PrimaLoft®: the alternative to down jackets

Do you usually look at the labels on the mountain clothing to find out what fabrics they are made of? If so, I'm sure you've read the term "fabrics" before. PrimaLoft.

If you want to jump to any of these sections here are the links: What is it? / PrimaLoft or feathers? / Garments selected by the editor / Types.

What is PrimaLoft?

Since the 1980s, this type of material has been working to become the predominant material in the mountain clothing market. When other fabrics get wet, the air pockets disappear along with their insulating capacity. However, PrimaLoft was designed to be water resistant, which allows the air pockets to survive and retain their insulating capacity. PrimaLoft® insulation uses special fibres to trap heat leaving the body in a bundle of air pockets.

PrimaLoft is a lightweight, breathable material that protects the body from moisture. It is currently competing for a place among the most demanding mountaineers, trying to overtake down jackets. Do you know what the differences are between the two?

PrimaLoft or down jacket?

The first difference can be found in the composition of the filling fabric. The filling of PrimaLoft jackets is usually made of synthetic fibres. However, the best down jackets usually have feathers that come from animals. Therefore, jackets with PrimaLoft filling are more environmentally friendly and animal welfare friendly.

Regarding technical qualities. Down jackets are warmer and lighter, but they lose their ability to keep warmth in, unlike PrimaLoft fabrics.

• PrimaLoft fabrics typically lose only 4% of insulation capacity when fully wet.. This is due to the great ability of PrimLoft fibres to repel water.
• The compression of PrimaLoft garments is greater, which added to the versatility in different situations, makes them a very versatilemore than the down ones.
• The PrimaLoft can be washed in the washing machine, always following the manufacturer's instructions. In the case of down, the integrity of the feather must be respected, which complicates washing the garment.
• In terms of price, a garment of PrimaLoft is more economical than a similar one in down.

Depending on the activity or use we will choose one garment or another.

• For highly aerobic activities Primaloft or other synthetic padding is much more appropriate. Added to this is the compression and versatility.
• At extreme weather conditions down is more appropriate, as it provides the garment with greater thermal insulation and a high degree of comfort. This changes if the conditions are going to be very humid as mentioned above.

The filling makes the difference.

These are the general characteristics of this type of synthetic material. However, the amount of padding in the garment will influence the insulation capacity it has. Of course, the more padding, the more warmth it provides. The lightest and least insulated jackets weigh around 40. However, the heaviest and consequently warmest jackets can have a filler of 130. Gloves usually have a filling of 100 at the most.

Most recommended PrimaLoft garments.

Here is a brief description of the most recommended PrimaLoft products. So that you can wear PrimaLoft garments from head to toe, we will briefly analyse a jacket, a bandana, gloves and slippers.

• PATAGONIA Nano Puff Hoody (Mujer / Man). It is a highly insulating jacket, and is ideal for cold weather situations. Lightweight 100% recycled polyester ripstop and shell fabrics have a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Primaloft Gold Insulation Eco Insulation 60 g/m2, with 55% post-consumer recycled content. Windproof and water resistant, the jacket nano puff retains heat (98%), incredibly lightweight and highly compressible. Weight: 362 grams

• Buff Solid ThermoNet Tubular (Click to view)Thermonet: This scarf, also known as a bandana, provides warmth for the neck and head. The thermonet technology is developed in conjunction with PrimaLoft. This tubular Buff is very light and dries very quickly. It weighs about 30 grams, and you can buy it for about 20 euros.

• Dynafit Borax PRL Mitt (Click to view): These gloves are ideal for skiing. They are waterproof and windproof. Although they are very light and seem thin, they provide the necessary warmth to the fingers and palm of the hand. They cost around 60 euros.

• Salewa Antelao Beltovo PTX / PF Pants (Man / Woman) These Salewa trousers are specially designed for skiing and mountaineering. For this reason, the Salewa Antelao Beltovo are made of synthetic fabrics capable of keeping the legs warm in extremely cold weather. They are very comfortable and allow all kinds of movements with ease. They weigh about 500 grams, and are on sale for about 160 euros.

Types of Primaloft

PrimaLoft® Silver Eco

• High thermal efficiency: Constructed with two different sized fibres, it retains 85% of insulation.
• Great compression, making it a perfect choice for technical activities and travel. Providing warmth without bulk, the fabric's warmth is enormous in comparison to its weight, allowing comfort and flexibility for the wearer, as well as being water resistant.
• Sustainability: Manufactured with at least 60% recycled content.

PrimaLoft^® Gold

• PrimaLoft® insulation blend: provides warmth equivalent to 750-fill-point goose down, while retaining 95% of its warmth when wet.
• The highest performance PrimaLoft® available. Breathable, super-lightweight and with ultra-fine fibres, it offers incredible softness and comfort. Provides an extra layer of insulation.

PrimaLoft^® Bio™.

• Sustainability: biodegradable synthetic fibre, 100 % recycled. Material that maintains performance while making a big commitment to reducing the amount of microplastics in the environment. 
• Fibres decompose at an accelerated rate in landfills and oceans to natural elements (water, CO₂etc.).

PrimaLoft® Performance Down Blend.

As mentioned above, down filling is warmer than synthetic filling. However, in damp situations and when wet, it loses most of its properties. In order to find a solution to this problem, the PrimaLoft Performance Down Blend. This is a mixed system, combining both synthetic fibres and feathers. This hybrid has provided a perfect combination so that the garments remain highly insulating and also water repellent. Garments that have a mixed filling are divided into two categories:

• The Gold version: these models consist of a 70% in goose down and a 30% in microfibre.
• The silver version: composed of a 60% of duck feathers, and the remaining 40% composed of microfibres.
• Consequently, jackets with these features are able to maintain the insulation capacity in a 95% when wet.