Choosing a Down Jacket

Choosing a Down Jacket

Whether you’re hiking in frigid temperatures or braving a snowstorm on the mountain, a down jacket is an essential piece of gear for cold weather adventurers.down jacket These lightweight, insulated pieces trap body heat to keep you warm in harsh environments. They’re also easy to pack into a backpack or suitcase, making them ideal for Himalayan treks or weekend getaways to chilly destinations.

When choosing a down jacket, consider insulation type, shell fabric, design features and responsible sourcing to find the best option for your needs.down jacket Fortunately, technological advancements are helping to make down jackets even more versatile and functional. Waterproofing membranes like GORE-TEX and eVent are becoming more popular in down jackets, providing excellent protection against moisture while still allowing perspiration (sweat) to escape. These innovations allow for a more comfortable fit while keeping you warm and dry.

Responsible Sourcing

The sourcing of the down used in your jacket is important, as it impacts both the quality of the insulation and the environmental impact of the product.down jacket Many brands have adopted certifications such as the Responsible Down Standard and Global Traceable Down Standard to ensure that the down in their jackets is ethically and sustainably sourced.

Fill Power

The quality of the down in your jacket is measured by something called “fill power,” which measures how much space an ounce of down occupies. Generally speaking, higher fill powers are warmer for their weight. For example, an ounce of 850-fill-power down is warmer than an ounce of 650-fill-power down because it has a more lofty and higher-quality structure.

When shopping for a down jacket, be sure to look for high fill powers that match your climate and activity levels. Jackets that are rated for low temperature environments typically have fill powers of 800 and above.

While manufacturers and retailers often emphasize the fill power of a down jacket, it’s also worth considering its fill weight. The amount of down a jacket contains is important for warmth-to-weight ratio, and some manufacturers even sew the fill-weight number into its cuff.

While ultralight down jackets are great for everyday wear and short Himalayan expeditions, they’re not suitable for high-output activities or long wilderness trips where abrasions and snags can damage the material. Luckily, many brands offer hybrid constructions that combine down with synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas to prevent a loss of loft and insulating performance. In addition, innovative DWR treatments that cause water to bead and roll off the surface of your jacket are a big help when tackling wet conditions.