cuffs, preventing cold air from entering and keeping warm air inside without letting it escape (Photo 3). This specification is quite rare, and this was my first time seeing it.

The main zipper has a 2-way zipper that can be opened and closed from the top and bottom, allowing you to adjust the ventilation (Photo 4).

All of the zippers used in the Das Parka are vislon zippers, and they slip well, so I didn't feel any particular stress. In addition to the left chest pocket and handwarmer zipper pockets on the left and right, there are also large mesh pockets on the inside and right. It can be used to store anything, such as gloves, climbing skins, harnesses, and accessories. It was also possible to put a warm Nalgene bottle in it.

The large hood can also be worn over a helmet. An extremely easy-to-operate drawcord is placed behind the hood, allowing it to fit securely even when the helmet is not on (Photo 5).

Overall, it has plenty of necessary functions, no unnecessary functions, and yet they are both extremely easy to use, so I think it's a masterpiece that makes you want to let go of it.

On top of that, if I would like to see some personal improvements, the inner fabric is soft and doesn't have any issues with the feel, but if I were to be greedy I would have liked to have soft fleece material placed near the mouth. Furthermore, since the stuff sack is as big as a sleeping bag, I wish it would have been a little more compact (Photo 6).

By the way, it can be stored in a slightly smaller stuff sack, and can be stored fairly compactly.

Overall, it's a great item, but the situation where you can really show your true potential is probably the hard winter situation where it gets cold and wet, such as ice climbing or winter mountain climbing during the harsh winter. If you are not expecting such a hard usage environment, you may find that the price will be over-spec, but there is no doubt that this item can be expected to perform well for the price.

 

Patagonia Official Website Men's DAS Parka

NORRONA Trollveggen Primaloft100 Zip Hood: Super-warming fiber jacket for climbing in the harsh winter season

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• Durability
• Heat retention per weight
• It's so light that you can't imagine from the appearance
• A wealth of storage
• A sturdy hooded ball

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• Portability
• Breathable performance

Excellent durability and suitable for any hard environment

The Trollveggen Primaloft100 Zip Hood was released as an extremely warming fiber insulation jacket from Norrona, a high-end Norwegian brand, designed for use in mountain climbing and climbing during the harsh winter. It uses aerogel-equipped padding based on the same Gold as that used in the Patagonia Das parka. Compared to Das Parka, it has a slightly reduced volume, but honestly, it doesn't really feel that much of a difference in heat retention, and it also has an outstanding warmth. It's lightweight, which you wouldn't imagine from the volume of the product. Again, I can sense the true strength of the aerogel material.

The outer material is made of Cordura nylon, which is extremely durable, and the smooth surface that is resistant to scratches can be used without any worries even in hard environments. It doesn't seem to be a problem with interference with ropes or harnesses.

Looking at the fabric on the inside, it was very soft and the author's favorite was the most comfortable item to the touch. The fleece material on the mouth and hood in particular is very appreciated (Photo 7).

Enhanced storage performance

There is also quite a lot of storage. Napoleon pockets and hand warmer pockets on the left and right. The inside has a large mesh pocket only on the left side, but the truth is that I'd wanted it on both sides anyway (Photo 8).

Although the drawcords and release buttons in the hood were difficult to operate compared to Das, they were not so easy to use. What's more, my favorite is that the brim of the hood has a plate that can be used to create a shape, preventing moisture from rain and snow from dripping onto your face.

As a comparison, there are some parts that make Das Parka seem easier to use in terms of usability, but in general it can be said that it is very functional. On the other hand, it could be said that it has reached a level that is comparable to Das Parka, which has a significant price difference in price.

When using, it can be worn over a hard shell, and is also great for intermediate insulation. However, the moisture permeability was disappointing. As was the case with Red Run Pro Hoodie, I often felt that traditional synthetic materials had superior moisture permeability. Belay jackets may not require much moisture permeability, but this is one of the points that we hope will improve in the future to improve the versatility of their applications. I look forward to the future.

THE NORTH FACE Red Run Pro Hoodie: A jacket that can be warmed and moved for midwinter running

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• Fits that stick to your body
• Excellent stretch and easy to move
• Fleece material feels good

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• Not as humid permeability as expected
• Windproof performance

Excellent stretchability and great for training runs in cold seasons

It was the easiest of the lineup to move around and there was no stress during exercise. Versa active fleece is used on the armpits and under the sleeves, which combines 4-way stretch and breathability, making it a model that is extremely good at stretching performance (Photo 9).

Furthermore, the overall feel is good, and the warm fleece material used on the rear neck is also comfortable and I am grateful (Photo 10). The cutting fits perfectly in the arms and in the best possible viewing area, so there is little dead space, making it both stylish and easy to move around.

The outer material is made of PERTEX® QUANTUM material, which repels water firmly and is durable and weather resistant. However, the parts where fleece material is used will naturally allow air to pass through, so the overall condition cannot be said to be excellent in wind resistance. Similarly, there are some parts of the heat retention performance that are inseparable from windproof performance, so it is not possible to say that it will warm you even if you wear it while still standing on the ridgeline. This is intended to be worn in some active situations.

The padding is made of THERMOBALL® PRO, a fine ball-like padding material with built-in aerogel. The overall weight is especially affected by the fact that it is made with a small volume and thinner finish, making it the model with the lowest heat retention of this item. Also, although the jacket is thought to be worn during movements such as running in cold weather, it was not disappointing that its breathability was somewhat disappointing. I'm sweating so I can't say for sure, but when I started sweating violently when I was acting, my sweat was often inevitably saturated. It will come out to some extent from the fleece part located under the armpits and under the sleeves, but it does not come out easily from the padding part, and when you check the inner wall on the back, it often turns into water droplets of saturated sweat (Photo 11).

This model is excellent in terms of comfort and athletic performance, but I really hope that they will work a little harder on breathability. From the above, it can be said that this model is suitable for running on towns, light trails, or for mountain climbing in spring and autumn, rather than for hard outdoor activities.

THE NORTH FACE Wonderlust Hoodie: An all-arounder that is easy to use for both city and trekking

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• Padding restoration power
• Portability
• Stylish form
• Highly versatile

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• Thermal insulation per price
• Not enough for a full-scale winter mountain

Not only does it look, but its resilience is no longer possible

It looks like a down jacket, but it is a synthetic jacket with a padding that is firmly built into the aerogel.

This model is also a very excellent model considering the heat retention and weight ratio. Its lightness and appearance made it hard to tell if it was a down jacket (Photo 12).

The material used is PRIMALOFT® Silver ThermoPlume® PRO, which has been extremely well-established in down performance. What's amazing about this material is that it has an incredible resilience. I was surprised to see how it swelled up as if to say that I had been waiting after packing it into the included stuff sack. Of course, it also has a very high heat retention per weight.

Pertex Quantum is used for the fabric, making it durable, and the DWR processing repels water. The baffle does not use sewing and each partition is made up of crimping, which is also a great addition to improving heat retention and waterproofing performance.

The large wind flaps located behind the main zipper also improve windproof performance. The stretchy hood fits firmly on your head, but it's a size that doesn't fit helmets. This model is not just a perfect winter mountain, but rather a versatile piece for trekking and town use (Photo 13).

Overall, even with intense movements, there was no stress and no restriction. The inner fabric is firm and has a strong crust. The chin part of the wind flap is made of fleece material, but if I were to be greedy I would have wanted a zipper guard on the chin. It comes with a stuff sack, making it easy to carry.

Highly versatile for any occasion

Considering the heat retention performance, it may be difficult for mountain climbing in harsh winters, but it is also a good idea to use it as an intermediate insulation for general mountain climbing, outdoor activities, and winter activities, or to keep it in your backpack as a spare gear.

Additionally, it has a stylish form, making it a relatively omnibusible and versatile item that can be brought with you for everyday use.

LL Bean Primaloft Packaway Hood Jacket: A balanced piece with versatility and cost performance

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• Affordable prices
• Lightweight
• Packable specification

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• Functionality
• Resilience
• Cylindrical silhouette with a weak fit

Lightweight achieved with the highest quality aerogel material

I'm ashamed to say that LLBean was using aerogel materials early on. For this reason, I didn't have much hopes before using it, but in reality, I could feel that it had a high performance that betrayed that prediction in a good way.

The filling is PrimaLoft Gold Insulation With Cross Core Technology. The volume is 60g class, so the resilience is moderate (please consider it to be about the same as Patagonia's nanopuff). However, the heat insulation obtained was clearly higher than conventional synthetic materials (compared to the nanopuffs I had right there). By using the highest quality padding, it seems to be lighter to the very least. It's just light.

Furthermore, looking at the details, all zippers come with a zipper garage for added protection (Photo 14).

The back pocket is packable, making it easy to carry (Photo 15).

However, besides the basic functions, there is no more noticeable ease of use than this, and the silhouette and flattering aspects are not stylish, making it an orthodox American casual style cylindrical shape (Photo 16). There was no particular stretch, and when I did some intense exercise, I felt my armpits and under my sleeves felt tense.

Amazing value for money

Looking at the smallest details, there are few noticeable points, but it is important to remember that you can get this heat retention and lightness for around 10,000 yen. It's probably tough to get to this price even if another manufacturer sells products with the same specifications.

This is recommended for those who want to get the most advanced heat retention and lightness made from the latest materials at the reasonable price possible.

summary

This time, we have also reviewed five items that use the latest aerogel materials at the same time. All of the items use a lightweight, highly heat-retaining padding called aerogel, so there is no doubt that we have been able to feel the high heat retention that is unlikely to happen with this weight in the past. , I realized that the two models, the Das Parka and the Trollveggen Primaloft 100 , which have a large amount of padding, Of course, it is still not as light and compact as down jackets, but with this level of performance, there is a good reason to choose these synthetic insulation jackets, which give you the peace of mind that the heat retention will not drop even when wet, and that it is easy to handle so that it can be easily washed.

Also, THE NORTH FACE Red Run Pro Hoodie is a low mountain in the middle of winter with no snow, rather than climbing, and I found it to be just as easy to use for activities such as hiking and trail running. The former provides adequate warmth and ease of movement when worn as a cold weather wear, while the latter provides moderate warmth and protection even in freezing cold.

We hope this will be helpful when choosing your items.