Something's different this year! ? Featured synthetic insulation jacket
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
For the past week, I've been intensively checking out this season's models of insulation wear.
As Japanese translation suggests, insulation wear is a jacket made with padding for insulation, and is one of the essential clothing items that are worn between the base layer and the outer layer , and is an essential item for comfortable outdoor activities in winter.
Down (feathers) have long been a familiar material for padding, but there are many weaknesses, such as weaknesses in intense activities, difficulty in releasing sweat, and difficult to maintain, so as someone who is seriously aiming to go winter mountains, it is impossible not to focus on insulation wear made of synthetic cotton, which is sacrificing weight and heat retention, but is easy to overcome these weaknesses and making it easier to use during exercise. This field, which has seen particularly significant technological advances in recent years, has now entered a newer stage this year with the advent of interesting materials.
This time, we would like to pick out new insulation jackets that are attracting attention this season, focusing on the major movements that have emerged this year. Please check out the latest cold weather protection measures here and use them as a reference for the layering plan that is best for you.
We also recommend this article about middle layers.
- It's about time to summarize how to choose a middle layer
- 3 questions to choose insulation wear that won't make a mistake and 15 recommended items
- "Moving" winter clothes! 7 reasons why we recommend modern synthetic fiber insulation and 7 popular items
- Comparison review: [Beyond fleece!?] We compared the latest synthetic fiber insulation (cold protection clothing)
- I'm left wearing it and not getting cold and sweaty! 7 recommended synthetic fiber insulation for your activities
table of contents
table of contents
- New synthetic insulation jackets that are popular
- Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie
- MONTANE Icarus Jacket
- OUTDOOR RESEARCH Ascendant Hoodie
- Mountain Hardwear Acerm Jacket
- Rab Alpha Flash Jacket (Page:2)
- MAMMUT Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket (Page:2)
- THE NORTH FACE Bentrix Hoodie (Page:2)
- Summary (Page:2)
New synthetic insulation jackets that are popular
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie
Heat retention ★★☆ Comfort & mobility ★★☆ Breathable ★☆☆ Windproof ★★★ Weight ★★★
Ultra-lightweight insulation made from the new, original padding material "Purmafil". He was one of the people who opened a new door to synthetic fiber insulation. When I discovered it at a summer exhibition, it was the first time in a while that I was shocked to get an electric shock.
This material, which has a continuous synthetic fiber structure that traces the down structure, is extremely light and has high resilience (= heat insulation) unlike conventional so-called sheet-like synthetic cotton. Its appearance and heat retention per weight can be said to be the closest to down in history. The fact that such material was artificially made is undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises of the season. However, in order to maximize its lightness and compactness, it is necessary to note that the amount of padding itself is small and it cannot be expected to have a high heat retention, and that it is not likely to have a high sweat-processing ability or mobility as an alternative to down jackets.
However, when you think about it, the trend in synthetic fiber insulation over the past few years has undoubtedly been "enhancing comfort during activities, which was difficult to do with down." However, this model is a very interesting model in that it competes in a different direction, namely, in terms of its "high resilience (thermal insulation), which is a specialty of downing, and is also a battle to some extent. To be honest, the price is still somewhat difficult to reach as it is still rarity, but there is no doubt that this model will be a must-see for future developments.
MONTANE Icarus Jacket
Heat retention ★★★ Comfort & mobility ★★☆ Breathable ★☆☆ Windproof ★★★ Weight ★☆☆
PrimaLoft , a leading manufacturer of synthetic insulation materials that can now be used in a variety of situations, from US military use to outdoor and bedding has also developed insulation using insulation materials that oppose down, along with the cutting-edge MONTANE Icarus jacket (female model is Phoenix jacket) equipped with the "PrimaLoft ThermoPlume" .
This synthetic down, which faithfully reproduces the fluidity, feel and concept of feathers more than ever, is remarkable with its high resilience that is hard to imagine with conventional synthetic fibers, just like plume-mafil. What makes this model different from the above Micro Puff Hoodie is that it has plenty of padding, which gives it a high heat retention for the entire product. The outer material uses PERTEX QUANTUM, which is water-repellent and windproof, and although it is slightly heavy, it will be useful as an outerwear in the lower reaches and as an intermediate wear in the harsh winter and winter mountains. This means that down jackets have been introduced that overcome the weaknesses of down, but do not compromise the quality of down, or simply put, are extremely easy to use. I'm also happy that the price is low.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH Ascendant Hoodie
Heat retention ★★☆ Comfort & mobility ★★★ Breathable ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★★☆
The momentum of the latest synthetic insulation material "Polartec Alpha", which has been adopted by famous outdoor brands over the past year or two, is unsurprisingly. Originally developed for the US military special forces, the material is a highly breathable lattice-like base fabric and is knitted with polyester cotton that can securely store dead air. This is an innovative synthetic material created to simultaneously achieve high levels of heat retention, breathability, quick-drying and durability, so that it is always comfortable even in poor conditions.
Over the past few years, OUTDOOR RESEARCH has shown how to "utilize" this high-performance, multi-functional material with award-winning models such as the UBERLAYER HOODED JACKET (using Polartec Alpha) and the Deviator Hoodie. In that sense, it is said that it is a step ahead of other brands when it comes to cooking this magical material, and I have been paying attention to this brand personally. This year, they delivered another innovative and exquisitely crafted jacket.
The latest product is a "Polartec Alpha Direct" with exposed Polartec Alpha padding exposed on the lining (the extremely versatile padding can also be used in this way), which sets it apart from the previous lineup. The brushed padding keeps you warm the moment you wear it, and by reducing one layer of lining and using a thin Pertex Microlight on the outer material, it is even more breathable. This keeps you warm all the time, but doesn't warm too much when you move. It's a very subtle phrase, but (when worn in active situations) always keeps the right amount of warmth. Plus, it's slightly stretchy and comfortable to wear. A highly-finished model has been created, written by Outside Magazine in the US and said, "The middle layer may finally be completed with this jacket."
However, on the other hand, the outer material is made of breathable and is a coarse fabric, so it is not very windproof. I think that by using it as an intermediate item or as an outerwear for activities that are always highly active, such as trail running, you can demonstrate your full potential.
Mountain Hardwear Acerm Jacket
Heat retention ★★☆ Comfort & mobility ★★★ Breathable ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★★☆
This season, MHW has announced a comprehensive partnership with Polartec MHW Ecerm jacket is truly embodying this close relationship .
The filling is basically Polartec Alpha, but complex mapping is done, such as placing a type with excellent heat retention for areas that feel cold, and a type with excellent breathability for areas that generate heat, to maximize comfort during exercise. The outer material is made of breathable, stretchy and durable nylon, and combined with the three-dimensional cutting, it is easy to move in, and the design includes the thumb hole cuffs that improve fit and heat retention, making it a great addition. What's even more exciting is that it is a model with no hood (some models with hoods are also available). Considering the rough concept of construction is similar to the ascendant hoodie introduced above
Next page: To the second part of the featured insulation jacket
