O
utdoorsman Eddie Bauer
invented his goose down
jacket back in 1936 and ever
since then insulated outer-
wear has become an iconic
item for the outdoor industry.
The years have brought us
insulation innovations rang-
ing from synthetic batting and microfiber plumes
to waterproof down, wool and other natural fibers,
and few apparel categories continue to focus more
intensely on textile innovation than the cold weather
active outdoors space.
Sustainability has become a must in the insulation
game, with synthetic category leaders PrimaLoft and
Polartec touting increasingly high percentages of
post-consumer recycled fibers in their products, and
European leader Thermore offering PeTA-approved
vegan certification for their insulation.
DuPont's renewably sourced Sorona brand and
Unifi Repreve recycled fibers are teaming up to
innovate a range of high-performance, eco-efficient
insulation solutions.
Recent trends have seen insulation materials
trending thinner, lighter and more adaptable to both
active and static activities. The quest for "thinsula-
tion" is driving advances in both synthetic and down
insulation via innovative form factors and additives.
PrimaLoft Gold Insulation with Cross Core cre-
ates more warmth at the same weight — or meets
the need for lighter, thinner insulation that provides
30 • Outdoor Insight • February 2018
outdoorinsightmag.com
J A C K E T S
PERFORMANCE
INSULATED TECH
The
Season
Ahead
Signals
Stylish &
Sustainable
Options
Maloja
FEX
Jacket,
MSRP
$259.
