Mid-layers are essential for winter outdoor activities, but this season, synthetic insulation jackets featuring aerogel, a material of the future, are all the rage! We recently introduced it as an "introduction" on this website . If you read that article, you'll understand just how innovative and amazing this unknown substance is. The more you learn about it, the more amazing it becomes.
So this time, we purchased five synthetic insulation jackets that are luxuriously equipped with aerogel material and conducted a field comparison test in the freezing cold of Hokkaido
I tried it out for hiking, running, and everyday use in Hokkaido in December 2020. I basically just wore a jacket over a base layer (I sweat a lot)
The two products tested this time have one thing in common: they are both equipped with aerogel, but because their specifications and usage concepts are significantly different, please understand that rather than a traditional side-by-side comparison, the main element of the test was to test each product individually
table of contents
- Comparison results and specifications
- Aerogel Insulation Jacket - Review of Each Item
- Patagonia DAS Parka: The lightest, warmest synthetic insulation ever
- NORRONA Trollveggen Primaloft100 Zip Hood: A highly practical, ultra-warm synthetic jacket for winter mountaineering
- THE NORTH FACE Red Run Pro Hoodie: A warm and flexible jacket for winter running
- THE NORTH FACE Wanderlust Hoodie: An all-rounder that's perfect for both city and trekking
- LL Bean Primaloft Packaway Hooded Jacket: A versatile and cost-effective piece
- summary
Comparison results and specifications
* Ratings from ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★ are relative ratings by reviewers.
If you have trouble seeing the table on a smartphone, please click here.
| item |  |
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| Reference price (tax included) | ¥58,300 | ¥36,300 | ¥34,100 | ¥27,500 | ¥19,800 |
| This is ◎ |
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| This is △ |
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| Thermal insulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of movement | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Not easily stuffy | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Weather Resistant | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| weight | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specs | |||||
| Weight (official) | 556g | 528g | 425g | 380g | 381g (measured size M) |
| material |
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100% NYLON CORDURA. PRIMALOFT® GOLD WITH CROSS CORE TECHNOLOGY |
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Body/lining: 100% recycled polyester Filling: PRIMALOFTR GOLD WITH CROSS CORE TECHNOLOGY (60 grams, 100% polyester) |
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Aerogel Insulation Jacket - Review of Each Item
Patagonia DAS Parka: The lightest, warmest synthetic insulation ever
Here is ○
- Absolute peace of mind that can be used without hesitation even in the harsh winter
- Exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio
- Easy-to-use zipper and drawcord
This is △
- Portability
- touch
- price
Though it is synthetic, it is warm and light, like wearing air
The DAS Parka was a classic Patagonia belay parka, but was sadly discontinued in 2016. While the circumstances are unclear, it has made a spectacular comeback this season, featuring aerogel. As I mentioned at the beginning, this DAS Parka is hands down the best in terms of warmth, based on my testing. It combines the best of down jackets and synthetic insulation at a high level, making it a luxurious and highly refined piece
The moment you put it on, you get an indescribable feeling of being enveloped in warm air. Even in the coldest weather, I couldn't help but be amazed at how warm it was, given its apparent weight. The padding used is PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core Technology, weighing a massive 133g. At 556g overall, it's the heaviest of the five items we looked at, but it's definitely head and shoulders above the rest in terms of warmth
In addition to the 133g of insulation, the front is padded with 40g of insulation, which not only improves heat retention but also wind resistance, and the jacket is also DWR-treated for excellent weather resistance
Looking at the silhouette, the hem is longer than that of a typical jacket, preventing wind from entering from below even if the hem slips down during intense exercise (Photo 1)
Photo 1
It is designed to be worn over a hard shell, so the sizing is slightly larger. I usually wear a Japanese size L (M for overseas models), but the S size for this item felt just right
Excellent usability with detailed functions
Other small functional aspects are also excellent. The drawcords in the left and right pockets are easy to access and allow you to adjust the hem just by pulling them, and the large release button at the hem is easy to press and extremely easy to operate (Photo 2)
Photo 2
Furthermore, by hooking your thumb into the thumb loop on the inside of the sleeve and applying tension, you can easily tighten the cuffs, preventing cold air from entering and keeping warm air trapped inside (Photo 3). This feature is quite rare, and it was the first time I had seen it
Photo 3
The main zipper is a two-way zipper that can be opened from the top and bottom, allowing you to adjust the ventilation (Photo 4)
Photo 4
All of the zippers used on the Das Parka are Vislon zippers, which are smooth and comfortable to wear. In addition to the left chest pocket and two handwarmer zippered pockets, there are also large mesh pockets on the inside left and right. These pockets are extremely convenient and can hold anything from gloves, climbing skins, harnesses, and small items. You can even fit a warmed Nalgene bottle inside
The large hood can be worn over a helmet, and the easy-to-use drawcord at the back of the hood allows for a secure fit even when not wearing a helmet (Photo 5)
Photo 5
It's packed with all the necessary functions, with no unnecessary ones, and yet all of them are extremely easy to use, making it a masterpiece that you'll never want to let go of
If I were to point out areas that I personally would like to see improved, the inner fabric is soft and comfortable against the skin, but if I were to be greedy, I would like to see a soft fleece material placed around the opening. Also, the stuff sack is as big as a sleeping bag, so I would like it to be a little more compact (Photo 6)
Photo 6
By the way, it can also be stored in a smaller stuff sack, making it quite compact
Overall, it's a great item, but I think it really shines in difficult winter situations where temperatures are low and it's wet, such as ice climbing or winter mountain climbing in the dead of winter. If you're not planning on using it in such a harsh environment, it might be overkill for the price, but there's no doubt that it's an item that offers performance that's worth the price
Patagonia Official Website Men's DAS Parka
NORRONA Trollveggen Primaloft100 Zip Hood: A highly practical, ultra-warm synthetic jacket for winter mountaineering
Here is ○
- Durability
- Heat retention per weight
- Unbelievably light in appearance
- Ample storage
- Sturdy hood brim
This is △
- Portability
- Breathable performance
Highly durable and suitable for any harsh environment
The Trollveggen Primaloft 100 Zip Hood, an ultra-warm synthetic insulation jacket from Norrona, is designed for use during midwinter mountaineering and climbing. It features the same gold-based aerogel padding as the Patagonia Das Parka. While slightly less bulky than the Das Parka, it's still exceptionally warm, and honestly, the difference in warmth isn't that noticeable. It's surprisingly lightweight, despite its apparent bulk. Here again, the power of the aerogel material shines through
The outer material is made of Cordura nylon, which is extremely durable and scratch-resistant, and its smooth surface makes it easy to use even in harsh environments. It doesn't seem to cause any problems with ropes or harnesses
The inner fabric is very soft, and I found it to be the most comfortable of all the items. The fleece material around the mouth and hood is especially appreciated and highly rated (Photo 7)
Photo 7
Ample storage capacity
The bag also has ample storage space, with Napoleon pockets on both sides and hand warmer pockets. There is a large mesh pocket on the inside, but I would have preferred one on both sides (Photo 8)
Photo 8
The drawcord and release button on the hood were a little harder to operate than on the Das, but they weren't too difficult to use. What's more, the hood brim has a sculptable plate that prevents rain and snow from dripping onto your face, which is a nice feature
As a comparison, there are some areas where the Das Parka seems easier to use, but in general it can be said to be very functional. On the other hand, it can be said that it has reached a level comparable to the Das Parka, which is quite a price difference
It's great to wear over a hard shell, and also works great as intermediate insulation. However, the breathability was disappointing. As with the Red Run Pro Hoody, I often felt that the breathability of the aerogel material was superior to conventional synthetic materials. While breathability may not be a major requirement for belay jackets, it's an area I'd like to see improved in the future to increase its versatility. I look forward to seeing more of this in the future
THE NORTH FACE Red Run Pro Hoodie: A warm and flexible jacket for winter running
Here is ○
- A snug fit
- Excellent stretch for ease of movement
- Fleece material feel
This is △
- Not as breathable as expected
- Windproof performance
Excellent stretchability makes it perfect for cold weather trail running
This was the most comfortable and stress-free model in the lineup. The armpits and underarms are made of Versa Active Fleece, which has 4-way stretch and breathability, making it a highly stretchable model (Photo 9)
Photo 9
Furthermore, the overall feel is pleasant, and the warm fleece material used in the back of the neck is very comfortable (Photo 10). The cut fits snugly around the arms and bodice, leaving little dead space, achieving both style and ease of movement
Photo 10
The outer layer is made of PERTEX® QUANTUM material, which repels water well and is highly durable and weather-resistant. However, the fleece areas naturally allow wind to pass through, so it cannot be said to be windproof overall. Similarly, heat retention is inseparable from windproof performance, so it cannot be said that you will stay warm even if you sit still on a ridge wearing this. It is intended to be worn in situations where you will be somewhat active
The padding is made of THERMOBALL® PRO, a fine ball-like padding material containing aerogel. The overall weight and thinness of this jacket may be a factor, making it the model with the lowest heat retention among the items we reviewed. And while this jacket is designed to be worn while running in cold weather and other activities, its breathability was somewhat disappointing. I sweat a lot, so I can't generalize, but when I started to sweat heavily while active, I found that the sweat would often become saturated. Some of the sweat escaped through the fleece areas in the armpits and under the sleeves, but it didn't escape easily through the padding. When I checked the inside of the jacket, I often found that the saturated sweat had formed droplets (Photo 11)
Photo 11
It's an excellent model in terms of comfort and athletic performance, but honestly, I wish it had a bit more breathability. For these reasons, it seems like it's a model that's better suited to running in the city or on light trails, or for spring and autumn mountain climbing, rather than hard outdoor activities
THE NORTH FACE Wanderlust Hoodie: An all-rounder that's perfect for both city and trekking
Here is ○
- Resilience of the filling
- Portability
- Stylish form
- Highly versatile
This is △
- Good heat retention per price
- Not enough for serious winter mountain climbing
Not only the appearance but also the resilience has been reduced
It looks like a down jacket, but it is actually a synthetic jacket with aerogel-filled padding
This model is also excellent in terms of heat retention and weight ratio. Its light weight and appearance make it hard to tell that it is a down jacket (Photo 12)
Photo 12
The material used is PRIMALOFT® Silver ThermoPlume® PRO, which closely resembles down. What's amazing about this material is its incredible resilience. I was amazed at how it expanded as soon as I took it out of the included stuff sack. Of course, it also provides excellent warmth per weight
The fabric is made of durable Pertex Quantum, and the DWR treatment repels water. The baffles are not sewn, but are instead crimped together, which improves heat retention and waterproofing
The large wind flap located behind the main zipper also enhances wind protection. The stretchy hood fits snugly around the head, but is not large enough to accommodate a helmet. This model is not designed for hardcore winter mountain climbing, but rather is a highly versatile piece that can be used for trekking, city use, and more (Photo 13)
Photo 13
Overall, it didn't restrict movement even during intense activities, and I didn't feel any stress. The inner fabric is stiff and has a strong crinkly feel. The wind flap has fleece material on the chin, but I would have liked a zipper guard on the chin. It comes with a stuff sack, making it easy to carry
High versatility for use in any situation
Considering its heat retention performance, I think it may not be suitable for mountain climbing in the dead of winter, but I think it could be used as intermediate insulation for general mountain climbing, outdoor activities, and winter activities, or even kept in your backpack as spare gear
Also, its stylish form makes it a relatively versatile and all-purpose item that can be used on a daily basis
LL Bean Primaloft Packaway Hooded Jacket: A versatile and cost-effective piece
Here is ○
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Packable specification
This is △
- Functionality
- resilience
- Cylindrical silhouette with a loose fit
Lightweight thanks to the highest quality aerogel material
I'm ashamed to say that I didn't know that LLBean had been using aerogel materials from an early stage, so I didn't have high expectations before using it, but the results were actually quite good, and I felt that the high performance exceeded my expectations
The padding is PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core Technology. Its volume is in the 60g range, which isn't a lot, so its resilience is moderate (think of it as similar to Patagonia's Nanopuff). However, the insulation it provides is clearly superior to conventional synthetic materials (compared to the Nanopuff I happened to have on hand). By using the highest quality padding, they've managed to keep the weight as low as possible. It's incredibly light
Furthermore, if you look closely, you will see that all zippers have zipper garages for added protection (Photo 14)
Photo 14
The pocket on the back is packable, making it easy to carry (Photo 15)
Photo 15
However, apart from the basic functionality, there were no outstanding features in terms of usability, and the silhouette was not what one would call stylish, being an orthodox American casual style cylindrical shape (Photo 16). It was not particularly stretchy, and I felt tightness around the armpits and under the sleeves during strenuous exercise
Photo 16
Overwhelmingly good value for money
Looking at the details, there are few noticeable flaws, but even so, it's important to remember that you can get this level of warmth and lightness for around 10,000 yen. It's probably difficult for other manufacturers to sell products with the same specifications at this price
This is recommended for those who want advanced warmth and lightness thanks to the latest materials at the most affordable price possible
summary
This time, I tried out and reviewed five items that use the latest aerogel material. Each item uses aerogel, a lightweight, highly insulating insulation, and there's no doubt that it provides exceptional warmth, something previously unheard of for a jacket of this weight. In particular, the Das Parka and the trollveggen Primaloft100 , both of which offer generous amounts of padding, offer comfort comparable to that of lesser-quality down jackets. Of course, they still can't compete with down in terms of lightness and compactness, but with performance like this, there's every reason to choose these synthetic insulation jackets, especially the peace of mind that they retain their warmth even when wet and the ease of care they offer, such as being easily washable.
also THE NORTH FACE Red Run Pro Hoodie is more practical for activities like hiking and trail running in the snow-free low mountains in midwinter than for mountain climbing. The former provides ample warmth and ease of movement when worn under a shell as cold weather gear, while the latter provides moderate warmth and protection even in freezing cold.
I hope the above information will be helpful when choosing items for you
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