Primaloft Gold Insulation

What is Primaloft Gold Insulation?

PrimaLoft Gold offers the highest warmth to weight ratio of all PrimaLoft styles of insulation.  This batting style of insulation features microfibers that trap body heat, maintain breathability, and repel water providing thermal insulation even when wet.  The short microfibers in PrimaLoft Gold make it the softest and most packable style of PrimaLoft.  These short fibers require quilting for long term stability as well as a down-proof lining and outer fabric.  PrimaLoft recommends quilting the 100 gsm an interval of 6 inches. 

How Warm is Primaloft Gold?

The manufacturer of PrimaLoft indicates that 100 gsm insulation can "potentially" keep you warm in temperatures to -58 degrees Fahrenheit, or -50 Celsius.  This can vary dramatically depending on many things including wind chill, weather conditions, personal metabolism, activity of wearer, outer layer and/or lining.  It is therefore important to ensure you have a water-repellent outer fabric such as Arctic Tech or Polartec Neoshell that blocks the wind as much as possible, as well as a smooth heat-reflective lining.

Can I Layer Primaloft Gold Insulation?

You definitely can layer Primaloft Gold!  To make a warmer garment, simply stack more 100 gsm in layers to your desired thickness.  

Fabric is 60" wide.

How to Sew with Primaloft.

Primaloft provides the following information on how to sew with Primaloft.

To see the video of Leslie and Martha discussing Prima Loft, click here.

How Does Primaloft compare to Thinsulate?

Both Thinsulate and Primaloft are known to provide warmth without bulk.  We prefer Primaloft as it's ultrafine fibers mimic the insulating qualities of Down.  In addition, Primaloft is engineered to be water-resistant, which helps maintain warmth even in damp conditions.  Primaloft is more breathable.  Thinsulate is also quite breathable, at least more breathable than many other synthetic insulations. 

Primaloft and Thinsulate are both fairly durable, although durability often depends on the construction of the garment.    Thinsulate is less expensive than Primaloft.  Primaloft Gold is slightly more advanced than Primaloft Silver, and priced accordingly.  

Both brands offer excellent insulation properties with differences in water resistance, breathability, and cost. 

Is Primaloft Better Than Thinsulate?

Having said both brands have pros and cons, we personally have had some very bad experiences with Thinsulate.  One staff members recalls taking a Thinsulate sleeping bag camping that had a -5 rating, and nearly froze even when the temperature was actually much warmer.  Another staff member recalls skiing in Thinsulate gloves and having very cold hands! 

We choose to carry Primaloft only, as we believe the differences are substantial and the time and effort involved in making the finished garment is worth the few dollars extra.