Premium Down-Filled Outerwear Keeps You Warm

The latest premium down-filled outerwear keeps you warm the same way goose down keeps geese warm—by trapping pockets of warm air close to your body.premium down-filled outerwear As a result, down is considered the best insulator for its warmth-to-weight ratio. It's also quick to regain its loft after getting wet. Plus, it's durable and often lighter than similar synthetic jackets.

The most popular options include both down and synthetic insulation, although most outdoor-focused brands use only down.premium down-filled outerwear Synthetic insulation is typically made of polyester, which doesn't compress as well but does provide excellent insulation in wet weather and is generally less expensive than down. Some premium down jackets, such as the Arc'teryx Cerium LT and the waterproof Macai ski jacket, also incorporate some synthetic insulation in areas most prone to moisture, like the shoulders and hood.

Both down and synthetic insulation are rated according to their fill power, which indicates the quality or loft of the material. In the case of down, this is calculated by how many cubic inches an ounce of down can fill in a laboratory setting (the higher the rating, the better). Some manufacturers will even sew the fill-power number on the cuff of the jacket. Most outdoor-focused brands focus on the fill-power number, but don't always mention the fill weight, which is the amount of actual down used in the jacket. Fill weight is just as important as fill power and should not be overlooked by consumers.

In recent years, some brands have started implementing the Responsible Down Standard or RDS to ensure ethical sourcing of their down, eliminating live-plucking and other harsh treatment of ducks and geese. Patagonia is a leader in this movement, and many of their down jackets are sourced via the RDS. The RDS enables consumers to track the exact down batch that went into their specific jacket.

Other factors that go into a jacket's warmth include its thickness and the amount of down per ounce of fabric. Thicker shells allow more heat to be trapped, but can feel bulky or misshapen. A thinner shell allows the down to fit tightly against the skin for a more tailored look, without adding extra bulk.

Most premium outdoor-focused brands have their own proprietary technology that treats the down on a microscopic level, allowing it to resist water and light rain. The down still gets wet, however, and loses its loft, so make sure to keep your jacket protected from wet weather if you plan on using it outdoors. Alternatively, most brands will have a separate line of jackets that aren't treated, but feature the same lightweight materials and premium features to offer a comparable product for those looking for a more affordable option.