Why Primaloft is the perfect mid-layer

Primaloft synthetic insulation is a great choice if you want to stay warm without using down. Here's everything you need to know about this innovative material.

Duck down has long been the obvious choice for winter jackets and mid-layers, but more and more people are discovering synthetic alternatives that are not only more animal-friendly but often much lighter. Primaloft is a high-performance synthetic padding used in technical, warming garments by 8848 Altitude, among others.

- "At 8848 Altitude, we mainly use Primaloft in our functional multiliners, which are designed to be used during all seasons of the year for various activities," says Pauli Ärje at 8848 Altitude.

Who should buy a warming garment with Primaloft?

- Everyone! But especially those who want a lot of warmth with low weight, which does not take up any space. Or those who need extra warmth during more intense activities because Primaloft is really breathable and wicks away moisture when you sweat.

Theresia ws hoodieTheresia Hoodie is a lightweight multiliner with Primaloft Silver Eco padding. Recommended price is 1 395 SEK.

How does it work compared to down?

- "It is in many ways comparable to down; for example, it is designed to have the same soft feel but is much warmer in relation to thickness compared to other synthetic materials," says Pauli Ärje and continues:

- "Down is 'puffier', which some people like - especially in their outer jackets. However, this makes it less suitable as a mid-layer and it takes up more space in the pack. Down is also heavier and has the disadvantage that it becomes even heavier when wet. Then it also loses much of its insulating ability, which Primaloft does not.

SHOP HERE: Here you will find our range from 8848 Altitude

Primaloft Silver Eco is made from 70% recycled material. What is recycled? And what does the remaining 30% consist of?

- Primaloft Silver Eco is a synthetic material with 70 percent post-consumer recycled fiber technology. This means that 70% consists of materials that have been recycled after the consumer stage. About 28 pet bottles are recycled in one kilogram of padding, which is about six bottles per jacket. The remaining 30 percent is newly produced.

3 benefits of Primaloft

1. Keeps you warm without weighing you down

- Since Primaloft is made up of porous microfibers that form millions of air pockets, it has a really good insulating capacity compressed in a small area. This results in thin, lightweight garments that are warm without being bulky. Perfect to wear as a mid-layer even under tighter jackets and easy to carry in your pack!

2. It's a great choice in bad weather

- The small, synthetic fibers also make the material itself water resistant; which basically means that it will not get wet even if you get it wet. The water doesn't stick! This in turn allows the padding to continue to insulate (and therefore warm) even when you use it in bad weather. And even though it keeps moisture out, it's naturally breathable. Primaloft is also completely odorless.

3. Primaloft is a more ethically sustainable option

- The Primaloft we have chosen to use is Bluesign certified and made from 70% recycled material. Many people also choose the material because it is a synthetic alternative to down.

READ MORE: Theseason's best thin down jackets

READ MORE: How to choose the right mid-layer