table of contents
- Heat retention, breathability, eco-friendly material...synthetic fiber padding is a thing of the Sengoku period
- Each brand has a full lineup for the 2018-19 Fall/Winter season
- table of contents
- Three types to look out for when choosing a synthetic insulation jacket
- The hottest insulated jackets for the 2018-2019 season
Heat retention, breathability, eco-friendly material...synthetic fiber padding is a thing of the Sengoku period
I can't help but pay attention to them every year, so I decided to check them out again this year as usual. This season's featured models are synthetic cotton insulation jackets, an essential mid-layer for cold weather mountain wear and active wear. I've been wanting one this year as well, and I'm currently trying out a few of them
This may have always been the case, but this year too, the battle for supremacy in synthetic insulation seems to be getting more intense than ever, rather than calming down. The annual battle between material manufacturers, who are pushing ahead with research and development with an eye on the world, and outdoor manufacturers, who want to outdo their competitors and dominate the market with groundbreaking products, is always exciting to watch
Each brand has a full lineup for the 2018-19 Fall/Winter season
Looking at the lineups of each brand, it may not be true that this year saw the emergence of groundbreaking materials and items with a new perspective. However, it seems that each brand has begun to offer a rich and varied lineup to suit a variety of activities, and there has been an increase in models that are subtly different, using the same materials but with different quality and quantity
So, choosing winter warmth (mid-layer) is becoming more and more complicated, but here we have picked out some notable models that have been released this year that you shouldn't miss. Incidentally, most of the models that caught our eye last year are still going strong this season, and as expected, they seem to have grown into solid mainstay models, so if you're thinking about trying them out this year or replacing them, be sure to check out last year's feature article below
table of contents
- Three types to look out for when choosing a synthetic insulation jacket
- The hottest insulated jackets for the 2018-2019 season
Three types to look out for when choosing a synthetic insulation jacket
The trend of breathable, stretchy, thermal insulation padding, such as Patagonia's Nano-Air Hoody and Polartec® Alpha®, which began around 2013-2014, has not slowed down and is now becoming a standard winter mid-layer
On the other hand, in recent years, there has been a surge in popularity of lightweight insulation with heat retention properties approaching that of down, such as PrimaLoft® Black Insulation ThermoPlume® and Patagonia PlumaFill
As you can see, synthetic insulation comes in a wide variety of different functions. These days, the key to choosing an insulation jacket wisely is to select the appropriate function depending on the role you want to play
If you were to ask me what kind of product I should choose right now, I would recommend that you first think about dividing them into about three types depending on their purpose
Heat retention type
The primary role of padding is to retain heat, and in that sense, it's fair to say that all of today's common synthetic padding is of this type. However, jackets made with newly developed materials that have come very close to the properties of down are particularly noteworthy in the last few years. These are lightweight and highly insulating, and also have the added benefit of not losing their heat retention even when wet, a characteristic of synthetic materials, and being easily washable. While this type is certainly warm, you'll want to take it off if you move around vigorously and start sweating
Examples include PrimaLoft® Black Insulation ThermoPlume®, Patagonia Pluma Fill, and Polartec® Power Fill™
Active type
Although this type does not have the same warmth per weight as the above types, it has quick-drying properties that instantly disperse sweat even when you sweat a lot, and has the property of always keeping the inside of the garment at a constant temperature, and is aimed at a completely different direction from down.In addition, many models are stretchy and suitable for more active scenes, and they are surprisingly comfortable even when working hard and sweating in low temperatures, so you can wear them for long periods of time even while you are active
Examples include Toray 3DeFX+, Patagonia Full Range, Polartec® Alpha®, THE NORTH FACE Ventrix™, Primaloft® Gold Active, and many more
Running type
This type is designed to be comfortable while running, and is slightly different from the two above, with features such as a small amount of padding rather than the quality of the padding, a tight silhouette, ease of movement (stretchability), wind protection on the front, and increased breathability in the sweat areas. This type is usually the one that is designed to not get in the way when running in the cold winter
The hottest insulated jackets for the 2018-2019 season
As usual, this introduction has gotten quite long, but with that in mind, I have roughly tried out five noteworthy items released this year. As always, the star ratings are based solely on the specs and my impressions after trying them on a few times
MILLET K Belay Hoodie
Warmth ★★★ Comfort & Mobility ★★☆ Breathability ★☆☆ Windproof ★★★ Weight ★★☆
This jacket is arguably the biggest news in terms of materials this winter, incorporating POLARTEC's latest insulation, Power Fill®
When this material was first announced, the eco-friendly aspect of it being "100% recycled material" was at the forefront, so I didn't really understand what was so great about it. However, after researching it more closely and actually wearing it, I realized that it is indeed a revolutionary next-generation padding material in many ways
First, ultra-fine polyester hollow fibers are fused together using a uniquely controlled process to form thousands of tiny air pockets. This creates a visibly soft, fluffy feel and volume unlike any other padding (so-called sheet-like) I've ever felt before. As a belay jacket, it also provides excellent warmth. And yet, it's lighter than it looks
What makes it feel like a "next-generation" product is that it fully incorporates modern needs, such as providing high heat retention while not becoming stuffy even when you sweat, and being made from 100% recycled materials that are also environmentally friendly. In terms of overall performance, this is probably the best insulation we've seen in recent years
Mountain Hardwear Core Strata Jacket
Insulation ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Windproof ★★☆ Weight ★☆☆
Primaloft (Gold and Silver) is the king of synthetic insulation, reigning as the benchmark in the world of padding. The new Primaloft® Gold Insulation Active is a game changer with enough potential to make a comeback in the active insulation field, which has been somewhat behind. Mountain Hardwear, a master of new material usage, has skillfully used this latest material to create the Core Strata Jacket
It felt a little heavy when I picked it up, but when I put it on, the three-dimensional cut of the Alpine Fit, which conforms to the body's contours, didn't feel too heavy, and the four-way stretch of the padding and the outer fabric supporting it made it quite easy to move around in
It's based on Primaloft's Gold, a reliable, high-performance insulation, so it provides solid protection from the cold while still retaining stable warmth without worrying about getting wet. Furthermore, as it's an Active jacket, it provides moderate breathability to prevent your body from overheating. Personally, I think it's best to wear it without the hood between a base layer and shell during the harsh winter, but it would also be nice to choose the hooded version as an outer layer in the fall or early spring
THE NORTH FACE Red Point Very Light Hoodie
Insulation ★★☆ Comfort & Mobility ★★☆ Breathability ★☆☆ Windproof ★★★ Weight ★★★
Judging from the news, The North Face is doing extremely well in many ways, and is pushing ahead with its own unique developments in the materials competition with its ample R&D capabilities. Last year's Ventrix was a hot topic, but this year it was the Red Point Very Light Hoody that really got me excited
Thermoball™, a synthetic fiber padding jointly developed with Primaloft, is a microscopic spherical material that aims to combine the warmth of down with the convenience of synthetic fibers—it's lightweight, bulky, and retains its warmth even when wet. The latest version, Thermoball™ Pro, incorporates aerogel, which has low thermal conductivity, to increase warmth even with less padding
When I picked it up, I was a little worried about how light it was, but when I put it on, I realized it was warmer than I'd expected. It's definitely one of the warmest jackets I've ever experienced for something this light. However, because it's so thin, it's difficult to wear close to the body. To maximize its performance, it's important to get the right size and avoid gaps. Stretch fabric on the sides ensures ease of movement and breathability, making it perfect as a mid-layer in cold weather, or as a quick winter jacket thanks to its compact design that can be stored in a pocket
By the way, when he went to the barber wearing this, it looked exactly like a down jacket. The high quality of the look and design is also not to be missed
Marmot WOOLWRAP Compact Jacket
Insulation: ★★☆ Sweat management: ★★☆ Breathability: ★★☆ Windproof: ★★☆ Weight: ★★☆ (This is based on my experience trying it on in the store.)
In recent years, the outdoor industry has seen a rapid, global rise in demand for materials with a low environmental impact. Recently, the issue of eliminating plastic straws has been a hot topic in Japan, and some may have been surprised by the difference in awareness compared to the rest of the world. In Europe, in particular, there seems to be an atmosphere that products that do not take such considerations into account will not be allowed on the market. Amid this, processed wool padding, like the one used in this model, is gaining attention alongside recycled synthetic fibers
While it doesn't have the exceptional heat retention of down, it does have a natural heat-generating effect due to the heat absorption it generates when it absorbs moisture. It also has deodorizing properties, even in sweaty situations. Wool is excellent as a base layer, and its excellent moisture absorption and release properties help reduce discomfort even during exercise. This season, the blend maintains its bulk by adding cupra, a recycled fiber that also has moisture absorption and heat absorption properties, giving it a high level of resilience for a wool blend
Although I personally find the classic design disappointing, the natural temperature and humidity control properties promise comfort that synthetic fibers lack. This is a piece I'll be keeping an eye on, including future improvements
NORRONA lyngen Alpha90 Raw Jacket
Insulation ★☆☆ Sweat management ★★★ Breathability ★★★ Windproof ☆☆☆ Weight ★★★
Each brand has its lineup lined up with various variations, and in the past few years, POLARTEC's Alpha® has suddenly become mainstream in active insulation, and I'm always interested in it. The unique appeal of this material is its versatility, adaptable to the purpose and occasion: for outerwear, it can be sandwiched between the outer and lining layers as pure padding, or left exposed and the outer layer matched, or for mid-layers, both the outer and lining layers can be removed to create a fleece-like finish
The Alpha90 Raw Jacket uses a type of fabric called Alpha® Direct, which has a lining and outer lining, and is light, warm, and comfortable even when you sweat. Personally, I think it's the best winter mid-layer. Last year, we introduced Rab's Alpha Flash Jacket, but this time, it uses an even thinner material on the body and shoulders, and the rest of the jacket is fleece, focusing more on sweat management than heat retention
As you can see, it's designed to be used as a mid-layer rather than an outer layer, and is best used in autumn, spring, and winter for climbing low mountains or running. With just the right amount of warmth and incredible breathability and quick-drying properties (sweat management), it's an incredibly useful mid-layer for when you're on the move. The other day, in temperatures around 0°C, I wore this jacket/hard shell over my base layer, and was able to get through the whole day without taking it off, even on tough climbs and at peaks
This season, POLARTEC® Alpha® is being produced by various brands with various innovative products in terms of usage, thickness, etc. There is no doubt that it is currently one of the most versatile materials for cold weather clothing used in outdoor activities where stop-and-go movements are frequent, so why not consider wearing one this year?
We also recommend this article about mid-layers
- Let's summarize how to choose a mid-layer
- What's different about this year's synthetic insulation jackets?! [Featured New Models 2017-2018]
- Stay warm and sweat-free with these 7 synthetic insulation items recommended for active wear
- Comparison Review: [Better than fleece?!] We compare the latest synthetic insulations (for winter wear)
- 3 questions to ask yourself when choosing the right insulation gear and 15 recommended items
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