Which Synthetic Insulation is Best for You?

[@justmyopiniontoday7548]

Very useful information and a very competent presentation. There are many individuals and companies doing this type of informal educational gear review but in my experience the trekitt ones are noticeably superior in quality of information and presentation. I have started viewing when I see the trekitt label.

[@trekitt]

Thank you, very high praise indeed. We'll keep doing what we're doing! Harry

[@Dan-ey4mi]

I have a Montane prism jacket , it's soooo amazing and versatile. A t-shirt and fleece under this jacket is very warm and will keep you warm in any UK weather. When you put a Gore-tex jacket over it, you're covered in any weather

[@ianrudd7442]

Good to have you back Paul. Another good video and it has given me something to think about.

[@trekitt]

Glad to help!

[@Litts]

Yay, Paul's back (not sure where you've been - not prying). Ben did a wonderful job too but it's nice to have you back.

[@trekitt]

Both Ben and Paul will be presenting going forward. Harry

[@MaxZappa1]

Montane Prism is a superb mountain garment. Now on my second, I would not be without it. Great temperature regulation whilst moving and offers great wind resistance. Will tolerate light rain and showers. Can be worn as an mid layer in winter on the high fells or outer at any other time of year, save a hot summers day.

[@sonsofliberty3081]

Look at kuiu ultralight hunting.

[@JohnBeeblebrox]

Great video. I bought a Montane Prism, on impulse, on the back of your review a while back and love it. Very much my go-to jacket at the moment. Have also, a few days ago, just received a Rab Cirrus Flex 2.0 vest from Trekitt which, I think, is also sheet insulation (and looks like it will be a great little mid layer). Keep these technical presentations coming please, very informative. Sad geek that I am, I spent quite a while researching insulation on the back of your post :-)

[@dudeymcduderson]

I also bought a Montane Prism on impulse on the back of their review! And I love it, use it most days!

[@trekitt]

Thanks for the support; you've picked two great jackets there. The Cirrus Flex has blown insulation, which, as you've mentioned, makes it a good midlayer or outer layer. Harry

[@ClaireLYoung]

As someone who asked for this, thanks for doing it. You've answered my main question about durability.

[@trekitt]

Not a problem. Most of our video ideas come from comments, so keep 'em coming! Harry

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

An active insulation jacket is a direct replacement for a cotton sweater. You probably grew up wearing a cotton hoodie or sweater. Mostly warm when static and it was great when it wasn’t raining. Bust out the emergency plastic poncho or the dollar store rubber rain jacket when it started raining.

[@Chris-sd6os]

Great video Paul. I will say that loose blown synthetic insulation such as Thermoplume is great up until the point of washing. It is impossible to wash and dry without clumping even if following recommended procedures.

[@danceswithbadgers]

I'd generally go for sheet insulated jackets as I would wear such a jacket over my Paramo jacket, which I'd already have on. I find Paramo's over-layering jackets too heavy and bulky, and my choice has been my 8 year old Rab Xenon, oversized to go over my Paramo. I've had a Montane Prism for the same use in the past, less successfully. As my Xenon is getting on, and isn't as warm as it used to be, I'm considering a Rab Generator Alpine as its successor. It's heavier but with a more comprehensive feature set, and the new Xenon just isn't the same kind of jacket anymore. Sheet inslated jackets work well as over layers when treated with a wash-in proofer, and have good weather resistance. As for the active insulation, I've had Rab Vapour-rise and Mountain Equipment's Kinesis as well as various Polartec Alpha pieces in the past - all replaced by my Paramo Velez jacket, with its mesh liner - the best such liner I've found. Apart from my Vapour-rise, which was too knackered to sell, all my other active jackets were sold via eBay a couple of years ago, as they're all inferior to the the Velez in terms of temperature regulation/moisture management and don't have the same weather protection.

[@Blix79]

Yes! Paul is back!! 👋🏻

[@semo7566]

Excellent info, thank you. I would just point out that Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex is a shield insulation, I believe. But it's 220g, compressible and warm. Takes care of your first two types of insulation in one IMO

[@danceswithbadgers]

I've watched several reviews of the Torrid Apex but sadly, Enlightened Equipment's prescence in the European/UK marketplace is nil, so simply no way of acquiring one or even seeing one.

[@delsterwislon522]

I finally understand all about synthetic filling. Thank you excellent video.

[@trekitt]

Glad we could help. Harry

[@azores15]

That was enlightening. These informational videos are good enough and frequent enough to justify a subscription.

[@trekitt]

Thank you!

[@JimAndBellaOutdoors]

Your videos are excellent and so informative. They are my go to videos and site whenever I need to know anything about outdoorsy stuff! Thank you!

[@trekitt]

Thanks Jim, much appreciated.

[@SonOfMidgeslayer]

Speaking as an anorack Anorack I found this video thoroughly informative. Thanks.

[@AlanHH]

Welcome back.

[@joseramoncanedoarrillaga9633]

Great, great job, Paul and Harry!!! Thanks a lot! I hope you get back to selling to the rest of Europe. May I ask your opinion? Between Montane Prism and Montane Fireball. I do not see the justification for the difference in price. Thanks!!

[@trekitt]

The Prism is more wind/water resistant, making it ideal as an outer layer in cool conditions. The Fireball has an air-permeable outer fabric (wind can pass through), making it more breathable and consequently suitable as either a midlayer or outer layer. The Fireball feels nicer to wear but the Prism is a legend of the outdoor world. Harry

[@joseramoncanedoarrillaga9633]

@@trekitt thanks again!

[@bertman4]

Someone was really excited about active insulation! Very informative, thank you!

[@trekitt]

Glad we could help!

[@fritzd2116]

Most informative videos I’ve seen. Very helpful indeed. Cheers from Idaho!

[@Melvin-belvin]

Oh nice!! Perfect timing!! I was just wondering about this. Wonder what the next step in synthetic insulation will be…

[@trekitt]

Who knows!

[@danielkim2997]

love that your content has practical applications and it's not another gear dump video lol

[@howied9369]

As always great anysis and such a beneift to "physically see" the products in comparison with the techical specifications. come open a distributorship in Ft. Wayne, Indiana PLZZZZ.

[@hclarke116]

Great video. Keep up the good work team

[@ashleymears8072]

Great informative video. As Vegans we are always looking for the non animal alternative and how they perform. This gives a very informed description enabling us to make the right decisions for our beliefs. 👍

[@sassysuzy4u]

Thank you so much! This was the first really clear comparison I have found. Keep up the great work. =]

[@trekitt]

Thanks, will do!

[@sdemosi]

I have Haglofs mimic platinum in 2 of my jackets. A Roc Mimic and a V Series mimic which I got on the recommendation of this excellent channel. Always happy with Haglofs and the synthetic insulation with graphene is as good as 700+ down with less likelihood of cold spots, in my experience

[@trekitt]

Agreed, the V Series especially is an absolute monster of a jacket. Warmer than anything I've tried for its weight. Harry

[@sdemosi]

@@trekitt great investment tbh. The Gore lining also blocks wind very well, better than Pertex. It’s a bit of a trim fit but it’s plenty warm for what it is.

[@dudeymcduderson]

For a warm person would you recommend the atom, proton or xenair? Which is the most breathable? Brill video as always

[@trekitt]

Atom - Ideal as an all rounder. Provides good water and wind resistant. Pretty breathable. Proton - Super breathable, perfect for active use. Allows wind to pass through to limit sweating. Good water resistance. Xenair - Somewhere in the middle. Has an air-permeable outer fabric (wind can pass through) but also has more insulation than the Proton LT.

[@lenachew6134]

Thank you Hi may I ask for any jacket for a strong windproof jacket ?

[@zoeychew1838]

Thank you for the insightful video. Could I please get your recommendations for a self-supported hike in Kungsleden? I personally can’t take cold very well (coming from Singapore with summer all year round) and there is a possibility of all day rain there in August. “Active” sounds like the perfect choice, but it feels like “Sheet” might be a more durable choice due to the weather.

[@trekitt]

An active insulation piece with a hardshell over the top if it starts to rain is a good combination for active use (i.e fast-paced hiking, scrambling, etc). Sheet insulation will be more suitable if the majority of your time is spent at a slower pace. Harry

[@kierenkd]

I was hoping to see the difference between polartec thermoplume black & silver. For Montate, the lite with silver seems better than the other Icarus jackets which use lower grade black thermoplume??

[@trekitt]

Hi, this video is more about the categories of insulation rather than the brands. Montane should be able to answer your question regarding the quality of each version. Harry

[@davidmackie8617]

Why oh Why did i watch this video, had it all sorted, watched your video on the Haglofs v series mimic jacket and after all my searching for a replacement for my lightweight Montane sheet Primaloft jacket that i used as a cycling jacket for inclement weather and as a mid layer under a Rab alpine generator and quite comfortably sit under the stars at camp, i need to get a quick drying mid layer that will get used during cycling, my montane has been a star, but stitched to many times now, ok my question to you is this, after watching this video, i realise i'm needing an active jacket, so how does the Haglofs v series mimic align with active jackets especially your comments you made on the Gore infinium membrane that swung the decision in the Haglofs favour, i do need a work horse, i am retired now and my time is my own, cycled round most of the coast of Scotland this year and wild camped all the way, Loved it, interested to here your thoughts, love the show lads, new subscriber. P.S aesthetics not my thing, but that Haglof v series looked awesome, got your work cut out to persuade me otherwise.

[@trekitt]

The V Series is a cracking jacket, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's too warm for cycling. It is an absolute monster of warmth and only comes out of the cupboard when well into minus figures for me, or when standing still for any great length of time. I suppose it depends how warm you need to be, but I'd probably be looking at something like the Montane Fireball. www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/montane-mens-fireball-jacket-astro__43580?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=MFIRJ-AST

[@franknobody5965]

Very interesting video, thank you!

[@SlickMaximus]

+19:25 Does author feel this are good ideas: 1 - Print R-value on price tag for outdoor clothing so customer has measured verification of what they are buying. R-value can be measured using Euler heat transfer equation plus foam insulation panel with known R-value. 6 R-values for each piece of clothing material are: not layered, layered, dry, wet, no wind, fan wind. 2 - Measure and compare water evaportation rate for summer clothing by placing wet sponge inside summer wicking clothing. Higher wicking material should have lower surface temperature from sponge water evaportation in room with low humidity.

[@trekitt]

Good ideas in principle, getting the industry at large to agree to all the extra testing procedures and cost involved would probably be pretty tricky. But that level of information would be incredibly useful, maybe not everyone would be interested, but the gear nerds among us would be grateful.

[@MK-px3re]

Great video as always. When top 5 best in each class Paul/Harry?

[@trekitt]

Thank you 🙌 Honestly, we probably won't make these sorts of videos. There are other channels/websites that do (Outdoors Magic is one), but it's not for us. Harry

[@PiotrS-a]

thanks best greetings from Poland :)

[@andrewmorgans9176]

great video as always. I've recently bought the haglofs mimic mens hood as in this vid, if you hold the jacket up to the light you can see on the back of the jacket there is barely any insulation. You can see the clumps and clusters of insulation but then in other parts nothing. You can rub your thumb and finger together material to material with zero fill in between, then minimal in some parts of the baffle and then see where its clumped together in small parts. Is this supposed to be like this as its very light weight and the lim series or would you say defect ? it does seem less on the back compared to other areas, is this because its usually a warm area ? thanks

[@trekitt]

The insulation in the LIM will migrate a little and move around because Haglofs have used their mimic insulation which is designed to mimic down clusters, hence the name. Because it is small clusters of synthetic fill it will move and clump a little, but can be teased back to be more even. The back is a very common place for insulation dead-spots, along with the elbow and under the arms, especially if wearing a pack. We wouldn't day its a defect unless the back baffles are completely devoid of insulation, just give it a good shake and redistribute that insulation and you'll be good to go.

[@andrewmorgans9176]

@@trekitt great thank you

[@lloydcozens9346]

Hi, I love the videos thanks. Is there much difference between the Rab jacket you had on and the Rab vapour rise? I Thanks

[@trekitt]

There are two variations of Vapour Rise - the VR Summit and VR Alpine Light. Both are less insulated than the Xenair and more focused on active use. VR garments are more like softshell jackets whereas the Xenair is definitely an insulated jacket. Harry

[@avenzhang5927]

Excellent video!! So for skiing around -20 degree (Celsius), blown or active insulation which would be a better choice?

[@trekitt]

Depending on which discipline of skiing you're doing, active insulation will most likely be the more suitable option.

[@pm-yp5ri]

So you'd say that sheet insulation is the most durable? I've seen on forums talk about the longevity of synthetic insulation and that it doesn't last very long. Is that a valid fear when buying a proper synthetic jacket?

[@clivenewton7609]

Hope this might help! I’ve had a Mountain Equipment Fitzroy jacket for about 7-8years and for probably half that time it was worn every day during the cooler months (U.K.) for my job, now being retired it’s my go-to jacket for walking the dog when the temperature drops to single figures! As far as I remember it’s a primaloft sheet insulation jacket which has stood the test of time. Now to get to the point IMHO 😂 this type of insulation will last year on year as long as you look after it, by quality it’s worth it in the long run. Kind regards from deepest Dorset England.

[@trekitt]

Hey Paulo, Clive has hit the nail on the head. With regular care, they last for ages. Avoid keeping them compressed and they'll live for many years of adventures. Harry

[@lewisiking]

Great looking jacket, the mince pies look good too! 👍🏻

[@trekitt]

Wrong video!

[@majamidzor3801]

How would Active compare to fleece? Quite simmilar properties as I understand. Thanks! :)

[@trekitt]

Active insulation has increased weather resistance and is generally more packable for the warmth it provides. It's probably not quite as breathable as traditional fleece though. Harry

[@Babel7078]

I don't know where Coreloft fits here, but I'm sure I'll stick to my Atom LT for years to come. Glad to see you here again!

[@trekitt]

Coreloft is a sheet insulation. Atom LT is a great jacket - I wore mine into work today! Harry

[@alessandro-it8eq]

Great job

[@wazeroonie6084]

If nothing else, synthetic is far easier to wash and dry than down.

[@trekitt]

Very true.

[@Scouseking]

When are you getting the arcteryx thourim ar hoody in stock kingfisher? Or grey one

[@trekitt]

They're on order, but unfortunately no date for arrival just yet. Production issues and shipping delays have made things a little awkward I'm afraid. Sorry I can't be of more use. Harry

[@Scouseking]

@@trekitt ye ok everywhere is struggling to stick arcteryx thorium’s AR must be in very high demand even arcteryx them self don’t have it

[@wendyflannery1260]

Looks great

[@francescobroli6756]

excellent video thanks

[@trekitt]

No problem!

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍Great useful Info and well presented .. thank you. You have a new Subscriber. Now to go and take a squizz at the Down vs Synthetics Posting ..

[@trekitt]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@thomasmusso1147]

@@trekitt 👍

[@mungo75]

I'm admittedly only a few minutes in, but I'm guessing snugpak's insulation is sheet?

[@trekitt]

It depends which of their insulations. They have a lot! Harry

[@dudeymcduderson]

14:16 top editing skills. Harry is wasted in his job 😁

[@trekitt]

Haha, thank you 😂

[@HikingFeral]

I sweat my boobies off when moving and I mean dripping, then when I stop I freeze. No inbetween. No "warm" just red hot or cold lol. This is why I pack active wear layers. Down jacket, long Johns and fleece layers.

[@trekitt]

It sounds like you need to adopt the 'be bold, start cold' ethos! Start with fewer layers and warm up as you move. You'll be cold for a few minutes but you'll avoid sweating too much and making yourself cold when you stop. Harry

[@boxster21]

TNF sheet insulation absolute rubbish 🤷🏻‍♂️. Once washed it’s ruined as doesn’t recover

[@sjohnstone8181]

Half a dozen mince pies

[@trekitt]

Wrong video!