“We have great confidence in the decision to move ahead exclusively with PrimaLoft® insulation for our Nordic gloves,” said Jeffrey Lee, head of handwear worldwide, SWIX. “PrimaLoft’s® radiant properties are far superior to other insulated Nordic gloves we’ve inspected and tested, and above all, our world class athletes are very enthusiastic with the change.”

This year, SWIX Nordic gloves featuring PrimaLoft® Insulation will be available in 20 global markets, including Canada, Finland, Germany, Japan, Korea, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland.

The company will also introduce the new SWIX Star XC 100 Nordic Glove featuring wave fit technology, and powered by PrimaLoft® ONE Insulation for an ultra-warm, comfortable and dry experience. The new style features a stretch Lycra outershell, Hydra-Vent breathable performance, Shock-Eze impact zone palm protection, palm thumb reinforcement and Contour-Fit technology for ultimate comfort. MSRP $45

PrimaLoft® ONE is the ideal insulation for SWIX Nordic Gloves. Providing warmth, dryness and dexterity even in the harshest conditions, PrimaLoft® ONE withstands moisture and dries remarkably fast, making it the gold standard for warmth, water resistance and softness.

“We are delighted to work with SWIX in transitioning their Nordic Glove line to PrimaLoft® Insulation,” said Rodney Lane, Eastern U.S. territory manager for PrimaLoft®. “We’re looking forward to a long term partnership with this highly respected brand that is world renowned for their Nordic skiing heritage.”

For more information about PrimaLoft®, visit http://www.primaloft.com, and follow the PrimaLoft® conversation online at Facebook and Twitter. 

About PrimaLoft®:
PrimaLoft® is a registered trademark of Albany International Corp. PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the US Army as a water-resistant synthetic alternative to down. Today, PrimaLoft® is regarded as a research and development leader in high performance insulations and yarns, which provide warmth and comfort from head to toe. Its family of products are manufactured in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The PrimaLoft® brand is recognized globally and is used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications. For more information, please visit www.PrimaLoft.com.

Rick also shared that knowledge at the upcoming SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show) in Las Vegas, Nevada( January 17 – 20) at a hunting-focused luncheon on the 17th.

PrimaLoft® caught up with Rick to learn more about his background, and why PrimaLoft® is the insulation of choice for our men and women in (cold weather) uniform. 

Tell us a little about your military background/career.

I joined the military out of college as a private, made it to rank of sergeant, went to officer candidate school and then spent time with infantry as a chemical officer. I ended my career with the 1st Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment with Special Operations Command. I then transitioned from the Rangers as a captain up to a civilian program – I spent 10 years developing equipment for all of the Special Operations Forces from the different services.

So I have a total of 18 years of federal experience there, then I transitioned to take over the protective eyewear division for Smith Sport Optics; I’m the executive director of Smith Optics Elite Division https://elite.smithoptics.com/ and help that team provide protective eyewear to all of those same Special Operations and other recreational folks.

What is your experience using PrimaLoft in the military?

“P/L” was developed by the Department of Defense many years before I ever served, then it kind of sat on a shelf. As P/L opened up as a commercial company, it didn’t have leverage into the service, then when I had the honor of leading the team that developed the protective combat uniform, or PCU – the Special Operations cold-weather clothing system – P/L showed itself as being the very best insulation out there for this purpose.

I have the honor of being the person to put P/L into U.S. Special Operations Forces and then to have that trickle down into U.S. Conventional Forces into what is called the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System, Generation 3. Although I did not get direct experience with it while in the service, I am the guy who brought it into the military across the Army and the joint Special Operations community. All coats, pants given for extreme cold weather operations right now are PrimaLoft®-insulated – for numerous reasons.

What are those reasons?

Its warmth factor, but as importantly, its warmth factor while wet – which is key. We used a philosophy that outlined that loft, for whatever reason, would get wet, whether we’re sweating in it, or if you’re a Navy Seal doing a transition over the beach or through water and need to warm yourself, you can throw on your insulated coat to keep you warm – all of that moisture your body is pumping out is caught in that loft matrix. We found that a lot of insulations while wet or damp performed very poorly, but PrimaLoft® performed well among what the commercial industry had to offer.

The other area it really held up was compressibility: the ability to pack it and throw it in a backpack and have it take up less space and then recover was incredible – it won hands-down there.

The final thing was its performance over a life cycle. It could be washed and dried numerous times and tested for its warmth again. A lot of filament lofts didn’t maintain the level of performance that P/L did. All insulations degrade over a life cycle, but PrimaLoft by far held its performance better than anyone else, which is very important to us because we wanted this garment to perform well in extremes at the end of its life cycle just as it does in the beginning.

This was all hard data and field performance that made PrimaLoft® win its place, and it earned it quite well.

Interview by Christine Rasmussen 

At these events, PrimaLoft® mixes with athletes, brand partners, event attendees and spectators demonstrating how PrimaLoft® insulation keeps outdoor and winter sports enthusiasts warm, dry and comfortable. The sponsored events are carefully selected each year in an effort to extend support to brand partners, retailers and consumers.

“The interaction with the thousands of people we met in 2011 while participating in sponsorship events was inspiring,” said Diane O’Connor, PrimaLoft® marketing communications manager.  “It was wonderful to personally connect with so many like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and to have an opportunity to educate consumers about PrimaLoft® Insulation Technology products.”

O’Connor added, “The events that we have elected to participate in for 2012 provide an excellent platform for our team to strengthen relationships and learn more about consumers, while reinforcing the PrimaLoft® brand.”

PrimaLoft®’s preliminary 2012 event roster with dates is as follows:

The 16^th Annual Adirondack International MountainFest: Keene Valley, N.Y., Jan. 13 – 15

This annual celebration of ice climbing and mountaineering, features guest athletes who entertain us with tales of climbing adventures, instructional clinics taught by visiting climbers and local guides, demo gear, and it offers a chance to gather with the climbing community for an exciting winter weekend.

The North Face Masters of Snowboarding presented by PrimaLoft®: Crystal Mountain, Wash.  Feb. 14 – 17; Kirkwood, Calif. March 1 – 4; Snowbird, Utah,  Apr. 12 - 15

This three-stop tour is the first competitive snowboarding tour specifically tailored to fill a competition gap in the sport of Big Mountain Snowboarding. A spectator-friendly sport, big mountain snowboarding includes the successful management of huge cliff jumps, tight chutes, steep powder stashes, and variable snow and weather conditions.

Helly Hansen Big Mountain Battle Series: Keystone, Colo. Jan. 28; Taos, N.M. Feb. 4; Fernie, B.C. Feb. 11; Squaw Valley, Calif. Feb. 18; Stevens Pass, Wash. Mar. 11; Killington, V.T. Mar. 17; Kicking Horse, B.C. Mar. 24; Park City, U.T. Mar. 24; ‘Battle in the Bowls’ Aspen, Colo. Mar. 25.

The 4^th exciting season of Helly Hansen’s Big Mountain Battle is a team-based adventure ski race designed to take competitors to challenging and secluded parts of the mountain and experience the terrain at its finest.  PrimaLoft® is the exclusive synthetic insulation used by Helly Hansen, and is the choice of mountain professionals at all Vail Resorts along the tour. The grand prize winners of each stop receive $2,000 in Helly Hansen gear, and a chance to compete in the finals at the ‘Battle in the Bowls’ at Aspen, CO.

Outdoor Research VertFest: Alpental, Wash. Feb. 18 – 19

The VertFest is the Northwest’s mid-winter celebration of backcountry culture. Participants can race in the Monika Johnson Memorial Rally, enjoy opportunities to demo new gear and engage in a variety of on-mountain clinics.

The 10^th Annual Adirondack Backcountry Ski Festival: Keene Valley, NY March 3-4

The Backcountry Skifest celebrates the ski experience both here in our own backcountry and in the greater ranges of the world. Local backcountry gurus, guest athletes and CloudSpitter Mountain Guides will lead guided tours for all ability levels. Demos and mini clinics will also be held at Otis Mountain.

The Backpacker Magazine Get Out More Tour: U.S. Tour, April – December

This one-of-a-kind mobile tour brings the pages of Backpacker to life for audiences nationwide. The experienced Get Out More road team travels the country to educate consumers about the skills and equipment they need to Get Out More!

The Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival: Banff, Canada Oct. 27 – Nov. 4, Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour follows

The world’s best mountain films, books, and speakers take the spotlight for nine days each fall in Banff. Experience the adventure of climbing, mountain expeditions, remote cultures, and the world’s last great wild places – all brought to life at The Banff Centre. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings Banff to audiences around the globe. Immediately after the Festival ends in November, a selection of the best films go on tour across the globe. Each year, the films travel to 32 countries reaching more than 245,000 people at over 635 screenings.

For more information about PrimaLoft® Insulation Technology visit: http://www.primaloft.com. Follow the PrimaLoft® conversation online at Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the latest happenings and company news.

About PrimaLoft®:

PrimaLoft® is a registered trademark of Albany International Corp. PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the US Army as a water-resistant synthetic alternative to down. Today, PrimaLoft® is regarded as a research and development leader in high performance insulations and yarns, which provide warmth and comfort from head to toe. Its family of products are manufactured in the US, Europe and Asia. The PrimaLoft® brand is recognized globally and is used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications. For more information, please visit www.PrimaLoft.com.

Thin is in –

With PrimaLoft® insulation technology, coats provide warmth and protection from winter’s elements without the traditional, bulky down filling. PrimaLoft® premium insulation looks and feels like down but is also water resistant, offering protection from rain and snow. The Patagonia Nano Puff® and REI Revelcloud jackets are great options for a lightweight, warm jacket that don’t look like a marshmallow. Insulated with PrimaLoft® ONE, the Nano Puff® and the Revelcloud are light and compressible and work to keep you warm, but not overheated. Both jackets also conveniently pack into their own pockets, which is ideal for commuters and travelers.

Choose coat size and style carefully –

Before making a selection, consider the climate your friend or family member lives in and their lifestyle. If they live in an area where temperatures frequently drop below freezing and they walk to work, you’re going to want to choose a coat that is warm but one that is stylish and makes a good impression. Whether their style is trendy, fashion-forward, sporty or classic, there are styles available to suit just about any taste. Insulated with PrimaLoft® SPORT, the Charlotte Coat from Erin Snow accommodates both function and style and is warm, roomy and chic with pockets to suit every need.

Consider length –

If you’re looking for a coat for someone whose daily commute includes a lengthy walk from the subway, train or car to the office, you might consider choosing a longer coat this winter bringing both style and extra warmth. The Jacki Coat by Erin Snow hits right above the knee and features a flattering close-to-body cut. Water repellant and insulated with PrimaLoft®, Jacki remains chic while being practical for winter weather. 

Get protection from all of winter’s elements –

There is nothing worse than being stuck outside in a storm without protection.  Find a winter jacket that protects from all outdoor elements: snow, sleet, wind and rain. The North Face® Redpoint Optimus Jacket, insulated with PrimaLoft® ONE, is highly durable and water resistant keeping the elements at bay for a wide range of cold weather activities. Another no frills option also insulated with PrimaLoft® ONE, the highly compressible, lightweight Rab Xenon Jacket spares weight and bulk but offers weather resistance and protection in cold conditions. 

A quality winter coat is a great investment and, if chosen wisely, can be worn for years. After all, a great coat is going to be worn every day and it is the first thing people see when you walk through the door. So choose wisely, and the lucky recipient will stay warm and make a great impression every time they wear it.

Field testing is a critical component of every high performance textile, however, what separates "acceptable" from "proven" is a dedication to independent third-party testing of the highest standards in the industry.

While there is no way to control the weather, there is a way to evaluate advanced materials against every condition nature has to offer, and beyond. With decades of research by laboratories all over the world, PrimaLoft® Insulation's growing list of certifications means it is trusted and proven to perform in the worst weather conditions possible.

A cold-weather training instructor monitors U.S. Special Operations soldiers wearing the PrimaLoft PCU as they spend five minutes in near-freezing wateras part of SEAL Qualification. Image courtesy of the Department of Defense.

The PrimaLoft® Credentials

Originally developed for the U.S. Army as a water-resistant synthetic alternative to down, PrimaLoft® Insulation has been tried and tested using the highest standards in the world. Through continuous research and innovation, PrimaLoft® has developed a line of the highest rated synthetic insulations available on the market, including PrimaLoft® ONE, SPORT, SYNERGY, ECO and INFINITY.

Independent, Third-Party Testing

All PrimaLoft® Insulations are subjected to a wide variety of tests and certified at the most renowned third-party testing facilities in the world, including the Hohenstein Institute in Boennigheim, Germany and the research institution at Kansas State University.

Internationally Recognized Standards

PrimaLoft® Insulation's high performance reputation is more than a marketing slogan. It is the collective recognition of standards proven by researchers around the globe in repeatable testing of materials used in every type of application imaginable. PrimaLoft® Insulations have received certifications to the most widely trusted standards including ISO 11092 (International Organization for Standardization) for thermal wet/dry performance.

CLO Value

One of the most important measurements of performance, the warmth-per-weight ratio, is used to measure thermal comfort of an insulated garment and is measured as a "CLO" ratio of clo per ounce per square yard (clo/oz/sqyd). PrimaLoft® ONE has a dry clo/oz/sqyd value of 0.92 and a wet clo/oz/sqyd value of 0.90 - making it the highest-performing synthetic insulation available.

Environmental Sustainability

PrimaLoft® recycles to preserve our natural resources. PrimaLoft® ECO insulation offers earth-friendly performance and comfort and is engineered with post-consumer recycled materials (plastic bottles) to create a high-loft, thermally efficient insulation. Approximately 28 recycled bottles are used in the making of each kilogram of PrimaLoft® ECO, which equates to approximately 6 bottles per garment.

PrimaLoft® is also proud be the first, and only, branded insulation manufacturer to obtain bluesign® system partner status. One of the most renowned environmental certifications in the world, the bluesign® standard screening process evaluates each ingredient from raw materials and chemical components to natural resource consumption and the occupational health of the workplace environment.

bluesign® system partners demonstrate awareness and responsibility to consumers, while cultivating a positive movement towards sustainability in the industry.

This certification ensures brands, retailers and consumers that PrimaLoft®'s ONE, SPORT and ECO insulation products manufactured in China are environmentally friendly.

PrimaLoft® is the benchmark for world class performance insulations that have been tested by independent, global standards, and have been proven on epic expeditions in the most extreme conditions.

Rod Johnson founded Midwest Mountaineering in 1971, providing Minneapolis a storefront where outdoor enthusiasts could get the proper equipment for their adventures.  The storefront has grown over the years to add Thrifty Outfitters – with great deals on past-season apparel - and has taken over the entire block on Cedar Avenue. The mammoth store now includes several spectacular rooms chock full of the world’s best outdoor equipment – including a great number of PrimaLoft®-insulated styles from Arc’Teryx, Black Diamond, Merrell, Manzella, Marmot, The North Face, and Patagonia.

November 18th through 20th is the 53rd annual November Outdoor Adventure Expo, and the event is a three-day hub for 10,000 outdoor enthusiasts in the area. Multiple speakers provide added entertainment -  polar explorer Lonnie Dupre, adventurer Charlie Whittmack, adventurer/blogger David Liechty, and The Gear Junkie’s Stephen Regenold are all included as part of the event’s presentation roster.

Midwest Mountaineering owners, Rod and Sharon Johnson, also provide tips and clinics related to Utah canyoneering, adventures in New Zealand,  and ultralight backpacking.  The Banff Film Festival World Tour – a global showing of outdoor adventure films of incredible production value – is in town throughout the weekend.

Rod Johnson initially conceptualized the expo as a way to encourage people to get outdoors.  Over the years, the event has morphed into an inspiring weekend focused on love of all things outdoors held at the beginning of the winter season, the peak time for destination vacations, cross-country skiing, and every snow sport imaginable.  If you ever are in Minneapolis, Midwest Mountaineering is an absolute must-see, and their Outdoor Adventure Expo does not disappoint.

For all information on this year’s November Outdoor Adventure Expo clinics and programs, check out the Expo newspaper here.

//Nick Martin

This series features three top athletes from the North Face team including: Italian alpinist Simone Moro; Kazak alpinist Denis Urubko; and American alpinist and photographer Cory Richards. In February 2011, these three athletes were the first to successfully make a winter ascent of Gasherbrum II, the 13th highest mountain on Earth located in the Karakoram range of the Himalayas.

This feat was achieved without support from sherpas, high altitude porters or supplemented oxygen. This webcast and Q&A is a must-watch for outdoor enthusiasts who want to see this last stop on their exciting European Tour.

Use the resources below for everything you need to know to participate.

Gashebrum II First Winter Ascent

- Live Webcast Begins at 7:30 PM GMT (2:30 PM EST).

> Visit the PrimaLoft® streaming site.

> Schedule: 7:30 PM GMT Intro, Athletes Presentation and Expedition Video. 8:20 PM GMT Athletes Q&A Begins

For more info on the event be sure to check out www.PrimaLoft.com and Facebook.com/PrimaLoft

Featured speakers for the three day event include: adventurer Charlie Whittmack, polar explorer Lonnie Dupre, photographer Paul Sundberg and adventurer and blogger David Liechty, among others.

“PrimaLoft® is a valued partner and we thank them for their support and participation with Outdoor Adventure Expo,” said Midwest Mountaineering owner, Rod Johnson. “The expo offers a chance for people who are passionate about the outdoors to come together to learn and experience the latest product offerings from leading industry innovators.”

Along with over 100 outdoor adventure presentations covering everything from how to choose a cross-country ski, to major expedition slide shows and movies, attendees can visit with exhibitors and catch the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour on Friday and Saturday night. Tickets for the film festival are $15 and can be purchased here: www.midwestmtn.com/tickets. PrimaLoft® will raffle two sets of tickets to the festival, visit the PrimaLoft® table for more information and entry form.

Expo attendees will receive a discount coupon in the Midwest Mountaineering eNewsletter towards the purchase of PrimaLoft® Insulated, Manzella Gloves, on the first day of the expo (Friday, Nov. 18).  Manzella gloves insulated with PrimaLoft® keep hands warm and dry under the most challenging conditions. To sign up for the Midwest Mountaineering eNewsletter, click here.

# # #

About PrimaLoft®:

PrimaLoft® is a registered trademark of Albany International Corp. PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the US Army as a water-resistant synthetic alternative to down. Today, PrimaLoft® is regarded as a research and development leader in high performance insulations and yarns, which provide warmth and comfort from head to toe. Its family of products are manufactured in the US, Europe and Asia. The PrimaLoft® brand is recognized globally and is used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications. For more information, please visit www.PrimaLoft.com.

Viewers can watch the event, which is the last stop on The North Face® Speaker Series European tour, live at PrimaLoft.com and on Facebook.com/PrimaLoft.

The North Face® Speaker Series Europe features three top athletes from The North Face® team including: Italian alpinist Simone Moro; Kazak alpinist Denis Urubko; and American alpinist and photographer Cory Richards. In February 2011, these three athletes were the first to successfully make a winter ascent of Gasherbrum II, the 13^th highest mountain on Earth located in the Karakoram range of the Himalayas. This amazing feat was achieved without support from sherpas, high altitude porters or supplemented oxygen.

The North Face® European Speaker Series has focused on the athletes’ tales of adventure and extreme endurance during the Gasherbrum II summit and includes a photography exhibition. PrimaLoft® is pleased to be able to offer this remarkable presentation to outdoor enthusiasts in the U.S. and around the world via the company website and Facebook page.

For more information about PrimaLoft®, visit the company website. Follow the PrimaLoft® conversation online at Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the latest happenings and company news.

About PrimaLoft®:

PrimaLoft® is a registered trademark of Albany International Corp. PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the US Army as a water-resistant synthetic alternative to down. Today, PrimaLoft® is regarded as a research and development leader in high performance insulations and yarns, which provide warmth and comfort from head to toe. Its family of products are manufactured in the US, Europe and Asia. The PrimaLoft® brand is recognized globally and is used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications. For more information, please visit www.PrimaLoft.com.

Earlier this year, Vail Resorts, Inc. announced an exclusive five-year apparel and marketing partnership with Helly Hansen. All the insulated Helly Hansen pieces will contain PrimaLoft® Insulation Technology products, something that will likely please the western Vail Resorts’ employees at Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe, where the snow can be quite wet and quick-drying insulation is a blessing.

In addition to Northstar and Heavenly, employees at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone will be wearing Helly Hansen uniforms. The global leader in technical apparel and footwear will be outfitting 15,000 Vail Resorts’ professionals – including all ski patrol, mountain operations, ski/snowboard school, ambassadors and customer service staff – through 2016.

“With 100-plus days on snow each season, Vail Resorts employees need to feel confident about their gear,” said Heidi Kercher-Pratt, chief marketing officer of Vail Resorts. “World-class quality and style are imperative for our brands. Helly Hansen’s blend of technical performance and Scandinavian style was a key factor in our decision to work together.”

Helly Hansen is the uniform choice of more than 40 ski resorts and mountain guiding operations around the world, and the Vail Resorts agreement is its largest uniform and marketing partnership to date.

– by Christine Rasmussen

The renowned Banff Mountain Film Festival features screenings of the world’s best mountain films and workshops that highlight mountain writing, film and photography, presentations by world renowned athletes, and a tradeshow to provide attendees with the latest information related to outdoor adventure. PrimaLoft® created the Banff Mountain Festival sweepstakes in 2010 to generate more awareness for the festival and the world tour. The contest was designed to offer adventure and travel enthusiasts an opportunity to attend the world-renowned film festival, while visiting scenic Banff, Canada. 

The 2011 sweepstakes, called A November To Remember, Win a Trip to the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Courtesy of PrimaLoft® – concluded in May and the grand prize winner was drawn in June.

The winner, Muriel Meier of Wernersville, Pa., was selected from over 5,000 online entries. The sweepstakes prize provides VIP access to all Banff Mountain Film Festival events, films, lectures and private social functions, accommodations for four days, round-trip transportation and two limited-edition PrimaLoft® insulated jackets.

Immediately following the festival, the PrimaLoft® sponsored, Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, brings the spirit of Banff to audiences around the globe. The best films tour across Canada, the US, and internationally from Scotland to South Africa, to 32 countries reaching more than 245,000 people at over 635 screenings.

Individuals can enter to win the online sweepstakes by scanning the Quick Response (QR) barcode on the full page PrimaLoft® advertisement in the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Magazine, or online at www.primaloft.com. The contest will run through May 31, 2012. One grand-prize winner will be selected on June 1, 2012. Official contest rules are available at www.primaloft.com.

PrimaLoft® is featured worldwide in leading outdoor brands such as The North Face, Spyder, Black Diamond, Patagonia, L.L. Bean, and Outdoor Research as the performance insulation and yarn of choice for outerwear, sleeping bags, gloves, footwear, accessories and socks, while the Banff Mountain Film Festival brings mountain adventure to life through the world’s best adventure films and speakers.

For more information about PrimaLoft, visit www.primaloft.com. Follow PrimaLoft® online at Facebook and Twitter and enter to win tickets to a Banff Mountain Film Festival screening in a city near you. For more information about the Banff Festival, visit http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/.

About PrimaLoft®:

PrimaLoft® is a registered trademark of Albany International Corp. PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the US Army as a water-resistant synthetic alternative to down. Today, PrimaLoft® is regarded as a research and development leader in high performance insulations and yarns, which provide warmth and comfort from head to toe. Its family of products are manufactured in the US, Europe and Asia. The PrimaLoft® brand is recognized globally and is used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications. For more information, please visit www.primaloft.com.

The Mercury jacket by EMS (available in Men’s and Women’s) is a great value -  providing warmth without the bulk in a water-resistant shell. The jacket is semi-fitted and naturally contours to the body for minimum bulk, so you could potentially fit it under a costume as well. The jacket also compresses easily to stow in a roomy bag or small pack.

The Patagonia Nano Puff Vest (Men's and Women's) in mango could potentially be part of a costume – if you’re going as a pumpkin of sorts. Super-light and streamlined, the Nano Vest is only 8.6 ounces – perfect as a warm layer without bulking your outfit. Or, take it off and stuff it small into its pocket. 

The Helly Hansen Kid’s Shelter will keep Junior happy as he jaunts from house to house, stoked on his mounting stash of candy. Water-resistant and breathable, the Kid’s Shelter has reflective elements on each sleeve to keep children visible at night, and the detachable hood has a visor – so the scary makeup is not badly smeared if it rains (or they can go as the Grim Reaper – boo!).

Don’t forget your feet. The REI Hybrid Light Hiking Crew socks or L.L. Bean Alpine Ski Socks if you prefer a knee-high, featuring PrimaLoft® fibers blended with nylon and merino wool, are town-friendly as well as trail-worthy. Comfortable and breathable, your feet will be just fine whether tracking on asphalt, or traipsing through snow this winter.

If you are expecting a freezing downpour that has potential to ruin the evening, the women’s Merrell Arctic Fox 6 may be the call to combat Mother Nature. The North Face Back-to-Berkeley men’s boot in black may also do the trick (no pun intended) in a sweet retro style.

 Enjoy your time spent trick or treating and have a fun, safe and warm Halloween.

– by Christine Rasmussen

ALBANY, New York – (October 19, 2011) -- PrimaLoft® Insulation Technology™, the research and development leader in high performance insulations used to enhance combat conditions for soldiers, announces that the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has purchased 8,750 additional sets of the USMC Extreme Cold Weather System, which consist of parkas, trousers and booties insulated with PrimaLoft®.

The USMC Extreme Cold Weather System (ECWS) is currently used by thousands of U.S. Marines stationed in the coldest areas of Afghanistan and across the globe. This new purchase brings the total number of PrimaLoft® Extreme Cold Weather System units currently fielded to Marines to 58,750.

The Extreme Cold Weather System was developed to provide U.S. Marines with tactical advantages during challenging cold and wet weather conditions. The Extreme Cold Weather System includes a parka, trouser and booties insulated with PrimaLoft®, and is packable, lightweight, weather resistant, and very warm. The Extreme Cold Weather System enhances Marines' readiness and ability to accomplish their missions even under stagnant, high altitude conditions.

"PrimaLoft® takes great pride in our work to provide the best possible insulation technology to meet the U.S. Marine Corps mission readiness needs," said PrimaLoft® Vice President and General Manager Joe Rumiesz. "We began working with the DoD 25 years ago, and we continue to advance our unique technology to address the specialized gear needs of our men and women in uniform."

The U.S. Army originally commissioned Albany International Corp. to develop a water resistant synthetic alternative to down. Today, PrimaLoft® is the premier supplier of insulation to the United States Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Forces providing them with a tactical advantage over the enemy under exceptionally wet and cold conditions.

About PrimaLoft®:

PrimaLoft® is a registered trademark of Albany International Corp. PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the US Army as a water-resistant synthetic alternative to down. Today, PrimaLoft® is regarded as a research and development leader in high performance insulations and yarns, which provide warmth and comfort from head to toe. Its family of products are manufactured in the US, Europe and Asia. The PrimaLoft® brand is recognized globally and is used in leading outdoor and fashion brands, home furnishings, work wear and military applications. For more information, please visit www.PrimaLoft.com.