What to Look For in a Down Jacket

A down jacket is a garment filled with goose or duck feathers to create an insulating layer between your skin and the elements.down jacket white It’s not just for climbers and mountaineers anymore: the puffer has become a staple piece of clothing for anyone who wants to keep warm and dry outdoors. While there are plenty of options, not all down jackets are created equal. The best down jacket will combine warmth, durability, and functionality to keep you comfortable in all types of outdoor activities.

While a down jacket is not as light as a waterproof rain jacket, it’s still lighter than most other insulation layers like fleece.down jacket white This is because the down fill is very lightweight, but it still provides an impressive amount of warmth. The down jacket’s lightweight fabric also allows it to be packed into its own pocket and carried easily when not in use, which is perfect for outdoor activities when you might need an extra layer of warmth.

Typically, down jackets are available in men’s and women’s styles.down jacket white Many also feature a hood and cuffed wrists and shoulders to help seal in the warmth and prevent cold air from seeping in through the hems and arms.

There are three main types of down jackets: sewn through, box baffle, and heat seamed baffle.down jacket white Sewn through is the cheapest type of down jacket and is the most common; it uses stitching to create chambers that the down is housed in, which is often called “baffles.” The more baffles, the warmer the jacket will be. The other two types of down jackets are more expensive but also offer better insulation and more features. Box baffle is a more advanced construction technique that creates fewer cold spots, while heat seamed or bonded baffle is an even more durable option.

The amount of down used to make a down jacket is called its “fill power,” and it can be viewed on the label or through Down Codex, which shows the fill power percentage of each batch of down.down jacket white A higher fill power means that the down is a higher quality, and it’s usually best to go for goose-down or a combination of goose and duck feathers rather than duck feathers alone.

When buying a down jacket, it’s also important to consider whether you want natural or synthetic down.down jacket white Natural down is more insulating than synthetic options, but it can also retain less warmth when wet. Synthetic down jackets, on the other hand, are quick-drying and are a good option for outdoor enthusiasts who are likely to get wet and need a jacket that will stay warm in damp conditions.

The Arc’teryx Atom Jacket is a great choice for anyone who wants an extremely warm down jacket that can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. It has a lot of the same features as our other top picks, including buttery YKK zippers and stretchy cuffs to help seal in warmth. It’s also certified to the Responsible Down Standard, which ensures that the down and feathers are sourced according to strict animal welfare standards.

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