PrimaLoft®: the synthetic alternative to down

Do you look at the labels on the mountain clothing to find out what fabrics they are made of? If so, you've probably seen the term "fabrics" more than once in your life. PrimaLoft. In this article we tell you what it is, how it differs from down, what new products have appeared recently and which garments we recommend to equip yourself from head to toe with this material.

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What is PrimaLoft?

The PrimaLoft has been developed since the 1980s with a clear objective: to become a reference material in mountain clothing. What makes it so special? Unlike other fabrics which, when wet, lose the air pockets responsible for retaining heat, PrimaLoft was designed for repel water and keep those air pockets intact. In this way, retains its insulating capacity even in wet conditions.

The PrimaLoft is:

• Slight
• Breathable
• With excellent moisture protection

Its versatility and strength have positioned it as a direct competitor to down jackets, although each of these fillings has its advantages and disadvantages.

PrimaLoft or down jacket?

Provenance and sustainability

The first difference can be found in the composition of the filling fabric.

• PrimaLoft jackets are filled with synthetic fibres.
• Down jackets contain natural filling (usually goose or duck).
• As a result, PrimaLoft jackets are more environmentally friendly and animal welfare friendly.

Insulation capacity and moisture behaviour

• The feathers are very warm and light, but lose much of their ability to retain heat if they get wet.
• The PrimaLoft only loses 4% of its insulating capacity when fully wetted.
• In addition, its fibres repel water notably.

Compression and versatility

• The garments with PrimaLoft compress better and they are very versatile: ideal for highly aerobic activities and versatile in different conditions.

Ease of washing

• PrimaLoft can be machine washed (always according to the manufacturer's instructions).
• Down requires special care to avoid damaging the feathers.

Price

• A garment with PrimaLoft padding is typically more economical than a down equivalent.

What to choose?

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

• For aerobic activities or conditions of high humidityPrimaLoft is the best option.
• For conditions of extreme cold and drydown still offers far superior thermal insulation.

The filling makes the difference.

In the case of synthetic materials, the amount of filler in grams (per square metre) determines the insulation capacity. Logically, the greater the amount of padding, the warmer the garment is.

• Gloves with PrimaLoft padding: around 100 g/m² maximum.
• Lightweight jackets: usually incorporate around 40 g/m² of padding.
• Jackets for intense cold: they can reach up to 130 g/m², offering much more warmth.

Types of Primaloft

PrimaLoft® Silver Eco

• Thermal efficiency85% retains the 85% of the insulation thanks to the combination of two fibres of different sizes.
• CompressionCompresses very well, ideal for technical activities and travel.
• Sustainabilitycontains at least 60% of recycled material and, thanks to processes such as P.U.R.E.® (Produced Using Reduced Emissions), the carbon footprint during manufacturing is reduced.
• Water resistancemoisture repellent and provides warmth without adding extra bulk.

PrimaLoft® Gold

• Warmthequivalent to 750 cuins of goose down.
• Maintains warmth 95% even when wet.
• Maximum performancebreathable, lightweight and with ultra-fine fibres that provide a lot of softness.
• CrossCore™in some versions, it is integrated aerogel (material used by NASA) to further increase warmth while adding almost no weight. This technology can also be combined with P.U.R.E.®.

PrimaLoft® Bio™

• Sustainability: biodegradable synthetic fibres, 100% recycled.
• Environmental commitment: decompose at an accelerated rate in landfills and oceans.
• High performancemaintains insulation while reducing the impact of microplastics.
• You can also benefit from the technology P.U.R.E.®which reduces emissions in its manufacturing process.

PrimaLoft® Performance Down Blend

To solve the heat loss of down when it gets wet, this hybrid filling which combines synthetic fibres and natural feathers. Two versions are available:

1. Gold Version
   • 70% goose down + 30% microfibres.
   • It achieves 95% wet insulation capability.
2. Silver Version
   • 60% duck feathers + 40% microfibres.
   • It also offers a high level of insulation in wet conditions.

With both, we achieve the warmth of down and the moisture resistance characteristic of synthetic fibres.

Other technologies and developments

• PrimaLoft® NEXT:
  • A hybrid fabric which aims to offer the warmth of insulation with the drape of a lining, avoiding the traditional quilted look.
  • It combines the aesthetics of a fleece with the performance of a synthetic insulator.
• PrimaLoft® P.U.R.E.® (Produced Using Reduced Emissions):
  • It is not a new type of insulationbut a manufacturing technology emissions, which minimises CO₂ emissions.
  • It is applied to existing ranges (Silver, Gold, Bio) to reduce their environmental impact.
• CrossCore™:
  • Includes aerogel in the insulation formula to increase warmth without adding weight.
  • It is often combined with PrimaLoft® Gold or other high performance ranges.

In short, PrimaLoft's offer is made up of several baselines (Silver, Gold, Bio, Performance Down Blend) which can be supplemented with more sustainable production processes (P.U.R.E.®), hybrid fabrics (NEXT) or high-tech materials (CrossCore™)The fabric can be adapted to the needs of each garment and activity.

Most recommended PrimaLoft garments.

Here are some of the garments they wear PrimaLoft and that can become your best allies in the mountains.

• 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.