Is down insulation or synthetic insulation better for your home?
When it comes to staying warm in the great outdoors, some people prefer down insulation. Other people prefer synthetic insulation. In reality, both have pros and cons. If you’re not sure which type of insulation to choose, don’t worry. This guide is designed to help you select an insulation material that works best for your needs.
What is synthetic insulation and how does it work?
Synthetic insulation is a popular man-made alternative to down and is most often comprised of sheets of polyester fibers that aim to mimic down’s air-trapping abilities. Although it works in the same way as down—body heat gets trapped by the fibers’ loft—synthetic insulation in general is less warm, heavier, and less compressible than down.
What is the difference between down and synthetic fill?
Unlike down, synthetic fill maintains its insulating abilities when wet 4. Breathability Advantage: Synthetic. Down is such an effective insulator because it traps your body heat and keeps it there. Synthetics, on the other hand, aren’t as good at trapping heat and therefore breathe much more effectively.
Is a down jacket better than a synthetic one?
All things being equal, the down jacket is probably the warmer, lighter, more compressible, and durable of the two. If it also happens to have a DWR coating, hydrophobic down fill, or water-resistant fabrics, it will also likely perform just as well as the synthetic model in wet conditions.
How fragile are down jackets?
Why is down bad for sleeping bags?
How to store synthetic sleeping bags?
Why does fill power matter?
What is block insulation?
What is the best way to keep warm on a trail?
What is a swing tag on a down jacket?
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Do synthetic down jackets lose their warmth?
Over time, the synthetic fibres or down lose their lofting ability and insulation power, although the rate at which this happens depends on frequency of use and how well the jacket has been cared for.
What is the warmest type of down?
The warmest down jackets, like the 800+ fill Women's Helium Down Hoodie and Men's Helium Down Hoodie, are built with a high fill power down and a heavier down weight.
Is synthetic as warm as down?
Ounce for ounce, down is warmer than nearly all synthetic insulations. Very few manmade fibers can match down's warmth-to-weight ratio. Down retains its shape and loft well. With proper care, it can last for decades.
Is synthetic down as good as down?
though not quite as good as down. In addition, synthetic insulation has a slightly higher weight-to-warmth ratio than down, meaning it needs to be heavier to achieve the same warmth as down.
Is 550 down fill warm enough for winter?
If you are looking to get a warm winter jacket, look for anything with 550 fill power and above. Anything lower than that won't really be warm enough for sub-zero temperatures.
Is 700 fill down warmer than 600?
The more insulating air pockets down traps, the warmer it will keep you! So in simple terms, the higher the fill power of a down jacket or sleeping bag, the warmer it will be for its weight. The image below illustrates the difference in volume between a gram of 600, a gram of 700, and a gram of 800 fill power down.
Is Thinsulate as warm as down?
Thinsulate is considered "the warmest thin apparel insulation" available. In fact, when equal thicknesses are compared, it provides about 1½ times the warmth of down and about twice the warmth of other high-loft insulation materials.
What is the warmest jacket insulation?
Down Insulation With a warmth-to-weight ratio three times that of synthetic insulation, down is pound-for-pound the best insulator in the world.
Is synthetic lighter than down?
Synthetic insulation, which is made from polyester fibers, has a heavier warmth-to-weight ratio, which also affects a synthetic bag's compressibility. This means that a synthetic piece with the same temperature rating as a down piece will be heavier and won't pack down as small as a comparable down bag or quilt.
Is down the warmest coat?
But are down jackets really the way to go? In short, absolutely. Down jackets made of goose down (the smaller, fluffier feathers underneath the harder exterior feathers) are pound for pound the best insulation against cold temperatures, according to NY Daily News.
Does down insulate when wet?
Down requires air to create a thermal barrier that retains warmth. Performance When Wet: Down provides zero insulation when wet. Having said that, treated Water Repellent Down absorbs 30% less water than untreated down, dries 60% faster and retains much of its loft even when exposed to moisture.
How many grams of insulation do I need for a winter coat?
100-200gAs a rule of thumb, 50g-100g of insulation is a good choice for spring or autumn, or as a technical mid-layer, whilst jackets with 100-200g of insulation are ideal for colder conditions.
Is 700 fill down warm?
700 fill down features a strong warmth-to-weight ratio and provides lightweight insulation across a range of temperatures.
Is goose down warmest?
It can be as low as 300, but that's usually if it's sourced from immature birds. More often it's around 450-500, and it can easily go up to 700. If you just look at the numbers, it's easy to conclude that goose down is generally warmer than duck down.
Are down jackets the warmest?
But are down jackets really the way to go? In short, absolutely. Down jackets made of goose down (the smaller, fluffier feathers underneath the harder exterior feathers) are pound for pound the best insulation against cold temperatures, according to NY Daily News.
How are down jackets rated for warmth?
The most common down products have a rating of 400 to 500. These are considered to be low quality, however, as they come from immature geese and ducks and therefore are made from smaller down clusters. When purchasing a high quality down fill jacket, you should look for a fill power rating of at least 550.
Down vs. Synthetic Insulation: What’s the difference? - Outdoor Research
Not all insulation is created equal, and deciding to kit yourself out for a specific adventure with down or synthetic insulation is a question we each ask ourselves over and over again. The answer largely depends on what environment you’re venturing into and what activities you’ll be undertaking.
How long does it take for synthetic insulation to dry?
The upside to synthetic insulation is that it is much more resistant to moisture, and when it does get wet it dries faster; synthetic insulation can often dry within a day —maybe even hours—if put in the sun or on a windy day.
What is synthetic insulation?
Synthetic insulation is designed to replicate the qualities of down, but retain them even when wet. It’s made with polyester fibers that are arranged in different sized filaments and intertwined, mimicking down’s lofty clusters.
What is down insulation made of?
Down insulation is made from goose or duck plumage – the lofty, fluffy stuff underneath the feathers. It is an undercoating, or a natural midlayer. Nature’s best insulation, down creates high-loft clusters that trap air and body heat. In addition to its ability to efficiently trap heat, down is also incredibly breathable, ...
Why is down considered the crème de la crème of insulators?
Because of its supreme warmth-to-weight ratio and incredible compressibility—which makes it very easy to pack—down is considered the crème de la crème of insulators. It remains lightweight and compressible while holding you in a cocoon of warmth, definitely something to consider when debating what to take on your trek and what to leave in the closet.
Is synthetic insulation better than down insulation?
These ultrafine fibers trap warmth in air pockets, providing great warmth… though not quite as good as down. In addition, synthetic insulation has a slightly higher weight-to-warmth ratio than down, meaning it needs to be heavier to achieve the same warmth as down.
What is refuge air?
Even lighter, more breathable, and quicker to drop excess heat than the original Refuge Collection, the Refuge Air is the layer you'll choose when you have fewer rest stops and a faster pace planned for a ski tour, snowshoe or winter hike.
How much down can fill?
Down can be broken into a spectrum of effectiveness. We measure this effectiveness—“fill power”—by how many cubic inches one ounce of down can fill. The typical range is around 450 to 900, with 900 being the warmest and lightest… but also the priciest.
Down Insulation
A common misconception is that down insulation is made from the feathers of a bird. Down is actually the plumage found underneath the exterior feathers on waterfowl such as ducks and geese and consists of soft, fluffy, wispy filaments. Some products use a blend of down and feathers, but by definition, down is different than feathers.
Synthetic Insulation
Typically made of polyester, synthetic fill is quick-drying and insulates even if wet (something down struggles to do). It also tends to be less expensive than down insulation, and it's durable and hypoallergenic.
What is natural down insulation?
Natural down, sometimes called “real down,” is the stuff that comes from geese and ducks. Although it has a soft, fluffy texture that’s similar to feathers, it’s not exactly the same thing. Feathers are found on the outermost layer of a bird where you’re accustomed to seeing them, on their wings and backs.
What is synthetic down?
Synthetic down, also called alternative down, is a type of engineered insulation that’s aimed at mimicking natural down. It’s usually made with polyester and constructed so that the faux fibers branch out in different directions, offering varying sizes and shapes.
What is fill power?
In simple terms, fill power is the measure of how much space in cubic inches is produced by one ounce of down.
What are the pros and cons of synthetic versus natural down?
Natural Down: One of the biggest pros of natural down is that it tends to be ultra-lightweight and extremely compact, offering exceptional warmth that isn’t heavy or bulky. This allows it to pack down easily, often compressing better than synthetic versions. It is also extraordinarily durable and tends to last for a long time.
What is synthetic insulation?
As its name implies, synthetic insulations are ones that don’t occur naturally, but are instead manmade. These materials have been specifically crafted to provide a thin, lightweight, alternative to down that addresses some of the deficiencies that come with using goose or duck plumage. And since they are made in a lab, synthetic insulations can be fine-tuned, altered, and upgraded over time to improve performance.
Where does the down come from?
While there are a number of different bird species that produce the material, the vast majority of the down that is used in jackets comes from either geese or ducks. There are some similarities between the two, but there are a few differences that are worth noting as well.
What is Down?
Most people think that down is made from the feathers of birds, but that isn’t actually the case. While it is true that down does come from birds—more specifically waterfowl such as geese or ducks—the material itself is actually a very light, fluffy plumage that is found underneath the feathers. For the birds that produce down, this material serves as a protective layer from the cold, shielding them from frigid temperatures. In other words, even in the wild down serves as an insulator.
What is down used for?
Down is routinely used not only in jackets, but also in sleeping bags, pillows, quilts, comforters, and other products too. While in production, down naturally forms into clusters that are made up of thousands of interconnected fibers that cling tightly to one another. Those clusters have the ability to trap pockets of warm air, while still managing to remain breathable at the same time. Those properties are what make it such a popular choice as an insulator on consumer products.
What is the fill power of a down jacket?
In more technical terms, the fill power is a measure of how many cubic inches of loft that one ounce of the down produces. A higher number is an indicator of increased loft, which translates to improved efficiency when it comes to serving as an insulator. Thus, a jacket with an 800 fill power rating uses down that should manage and retain heat better than one that uses 600 fill power down instead.
How much down do you need for a down jacket?
When shopping for a down jacket you’ll typically see a number on the garment’s tag that indicates its “fill power.” Usually, that number will be somewhere between 600 and 900 depending on the brand, style, price, and the intended use of the product. A consumer-oriented down jacket intended for use around town is more likely to use 600 fill down, while a mountaineering jacket will probably opt for a higher fill power instead.
Is synthetic insulation good for damp?
When you factor in the less expensive price tag, improved breathability, and their hypoallergenic properties, it would be easy to come to the conclusion that synthetic insulators are the best all-around option. However, improvements in waterproof fabrics and durable water-resistant (DWR) treatments have helped down insulation to close the gap when it comes to performance in damp environments. The introduction of hydrophobic down, which essentially makes the material water-resistant, has been a real game-changer too, allowing goose and duck plumage to maintain its loft and insulating properties in just about any conditions.
What is synthetic insulation?
Synthetic insulation is essentially polyester threading that is molded into long, single threads or short staples to mimic down clusters.
What is Primaloft made of?
It’s soft, durable, high-loft and made from 100% polyester microfiber. It’s also lightweight, compressible, fast-drying and water-resistant.
What is the best insulation material for a home?
High-loft goose down is made from the finest down and provides the highest warmth-to-weight ratio of any natural or synthetic insulation. It is also the most expensive insulation material. Standard goose down has slightly less loft, but is more reasonably priced.
What is goose down insulation made of?
High-loft goose down is made from the finest down and provides the highest warmth-to-weight ratio of any natural or synthetic insulation. It is also the most expensive insulation material.
What is down insulation?
Contrary to popular belief, down insulation is not made of feathers. Down is actually the fluffy undercoating that provides warmth for geese, ducks and other waterfowl. The structure of down provides warmth by creating thousands of tiny air pockets.
Which is better, synthetic or down insulation?
Down has the highest warmth-to-weight ratio, and is the least bulky. Synthetic insulation is better in wet conditions, and is easier to clean. It’s also a good choice for casual outdoor enthusiasts who only use their gear a handful of times a year and for people who prefer to save money.
What are the disadvantages of down insulation?
Disadvantages of Down Insulation. Unlike synthetic fibers, down loses its insulating power when it becomes wet and takes a long time to dry out, especially in a humid climates . Cleaning down gear requires special care. Only very mild detergents or down-specific cleaning products should be used.
Why is synthetic down better than down?
Down is such an effective insulator because it traps your body heat and keeps it there. Synthetics, on the other hand, aren’t as good at trapping heat and therefore breathe much more effectively. You’ll really notice the difference during high-exertion activities: synthetic insulation has a way of regulating your body temperature so that you don’t get too hot or cold. If you were to wear a down jacket when hiking or cross-country-skiing, however, you would overheat rather quickly. In short, a good synthetic can keep you warm while still allowing enough air to escape. For these reasons, synthetic jackets are ideal for activities like climbing, biking, and ski touring (but keep in mind that less insulation results in more breathability). And you always can throw on a breathable softshell jacket on top for added protection.
What is synthetic insulation?
Synthetic insulation is a popular man-made alternative to down and is most often comprised of sheets of polyester fibers that aim to mimic down’s air-trapping abilities. Although it works in the same way as down—body heat gets trapped by the fibers’ loft—synthetic insulation in general is less warm, heavier, and less compressible than down. Further, over time, it gets packed out and loses its ability to loft, resulting in a shorter lifespan than down. But the largest benefit to choosing synthetic over down—and why we’ll always recommend it for certain environments—is the added wet-weather assurance. Synthetic fill does not lose its loft when wet, continues to insulate even when soaked, and dries out quickly. In addition, it’s more breathable than down and often cheaper.#N#The Patagonia Nano-Air with synthetic FullRange insulation
What is goose down insulation?
Goose and Duck Down. Down insulation is an all-natural fill comprised of goose or duck plumage (contrary to popular belief, plumage is the soft material underneath the feathers, not the feathers themselves).
Is goose down insulation better than synthetic insulation?
As the weather cools down each year, the great down-versus-synthetic insulation debate heats up. Goose and duck down fill are among the premier insulators on earth, trapping air and creating pockets of warmth around your body with very little weight. On the other hand, synthetic insulation breathes better and retains most of its ability to insulate when wet, which can be a major plus for serious outdoor use. Below we outline down and synthetic insulation and break down their warmth-to-weight , compressibility, comfort , durability, cost , and more. We hope it’s helpful in choosing your next down jacket or sleeping bag.
Does synthetic insulation insulate when wet?
Down soaks up water, clumps together, and loses its loft, thereby losing its insulating properties. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, maintains its loft (and therefore, its insulating abilities) when wet.
Does synthetic fill lose loft?
Synthetic fill does not lose its loft when wet, continues to insulate even when soaked, and dries out quickly. In addition, it’s more breathable than down and often cheaper. The Patagonia Nano-Air with synthetic FullRange insulation.
Is down insulation compressible?
Like warmth, down is also known for its compressibility. You can stuff a lightweight down jacket to about the size of a water bottle, and much more tightly than a comparable synthetic. Keep in mind that the quality of down (and therefore its loftiness) matters in this equation: the higher the fill power, the more the down will compress. Compared to low- and medium-quality down (ranging from about 450- to 650-flll power), high-end synthetics aren’t that far behind—especially highly compressible insulations such as Patagonia’s PlumaFill and The North Face’s ThermoBall Eco.
How does insulation power come from?
Insulating power comes from the number of tiny air pockets in a particular material. Down has a ton of tiny air pockets when dry. But when the down gets wet, it clumps together and those air pockets vanish.
What is DWR down?
To combat this obvious weakness, manufacturers have developed Durable Water Repellent (DWR) down. REI has a great description of what DWR down is. Essentially, the down is coated in a synthetic substance that repels the water and prevents it from clumping up. This is also referred to as hydrophobic down.
What is down vs synthetic insulation?
Down vs synthetic is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your outdoor gear. That’s because you, the savvy shopper, want to: Choose the right product to keep you warm; That will last a long time; Without paying through the nose. Well, let’s get down and dirty with down vs synthetic insulation.
What is the down of a bird?
Down is the insulating under-layer of a bird’s coat. Down resembles feathers, but they’re actually different. Down (left) vs a feather (right) courtesy Pixabay and Pixnio. Down is what keeps birds warm. It’s light and fluffy and has thousands of tiny air pockets between the fibers.
What is the most important thing to know when assessing insulation power?
Fill power is the most important thing to know when assessing insulation power (but it isn’t the only thing to know).
Why is it better to spend up for down?
For backpackers, section hikers, and thru-hikers who need to travel minimalist, you’re better served spending up for high-quality down products, because weight and compressibility have added importance.
Why are feather blends less expensive?
Blends with some percentage of feathers usually are less expensive because manufacturers weren’t as careful to separate the down from the feathers. This means those products won’t have the same insulation and compression of other products with the same fill power but 100% down, but the price can be more appealing.
How fragile are down jackets?
Individual down clusters are very fragile compared to synthetic fibres and are easily clogged with dirt, grease, sweat and body oils, all of which impair performance. As such, knowing how to look after a down jacket or sleeping bag can be a complicated affair. Synthetic insulated jackets or sleeping bags are certainly easier to look after and less susceptible to rough treatment than down. So, if you’re hard on your kit, a down jacket or sleeping bag might not be the best choice.
Why is down bad for sleeping bags?
The very fine nature of down means that it also tends to escape from the seams of jackets and sleeping bags (and can sometimes even work its way through face fabrics). Over time, this can lead to down loss, which will impair loft, since there’s less fill to occupy the internal baffles. Another problem is down migration, which is when the down fill moves around inside the baffles of your jacket or sleeping bag, clumping together in some areas and leaving ‘cold spots’ in other areas. Both issues are less of a problem with synthetic gear, especially with sheet insulations.
How to store synthetic sleeping bags?
As with down, the best way to mitigate this is to store your synthetic jacket in a closet or wardrobe rather than rolled up in its hood or tightly bundled in its stuff sack. Similarly, if you have the space, a synthetic sleeping bag will last longer if stored loosely folded rather than kept in its compression sack.
Why does fill power matter?
Why does fill power matter? A higher fill power means that a sleeping bag or jacket requires less down fill to deliver a stated warmth. And less fill equals a lighter product. So, a two-season sleeping bag rated to 0°C (32°F) that uses 700-fill-power down will be lighter than a 0°C bag using 600-fill-power down – assuming the fabrics and other features are the same. But this also means, of course, that when you’re comparing down jackets or sleeping bags, it is important to look at the total fill weight as well as the fill power.
What is block insulation?
Firstly, there is block insulation, which is essentially a sheet of wadded synthetic fibres (as used in many jackets and almost all synthetic sleeping bags). It is sometimes called continuous filament insulation.
What is the best way to keep warm on a trail?
Insulted jackets are one of the best ways to keep warm on the trail. (Image credit: Rab)
What is a swing tag on a down jacket?
In some cases, down products will have a coded swing tag that allows you to check where, when and how the down in the product was produced.
