How Down Coats Keep You Warm

How Down Coats Keep You Warm

In cold, windy conditions, a down coat will keep you warm by insulating your body using the lightweight feathers of waterfowl.down coats The feathers, which are a type of plumage, have tiny filaments that trap air and retain heat.down coats A down jacket—also called a puffer or puffer jacket—is quilted with continuous rows of insulated baffles (small boxes of down) that are sewn together to form the garment. The feathers are usually from ducks or geese, but in some cases, synthetic insulation is used.

Unlike some other insulators, such as fleece and wool, down is not itchy or bulky.down coats It’s also very compressible, which means it can pack down to a small size and easily fit in your backpack or car for an emergency.down coats However, down is not waterproof and can lose its insulating power when wet. If you’re planning to go outside in wet weather, consider packing a rain shell or looking for a synthetic insulator that performs well when damp.

The best down jackets use high-quality goose or duck feathers with a fill power rating of 800 or higher, indicating that each ounce of the down can fill about 600 cubic inches of space.down coats Some brands source their down from animals that have been humanely killed, and The North Face’s Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification ensures that geese are not injured in the process of obtaining the feathers for their products.down coats

While down is a great choice for keeping warm in dry winter weather, it’s less effective when wet.down coats If you’re planning on hiking in a snowstorm or taking on any other cold-weather activities that could get wet, look for a synthetic jacket with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that’s able to withstand light rainfall and sleet.

Some down jackets have stretchy fabric or stitchless baffles for added mobility.down coats These models, such as the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown jacket (men’s non-hooded and hooded styles; women’s non-hooded and a hoodie), can be a good option for people who move vigorously outdoors in cold weather or for those who want to layer over it with a softshell for extra warmth.

The REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket—which our testers wore on a fall camping trip in the Olympic Peninsula—is an excellent low-cost option.down coats Its boxy fit allows you to comfortably wear layers underneath, and it kept us comfortable in a wide range of winter conditions. It blocks wind, fends off light rain and dampness (without the down turning into clumps), and it has microfleece-lined hand-warmer pockets that will keep your hands cozy. It’s also available in a variety of men’s and women’s sizes, including plus, and comes with REI’s solid return policy, which extends to one year for members and 90 days for non-members.