What to Look for in a Down Coat

Down coats offer an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for winter activities like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.down coats They can also be highly packable, allowing you to easily tote them in your backpack on outdoor excursions.down coats However, not all down jackets are created equal. Read on to learn more about what to look for in a quality down jacket.

A down jacket's insulation is made from the feathers of ducks or geese.down coats It's a natural material that offers superior heat retention and warmth-to-weight ratio over artificial fabrics.down coats In fact, scientists in top laboratories have yet to create an artificial fabric that can retain as much body heat and still be lightweight.

The quality of a down jacket is typically measured by its 'fill power' or 'loft.down coats ' A higher fill power means the down is fluffier, and more air gets trapped in the clusters, which makes for a warmer jacket.down coats However, a higher fill power can make the jacket bulkier and heavier. The best balance of warmth and weight is achieved with a high fill power combined with a light and durable shell fabric.

To determine the quality of a down jacket, a company like Allied Feather and Down evaluates its quality using a number of criteria.down coats Betcher explains that first, they look at the source of the down, which is typically sourced from birds slaughtered for meat.down coats The best quality down comes from the plumage of mature birds who have molted during the season and are ready to shed their feathers. The next step is to look at the down to feather ratio. The higher this ratio, the more effective the down will be. Finally, Allied Feather and Down also checks for any impurities or contaminants in the down.

Once a jacket is filled with down, manufacturers add a tightly-woven shell fabric to protect the down from moisture and other elements.down coats The most common choice for a shell fabric is a waterproof, windproof and breathable nylon or polyester blend. In general, the tighter the weave of the shell fabric, the better.

A jacket's fill power and 'loft' play a significant role in its performance, but its shell fabric is equally important.down coats A well-designed shell fabric will prevent the down from poking through and leaking into your clothes, which can cause you to overheat. It's important to check the shell fabric's weight and durability, which is reflected in the price of the jacket.

While there are a lot of factors to consider when buying a down jacket, it's important to choose one that fits your activity level and the temperature range you'll be hiking or climbing in.down coats A hood and water resistance are crucial in cold weather, and a packable option is great for travelling.

If you're looking for a great down jacket to keep you warm while hiking or mountain biking, L.down coats L.Bean's Down Parka is a good choice. It's tested against extreme conditions, including rain and long hours of wear during travel pacing. It's also highly packable and fits comfortably while allowing for plenty of room to move in your layers underneath.