As down prices continue to soar and the outdoor industry pushes for better transparency and accountability in an ethical supply chain, more and more brands are turning to down and synthetic blends to bring you warmth and wet weather performance without the lofty price. Joining Columbia’s TurboDown, PrimaLoft announced their new down and synthetic insulation blend to be used in products from over a dozen outdoor brands for Fall 2014.
Last month, PrimaLoft unveiled their latest insulation technology called Performance Down Blend. The down-synthetic insulation blend is made from a combination of fluorocarbon free DWR treated premium goose down and PrimaLoft permanent water-repellent ultra-fine fiber technology.
The PrimaLoft Performance Down Blend comes in two levels – Gold and Silver. The Gold Down Blend (70% down/feather + 30% synthetic) provides warmth equivalent to 750-fill power down, while the Silver Down Blend (60% down/feather + 40% synthetic) provides warmth equivalent to 650-fill power down.
Seen at Outdoor Retailer, some of my favorite pieces using the new PrimaLoft Performance Down Blend are as follows:
Adidas Terrex Climaheat Ice Jacket ($350): PrimaLoft Gold Down Blend Insulation with partial Cocona lining and PrimaLoft insulated stretch inserts for freedom of movement. I was given one of these jackets to test ice climbing this winter so expect a detailed review to follow.
Black Diamond Hot Forge Hoody: PrimaLoft Gold Down Blend Insulation housed in a DWR treated Pertex Quantum Shell. By playing with baffle size, Black Diamond was able to reduce the weight (460g) and expand the comfort range. A good looking jacket all around.
Sherpa Nangpala Hooded Down Jacket ($259): PrimaLoft Gold Down Blend Insulation housed in a 100% polyester DWR treated ripstop nylon work together to create a perfect cold weather layering piece. A built-in stuff sack makes this hooded jacket easy to throw on your harness for use at the next belay.
Helly Hansen Supreme Jacket ($900): Waterproof and windproof, the Supreme Jacket uses three layers of protection, including the Helly Tech Professional shell, PrimaLoft Gold Down Blend Insulation, and a soft, moisture wicking liner. The new, lower profile H2Flow system use 360-degree laser cut ventilation for exceptional comfort and breathability.
Expect to see more down and synthetic insulation blends as the price and demand for premium goose down continues to soar.