How does down compare to Primaloft in a jacket.?

Question

I was looking at some winter jackets. One had 100gram Primaloft and one had 550 fill down. Is one better then the other? The prices were close.

Answer 1

I have Primaloft and Down jackets and vests.

The Primaloft is my usual weapon of choice. It will keep you warm if it gets wet. Down does not.

Primaloft is less bulky, both under a shell and when you stuff it in a pack. It is also very forgiving. Down, if stuffed over a long period loses loft.

Primaloft is easier to care for. You can toss it in with your regular laundry and if you don't clean it often, still retains warmth. Down has to be washed seperately and once it gets dirty or picks up oils from sweat it loses its loft.

Both are about the same when it comes to wind. The shell material is what makes the difference, at least at the fill rating you are going for.

Another seperate option is Thermore. It's like Primaloft but a bit more wind resistant. I have a Thermore jacket as well..it rocks, but is not as comfy as the Primaloft and doesn't breathe as well as down or Primaloft.