PrimaLoft, an innovation leader in the field of performance textiles, is introducing its new PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Aerogel. The materials science experts at PrimaLoft have combined the ultra-light and extremely porous Aerogel, which is renowned in space exploration, with PrimaLoft technologies, making them usable for the textiles industry.

The result is a highly effective insulation that is currently mainly used in footwear and gloves, which reliably protects against extreme cold or heat even when compressed, according to the manufacturer.

“PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Aerogel is designed to provide comfort in extreme weather conditions as it protects against freezing cold temperatures, as well as heat. This is made possible through millions of small air chambers that form a thermal blockade that locks out the discomfort of punishing temperatures. Integrated into shoes and gloves, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Aerogel optimally performs, even under pressure,” the company explains.

“While lofted insulations can lose their high performance under sustained compression, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Aerogel provides unprecedented performance even when compressed by the movement of the hands and feet, retaining 98% of its original thermal performance. This is especially key for footwear, where every extra millimetre determines optimal fit and comfort.”

Laboratory tests have shown that insoles with PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Aerogel keep the foot warmer by 14°C in extreme cold (-78°C) and 10°C cooler in high heat (60°C) than previous PrimaLoft footwear insulation. When used in a combination with PrimaLoft insulation products, an optimal symbiosis of weather and thermal insulation provides exceptional comfort and performance during outdoor and leisure use. The durable PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Aerogel is also very flexible, waterproof and extremely lightweight, the company adds.

Aerogels consist of 95% air, making them the lightest known solids and one of the most effective insulation materials. A highly porous structure with low density forms a barrier, blocking out uncomfortable cold or heat. PrimaLoft offers these in the form of flexible, encapsulated foot beds, insoles, toe caps and glove inserts, which can be customized for each brand partner.

In the winter season 2018/19, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Aerogel is used in the super warm skiing glove Reusch Volcano Pro GTX Mitten, in a range of 42 jackets by Helly Hansen, where it is used as a Life pocket to protect technical equipment from the cold, and in the award-winning Merrell Thermo Rogue hiking shoe. Other partners include Outdoor Research, Viking and Viking Footwear, among others

www.primaloft.com