primaloft or powerstretch

17 messages
26/09/2007 at 15:18

Which should i get - primaloft or power stretch

i know they are totally different fabrics but i was after somethign to keep me warm when sat around so my first thoughts were with primaloft, i then decided that i dont get that cold so could just get a powerstretch top that would then be more verstatile as could wear when walking.

ive been looking at the rab generator jacket/smock, montane prism, rab powerstretch top and a couple of other powerstretch tops.

which would you go for?

26/09/2007 at 15:32
I've got a couple of each and for warmth while sitting around I'd have to say Primaloft - the garments tend to be designed to go over other layers more easily, and they'll be more windproof which could be important. I'll put a Primaloft top on over my shell during a stop - no need to strip off to layer up.

Powerstretch is great but I see it more as a base-layer or possibly mid-layer over a thin base-layer. It's generally too close fitting to throw on over much more.
26/09/2007 at 15:33

Thanks matt, thanks excatly how i was thinking.

i am leaning more towards the primaloft stuff....and also a jacket as opposed to a smock as it makes it a bit easier to get on and off 

26/09/2007 at 16:16
I agree with what Matt said. Have you considered down? If it was for camp wear down is my 1st choice. If it is for outside breaks then Primaloft is the answer.

 

26/09/2007 at 16:18
And I agree with what Mike just said!!

For the UK anyway....
26/09/2007 at 16:23
I agree that Matt agrees that i agree with Matt. Agreed?

 

26/09/2007 at 16:33
I had considered down but decided to go down the synthetic route as its mainly for outdoor stuff in the uk and wildcamping in the winter so thought it would be better incase it got wet.
26/09/2007 at 16:40

primaloft is an excellent allrounder

if you at all unsure get a primaloft jacket

if you are happy you can keep it dry get a down

mine is a primaloft jacket for camp, lunch breaks and sleeping duties 

26/09/2007 at 16:41
I use the Rab Photon Hoody for hillwalking. I carry a Montbell down inner for tent and bothy wear and sleep in it if it is cold. I also use a down Rab Summit extreme for camping trips in deepest winter as it has a waterproof shell but is a bit of a heavyweight monster. It enables me to carry a lighter sleeping bag to compensate as i sleep in it too.

 

26/09/2007 at 16:46
has anyone got a pic of the generator rolled up?
26/09/2007 at 17:33
If its anything like the photon smock, its about the same size as a 500ml sigg bottle when rolled up in its bag.
26/09/2007 at 21:38

Powerstretch is great for moving activities, combining some warmth with moisture management.

Primaloft is primarly a warming material.

Different use.

For hiking, I would only consider Primaloft / Polarguard or some down jacket.
For running / climbing / cycling powerstretch.

26/09/2007 at 22:41
Moggy

Here's a pic of a Rab Generator jacket stuffed into it's own chest pocket.

http://www.craigporter.com/images/RabGenerator.jpg



That's a standard 30cm ruler next to it but the pocket's not a tight fit at all and it can be squashed down to close to half that width I'd say. Rab quote a weight of 380g but I've just weighed mine and it's 328g (size small).

hth.

Edited: 26/09/2007 at 22:42
26/09/2007 at 22:44
cheers craig, thats great, i think i can see my self ordering one of these before long,
27/09/2007 at 08:04
I have a PHD Sigma synthetic smock.Just like to throw this into the hat in the "synthetic insulation" offerings.Never seems to be mentioned,apart from by me ! Its a good bit of kit for sure.
27/09/2007 at 11:07
Ive decided to go for the generator jacket as it seemed like a good balance between weight and warmth.
28/09/2007 at 14:55

I love powerstretch but it is expensive so I tend to wear it next to the skin when I really need stretch - otherwise you might as well go for a cheaper fleece like P100.

 If you don't feel the cold much then why not just get a gilet for downtime?  And bear in mind there are different warmth values with Primaloft - for example Sport is cooler than Primaloft 1.
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