Something's different this year! ? Featured synthetic insulation jacket

Yasushi Hisatomi

7 years ago

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.

table of contents

table of contents
New synthetic insulation jackets that are popular
summary

New synthetic insulation jackets that are popular

Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie

Micro Puff Hoodie

Patagonia

39,960 yen

Filling: Purumafil

264g

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

Icarus jacket

MONTANE

25,920 yen

Filling: PrimaLoft ThermoPlume

581g

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

Ascendant Hoodie

OUTDOOR RESEARCH

28,080 yen

Filling: Polartec Alpha Direct

369g

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

Acerm jacket

Mountain Hardwear

33,480 yen

Filling: Polartec Alpha Direct

428g

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

Rab Alpha Flash Jacket

Alpha Flash Jacket

Rab

19,440 yen

Filling: Polartec Alpha Direct

273g

Heat retention ★★☆ Comfort & mobility ★★★ Breathable ★★★ Windproof ★☆☆ Weight ★★★

Common synthetic fiber padding is a sheet-like material with fine holes that allow dead air to be stored, and it can only be achieved by clamping it between the outer and lining. On the other hand, due to its structure, Polartec Alpha can be made into a fabric without the padding being pinched between the outer and lining. This makes it possible to create an insulation jacket that looks like fleece (and is lighter and more insulating than fleece), like Alpha Flash Jacket

At first glance, you can see that jackets made in this way are not suitable for outerwear. For this reason, by wearing it as an intermediate layer between the base layer and the shell layer, this jacket is very useful as a middle layer that is lighter and more compact than any other synthetic fiber insulation, with excellent breathability and high heat retention. The slim silhouette that fits the body, the highly mobility patterning and stretchy construction make it difficult to complain as a brand that has always pursued the highest comfort in extreme situations. , as it doesn't have a hood suitable for a mid-sized item, and it's also easy to get a pricing for a Rab

MAMMUT Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket

Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket

MAMMUT

35,640 yen

Filling: Ajungilak OTI Strtech Fiber Fill

Heat retention ★★☆ Comfort & mobility ★★★ Breathable ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★☆☆

Along with Polartec® Alpha®, Toray is another male next-generation synthetic padding material that combines breathability and insulation. The padding itself is stretchy and is said to have excellent heat retention and bulkiness compared to conventional synthetic cotton, and has quickly attracted attention as one of the materials that has opened up a new genre of "insulation that keeps heat retention (thermal insulation) even when active." Over the past few years, more and more brands are using materials with similar characteristics, and it can be seen that this genre is finally becoming more popular to the point of being a given that it owns.

MAMMUT's active insulation jacket, which is functionally based on this trend, is a versatile insulation jacket that combines breathability, heat retention and stretchability, ensuring outstanding comfort in a stylish MAMMUT-like form, and has more pockets to improve usability. What I especially felt when I wore it was more padded than other models of the same type, so the heat retention seems to be a great insulation even in the harsh winter.

THE NORTH FACE Bentrix Hoodie

Bentrix Hoodie

THE NORTH FACE

29,160 yen

Filling: Ventrix

375g

Heat retention ★★☆ Comfort & mobility ★★★ Breathable ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★★☆

TNF has been making since last season is a high-performance model belonging to the brand's high-end SUMMIT series. The basic function, like 3DeFX+, is a middle layer that is perfect for active scenes that combine ventilation, heat retention, and stretch, but the Ventrix features a slit-filled seat structure. Personally, the slits close when stationary improve heat retention, and the slits open and close while active, improving breathability, which is designed to make each function more effective. The outer material uses HYVENT ES, a windproof and waterproof material that does not interfere with breathability, making it ideal for use as an outerwear, and Goldwin is well-known for its wide range of colors and sophisticated designs. But it's a long name.

summary

Until last year, I thought synthetic fiber insulation was still far from a simple cold weather wear, but it's only been a year since I thought it would be far from a down jacket. As always, I am amazed at the rolling speed of the outdoor industry. Of course, it is true that there is no material that can surpass down in terms of heat retention per weight, but it would be surprising that synthetic fibers that are worthy of even that would be possible soon, and we cannot help but feel that way from this year's new product. On the other hand, when it comes to optimal insulation for activities that have begun to become popular a few years ago, as we have seen, highly-finished items have been released from many brands, and the lineup is also extensive, allowing users to choose from a wide variety of options, so try to think about the price and think about it.

This time we're listing only this year's new releases, so this is not the same as all of the recommendations available in the market today. I hope to be able to make a comparison review in the near future, so please look forward to it!