Synthetic insulation keeps working when it gets damp, dries faster than down, and costs less. That makes it the safer choice for wet trips, high-output days where you will sweat into the jacket, and anything where the weather is unpredictable.
The trade-off: heavier and bulkier than down for the same warmth. For cold, dry conditions or when pack space is tight, see down jackets.
Includes Montbell EXCELOFT® and Kolon Sport PrimaLoft®.
Going somewhere cold? The What to Pack planner tells you which layers to take for 12 destinations, by month and activity.
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