Primaloft by Albany International
Primaloft is a premium patented synthetic down insulation. The original, Primaloft PL1, is the closest synthetic duplication of natural down, creating the luxurious hand, warmth and comfort of down, while providing additional protection in wet conditions. Primaloft PL2 is the newest addition to the Primaloft family offering similar properties with greater loft in scrimless form. Both insulations are manufactured in the form of thermally bonded batting.
How do Primaloft PL1 and PL2 work to keep you dry?
Primaloft PL1 duplicates the microfiber structure of natural down most directly and has a lasting water repellant finish on the fibers creating a surface tension that does not allow water from the outside to enter but allows moisture vapor from the body to escape. PL2 has slightly larger microfiber structure for greater loft along with the same durable water repellant finish to protect the fibers from wetness. Water which enters the structure is shed readily and loft is restored.
How do Primaloft PL1 and PL2 keep you warmer?
Both insulations more closely create the fiber size and distribution of down cluster fibers. This fiber structure creates millions of air pockets between fibers to trap heat from the body better than other synthetic insulations which use larger fibers. Primaloft uses state-of-the-art technology to manufacture these unique insulations in order to duplicate the thermal properties of down. In standardized testing, PL1 has proven to be the most thermally efficient synthetic insulation with PL2 very closely comparable.
Which is better for use in a sleeping bag?
Both PL1 and PL2 are excellent choices for sleeping bag insulation. PL1 offers the greatest warmth and protection from moisture at a higher cost. PL2 is a premium higher loft insulation, which gives the closest performance thermally and in wet conditions to PL1 at a lower cost. Both insulations are extremely durable, easy to care for, and highly compressible, with a hand and drape which feel like natural down.
Primaloft is a registered trademark of Albany International