Its functionality grants a broad assortment of creative innovations like plastics for food and beverage containers and consumer electronics, and its a great down alternative for apparel and sleepwear. But its not quite a miracle insulator: Down is not super breathable and loses its loft when wet, which means it no longer is able to keep you warm. < class="header">Three new products combining DuPont Sorona and Unifi REPREVE maximize recycled and renewable content for high-performance, eco-efficient insulation.>, Six Materials Nominated for the Innovation Award Renewable Material of the Year 2023. Down insulationis an all-natural fill comprised of goose or duck plumage (contrary to popular belief, plumage is the soft material underneath the feathers, not the feathers themselves). In both cases, the birds involved generally live short, miserable lives and die painful deaths for purposes that are absolutely unnecessary. Synthetic Guide When it comes to staying warm in the great outdoors, some people prefer down insulation. Thindown is the worlds first and only down fabric, which offers the coveted benefits of a versatile material. Thankfully, programs like the Responsible Down Standard and Patagonias Traceable Down Standard certify responsibly sourced down, making it possible for the consumer to shop ethically. It s also hypo-allergenic. By using this site, you agree to our, Solar Lights are Lining Highline Canal Pathway in Tempe AZ, Metal Powder Transfer System Safeguards Particle Shape for Consistent Part Quality in 3D Printing, New Peptide Characterization Services for Development and Optimization of Novel Therapeutics, New PFCT Services for Chromatographic Analysis of Pharmaceutical Preparations, New DC-DC Converters with Efficiency of up to 97%, 4 Vortex Furnaces to Arrive at ASSAN ALMINYUM in Turkey, Top Obstacles Engineers Face in Custom Coils Projects, Quick Release & Spring Loaded Pins: Fast, Convenient and Secure, Four Ways to Retrofit Your Fluid Bed System (Without Replacing It! Fill power can vary from around 450 to over 900, with most high-quality down products featuring a fill power of 800 or above. While synthetic fills have been less scrutinized, they have their own set of issues. This hybrid construction can provide the benefits of both materials while limiting each materials imperfections. In reality, both have pros and cons. Synthetics are making good efforts to catch up in this regard, including high-end insulations like Patagonias PlumaFill and The North Faces ThermoBall Eco, but overall, the warmth gap remains. Down insulation is made from goose or duck plumage the lofty, fluffy stuff underneath the feathers. Depending on the product, you can expect to save one-third or more by going with a comparable synthetic piece. Check your inbox. The combination can reduce cold spots with a single sheet of fabric versus quilted sections, delivering greater warmth and breathability, while simultaneously adding drape and stretch for greater movement. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. WILMINGTON, Del. Down is such an effective insulator because it traps your body heat and keeps it there. Website Last Modified May 1, 2023. Longtime REI Expert Advice editor Joe Pasteris is now a freelance writer based in Vermont. To learn more about the RDS, refer to our Expert Advice article, Animal Welfare and Outdoor Gear. Most synthetic fills are, at the very least, resistant to moisture. The Sorona design marks, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with , SM or are owned or used under license by Covation Biomaterials LLC or its affiliates, unless otherwise noted. Synthetic fibers gradually break down no matter how well you care for them. The cost of down continues to risesupply is low and demand is highand its just not easy to get that super-soft goose plumage in the quantities that outdoor gear manufacturers need. If youre looking for a jacket that offers solid warmth at a good value, synthetic insulation is the way to go. Milkweed fiber is a natural and eco-friendly material that can be used in a wide variety of products, including jackets, sleeping bags, gloves, bedding, and boots. Enter synthetic insulation. Very easy to pack, warmth-to-weight ratio makes is incredibly compressible. This bio-based fiber insulator is lightweight, breathable, warm, quick-drying, and resilient. Why do you cause their suffering? For even more categories, check out our ski gear reviews and hiking gear reviews, both of which cover almost everything you need to get outdoors this year. 10+ million models from leading OEMs, compatible with all major CAD software systems. For updates about how DuPont Industrial Biosciences is helping customers deliver cost-effective products with superior performance and sustainability, follow@DuPontBiobasedon Twitter or visit our website athttp://biosciences.dupont.com. Short-staple insulations feature short strands of fine-denier filaments that are densely packed to minimize heat loss. (PRWEB)FEBRUARY 01, 2019 - DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) and Natural Insulation Products Inc. (NIPI) today announced a collaboration to create a new category of insulation. are very pleased Down retains its shape and loft well. we and the birds The Black Diamond Dash Parka, the Prism Ice Parka, the Whirlibird Parka and the Kaleidaslope Jacket are great womens synthetic choices. Flocus is a revolutionary textile brand producing insulation made with fibers harvested from kapok pods found on tropical ceiba trees. Some products use a blend of down and feathers, but by definition, down is different than feathers. This is also what makes them a very popular filler material in comforters, pillows and jackets. The Sorona polymer gives you the opportunity to offer a more eco-conscious product without compromising performance or increasing cost of production. Synthetic insulation is a popular man-made alternative to down and is most often comprised of sheets of polyester fibers that aim to mimic downs air-trapping abilities. Fake fur. The company also recently introduced PrimaLoft Bio insulation made from 100 percent recycled, biodegradable fibers. Weve tested a lot of outdoor gear and picked our favorites, including the best down jackets, synthetic jackets, and backpacking sleeping bags. Down and wool trap air to keep you warm, acting as thermal insulators. Natural down is also incredibly resilient andif properly cared forcan be used for many years. Down acts as a natural thermal vest for birds by trapping air and preventing the loss of body heat. Natures best insulation, down creates high-loft clusters that keep air and body heat from escaping. One thing to keep in mind when stuffing your down jacket or sleeping bag is that leaving it stuffed can cause permanent damage. MicroCloud achieves an affordable price point without harming birds, and the filling provides greater health benefits than down does. Duck down is less fine than goose down and thus is less expensive, but also maintains slightly less loft. Goose down fill power can go as high as 800. (available in the customer portal). For example, Arcteryxs leading lightweight down jacket, the Cerium LT Hoody, is $379. Like warmth, down is also known for its compressibility. Unlike traditional down or synthetic insulation products, this offering optimizes the use of recycled and renewably sourced content for best-in-class insulation solutions, and we look forward to introducing this to the market at Outdoor Retailer.. for your first email from REI. The Pertex Quantum with Diamond Fuse Technology protects the 800+ fill down with an exceptionally durable and abrasion-resistant shell without adding weight. You wont want to wear your down jacket around rock or sharp branches, but its likely too warm (and not breathable enough) to have it on during activity anyways. Stay up to date on industry news and trends, product announcements and the latest innovations. Using fibers from milkweed, a native plant encompassing more than 100 species that grows in abundance in North America, Monark Fibre produces materials that provide insulating power equivalent to downs. Macpac, Kathmandu, North face etc. Connect and transact with thousands of top North American companies today, Innovative material brands are collaborating for a single, seamless sheet of Sorona and Thindown fabric offering superior warmth and breathable insulation. More detailed company information can be found at http://www.youngonecorporation.com. Terms and Conditions, Vegans have been sharing slaughterhouse footage for eons but thank goodness nonvegan CCTV is now available to protect animals in slaughterhouses.. DEBUNKED: Do vegans kill more animals through crop deaths? This makes jackets lined with Primaloft insulation water-resistant, lightweight, very soft, highly packable and a lot less bulky than jackets made with down insulation. It's the insulation of choice in cold, dry conditions, or whenever reducing weight and saving space are top priorities. Polyester fibers - naturally hypoallergenic. This down-like alternative is created with synthetic polyester high-tech fibers that provide comfort and superior support of your head, neck, and shoulders. Sorona contains 37% annually renewable plant-based ingredients. An insulated hardshell can be the right . Sorona and Repreve polyester combine for an environmentally renewable/recycled insulation that is extremely soft with excellent loft. Down insulation has typically been sourced from geese. As technology has improved, however, synthetic has made significant headway. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Thomas Regional are part of Thomasnet.com. Thindown by NIPI (Natural Insulation Products Inc.) is the worlds first and only down fabric. In addition, its more breathable than down and often cheaper. Simply put, you need more synthetic insulation to achieve the same warmth, resulting in more weight. Thankfully, many companies are using high-tech vegan materials that are better for both birds and the environment. The typical range is around 450 to 900, with 900 being the warmest and lightest but also the priciest. Thomasnet Is A Registered Trademark Of Thomas Publishing If youre on a budget, synthetic insulation will usually keep you warm for less money. [4], Sorona can theoretically be produced from about 37% renewable resources as [3] DuPont won a 2003 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for their development of the fermentation process for the production of 1,3-propanediol from corn-derived glucose in recombinant Escherichia coli K-12. This is an interesting topic: Down plumage is inherently durable, but down products tend to leak over time and therefore slowly lose warmth (if you see a feather protruding, massage it back in rather thanpulling it out). Compared to low- and medium-quality down (ranging from about 450- to 650-flll power), high-end synthetics arent that far behindespecially highly compressible insulations such as Patagonias PlumaFill and The North Faces ThermoBall Eco. Sorona polymer-based fibers offer the perfect comfort stretch performance without breaking down overtime due to heat, UV rays, or chlorine exposure. Its custom-fit insulation can be found in sleeping bags, bedding, outerwear, gloves, and footwear sold around the world. Synthetic insulation is essentially polyester threading that is molded into long, single threads or short staples to mimic down clusters. Join once, enjoy forever. For example, if one ounce of down takes up a volume of 650 cubic inches, it is given a 650 fill power rating. My concern was that this would be the difference between buying a merino (down) vs. polyester (sorona) sweater but I can't be sure on that comparison. Treated well, down products should have a very long life (were still using our dads sleeping bag from the 70s). The Lhotse Mountain II Parka, The Powder Bowl Parka , The Whirlibird Parka and the Shimmer Me Timbers Jacket are four mens Omni-Heat jackets that are made up of 100% nylon and polyester. With a lower basis weight than its peers, it offers flexibility, stretch and comfort ideal for the casual market. Once their feathers are ripped out, many are paralyzed with fear and are left with gaping woundssome die as a result of the procedure. We'll send you a few emails every week. Find materials, components, equipment, MRO supplies and more. (WARNING GRAPHIC) It is hypoallergenic and mildew-resistant and retains most of its loft and insulating properties when wet. This insulation is 100 percent sustainable, utilizing a natural alternative without abandoning functionality. One of these things is NOT like the other , If your god demands unrelenting suffering and death, maybe you should invent another god NOT offended by nonviolence and least harm, But if you dont ignore the violent suffering of animals, kids will get cavities . So a sleeping bag rated +20F with 700-fill-power down will be lighter than a +20F bag using 600-fill-power down (assuming the fabrics and other features are comparable in weight). About DuPont DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. For more information or to experience the products firsthand, please visit the DuPont Sorona booth (54089-UL) and Unifi, Inc. booth (55129-UL). REI member since 2006. If a label doesn't specify fill power, it is usually because the down falls in a range below 400 cubic inches or the item contains less than 75% down. This partnership brings together two forward-thinking leaders in the materials space to explore new, innovative materials that will combineDuPont Soronafibers andThindownto enhance the warmth, comfort and design flexibility of insulation. Jackets made with this technology are very soft and down-like, but are made out of eco-friendly synthetic materials. If you're a new email subscriber, your discount code will be waiting for you. 2023 Covation Biomaterials. Patagonias Micro Puff Jacket (with synthetic PlumaFill insulation) is even advertised as having the best warmth for weight of any jacket in the companys lineup. Before you rush to the nearest store to look for a great season-end deal on a well-insulated winter jacket, stop and think about how you can make your next purchase an ethically conscious one. For example, consider the synthetic Mountain Hardwear Shasta 15 and down REI Co-op Magma 15 sleeping bags. [4] The advantage of higher-fill-power down is that sleeping bags and jackets require less down to fill space and achieve a certain temperature rating. Sometimes, manufacturers will place lighter insulation in the arms and side panels of a jacket and heavier fill in the body. And with either type of insulation, its key to treat it well. Down has the highest warmth-to-weight ratio, and is the least bulky. Climashield is composed of thousands of continuous strands of synthetic fibers in a distinctive interlocking solution. Fill power is the term used to measure downs ability to loftand thus trap heat. Read more about us. These weatherproofing techniques resist water to a reasonable degree and are in many ways superior to non-treated shell fabrics or down. Derived from nature and designed for performance, the biological process for creating Sorona utilizes 30-40% less energy and releases 56-63% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than nylon 6 and nylon 6,6. They tend to slowly lose their form and the fibers break down over time, particularly if you are compressing them frequently. Additionally, with the use of bio-based Sorona fibers, the collaboration yields a more sustainable insulated material option versus traditional down, which comes from animal plumage, or nylon, which requires 40 percent more energy to produce. Why do you support laws that REQUIRE abject suffering rather than support the RESCUE of those who suffer? It provides outdoor enthusiasts with outerwear that allows easy movement and is durable, light, packable, and machine-washable. Privacy Policy. In addition, Patagonia uses recycled polyester in their jackets, which is made by weaving polyester fibers with used soda bottles, unusable second quality fabrics and worn out garments. Premium goose down can reach 900 fill-power, and potentially even higher. The goal was to develop a material that (unlike down) would not lose its insulation when wet, but would retain the lightness, softness, suppleness and compressibility found in down insulation. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. And how does killing an animal protect an animal? This technology can be found at Arcteryx, Eddie Bauer, and Mountain Equipment. For sleeping bags in particular, its not a bad idea to use a simple silk liner to prevent your body oils from being in constant contact with the fibers throughout the night. Its hypoallergenic, machine-washable, and tumble-dryable. http://sorona.com/ is the maker of the material. The Companys proprietary PROFIBER technologies offer increased performance, comfort and style advantages, enabling customers to develop products that perform, look and feel better. It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether its for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. You simply squeeze an in-pocket pump that forces air into the chambers surrounding your torso, and you can adjust the level of insulation whenever you need to. Thermolite is used in a variety of products, including outdoor apparel and sports gear, and its engineered to keep you warm while helping to optimize your performance. Sorona is DuPont de Nemours, Inc.'s brand of Triexta, a subclass of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT)[1] named and commercialized in 2000. The upside to synthetic insulation is that it is much more resistant to moisture, and when it does get wet it dries faster; synthetic insulation can often dry within a daymaybe even hoursif put in the sun or on a windy day. DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Stay up to date on New Arrivals, email exclusives & more. You can stuff a lightweight down jacketto about the size of a water bottle, and much more tightly than a comparable synthetic. We invite you to read more about our other practices in our Stewardship Report. Its also easier to care for. DowDuPont intends to separate the Specialty Products Division, which will be called DuPont, into an independent, publicly traded company. Todays backpacking sleeping bags offer not only exceptional warmth for their weight For all the minimalist backpackers and bikepackers, thru-hikers, and ounce-counters out there, the lightweight gear world is full of options to complete your sleep system. For the Alpha Industries MA-1 Echo Flight Jacket. More information can be found at http://www.dupont.com. This ECOLoft collection will elevate sustainable, high-performance insulation solutions for the outdoor market and offer brands a versatile option for cold-weather products, said Renee Henze, Global Marketing Director for DuPont Biomaterials. Typically made of polyester, synthetic fill is quick-drying and insulates even if wet (something down struggles to do). The most common criticism of down insulation is its tendency to clump up and lose loft when it gets wet, thereby losing its insulation properties. Thinner and lighter threads fill voids and trap warm air more effectively. Primaloft: This patented synthetic microfiber thermal insulation was originally developed for the U.S. military in the 1980s for use in clothing and sleeping bags. Covation Biomaterials trademarks may not be used in connection with any product or service that is not a Covation Biomaterials product or service. Referred to as frozen smoke because its so lightweight, Aspen Aerogels insulation was developed in a lab 80 years ago and then reintroduced in 2007, when NASA figured out how to use it to keep instruments warm on a Mars rover. However, for daily use and with jackets in particular, we often opt for synthetics instead. If you're prone to allergies, invest in only high-quality down products, or go with synthetic. Both duck and goose downs are classified by fill power, which is a measure (in cubic inches) of how much space is filled by one ounce of down. and our Down is actually the fluffy undercoating that provides warmth for geese, ducks and other waterfowl. I wanted to know about the longevity and effectiveness of it vs. down feather alternatives. Because of its supreme warmth-to-weight ratio and incredible compressibilitywhich makes it very easy to packdown is considered the crme de la crme of insulators. It maintains its loft wash after wash, so you can look good and stay warm day after day. Its also a good choice for casual outdoor enthusiasts who only use their gear a handful of times a year and for people who prefer to save money. Its breathable and retains warmth with less filling and weight, creating a more comfortable garment. Down fill, and particularly premium goose down at 800-fill power and above, offers the ultimate in lightweight warmth. Synthetic insulation can also be pricey, and particularly newer high-end products designed to mimic down, but its still the cheaper option. WILMINGTON, DEL. If you fail to take your gear out of its compression bag or stuff sack, you can damage the down and it may never regain its original loft. Deciding between down and synthetic really comes down to what environment youre venturing into and what activities youll be undertaking. You may find yourself replacing synthetic products more often compared to down products. This is the best insulator because the high-loft goose down has a very fine construction. Down also comes in a number of different grades. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Synthetics, on the other hand, arent as good at trapping heat and therefore breathe much more effectively. Plumtech, an exclusive Save The Duck padding, is a synthetic down made from recycled polyester using innovation thats completely animal-free. There is less bulk, creating a more elegant, lightweight garment. http://biosciences.dupont.com/solutions/biomaterials/. My Heart, the creations of Karen Lyons Kalmenson, April 30 is national adopt a shelter pet day, Jasha Lottin, Oregon Woman, Took Nude Photos Inside Horse Carcass, Vanderbilt University fined $8,156 for lab animals dying unnecessarily, what you can do, An Autistic Activist Responds To Temple Grandin. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Every Outdoor Research product is covered by our Infinite Guarantee, Stay up to date with our latest deals and products. Keep in mind that the quality of down (and therefore its loftiness) matters in this equation: the higher the fill power, the more the down will compress. Duck down can achieve fill-power ratings no higher than 750 or 800. The blend of Sorona fibers and Thindown can eliminate several drawbacks associated with the use of traditional down filling. Nature's best insulation, down creates high-loft clusters that keep air and body heat from escaping. As the company looks to elevate its performance attributes and sustainable ingredients, it has partnered with DuPont Industrial Biosciences using its Sorona fiber a high-performance fiber made from renewable plant-based ingredients.
