Questions about Primaloft vs Climashield

**NakedT** · 10-19-2014, 12:33

I'm trying to decide which to use for an underquilt and running into all sorts of questions while reading various other posts and browsing stores online.

Climashield Apex seems to be offered in 2.5 ounce and 5 ounce at thru-hiker (http://thru-hiker.com/materials/insulation.php)
It also is offered in 2.2 ounce, 3.3 HL (different than apex?), and 6.0 ounce at outdoor fabrics (http://www.owfinc.com/fabrics.html, then insulation).

Primaloft Gold (or some places still list One) usually is listed at 100gsm or 200 gsm (http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Ki...lation-Fabrics).
Also listed as 3 ounce or 5 ounce (http://www.seattlefabrics.com/insulations.html), which is close to 100gsm and 200gsm (converting those gives 2.9 ounce and 5.8 ounce).

I've also seen people on this forum mention 3 ounce and 4 ounce for Climashield?

Are these differences in measure just the various roundings of the same offerings? They all seem close but it's odd that they are different.

Various posts says Climashield is more compressible and warmer, and it's CLO is a smidge higher (.82 vs .79). But a 6ounce Primaloft would be warmer than a 5ounce Climashield (and heavier), correct?

Some also say that Climashield doesn't need quilting loops, while Primaloft might?

I'm made a 3ounce Primaloft top quilt, and it seems comfortable down to 45 thus far. Probably going to make a warmer underquilt not (and a few for friends) and wondering which is the best to go with. Maybe a warmer top quilt also for the colder months.

Thoughts? Advice?

Oh- some people have done a layer of insultex as well. How much warmth does that add? Does insultex affect the compressibility since it seems stiffer to work with and wouldn't squish with the synthetic quite as well?

Sorry for the brain dump of questions. Been looking at so many things! Thanks so much!

**Ratdog** · 10-19-2014, 13:05

My Apex 5.0 Jarbidge is plenty warm down to 30. I wished it compressed a little more and it probably would in a compression sack. That said, I'm plenty happy with it.

The Apex 6.0 is closer to 1" loft than 2" but it is very warm. Have only had it down to the mid 30's so far but was plenty toasty for the kids 8-13 years old. It compresses more than I would have guessed when compared to a 0 degree down under quilt.

Sewing up some under quilts, the quilting makes a big difference.

Having said all that, I haven't worked with insultex or primaloft. I'm sure several cottage vendors could offer significantly more insight.

**FLRider** · 10-20-2014, 12:49

Originally Posted by NakedT

I'm trying to decide which to use for an underquilt and running into all sorts of questions while reading various other posts and browsing stores online.

Climashield Apex seems to be offered in 2.5 ounce and 5 ounce at thru-hiker (http://thru-hiker.com/materials/insulation.php)
It also is offered in 2.2 ounce, 3.3 HL (different than apex?), and 6.0 ounce at outdoor fabrics (http://www.owfinc.com/fabrics.html, then insulation).

HL is short for High Loft. The CLO value for that is lower than APEX (0.71 versus 0.82).

Primaloft Gold (or some places still list One) usually is listed at 100gsm or 200 gsm (http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Ki...lation-Fabrics).
Also listed as 3 ounce or 5 ounce (http://www.seattlefabrics.com/insulations.html), which is close to 100gsm and 200gsm (converting those gives 2.9 ounce and 5.8 ounce).

I've also seen people on this forum mention 3 ounce and 4 ounce for Climashield?

Are these differences in measure just the various roundings of the same offerings? They all seem close but it's odd that they are different.

Various posts says Climashield is more compressible and warmer, and it's CLO is a smidge higher (.82 vs .79). But a 6ounce Primaloft would be warmer than a 5ounce Climashield (and heavier), correct?

Primaloft Sport is 0.79; Primaloft ONE/Gold is 0.92. ONE/Gold is actually warmer for the weight than Climashield APEX. Sport is not. Either way, yes, 6 oz/sq yd Primaloft is going to be warmer than 5 oz/sq yd Climashield as well as heavier.

Some also say that Climashield doesn't need quilting loops, while Primaloft might?

Correct. Climashield doesn't need quilting loops; sew the perimeter and you're good to go. It's stupid easy to work with. Primaloft recommends quilting loops (how many and spaced how far apart depends on which flavor of Primaloft you use).

I'm made a 3ounce Primaloft top quilt, and it seems comfortable down to 45 thus far. Probably going to make a warmer underquilt not (and a few for friends) and wondering which is the best to go with. Maybe a warmer top quilt also for the colder months.

Thoughts? Advice?

Oh- some people have done a layer of insultex as well. How much warmth does that add? Does insultex affect the compressibility since it seems stiffer to work with and wouldn't squish with the synthetic quite as well?

Sorry for the brain dump of questions. Been looking at so many things! Thanks so much!

I would avoid the Insultex, personally. I've had bad experiences with trying to use IX as an underquilt; it's pretty much a vapor barrier and can be very tricky to work with until you're used to thinking about vapor barriers and how to manage moisture with them. Aside from the VB quality, it doesn't (in my experience) add much warmth and definitely will make the quilt bulkier.

Personally, I would use Climashield. At very cold temperatures, down is a good choice, but if you're going to use synthetics, Climashield wins hands down for me on ease of construction, availability at retail, and general hassle. YMMV, of course...

Hope it helps!