Premium Down-Filled Outerwear

When it comes to winter insulation, down is one of the most efficient and versatile options.premium down-filled outerwear The soft feathers found close to the skin of ducks and geese create thousands of tiny air pockets that trap warm air next to your body, keeping you warm without adding too much weight or bulk. Most down jackets use goose down, but a few lightweight models can be found that use duck or a mix of the two. Goose down has a higher loft, or fluffiness, and is generally considered to be a bit more durable than duck down.

The amount of down used in a jacket is typically measured using its fill power.premium down-filled outerwear The higher the number, the more lofted and effective the down is. Fill powers range from 500 to 900, with the highest-end outdoor gear manufacturers using 800 fill-power down or higher.

While fill power gets all the attention, it’s important to remember that fill weight is just as critical.premium down-filled outerwear This number, which is expressed in ounces or grams, indicates how many ounces of down are stuffed into the jacket and gives you an idea of how warm it will be. Most brands emphasize fill power, with some even sewing the rating on the cuff, but it’s important to note that a lower-rated down jacket can be warmer than a higher-rated model.

Many outdoor gear companies are also focusing on the ethical source of their down. This process is often referred to as responsible down standard (RDS) and has been endorsed by industry leaders like Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Feathered Friends, Black Diamond, L.L. Bean and Outdoor Research.

While RDS is an excellent step in the right direction, some companies are taking things a few steps further. Many are now offering jackets that use only responsibly-sourced, high-quality RDS down that can be traced back to the bird and manufacturer.

The best down jackets will be a bit heavier than their synthetic counterparts, but the added warmth will more than make up for it. It’s also important to remember that down loses its ability to insulate when it gets wet, so it’s imperative to keep your jacket dry. Some manufacturers treat their down with water-resistant applications that help it resist light moisture, but a wet jacket will still lose its warmth. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to layer a waterproof shell over your down jacket whenever you head outdoors.