Blog

Technology Page - Featherless

Sep 11, 2017


The Fabric Of The Future For Adventurers

A kinder alternative to feathers, 3M Thinsulate Featherless Insulation is an innovative material to replace natural down. A loose-fill insulation designed by scientists that mimics down when dry and is warmer than down when wet.

The partnership with Marmot and 3M Thinsulate has produced 'The Best Insulation on Earth'.

Rain, snow, sleet: No matter how nasty the weather gets, there is always adventure to be found. Since its inception, Marmot has helping extreme adventurists and weekend warriors alike to get out there and explore, despite the elements. Featherless is the newest representation of this adventure-minded philosophy and, with its launch, is set to inspire a whole new level of outdoor exploration.

Any environment. Any weather. Always warm.

Jackets made with that mantra in mind mean you’ll never have to worry about the weather conditions. Not only is it the first synthetic insulation to match the warmth of 700-fill down, Featherless also performs better than down when wet while remaining light and compressible. The result? No more dreading those soggy days in the backcountry, sub-zero snowstorms on the slopes, or drizzly afternoons on the trail. From the innovative 3M technology to the sleek design and eye-catching color choices, this new line is the first of its kind. As mountain athletes know, traditional down jackets can get wet, clumpy, and cold, while other synthetic products lack loft and heat. Marmot understands that gear should elevate you to new heights, rather than hold you back. With the new Featherless Insulation Jackets, you’ll be ready for adventure wherever it takes you, no matter the weather.

The Best Insulation on Earth Marmot’s Featherless technology is made of hydrophobic yarns that repel moisture and retain loft even when wet. Engineered with 3M Thinsulate Featherless Insulation, the synthetic loose-fill insulation was developed over a span of two years to create the most innovative product on the market. 3M has lead synthetic insulation since the 1970’s, with the launch of their Thinsulate products.

Featherless jackets perform and feel just like down in dry conditions. The loose-fill synthetic insulation mimics the warmth and pillowy feel of 700 fill down, making it the warmest synthetic down to date. The extremely lightweight jacket packs in at 12.3 ounces and takes up minimal space, making it the ideal gear choice for any type of adventure, from a cold-weather hike to a winter camping trip. You can be soaked to the skin and it will stay warm in the worst conditions: from rain to snow, sleet to wind.

Featherless jackets are constructed with two layers of fabric weaved together into baffles to eliminate any shifting of the insulation that can cause cold to seep in. This design also reduces stitching, making it warmer and more durable. The incredibly sturdy result means this product is fine-tuned to last years in even the toughest conditions.

As a synthetic textile, Featherless technology is an even more sustainable option than Traceable Down. These products are approved by BlueSign, the industry standard in reducing and eliminating waste in the materials supply chain of outdoor apparel. The technology is hypoallergenic and safe for individuals with allergies to natural down.

Cleaning traditional down jackets requires special care, but the easy-to-clean loose fill Featherless jackets can be thrown in the washer and dryer between adventures. Unlike other synthetic down jackets on the market, Featherless fill is blown into the jackets and stays loose, rather than sewn in, to more closely mirror natural down. Unlike down, however, the synthetic fill won’t clump in the wash.