READ: A GUIDE TO INSULATION AND DOWN JACKETS
READ: A GUIDE TO INSULATION AND DOWN JACKETS
Down jackets use natural down insulation, which traps warm air and provides exceptional warmth with minimal weight. The high fill power of quality down ensures excellent heat retention, making these jackets perfect for cold, dry conditions or as a lightweight, packable layer for winter adventures.
A down jacket should fit comfortably over a base layer and light midlayer, with enough room for movement but without being overly loose. The fit should be snug at the cuffs and hem to seal in warmth, and articulated sleeves or adjustable features help maintain mobility and insulation.
Traditional down jackets are not fully waterproof, as down loses its insulating power when wet. However, many modern down jackets feature water-resistant outer fabrics or hydrophobic down treatments, which provide some protection against light rain or snow. For wet conditions, consider pairing with a waterproof shell.
Fill power measures the loft and insulating efficiency of down. Higher fill power (e.g., 700 or above) means the down traps more air, offering greater warmth for less weight. Jackets with higher fill power are lighter and more compressible, making them ideal for travel and layering in variable winter weather.
Down jackets should be washed with a gentle, down-specific detergent and dried thoroughly - ideally with clean tennis balls to restore loft. Store your jacket uncompressed in a cool, dry place, not in a stuff sack, to maintain the down’s insulating properties and prolong the jacket’s lifespan.
We use marketing, analytical and functional cookies as well as similar technologies to give you the best experience. Third parties, including social media platforms, often place tracking cookies on our site to show you personalised adverts outside of our website.
We store your cookie preferences for two years and you can edit your preferences via ‘manage cookies’ or through the cookie policy at the bottom of every page. For more information, please see our cookie policy.