Something different this year!? Synthetic insulation jackets are in the spotlight

Yasushi Hisatomi

8 years ago

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

table of contents

table of contents
Featured new synthetic insulation jacket
summary

Featured new synthetic insulation jacket

Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody

Micro Puff Hoody

Patagonia

39,960 yen

Filling: Plumafill

264g

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

Icarus Jacket

MONTANE

25,920 yen

Filling: PrimaLoft ThermoPlume

581g

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

Ascendant Hoodie

OUTDOOR RESEARCH

28,080 yen

Filling: Polartec Alpha Direct

369g

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

A-Sam jacket

Mountain Hardwear

33,480 yen

Filling: Polartec Alpha Direct

428g

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.

Next page: Part 2 of the featured insulation jackets

Rab Alpha Flash Jacket

Alpha Flash Jacket

Rab

19,440 yen

Filling: Polartec Alpha Direct

273g

Warmth ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★★ Windproof ★☆☆ Weight ★★★

Typical synthetic padding is a sheet-like material with tiny holes that trap dead air, and it only functions properly when sandwiched between the outer and inner layers. However, Polartec Alpha's structure means that it can function as a fabric without the padding sandwiched between the outer and inner layers. This makes the Alpha Flash Jacket , which not only omits the lining but even the outer layer, and yet is almost fleece-like (but lighter and more insulating than fleece).

At first glance, it's clear that a jacket constructed like this is not suitable for outerwear. Therefore, when worn as a mid-layer between a base layer and a shell layer, this jacket is extremely useful as a mid-layer that is lighter, more compact, more breathable, and more warm than any other synthetic insulation. The slim, body-fitting silhouette, highly maneuverable patterning, and stretchy construction are impeccable, as you'd expect from a brand that has always pursued maximum comfort in extreme conditions. The fact that it doesn't have a hood, making it suitable as a mid-layer, and that it's priced reasonably for a Rab

MAMMUT Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket

Rime IN Flex Hooded Jacket

MAMMUT

35,640 yen

Filling: Ajungilak OTI Strtech Fiber Fill

Warmth ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★☆☆

Alongside Polartec® Alpha®, Toray's 3DeFX+ is another next-generation synthetic padding material that combines breathability and insulation. The padding itself is stretchy and is said to offer superior warmth and bulk compared to conventional synthetic padding. It has quickly gained attention as a pioneering material in the new category of "insulation that keeps you warm (insulated) even during activity." In recent years, more and more brands have adopted materials with similar characteristics, and it appears that this category is becoming increasingly commonplace

Following in the footsteps in terms of functionality, the MAMMUT Active Insulation Jacket combines breathable, warm, and stretchy materials for exceptional comfort in a stylish MAMMUT design, and is a highly versatile insulated jacket with many pockets for improved usability. What I noticed when wearing it in particular was that it contains more padding than similar models from other companies, so it seems like it will be useful as just the right amount of insulation to keep you warm even in harsh winters

THE NORTH FACE Ventrix Hoodie

Ventrix Hoody

THE NORTH FACE

29,160 yen

Filling: Ventrix

375g

Warmth ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★★☆

TNF 's latest synthetic insulation jacket, featuring their proprietary Ventrix padding material, launched around last season, is a high-performance model in the brand's high-end SUMMIT series. Similar to the 3DeFX+, it offers breathability, warmth, and stretch for a mid-layer perfect for active activities. However, Ventrix's padding is unique in that it features a sheet-like structure with slits. The slits close when stationary to improve warmth, and open and close during activity to improve breathability. I personally find the design of each function to be optimally integrated. The outer material, HYVENT ES, a windproof and waterproof material that does not impede breathability, makes it suitable for use as an outer layer. With a wide range of colors and sophisticated design, Goldwin is clearly adept at differentiating itself in this area. By the way, that name is a bit long.

summary

Until last year, I thought that synthetic insulation still fell far short of down when it came to simple cold weather clothing, but what a change it has been in just one year. As always, the outdoor industry's rapid pace of change is astounding. Of course, there's still no material that can beat down in terms of warmth per weight, but it wouldn't be surprising if a synthetic material that can even beat down were developed in the near future, and this year's new products make it hard not to foresee such a future. Meanwhile, optimal insulation for active activities, which began to gain popularity a few years ago, has seen many brands release highly refined items, and lineups have expanded, offering users a wide variety of options to choose from. Take your time to consider the price and think about your options

Please note that this time we are only listing new products from this year, so it is different from our recommendations of everything currently available on the market. We hope to do a comparison review on that in the near future, so please look forward to it!