Something different this year!? Synthetic insulation jackets are in the spotlight
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
For the past week or so, I've been focusing on this season's insulation wear models
Insulation wear is, as the Japanese translation suggests, a jacket filled with padding for insulation. In outdoor wear that is based on layering, it is the representative mid-layer worn between the base layer and outer layer , making it an essential piece of clothing for staying comfortable outdoors in the winter.
Down (feathers) has long been a familiar filling material, but it has many weaknesses, such as being vulnerable to getting wet during strenuous activities, difficulty releasing sweat, and being difficult to care for, so those who are serious about winter mountain climbing cannot help but pay attention to insulation wear made from "synthetic fiber cotton," which overcomes these weaknesses and makes it easier to use during exercise, even at the expense of weight and heat retention. This field has seen particularly remarkable technological advances in recent years, and I feel that it has entered a new stage again this year with the emergence of interesting materials
This time, we'll be focusing on the big trends that have emerged this year and picking out some of the hottest new insulated jackets of the season. Check out the latest cold weather protection measures here and use them as a reference for the best layering plan for you
We also recommend this article about mid-layers
- Let's summarize how to choose a mid-layer
- 3 questions to ask yourself when choosing the right insulation gear and 15 recommended items
- Cold weather clothing that lets you move! 7 reasons why we recommend the latest synthetic insulation and 7 noteworthy items
- Comparison Review: [Better than fleece?!] We compare the latest synthetic insulations (for winter wear)
- Stay warm and sweat-free with these 7 synthetic insulation items recommended for active wear
table of contents
table of contents
- Featured new synthetic insulation jacket
- Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
- MONTANE Icarus Jacket
- OUTDOOR RESEARCH Ascendant Hoodie
- Mountain Hardwear A-Sarm Jacket
- Rab Alpha Flash Jacket(Page:2)
- MAMMUT Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket(Page:2)
- THE NORTH FACE Ventrix Hoodie (Page:2)
- Summary (Page:2)
Featured new synthetic insulation jacket
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
Warmth ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★☆ Breathability ★☆☆ Windproof ★★★ Weight ★★★
This ultra-lightweight insulation uses a new, proprietary padding material called "Plumafill." It's one of the pioneers of synthetic insulation. When I discovered it at a summer exhibition, I got a shock for the first time in a long time
This material, which has a continuous synthetic fiber structure that mimics the structure of down, is incredibly light and highly resilient (i.e., insulating) compared to conventional sheet-like synthetic cotton. It's arguably the closest thing to down ever made, both in appearance and heat retention per weight. The fact that such a material has been artificially created is undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises of the season. However, as a product, it's important to note that the amount of padding is small, likely to maximize lightness and compactness, so you can't expect much heat retention. It's also important to note that as a replacement for a down jacket, it's unlikely to offer high sweat-management capabilities or mobility
However, if you think about it, the trend in synthetic insulation over the past few years has undoubtedly been "enhancing comfort during activities, which down has struggled to achieve." However, this model is very interesting in that it goes in a different direction, directly competing with down's strong point of high resilience (thermal insulation), and even taking on the challenge to some extent. To be honest, it's still a bit out of reach due to its rarity, but it's definitely a model to keep an eye on for future developments
MONTANE Icarus Jacket
Warmth ★★★ Comfort & Mobility ★★☆ Breathability ★☆☆ Windproof ★★★ Weight ★☆☆
PrimaLoft a leading manufacturer of synthetic insulation materials used in a variety of applications, from the US military to outdoor activities and bedding the cutting-edge British outdoor brand MONTANE Icarus Jacket (Phoenix Jacket for women) featuring PrimaLoft ThermoPlume .
This synthetic down, which more faithfully replicates the fluidity, feel, and concept of feathers than ever before, offers impressive resilience, unimaginable with conventional synthetic fibers, just like PlumaFill. What sets this model apart from the Micro Puff Hoodie above is that it's packed with plenty of padding, providing high overall warmth. The outer fabric is made of water-repellent and windproof PERTEX QUANTUM, and although it's a bit heavy, it's likely to be useful as an outer layer in the cold outdoors or as a mid-layer in the mountains during the harsh winter months. It overcomes the weaknesses of down without compromising its strengths, or in other words, it's an extremely versatile down jacket. The reasonable price is also a plus
OUTDOOR RESEARCH Ascendant Hoodie
Warmth ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★★☆
Over the past year or two, Polartec Alpha, a cutting-edge synthetic insulation material, has been adopted by many leading outdoor brands, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down this year. Originally developed for the US military special forces, this material is constructed with a highly breathable lattice base fabric woven with polyester cotton, which effectively traps dead air. This innovative synthetic material was created to provide high levels of warmth, breathability, quick-drying properties, and durability, all at the same time, ensuring constant comfort even in the harshest conditions
In recent years, OUTDOOR RESEARCH has shown how to utilize this high-performance, multi-functional material with award-winning models such as the UBERLAYER HOODED JACKET (featuring Polartec Alpha) and the Deviator Hoodie. In that sense, they are a step ahead of other brands when it comes to crafting this magical material, and I personally keep an eye on them. This year, they have once again delivered a fresh and exquisitely crafted jacket.
This latest model stands out from previous lineups by featuring "Polartec Alpha Direct," an exposed Polartec Alpha padding lining (a highly versatile padding that can be used in this way). The brushed padding provides warmth from the moment you put it on, and by eliminating one lining layer and using a thin Pertex Microlight outer layer, breathability is improved. This keeps you warm without overheating even when moving. It's a subtle way of putting it, but it means you'll always maintain just the right amount of warmth (when worn in active situations). It also has a slight stretch, making it comfortable to wear. Outside Magazine in the US said, "This jacket may have finally perfected the mid-layer." This highly refined model has been born
However, because the outer fabric is coarse and prioritizes breathability, it's not particularly windproof. I think it performs best when used as a mid-layer or as an outer layer for high-intensity activities like trail running
Mountain Hardwear A-Sarm Jacket
Warmth ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★★☆
MHW a brand I've been paying close attention to this year, announcing a comprehensive partnership with Polartec this season Eisam Jacket is a perfect embodiment of that close relationship .
The padding is primarily Polartec Alpha, but a complex mapping has been used to place highly insulating materials in areas that feel cold and breathable materials in areas that generate heat, maximizing comfort during exercise. The outer fabric is made of breathable, stretchy, and durable nylon, and combined with the three-dimensional cut, it provides excellent ease of movement. It also has nice touches like thumbhole cuffs for improved fit and warmth. Another nice feature is that it comes without a hood (a hooded version is also available). The general design concept is similar the Ascendant Hoodie , and considering it as a powerful mid-layer, the lack of a hood is slightly more preferable than the hooded version.