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Synthetic insulation

Synthetic insulation reference article on thruhikingwiki.com.

Overview

Synthetic insulation is man-made fill material used in jackets, sleeping bags, and quilts, designed to provide warmth even when damp.

Key points

  • Retains warmth better than down when wet.
  • Dries faster and is often more affordable.
  • Typically heavier and bulkier than down at equivalent warmth.
  • Performance depends on fiber design and construction.
  • Common in humid or wet climates where moisture risk is high.
  • Used in both apparel and sleep systems.

Details

Synthetic insulation is typically made from polyester fibers engineered to trap warm air within a lofted structure. Compared to down, it offers superior moisture resistance and maintains loft even when damp, making it well-suited to wet climates, unpredictable weather, or high-moisture environments.

Modern synthetic fills vary in weight, durability, and compressibility. While they tend to be bulkier and heavier than comparable down products, their reliability in varied conditions appeals to many hikers.

Synthetic fills are common in jackets, sleeping bags, and quilts used for shoulder-season or wet-weather travel.

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