Premium Down-Filled Outerwear - Why Some Are Warmer Than Others

If you love winter outdoor activities and want to stay warm in freezing temperatures, premium down-filled outerwear is the way to go.premium down-filled outerwear This type of insulation is very lightweight compared to other types, such as wool or leather. However, not all down-filled jackets are created equal. Some are warmer than others, and that has a lot to do with how the down is sourced, what kind of fill it contains and what other features are included in the garment.

In order to understand what sets high-end down-filled jackets apart from the rest, it's important to first learn about how down insulation works.premium down-filled outerwear Essentially, down is very light and fluffy, but it's also able to trap heat between its tiny clusters. It's the combination of these qualities that make it so effective at retaining warmth.

The fill in premium down-filled jackets is sourced from geese and ducks that have been raised responsibly. This quality is reflected in the garment's "fill power," which is a measure of how many cubic inches an ounce of the down will occupy when compressed in a testing device. A higher fill power rating is better, as it will mean that less down is required to create the same amount of warmth. Macpac uses responsibly-sourced, high-quality RDS goose down with fill powers ranging from 600-800.

Some people might think that goose down is more expensive than synthetic, but this isn't necessarily the case. In fact, a quality piece of goose down can offer better warmth-to-weight ratios than some pricier synthetic jackets. In addition, high-end down is more durable than some synthetic jackets, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

A common misconception is that down is a feather. However, it's actually a three-dimensional spherical plume that has thousands of filaments branching out from a central core. This network of tiny filaments is what gives down its insulating properties, and it's quite spectacular to see it up close.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the puffer jacket has been around for decades, having first become popular in the athleisure market in the 1970s thanks to designer Norma Kamali. It's since been reimagined for cold weather, and today, there are numerous options available that can keep you warm all winter long.

As more people have turned to down-filled jackets, there has been an increased demand for ethically sourced goose down, and this has led some outdoor companies to adopt stricter standards when it comes to sourcing their down. Generally speaking, you'll want to look for jackets that are certified as ethically sourced by organizations like Responsible Down Standard (RDS). This certification indicates that the down is ethically sourced and meets certain environmental and labor standards. However, it's still important to remember that not all goose down is ethically sourced, so do your research before purchasing.