Podcast 001 | Synthetic Insulation

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Summary:

• In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, Ryan and Andrew take a deep dive into synthetic insulation: its technology, strengths, weaknesses, and applications.
  • How is synthetic insulation manufactured?
  • Have recent advances been made in modern synthetic insulation fiber manufacturing?
  • What are the limitations of current manufacturing technologies?
  • How do synthetic fibers compare to down plumules?
  • Why choose synthetic over down?
  • How does moisture absorption into insulation compromise its insulating ability?
  • Is rain (precipitation) really the threat to insulation, or are there other moisture sources to consider?
  • Why should synthetic insulation be considered more seriously by ultralight hikers?
  • Should synthetic insulation be considered by hikers who spend most of their time in dry climates?
  • Are synthetic insulations more sustainable than down from a green manufacturing standpoint?
  • How close is the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody to a down jacket of similar weight?
  • What’s the difference in compressibility between down and synthetic insulation?
  • What type of gear can benefit from synthetic insulation?
• Adventurer, alpinist, backpacker, packrafter, ski mountaineer – and pain aficionado – Max Neale joins them to talk about the Synthetic Insulated Jackets State of the Market report recently authored here.
  • Max talks about risk, uncertainty, and suffering and discusses a trip where the suffering was just a little bit too much while attempting a traverse across the world’s largest mountain.
  • When to use synthetic insulated jackets with active insulation vs. more traditional wind-resistant styles.
  • Windproof vs. waterproof vs. highly air-permeable (active insulation) jackets.
  • Fleece + wind shirt vs. active insulation (synthetic) jacket systems.
  • How to interpret CFM values and why they’re important (or not!) – high vs. low CFM jackets for breathability vs. weather resistance.
  • What is Max’s favorite synthetic insulated jacket, and why?
  • Purpose of synthetic insulating jackets: in-camp use vs. sleep system use vs. hiking use.
  • Are cottage brands really able to compete with big brands with more polished designs and more state-of-the-art technology?
  • Continuous filament vs. short-staple insulation – warm when wet? Durability? How do they compare?
  • Is there a perfect insulated jacket that doesn’t yet exist, and what does it look like?
  • Weight, comfort, breathability, durability, degradation – where are we with technology advancement?
  • Debunking #skurkamyths?
  • Let’s talk about synthetic jacket compression durability/degradation confusion.
  • How does sleeping in your jacket impact insulation durability?
  • What’s the go-to “tough” synthetic insulated jacket (durability?)?
  • At what point do you decide that it’s time to retire your synthetic insulated jacket? Is the answer different for low-permeability vs. active insulated jacket? How can we measure it?
  • What types of compression damage synthetic insulated fibers?
  • What are Max’s big plans for 2018?
• Listener Questions & Tips
  • Is synthetic insulation really warm when wet? Warm when damp, maybe?!
    • Is synthetic insulation loft maintained when small amounts of moisture enter it?
    • What about wearing wet insulating clothing to bed? And what about inside a down quilt? Ack!
    • The problem with compressing a damp sleeping bag/quilt.
  • With the advent of water-resistant down tech, are the advantages of synthetic insulation negated?
    • Description of the down-proof tech.
    • Does it really work? Is it a scam?
    • Where does it work?
  • What’s the best synthetic fiber insulation for moisture transport?
    • The answer lies in the batt construction and batt integration with the overall garment.
  • Why and how to use a synthetic quilt layered over a down quilt/bag for optimal moisture management in inclement/cold conditions – how to use a 2-layered, 22-oz down/synthetic quilt system for an indefinitely long trek in inclement conditions. How about a thru-hike?
• Featured Gear
  • TarpTent Notch Lithium
    • Silnylon vs. DCF (“Cuben Fiber”)
      • Durability?
      • Declining temperature stretch?
      • Performance:weight?
      • Condensation resistance?
    • “Big Pad / Big Fella” suitability?
    • Usability: how Ryan uses two doors/two vestibules
    • Wind resistance experience (sand / wind) by Ryan in Canyonlands NP
    • The overlapping door issue in high winds – Velcro closures – sufficient?
    • Next up: severe winds! Silnylon vs. DCF versions / condensation resistance! Long term durability / expedition usability.
• Here and Now
  • Ryan is planning another trek in the Idaho Wilderness – with *little kids* and *way off trail!*.
  • Andrew is researching his upcoming BPL story on the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument – fatbiking, craters, community support – *huuuge* topographic relief (! ;) – petroglyphs and archeology!
• BPL News!
  • Our editorial & events calendar.
    • Instructional skills webinar series.
    • Wilderness Treks courses – guides & summer courses in Montana wilderness!
    • 2018 Film Festival info/submissions! (+ 2017 youtube replay!)
  • Website updates!
• Podcast
  • Who sponsors this – full disclosure!

Mentioned in this Show

• Max Neale
• Luc Mehl
• Synthetic Insulated Jackets State of the Market Report
• Max’s Review of the Patagonia Micro Puff
• Patagonia Nano Air Light Hoody – mfr | BPL review
• Patagonia Air Shed Wind Shirt – mfr | BPL review
• Cottage Brands: Nunatak, Enlightened Equipment
• Tarptent Notch Lithium Review
• Tarptent Website
• Emissivity
• Moab, UT
• Boulder / White Cloud Wilderness, ID
• Organ Mountains – Desert Peaks National Monument, NM
• Backpacking Light Calendar
• 2018 Wilderness Adventure Treks
• Backpacking Light Film Festival 2017 | 2018 Submission Info
• Website Update Page
• Subscribe to Backpacking Light

Feedback, Questions, Tips?

• Submit them via email and get featured on our next podcast!
• Next podcast topic: Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF) – aka “Cuben Fiber” – ask questions or provide tips about any DCF products, MYOG, etc.!

Credits:

• Backpacking Light – Executive Producer
• Ryan Jordan – Director and Host
• Andrew Marshall – Producer and Host
• Max Neale – Guest Interview
• Look for Me in the Mountains – Music
  • Written by: Chris Cunningham and Ryan Jordan
  • Performed by: Chris Cunningham (acoustic guitar, lead and harmony vocals, harmonica), Chad Langford (upright bass), and Tom Murphy (mandolin).
  • Produced by: Basecamp Studios in Bozeman, Montana

Sponsors:

• This episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is supported and kept advertising-free by Backpacking Light membership fees. Please consider becoming a member which helps support projects like this podcast, in addition to a whole slew of other benefits!

Contact:

You can contact us at [email protected], or follow us on social media –

• Backpacking Light – Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
• Andrew Marshall – Instagram | Twitter | WWW
• Ryan Jordan – Instagram | Twitter | WWW