The Reason Karrimor's Jacket Using PrimaLoft Artificial Down Is So Popular

Down jackets are light and warm, but their advantages are almost lost when they get wet. This is a drawback, and one of the solutions to this issue has been the adoption of "synthetic insulation that is lightweight, warm, and water-resistant like down." Jackets using synthetic insulation made from suitable chemical fibers are now gaining popularity as cold-weather gear, rivaling down jackets.
 
Among well-known synthetic insulations, PrimaLoft stands out. The prestigious outdoor brand "Karrimor" has adopted PrimaLoft for its "Insulation LT Hoodie,” which received great acclaim last season and has introduced new colors this season. Therefore, I visited Karrimor International Co., Ltd. and spoke with Yukari Kano from the product department.

Even When Wet, Retains Insulation: The Strengths of Synthetic Down Not Found in Down

The synthetic insulation used in the "Insulation LT Hoodie," PrimaLoft, was developed by ALBANY in response to requests from the U.S. military as a form of artificial down for cold-weather gear. It is widely utilized today for its warmth, water resistance, and softness in many winter garments and bedding.
 
“Research and development of more lightweight and lofty insulation materials are underway, and we have adopted the highly functional PrimaLoft Silver for practical use, both in terms of grade and cost performance, for this 'Insulation LT Hoodie.' Generally, down loses its ability to retain loft and warmth when wet and dries slowly, making it insufficient as cold-weather gear; however, PrimaLoft has high water resistance, so it retains warmth even when wet.
 
"The critical insulation measurement value, clo value (clo rating) of PrimaLoft Silver is notably high. 1 clo is the insulating value required to maintain an average skin temperature of 33°C for a resting adult male at room temperature 21°C, relative humidity 50%, and airflow of 0.1 m/s. The clo value of the 80g PrimaLoft Silver used in the 'Insulation LT Hoodie' is 1.9. Even when wet, the clo value is maintained at 1.73.”
 
I have worn wet down before, but it doesn't help maintain body temperature whatsoever. In comparison, even the unfamiliar comparison of clo values highlights the high insulation and water resistance of PrimaLoft Silver. For context, the grade known as PrimaLoft Black, under the same conditions, usually has a clo value of 1.8, which drops to 1.3 when wet. Down jackets would likely drop below 1 when wet.

Versatile as Outerwear or Mid-Layer: A Comfortable Item for Movement

"I enjoy snowboarding, and the 'Insulation LT Hoodie,' which boasts high insulation and water repellency, serves as outerwear on sunny days at the slopes, and on extremely cold or snowy days, I layer it under a soft shell or hard shell as a mid-layer. It’s designed with stretchability and ease of movement, making it perfect for active use."

The versatility of the "Insulation LT Hoodie" may be one of the reasons for its popularity. It's the perfect item to carry around and put on and take off frequently. For casual wear in late autumn to early winter, it can be worn alone as outerwear, and for winter sports or mountain hiking, it can be wisely combined with shells for flexible use as outerwear or mid-layer.

"The packable design fits entirely in the inner pocket on the left chest. It's convenient for times when the temperature fluctuates greatly; just fold it and put it in your bag to keep your luggage compact. When it gets cold, you can quickly unfold and wear it. It's recommended not only for outdoor activities but also for travel, as a hidden item in your bag."

The Cold-resistant Material is Also Waterproof for Summer Mountain Climbing, Granting Year-round Utility

For example, for the popular annual climb of Mount Fuji, a down jacket is essential for warmth, but its vulnerability to moisture is a concern. Since there's a considerable chance of rain, it would be wise to carry the "Insulation LT Hoodie" made with PrimaLoft Silver, which maintains insulation even when wet.
 
Not just for Mount Fuji, but warmth gear is a must for summer climbing or camping. It's useful for daily warmth in the fall and winter and can be packed and carried as a backup in spring and summer, making it a reasonably priced item that can be used year-round.

"When worn outdoors, it’s particularly noticeable that opening the zipper from the top can cause flapping. When you want to ventilate inside the garment, if you open it from the top to some extent and also unzip from the bottom, you can keep the flapping at bay while maintaining comfort inside the garment."
 
This is a common feature of "Karrimor" products, but the positions of the outer side pockets are adjusted to prevent interference with the harness of your backpack. The adjustments for a better fit around the hood and hem are indicative of an outdoor brand. It's designed to meet specific needs, which truly explains its popularity. Why not consider it as a candidate for your outerwear selection this season?