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Clothing, Gear reviews, Insulated Jackets, Sponsored,Combining the warmth of down with the wet weather performance of synthetic insulation, we try out two new jackets that use Primaloft’s latest loose fill technologies…
Being based in one of the wettest parts of the UK on the west coast of Scotland, Team Trek & Mountain appreciates gear that works well in damp conditions, so we were excited to test out two new jackets from Rab and Adidas that are built around the latest, cutting-edge PrimaLoft loose fill synthetic insulation.
The performance of these jackets – Rab’s Cirrus Ultra Insulated Hooded Jacket (£230) and the Adidas Terrex Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Insulated Hooded Jacket (£170) – promised to be ideal for the kind of weather we enjoy/endure in Argyll during the winter months – both wet and cold at the same time – so we headed out into our local hills in a range of weather conditions to put them through their paces.
Two different types of PrimaLoft synthetic insulation, but both are warm and damp-resistant
Rab Cirrus Ultra Insulated Hooded Jacket with PrimaLoft® ThermoPlume+®
The Cirrus Ultra looks every inch the midweight down jacket – except it isn’t! Instead of down inside its chunky baffles it has PrimaLoft® ThermoPlume+®, the second generation synthetic insulation that uses soft feather-like plumes of vegan-friendly fibre to mimic the lightweight warmth, softness and compressibility of natural down. This + version achieves the equivalent of 650-fillpower, and its improved loft over the original PrimaLoft® ThermoPlume® is achieved by the use of little balls of synthetic fibres that keep the plumes apart and also help stop the insulation from migrating. In practice, this makes the Cirrus Ultra a superbly lightweight jacket that compresses really well in your pack and will keep you warm in all weathers, whether it’s raining, snowing or just bitterly cold.
As well as PrimaLoft® ThermoPlume+® the Cirrus Ultra also uses standard ‘sheet insulation’ in high-wear areas such as the rear scooped hem and across the back of the shoulders, and overall the jacket is very easy to use and look after, with washing and drying much easier than with down products. We used the Cirrus Ultra in all weathers, from cold and dry, to cold and wet, to a full blizzard (see our Instagram Reel!) and it coped with all that was thrown at it. As well as its light weight and impressive packsize, we particularly liked the jacket’s warm, helmet-compatible hood, its generous handwarmer and chest pockets, and the overall comfort afforded by its Pertex outer and lining complete with soft beardguard at the chin!
The distinctive baffle patterns of the Adidas Terrex Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Insulated Jacket
Adidas Terrex Xperior PrimaLoft Loose Fill Insulated Hooded Jacket with PrimaLoft® RISE
The Xperior is a very different beast to the Rab, but no less effective for its intended uses. Using a distinctive baffle pattern that helps to eliminate cold spots, the Xperior uses the latest PrimaLoft® RISE insulation which is another loose fill made from 100% post-consumer materials (i.e. used plastic drink bottles). PrimaLoft® RISE is ideal for packing into the small baffles on the Xperior, and this gives a totally different feel to the wide baffles and lofty insulation in the Rab Cirrus Ultra. Instead you get a quite thin but warm layer that could be used as a warm midlayer with a rainshell over the top, or just as an outer itself, as conditions dictate.
In use we found this a really versatile jacket and, again, ideal for the damp and cool conditions that we hike in on the west coast of Scotland. As well as the PrimaLoft® RISE insulation in the body and arms of the jacket, sheet insulation is used at the sides and hood, and this enhances movement and comfort in these areas. There’s two handwarmer pockets, plus an internal mesh stash pocket and zipped pocket ideal for your phone. A nice feature is the stretchy built-in gaiter which prevents drafts getting in around the neck.
Walking in Argyll in winter can be both cold and damp
Take-aways
So what have we learned while testing these two products? Well, firstly that the latest PrimaLoft synthetic insulation is getting tantalising close to the performance of high quality down insulation, while also providing an ethical (no birds involved) and sustainable (use of recycled materials) alternative. And then just the ease of ownership – not being worried if the weather’s wet, and stress-free cleaning and drying of the garments, for long-lasting performance. It’s a win-win situation as far as we’re concerned!
More info at: www.PrimaLoft.com