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.