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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?
- Is synthetic insulation really warm when wet? Warm when damp, maybe?!
- 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.
- Silnylon vs. DCF (“Cuben Fiber”)
- TarpTent Notch Lithium
- 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!
- Our editorial & events calendar.
- 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 podcast@backpackinglight.com, or follow us on social media –