Insulation - High Loft Synthetic
Loading...
Cottage Gear Guide: Ultralight Hiking & Backpacking Gear from Small, Startup, and Cottage Brands
Discover the most unique, innovative, and ultralight backpacking gear from small, startup, and cottage brands in our Cottage Gear Guide.
Details
Minimalist and Backpacking Footwear
In this guide, we’ll explore the primary categories of footwear for backpacking and hiking, including minimalist footwear, examining their unique benefits, limitations, and use cases.
Details
The Dirt Catwalk: Modern Layering Ensembles for Backpackers
In this article, I discuss some of the challenges that an effective layering system needs to address. In addition, I highlight a handful of the layers that I use the most and how I combine them into various ensembles for different use cases.
Details
Backpacking Light Staff Picks: Our Favorite Gear
Our staff selects their favorite hiking, backpacking, and other backcountry gear that they’ve used over the past year – the next edition of our infamous Staff Picks!
Details
Publisher’s Gear Guide Update (Nov ’23)
The Publisher’s Gear Guide has been updated. This gear guide contains recommendations in various categories by Backpacking Light Publisher and Founder Ryan Jordan. This is the gear he actually chooses to use on his own trips.
Details
Episode 89 | Fall Layering Systems
In episode 89 of the Backpacking Light Podcast, we are going to talk about fall layering systems.
Details
Episode 75 | Winter Layering for the Legs
Much attention is paid to layering for the torso, head, hands, and feet – but the legs are often ignored. However, during winter conditions, an intentional layering strategy for the legs can make the difference between comfort and misery. For mild winter conditions, a layering strategy may look similar to a 3-season lower body layering system. However, when temperatures drop below freezing, and snow and wind increase, the strategy needs to change a bit. Listen to this episode to explore some of these strategies so you can stay warm and comfortable when the mercury drops.
Details
2022 Backpacking Light Members Choice Awards
First annual Members Choice Awards – what gear do our members use and love as we near the end of 2022?
Details
Patagonia Nano Puff Insulating Layers
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody.
Details
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Booties
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Enlightened Equipment Torrid Booties.
Details
Patagonia DAS Light Pants
Gear reviews from our staff and members, buy/sell used, shopping tools, and more about the Patagonia DAS Light Pants.
Details
By the Numbers: Compression Resistance of PrimaLoft Gold vs. Climashield Apex (Part 4)
PrimaLoft Gold outperforms Climashield Apex as the more resilient (durable) insulation, capable of retaining more of its original warmth and loft in response to repeated compression.
Details
Synthetic Insulation Degradation Part 2: Thermal Performance vs. Compression
How bad does high-loft synthetic insulation (Climashield Apex and Primaloft Gold) degrade when subjected to repeated compression cycles? What’s the impact on backpacking gear and apparel?
Details
Lightweight Clothing Layering Systems for Backpacking (Member Q&A)
How to assemble and save weight on a clothing layering system for hiking and backpacking to stay warm, dry, and comfortable.
Details
By the Numbers: Is Synthetic Insulation Warm When Wet?
We throw some quantitative testing at an oft-repeated synthetic insulation claim to measure the thermal performance of wet insulation.
Details
Arc’teryx Proton LT Hoody
The original version of the Proton LT Hoody received a Highly Recommended rating from our Alaskan contributor, Max Neale, in 2018. He called it the “highest rated all-purpose active insulation jacket”…
Details
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie
The Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody is one of the best lightweight synthetic insulated jackets on the market today. If you want a full-length zipper, two zippered handwarmer pockets, and interior stash…
Details
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pullover
The Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Pullover is minimalist in all the right areas while trying to retain as much warmth as possible for the weight. It uses an efficient and…
Details
Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket
The Patagonia Micro Puff series offers one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios of any synthetic-fill jacket. It uses a high-efficiency fill (Plumafill), a unique partial-baffle construction that minimizes cold spots,…
Details
Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket
The Enlightened Equipment Torrid Apex Jacket is an ultralight jacket insulated with Climashield Apex (synthetic). It is designed for backpackers looking for an insulating (at-rest or in-camp) layer that is…
DetailsJoin Our Community
Become a Backpacking Light Member
Forum Access
Unrestricted access to all forums, plus the ability to post and start new threads.
Premium Content
Unrestricted access to all 2,300+ articles, gear reviews, skills, stories, and more.
Community Posts
Post new content to the community including gear swaps, reviews, trip reports and more!
Online Education
Get unlimited access to all our online education (*Unlimited membership required).
Pack less. Be more. Become a member today!
