TECH DEK: PrimaLoft continues to lead the trend in breathable insulation in outdoor apparel that won't restrict movement while climbing
PrimaLoft is not the only ingredient brand in the "active insulation" game, but it has long been one of the dominant names in synthetic insulation across outdoor apparel and sleeping bags. And over the last several seasons, the leading trend being both perpetuated and chased by brands is what they call active or breathable insulation -- an insulating layer for jackets and mid-layers that keeps you warm even as it releases excess heat and moisture from the body during heavy exertion.
If it continues to keep you warm, even when wet, well, that's the golden ticket where synthetics have traditionally won out over natural down. But being warm, water resistant, and breathable wasn't enough. Now, most jacket and apparel brands are chasing the last piece of the puzzle -- adding four-way stretch for active mobility in high-output pursuits like ski mountaineering. PrimaLoft already had a Silver Insulation Active in its line of insulation offerings, but the new Gold Insulation Active allows brands to use an even wider variety of stretchy and open-weave outer fabrics to improve breathability and mobility. Early adaptors include Scott USA, Eddie Bauer, Under Armour, Marmot and Merrell.
This new generation of "active" stretch insulations, whether you're talking PrimaLoft, Polartec, or Patagonia, also boast a wider temperature range. The goal of this new breed of synthetics is to keep you from having to layer up and layer down as frequently while skiing uphill, trail running, or peak bagging. It's a "put it on, leave it on" kind of philosophy, intended to not only give you a more versatile product, but to minimize the time you have to stop and adjust your equipment.
It's also great when these synthetics are made with a concern for their carbon footprint. To that end, PrimaLoft Gold Active is Bluesign approved. PrimaLoft insulation was originally developed for the U.S. Army as a water-resistant alternative to down, and their Gold series is the top of the line that includes an Eco version that uses at least 60-percent recycled material.