We’ve mentioned this project before with our exclusive coverage of USSOCOM’s latest Block 2 variant of their Protective Combat Uniform but PrimaLoft and GORE Military Fabrics, have officially announced their teaming to provide a new lightweight loft garment.
This unique partnership between two of the outdoor industry’s leading component suppliers, PrimaLoft and GORE Military Fabrics, has resulted in an innovative layering garment called the Lightweight Loft jacket. The jacket has been adopted as level 3B of the PCU Layering System.
Designed by Patagonia, the PCU issue Lightweight Loft jacket is a combination of PrimaLoft FUSION insulation combined with a Gore 2-layer FASTPACK membrane laminate. Developed as a comfortable soft-shell, it is also durably water-resistant, windproof, easily packable and dries quickly. The Lightweight Loft garment is ideal for layering and works within the PCU (Protective Combat Unit) System used by the Special Operations Forces. In addition, the garment has been printed in several camouflage patterns (some of which include n-IR signature reduction).
“We are very pleased to partner with GORE Military Fabrics on the launch of this highly anticipated lightweight loft garment,” stated Michael Joyce, president and chief executive officer of PrimaLoft, Inc. “The Special Operations Forces (SOF) community has worn PrimaLoft in the field for the last decade and it continues to be the insulation gear of choice worn by the entire U.S. Military. By combining our proprietary technology with GORE Military Fabrics, we are able to offer a distinctive advantage to the U.S. Military to keep our troops warm, dry and comfortable while in the field.”
”Gore has played a pivotal role in providing durably waterproof, windproof, and breathable products to the U.S. military,” says Tim Quinn, Product Specialist at Gore. “We are excited to co-develop a cutting-edge solution with PrimaLoft that offers enhanced comfort, versatility, and improved weather protection. Gore will continue to support improving the mission effectiveness of our warfighters by engineering a broad range of protective fabric technologies that offer distinct capabilities, such as advanced weather protection, flame resistance, and signature reduction.
