New jacket from Sierra Designs
12/10/2010
By mapping the body’s warmest and coolest parts, the brand has used what it calls “core comfort technology” to put insulation where it’s needed most, creating a garment that retains heat during times of low exertion and cools the body through non-insulated areas during high exertion activities. The Solar Fusion jacket, part of the Pinnacle series, uses 800-fill down in the chest, back, shoulders and arms to provide warmth while non-insulated “active exhaust” panels along the sides, under the arms, and in the hood allow excess heat to escape.
Instead of stitching, the jacket uses heat, pressure, and a small amount of adhesive to bond insulation baffles to the jacket and shell panels to each other, creating, Sierra Designs says, “a stronger, more waterproof garment”. It also uses three layers of waterproof, breathable nylon to give the jacket high levels of water-resistance and breathablity. It has four-way mechanical stretch to provide mobility and comfort.
Because it weighs less than a kilo, even in the men’s large size, the Solar Fusion Jacket is light enough for backcountry skiing but warm enough to protect skiers at rest on the chairlift. Additional features include pit zips, a fully adjustable, helmet compatible hood and five exterior and one interior pocket. The jacket will be available at retail for $325.
There is a version called Prima Fusion Jacket, which uses Primaloft Eco insulation instead of down.
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