The U.S. Special Forces, which includes the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Delta Forces and the Air Force, has adopted PrimaLoft – Insulation Technology as the insulating layer for its Protective Combat Uniform (PCU).
During the winter of 2002, Special Forces based in Afghanistan requested
warm clothing for combat. The Special Operations Forces Special Projects
Team at the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center in Natick, MA developed the
PCU, a seven level layering system made of fifteen garments. The seventh
layer, the outer layer, has a jacket, vest and pant insulated with
PrimaLoft. PrimaLoftR – Insulation TechnologyT provides the same physical
and thermal properties as down, but unlike down, it is water repellent and
retains warmth when wet. The U.S. Army, which has been testing the PCU, is
now considering to expand its PrimaLoft program to include gloves and
footwear.
“The U.S. Military has been trying to pull out the best technologies from
outdoor manufacturers,” said Tim Cashell, a military specialist representing
performance technologies engineered for the modern soldier. “After many
tests in the lab and in the field, the Special Operational Forces chose
PrimaLoft for its outstanding application, performance and durability”.
PrimaLoft was originally developed in the early 1980’s when the U.S. Army
contracted Albany International Corp. to develop a synthetic alternative to
down designed to keep its thermal properties even when wet. Since then,
leading outdoor brands have chosen PrimaLoft as their insulation of choice
for their outerwear, gloves, sleeping bags and footwear lines.
