Comparative review: I learned the best choice of synthetic insulation jackets after wearing this winter

Even at this time of year when cherry blossom news comes to the village, the cold continues for a while on the mountains.

Winter clothing to protect yourself from the cold has evolved and diversified in recent years, and personally, I am one of the genres that I look forward to seeing new items every year. There is no doubt that down is ideal if it's just light and warm, but it is also true that it is not suitable for use when climbing because of its ease of stuffiness and strength against wetness. From a practical perspective, synthetic fiber insulation jackets with synthetic fiber padding enclosed in synthetic fibers will likely be the top choice.

I mentioned in last year's special feature on synthetic fiber insulation , we have been particularly focusing on two major trends these days.

One is the trend of active insulation, which allows you to keep it on and off all day by improving moderate heat retention and breathability and quick drying. Another trend is the pseudo-down-like cold-weather jacket, which is light and has excellent heat retention, and has the insulation and resilience that is close to down.

Taking these major trends into consideration, we have narrowed down the models that are worth watching this season from among the carefully selected selections released by many brands, and used them in the actual field, and compared them from various perspectives. Please check out our comparison review of synthetic insulation jackets for the first time in about two years.

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Test results and spec comparison table
• Impressions of each model
• summary

About the synthetic fiber insulation comparisons

Originally, this type of clothing was intended to protect the cold, and it was not required to have a role to carry over the cold by putting it on while still, so I remember that there were not many variations in the options. However, due to the technical breakthroughs over the past few years, in recent years, a myriad of different models with different characteristics depending on the purpose and season have emerged. Although we cannot cover all of these, this time we tried out the models with as many different orientations as possible, and because we were selfish, we wanted to determine which models are best for mountain climbing from autumn to winter to spring, so we narrowed down the candidate models to compare according to the following conditions.

• 100% synthetic fiber (Hybrid model with down not selected)
• The amount of padding that can be used as a middle layer in the harsh winter season or as an outerwear in the remaining snow season (extremely bulky models for use as outerwear have not been selected)
• Choose from models that are mainly for mountain climbing purposes and have a simple "cold protection" function, evenly choose active insulation models that are less likely to get stuffy when you are active.

From here, we have chosen the newest models as well as models that like their looks, and when they tried on them, they didn't match their figures, and are now offering eight synthetic fiber insulation (middle layer or winter wear) that was chosen as a candidate for the No. 1 model of this season (the synthetic fiber padding name is in parentheses). I think I'm biased every time, but that's because I love you.

• MILLET K Belay Hoodie (Polartec Power Fill)
• MONTANE Icarus Jacket (PrimaLoft ThermoPlume)
• Mountain Hardwear Core Strata Jacket (PrimaLoft Gold Active)
• NORRONA lyngen Alpha90 Raw Jacket (Polartec Alpha Direct)
• Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie (Purmafil)
• Rab Alpha Flash Jacket (Polartec Alpha Direct)
• THE NORTH FACE Red Point Berry Light Jacket (THERMOBALL™ PRO)
• THE NORTH FACE Ventrix Hoodie (*19SS model is WPB Ventrix Hoodie. Ventrix)

Until last year, I was left with the ease of use of products using Polartec Alpha However, this season, Polartec Power Fill , PrimaLoft Gold Active , and THERMOBALL™ PRO have been born, and many of the products I personally try for the first time, so I chose this product with the hope that it will disappoint you in a good way.

Test environment and evaluation criteria

The test period was from November 2018 to March 2019 in the winter of the Kanto region, Joshinetsu mountains, and was used as hiking, backcountry, and other everyday wear. The following five points were set as indicators for review of the evaluation items.

• Thermal insulation: the most important function as a middle layer in autumn and winter. No matter how highly functional it is, if the jacket is not heat-retaining enough, it will become difficult to use.
• Comfort: feel to the touch, silhouette and cutting reduces stress on wearing, fit of the sleeves, hem, and hood. No matter how heat retention is, if it doesn't feel comfortable, I wouldn't want to wear it every day.
• Ease of movement... In this comparison of synthetic fiber insulation, which is intended to serve as simple winter clothing, and is intended to play a role as a clothing item, we also want to be comfortable even during movement.
• It's less likely to get stuffy...If you're planning on wearing it while you're in the mood, you can't overlook the comfort when you sweat. If possible, it is best to always adjust the inside of the clothing to the appropriate temperature in any situation, whether it is stopped, moving, or wet.
• Weather resistance: How much protection is there against the outside temperature and the environment? It is mainly wind resistance and water repellent. Of course, these are often in a trade-off relationship with breathability, and some models deliberately abandon this function, so it is true that it is not possible to say that it is not a problem because there is none.
• Weight: Lightness is of course justice when climbing harshly. The recent synthetic fiber padding is getting lighter and lighter.
• Storage: It is true that in the harsh winter, it is often left to wear forever, but in some cases, such as in spring or autumn during the remaining snow season, there are many cases where it is stored in a backpack. Recently, there have been an increase in the number of packable designs that can be used as storage bags simply by flipping the pockets.

Test results and spec comparison table

If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here

comprehensive evaluation	AAA	AAA	AAA	AA	AA	AA	A	A
image
Item name	Mountain Hardwear Core Strata Jacket	MILLET K Belay Hoodie	Rab Alpha Flash Jacket	THE NORTH FACE Bentrix Hoodie	THE NORTH FACE Red Point Berry Light Jacket	NORRONA lyngen Alpha90 Raw Jacket	MONTANE Icarus Jacket	Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie
Reference price	25,920 yen	29,160 yen	18,360 yen	29,160 yen	30,240 yen	17,280 yen	25,920 yen	39,960 yen
This is ◎	Thermal insulation Comfort Ease of movement Not easily stuffy	Thermal insulation Weather Resistant	It's warm from the moment you wear it Ease of movement Not easily stuffy Lightness	Ease of movement Not easily stuffy Lightness	Heat retention per weight Lightweight and comfortable to wear	Ease of movement Not easily stuffy Lightness Storageability	Excellent heat retention Weather Resistant	Lightness Comfortable to wear Weather Resistant
This is △	heavy	There's no stretch It's a bit heavy	Weather Resistant Versatility	It has a slightly less heat retention	Ease of movement Not easily stuffy	Thermal insulation Comfort Weather Resistant	weight Ease of movement Not easily stuffy Storageability	One more step in heat retention Ease of movement Not easily stuffy
Thermal insulation	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★☆☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Comfort	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
Ease of movement	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆
Not easily stuffy	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★	★☆☆☆☆	★☆☆☆☆
Weather Resistant	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★☆☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★☆☆☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
weight	★☆☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★☆☆☆☆	★★★☆☆
Storageability	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆
Specs
Filling material	PrimaLoft Gold Active	Polartec Power Fill	Polartec Alpha Direct	Ventrix	THERMOBALL™ PRO	Polartec Alpha Direct	PrimaLoft ThermoPlume	Purmafil
Actual weight (g)	439(S)	404(S)	242(S)	278(M)	213(M)	176(S)	539(S)	272(S)
pocket	Left and right chest	Left and right Innerwear	chest	Left and right Innerwear	Left and right	chest	Left and right chest	Left and right Inner left and right
Packable specification	○	×	×	○	○	×	×	○

Impressions of each model

High level in many ways. The most versatile
Mountain Hardwear Core Strata Jacket

This is ◎

• Thermal insulation
• Comfort
• Ease of movement
• Not easily stuffy

This is △

• weight

It is so stretchy that you wouldn't imagine from the look of the fabric.

An active insulation jacket made from PrimaLoft Gold Active , a ventilated insulation material developed by PrimaLoft for the padding First of all, I'm amazed that it has a much better heat retention compared to other companies' cold weather clothing that sells breathability. The neck area is thick, so even this non-hoodie model does not let the cold air escape from it. Despite the tight silhouette that fills in the excess gaps, the exquisite three-dimensional cutting that does not move up when the arms are raised, and the elasticity in four directions and moderate resilience made it easy to move around.

The breathable effect of the padding is not outstanding, but you won't be concerned about stuffiness while you are still in the mood. This model is the perfect model with the concept of "you can wear it all day." I didn't want to tremble in the first morning in the winter mountains, retreat and take off my tent, nor did I want to hike up. It also features a stylish front zipper and a packable design that can be stored in the chest pocket, making it easy to use. However, I couldn't help but be concerned about the weight, whether I actually measured or worn it.

A good balance of high insulation and weather resistance, and moderate sweat processing ability, making it a great balance in the harsh winter.
MILLET K Belay Hoodie

This is ◎

• Thermal insulation
• Weather Resistant

This is △

• There's no stretch
• It's a bit heavy

It has a very high heat retention per weight, and was also used as a cold weather wear when it was still on hold.

the Polartec Power Fill , the latest padding that has been revealed for the first time this season , is its high insulation properties thanks to its unique process, which is rich in air pockets. The fluffy, soft feel and resilience rebound are clear when you pick it up, and it is very comfortable to wear. It doesn't bother you, and feels lighter than the numbers. The jacket, which is enclosed in a wealth of padding, boasts the best heat retention of this time, and the outer material is wind-resistant and water-repellent, making it a great outerwear.

As it is a belay jacket, the pockets are positioned in a place that does not interfere with the harness, and the adjustable hood shows the consideration of wearing the helmet, which also shows the adjustment hood.

On the other hand, it is not stretchy, so it does not have the ventilation insulation so you can wear it all day long. Although it is not zero to let the sweat go, the amount of filling is large, so you may not be able to feel the effect unless it is under very low temperatures. However, it can be said that it was a more reliable model than any other temporary cold-weather mid-layer during the harsh winter.

As an intermediate wear, it has outstanding heat retention, breathability, and quick drying
properties

This is ◎

• It's warm from the moment you wear it
• Ease of movement
• Not easily stuffy
• Lightness

This is △

• Weather Resistant
• Versatility

It combines high levels of heat retention, ventilation and quick drying, and once you put it on, there is no need to take it off at all.

Polartec Alpha , a high-performance insulation material developed for the US military special forces, are that it combines two opposing functions: heat retention required to prevent cold, and breathability, quick drying, and lightweight, which are necessary to stay comfortable even during activities. This model, which exposed padding is mapped and the underarms and sleeves are connected with stretch panels, is a model that makes the most of the features of this new material.

In any case, this brushed padding creates a gentle warmth from the moment you wear it, creating a moderate layer of dead air between the top and bottom layers. Its efficiency is greater than fleece. The stretch panels on the sides allow no stress when you are at work. Moreover, the goodness of sweat removal was also outstanding in this comparison. Of course, the sweat that has been sucked up is spread out without the need for any filters.

Overall, if you limit it to wearing it under the shell as a middle-aged one, this one will give you the best performance. However, of course, the wind blows through, so it cannot be used as an outerwear unless it's too hot to cool down, and you must always use it as a set with some kind of jacket.

New benchmark for ventilation insulation jackets
THE NORTH FACE Ventrix Hoodie

This is ◎

• Ease of movement
• Not easily stuffy
• Lightness

This is △

• It has a slightly less heat retention

The grid-shaped air holes throughout the lining further enhance the already highly breathable.

Ventrix a padded material developed by the North Face, has an interesting mechanism that allows air to pass through actively when active, and traps air when stationary, by adding stretchy board-like padding with slits that open and close according to the movement of the body. In addition, countless holes are opened in the lining, allowing the moisture from sweat to spread with all your might, so the lack of sweat when you sweat is outstanding among jackets with front and back.

The smooth, dry fabric has a nice texture and is extremely durable. The four-way stretch makes it easy to move, and it has the characteristic of being the right place for a breathable insulation jacket in the current season.

However, personally, I thought that when I thought of it as a jacket that I would use throughout the winter, it would have been better if there was a little more padding (heat retention). In this regard, I think the filling amount of last season's model had more weight, but this year's model seems to be somewhat conscious of being lighter. Conversely, it seems to fit perfectly during the remaining snow season like the current one.

It has amazing heat retention that you wouldn't imagine from its light weight.
THE NORTH FACE Red Point Berry Light Jacket Perfect for accompaniment in autumn and spring mountains

[The North Face] Jacket Red Point Berry Light Jacket Men's NY81805 Urban Navy Japan L (equivalent to Japanese size L)

created by Rinker

THE NORTH FACE

• Amazon
• Rakuten Market
• Yahoo Shopping

This is ◎

• Heat retention per weight
• Lightweight and comfortable to wear

This is △

• Ease of movement
• Not easily stuffy

The filling amount is modest if it were just the appearance, but its heat retention was impressive.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about this season was the new release? A lightweight jacket made from THERMOBALL™ PRO , a new material The weight of 176g without the hood is so light that you can see the moment you put it on. If it's this light, it's just too comfortable to wear. The slightly uneven texture of the fabric is also nice.

But what really surprised me wasn't the lightness, but the high heat retention power that I could never imagine from its lightness. The filling, which was made by gathering small ball-shaped fiber bundles of fibers kneaded with "gel-like air," known as aerogels, which have low thermal conductivity, gave the illusion that "is this heat generated?", felt the heat transfer that would be hard to imagine from the typical board-like filling.

Unfortunately, this also has a limited amount of filling, so the heat retention capacity itself is limited, which was a bit unsatisfied for use in full-scale winter mountain mountains. It's a shame because stretch fabric is placed under the armpits to make it easy to move around. Perfect for the upcoming season of snow and for late autumn mountain climbing.

NORRONA lyngen Alpha90 Raw Jacket is an essential mid-size item for spring and Akiyama

This is ◎

• Ease of movement
• Not easily stuffy
• Lightness
• Storageability

This is △

• Thermal insulation
• Comfort
• Weather Resistant

The cutting is as precise as ever, in keeping with the lines of your body. It will be a great option for mountain climbing in spring and autumn.

The basic construction Polartec Alpha Direct and stretch fabric , just like the Rab However, this product is Alpha material, only the top part, and a thin fleece material is placed on the bottom part, which can be said to have low heat retention. For this reason, even when I put this as a middle-wear piece in the winter, the warmth was unsatisfied.

However, of course, it is extremely light, easy to move around in, and less likely to get stuffy, making it perfect for the upcoming season of snow. The tight silhouette fits perfectly on the base layer, and it won't be too hot or too cold, so it will keep your body temperature and humidity constant. It looks like it's easy to use even if you deliberately put it on without a jacket in the warm breeze.

It has a down-like look and excellent heat retention. Cold protection outerwear that is great for everyday use

MONTANE Icarus Jacket

This is ◎

• Excellent heat retention
• Weather Resistant

This is △

• weight
• Ease of movement
• Not easily stuffy
• Storageability

The baffle structure is the same as a down jacket, combining heat retention and design.

PrimaLoft ThermoPlume a light collection of fiber bundles that can be blown away with breath uses PERTEX QUANTUM , which is highly windproof and water-repellent, It has a high resilience like a down, and has sophisticated quilted stitching, so it is hard to tell if it is a down jacket from the outside, even though it is a synthetic jacket. I've been using it since last year, and its high heat retention, ease of washability, and stylish design made it a very useful outer jacket for everyday use.

However, since we are aiming to be a down jacket, we cannot expect this jacket to be stretchy or less likely to get stuffy. In this regard, it can of course be used outdoors without any problems, but MILLET 's K Belay Hoodie , it is still difficult to use because it retains heat per weight (this is much heavier), so it was difficult to bring or wear it to a serious mountain. It can also be a bit troublesome to evenly spread the filling after washing and drying.

However, this padding itself will continue to evolve towards its functionality similar to down. I look forward to it in the future.

As expected from the good construction. One more step further, add
extra padding

Micro Puff Hoodie

Patagonia

This is ◎

• Lightness
• Comfortable to wear
• Weather Resistant

This is △

• One more step in heat retention
• Ease of movement
• Not easily stuffy

In addition to the sophisticated baffle design, the cutting is also stylish in line with the body lines. The hood fits perfectly.

The Micro Puff Hoodie, which was released with a fantastic sound from Patagonia, is a lightweight insulation jacket filled with a unique material, Pull Mafil, which is lightweight and highly resilient. Although the heat retention per weight was certainly excellent, the absolute amount of padding was small, so I don't think it had enough heat retention to satisfy the full-fledged winter. The tight yet stressful three-dimensional cutting is stunning, and the hood fits perfectly. This is also intended as a pseudo-down jacket, so it cannot be expected to be worn while moving, but with a little more heat retention, it would have been a convenient model that would make you want to wear it every day, from everyday life in winter to outdoor activities. I look forward to the "Macro Puff Hoodie" next season, with a slightly more padding.

summary

When you wear various insulation jackets throughout the test, you will see that not only are the properties of the padding alone, but you will also see that the best uses differ depending on the thickness (amount of padding). I felt that Mountain Hardwear in terms of seasons, wide range of uses, functions, and overall capabilities, but you narrow down the seasons and uses, you can get a better out of each of the Rab , NORRONA, and MILLET After all, the best thing for each of us is that we can only decide on ourselves.

Think about this review and use it as a reference when looking for the best outfit that matches your purpose and style.