Down vs. Primaloft

**Soda67** · 10-12-2014, 17:07

Does anyone have any thoughts/data/temp-weight ratings comparing down and Primaloft insulation?

**equilibrium** · 10-12-2014, 17:31

It comes down to the same arguments placed on the subject of down vs. Synthetic. Weoght, compressibility, and cost. I have a primaloft synthetic jacket and it weighs slightly more than a down jacket but functions the same when considering warmth factors. The basics are like I said, weight and compressibility being the two common factors. Cost is sometimes relatively close and other times you could pay half the price for a synthetic insulated item when compared to down. If weight and compressibility is not an issue but cost is than primaloft/synthetics are your best option and will perform admirably. In my opinion down is the best for hiking and backpacking uses hands down. However, if you want a jacket I would get primaloft because of the ability to function when wet as compared to down which is virtually useless when wet. Other hiking items such as insulation for your hammock, down is your best option when cost is nt a factor. There will be Ther members that reply to this thread with more helpful information than mine. Hope my.information helps.

**equilibrium** · 10-12-2014, 19:03

Since this is the top insulation forum than the only major difference would be the big three(compressibility, cost, and weight)

**MDSH** · 10-12-2014, 19:18

In Florida I'd go with a Climashield Apex TQ because of the humidity.

**equilibrium** · 10-12-2014, 19:55

I can't speak for everyone but as of now I have been fine while using down insulation in Florida. Granted, all of my down products feature hyperdry/downtek etc.

**MAD777** · 10-12-2014, 21:42

I've been using down forever here in Florida. No problems as long as you know how to keep your gear dry.

**Soda67** · 10-13-2014, 11:16

I should have stated that I am very pro-down, this was mainly a question on the viability of replacing down with primaloft in a manufacturing setting, saving production cost, yet still having comparable weight/temperature stats as down.

**brino** · 10-13-2014, 11:30

Should probably be noted that Climashield Apex compresses more, and is slightly lighter than primaloft. Which makes the gap between synthetic and down a bit smaller, at least in 2 of the "big 3"....

**Boston** · 10-15-2014, 01:20

Primaloft will weigh more and be less compressible vs the same temp rating in down.

Generally speaking, from a loft standpoint, down and modern synthetics will give the same temp rating at the same loft. So the only difference is the weight of the material required to achieve that loft. Down will always win.

**Soda67** · 10-15-2014, 21:44

Originally Posted by Boston

Primaloft will weigh more and be less compressible vs the same temp rating in down.

Generally speaking, from a loft standpoint, down and modern synthetics will give the same temp rating at the same loft. So the only difference is the weight of the material required to achieve that loft. Down will always win.

Wow! So a 3.5" thick solid synthetic quilt for a 0* rating? That's crazy. Yep, Down 1, Primaloft 0