longevity of Climashield Apex and other synthetic insulation

[douglasfir]

Over the last few years I've worn out a synthetic-insulated puffy jacket from REI. It started off extremely warm, but pretty quickly it lost a lot of its warmth. It's not very useful now, a handful of years after I got it. I now am looking for a new insulated jacket.

Kifaru's Lost Park Parka and a few other Climashield Apex jackets look pretty good. I know that several brands use Apex insulation in their sleeping bags. How does the insulation in these jackets hold up with regular use? What sort of luck have you had with other types of synthetic insulation?

I know that Wiggy's uses a Climashield product that I believe is less lofty than Apex but apparently retains its insulating properties for a longer time - it lasts forever, according to Wiggy's! I would happily deal with more weight and bulk in order to get more years out of a jacket, especially considering how often I will probably wear it.

 

[tdot]

Longevity and pack size are my only two major complaints about synthetic insulation left. I've had an Apex quilt that lost noticeable loft after about 40 very, very hard nights, and then an Apex, an Arcteryx Coreloft and kuiu synthetic puffy jackets that all lost noticeable warmth after the first 50-100 days of use. The jackets are all still warm, just not as warm as when new, if I had to throw a number at it, I'd guess 15%-25% loss of insulation. My Kuiu has seen the most use, probably approaching 250+ days use, some of that on the ocean, and it's still warm, just not as warm as when new. I'll probably be buying a replacement for next winter.

 

[Formidilosus]

Kifaru's Lost Park Parka and a few other Climashield Apex jackets look pretty good. I know that several brands use Apex insulation in their sleeping bags. How does the insulation in these jackets hold up with regular use? What sort of luck have you had with other types of synthetic insulation?

Between 60-90 days of use there will be noticeable loss in loft.
Insulation that has longevity is solely quality down. Quality treated down for use in wetter conditions.

 

[mtwarden]

synthetics will lose more loft with repeated stuffing/unstuffing vs down; out of the current crop of synthetics- Climashield Apex has the best longevity

these won't last forever, but will last a long time- I have a wide range of Apex garments and quilts, some of them have been on the job for five years now (some minor degradation of loft from new); when I feel they are of no service I plan on replacing them

I have several down garments that get used when conditions warrant it, basically when it's on the drier side- summer, winter or in between, otherwise Apex gets the nod

 

[douglasfir]

Thanks for all the replies. Seems like synthetic puffies are great for people who use their jackets a few times a year, or for people who really need synthetic performance and are willing to pay for it when their jackets start losing loft. With my job, it sounds like I'd go through a puffy jacket every season even with Apex insulation.

Seems like fleece layers might be the way to go for me, with a down puffy for when it's really cold or I am taking a break.

 

[wind gypsy]

Thanks for all the replies. Seems like synthetic puffies are great for people who use their jackets a few times a year, or for people who really need synthetic performance and are willing to pay for it when their jackets start losing loft. With my job, it sounds like I'd go through a puffy jacket every season even with Apex insulation.

Seems like fleece layers might be the way to go for me, with a down puffy for when it's really cold or I am taking a break.

I’d say you nailed it. My synthetic puffies these days are specialty pieces that get limited use.

 

[BBob]

By the Numbers: Compression Resistance of PrimaLoft Gold vs. Climashield Apex (Part 4) - Backpacking Light

PrimaLoft Gold outperforms Climashield Apex as the more resilient insulation, capable of retaining more of warmth and loft after compression.

backpackinglight.com

 

[IBen]

Thanks for all the replies. Seems like synthetic puffies are great for people who use their jackets a few times a year, or for people who really need synthetic performance and are willing to pay for it when their jackets start losing loft. With my job, it sounds like I'd go through a puffy jacket every season even with Apex insulation.

Seems like fleece layers might be the way to go for me, with a down puffy for when it's really cold or I am taking a break.

I think a well worn synthetic puffy is still warmer and lighter than a fleece.

 

[roosiebull]

Longevity and pack size are my only two major complaints about synthetic insulation left. I've had an Apex quilt that lost noticeable loft after about 40 very, very hard nights, and then an Apex, an Arcteryx Coreloft and kuiu synthetic puffy jackets that all lost noticeable warmth after the first 50-100 days of use. The jackets are all still warm, just not as warm as when new, if I had to throw a number at it, I'd guess 15%-25% loss of insulation. My Kuiu has seen the most use, probably approaching 250+ days use, some of that on the ocean, and it's still warm, just not as warm as when new. I'll probably be buying a replacement for next winter.

My bag and jackets with apex started out warm, and like you said, fell off pretty quick (relatively) but they seem to kinda stay the same after that initial breakdown of the insulation

 

[insanelupus]

I was very impressed with the Apex insulation in my beyond lightweight puffy. After several years of daily use it definately did not retain the loft or warmth it once did. I still like the garment, but was disappointed.

 

[*zap*]

I believe wiggy uses his own patented insulation in his sleeping bags, and it has lasted me very well with daily use in the cold months for 3 years now. Lets say 300+ nights, maybe more on the ultra lite and 500 for the overbag.
I believe he calls it lamalite.

I think with any insulation compression, how long it stays compressed and how often it is cleaned is a major factor.

 

[NJStricker]

You know Wiggy’s makes liner jackets and coats, not just sleeping bags?

 

[*zap*]

You know Wiggy’s makes liner jackets and coats, not just sleeping bags?

Yes, I knew that but it escaped my mind when I typed in my reply. My personal experience with their products is limited to sleeping bag/bivy. I went back and added a few words to my initial response, thanks.

 

[Leatherneck]

By the Numbers: Compression Resistance of PrimaLoft Gold vs. Climashield Apex (Part 4) - Backpacking Light

PrimaLoft Gold outperforms Climashield Apex as the more resilient insulation, capable of retaining more of warmth and loft after compression.

backpackinglight.com

View attachment 402421

Very interesting. That's basically opposite of anything I've read on the internet.