What is a down jacket?
A down jacket is a jacket which has been insulated with the soft and warm under feathers from duck or geese. Down is a fantastic insulator as the loft (or fluffiness) of down creates thousands of tiny air pockets which trap warm air and retain heat, thus helping to keep the wearer very warm in cold winter weather.
What is Duck Down and feather?
Goose or duck down and feather are natural products that people value for their quality, softness, and insulating properties. Before turning these into materials for bedding and clothing products, it is necessary to obtain the raw materials from the birds. Various methods exist as to how producers remove and acquire down from the body of a bird.
Should you pull down feathers out of a down jacket?
If you see a feather or some down poking through a seam, do not pull it out. By pulling out a feather or piece of leaking down, you’re making the hole which it created larger, which can result in more down or feathers working out of your jacket.
Why downdown and feather products?
Down and feather products are also natural and environmentally friendly; their manufacture leaves a far lower carbon footprint than synthetic materials. While we spend almost one third of our lives sleeping, sleeplessness is a pervasive condition that impacts our day-to-day existence.
What's the difference between a puffer jacket and a down jacket?
What is a puffer jacket? Some puffer jackets use down, but many more use a synthetic insulation that can be lighter than down and still provide the same warmth. Synthetic insulation doesn't clump or break apart after washing as much as down, so it makes for a better work jacket.
How do you tell if a jacket is down?
How to identify a high-quality down coat?Feel the down filling in your hand. ... Check the down/feather mixture ratio of the filling. ... Slap the coat and check whether any dust on top of the fabric from the down filling. ... Is the coat leaking down already at the store? ... Check the quality and functioning of the zips.More items...•
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.
Are down jackets worth it?
Ultimately, down is worth the cost if you'll be in weather that's cold but not super wet. Some of the warmest coats can cost well over $1,000, but Jordan Wand, vice president of product and marketing for Outdoor Research, assured ABC News, "There's no silver bullet" when it comes to getting the right down coat.
Can you wear a down jacket in the rain?
Don't wear a down jacket during rains Remember, down jackets are not waterproof. They are only splashproof. If they are exposed to water for a long time, they will lose their fluffiness. They are made of feathers, after all.
Is a down jacket the warmest?
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.
What is the warmest fill down jacket?
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.
How do you determine the warmth of a down jacket?
One way to determine the quality of down is to look at its fill power. Ranging from about 450 to 900, fill power is the volume in cubic inches that one ounce of the down fills up; higher quality down lofts to a higher volume, so a higher spec number indicates warmer down.
How do you wash a down jacket?
Machine-wash your down jacket on a gentle cycle at 30 degrees °C. If it's available, select the 'extra rinse' option. Use a down-specific soap or detergent, like Grangers Down Wash Concentrate.Skip the spin cycle. It's better for your down jacket to drip dry and/or use a tumble dryer.
Why are down jackets so popular?
The cozy filling packed into the the iconic outerwear makes for some of the warmest winter coats — which is why puffers are here to stay and evolving with the times each year. In short, puffers make the cold temperatures more bearable whether you're commuting to the office or enjoying weekend winter activities.
Why is it called a down jacket?
A down jacket is a jacket which has been insulated with the soft and warm under feathers from duck or geese. Down is a fantastic insulator as the loft (or fluffiness) of down creates thousands of tiny air pockets which trap warm air and retain heat, thus helping to keep the wearer very warm in cold winter weather.
Can you wear down jacket in snow?
Also, the water-resistant shell fabric of most down jackets will block out snow (you will likely be wearing only a down jacket when the temperature is below freezing). Generally, synthetic insulation performs better than down in wet weather.
Is 600 down warm?
600 fill down is warm, lightweight and durable. Ideal for general outdoor and day-to-day use.
Is 700 fill down warm?
Jackets that are insulated with 700-900 fill power down are usually warmer, but they are much harder to find. And these are usually jackets designed for some extreme weather conditions. If you are looking to get a warm winter jacket, look for anything with 550 fill power and above.
How can you tell how warm a down jacket is?
One way to determine the quality of down is to look at its fill power. Ranging from about 450 to 900, fill power is the volume in cubic inches that one ounce of the down fills up; higher quality down lofts to a higher volume, so a higher spec number indicates warmer down.
Is 650 down fill warm?
A 650 down fill jacket with 330g of down may be as warm as an 800 down fill jacket with only 120g, but the 650 fill jacket will be bigger, heavier and take up more room when stuffed in your pack.
What is a down jacket?
A down jacket is a jacket which has been insulated with the soft and warm under feathers from duck or geese. Down is a fantastic insulator as the loft (or fluffiness) of down creates thousands of tiny air pockets which trap warm air and retain heat, thus helping to keep the wearer very warm in cold winter weather.
What are the different types of down jackets?
There are three types for down jackets, Sewn Through, Box Baffle or Heat Seamed Baffle.
What is a heat seamed baffle?
Heat seamed baffle (sometimes called welded or bonded) is when the outer fabric is bonded together with the inner fabric using heat. Like the sewn through technique, chambers are created between the bonded baffle. However, as there is no stitching, warmth can’t escape from the seams. This can also make this type of down jacket more wind and water resistant.
What is goose down fill power?
2. What is Down Fill Power? Down fill power is a measure of the loft or ‘fluffiness’ of the down and its insulating properties. The higher the fill power, the more air pockets in the down and the more insulating ...
What is the fill power of a down jacket?
Fill power is also an indication of the quality of the down used. The better the quality of down the higher the fill power. As less down is required to provide the same amount of warmth, jackets with a higher fill power tend to be lighter and more compressible. Fill power ranges from 400 to 900.
What is the power range of a down jacket?
Fill power ranges from 400 to 900. For down outerwear ratings will generally fall between 500 and 800.
Do you need a hood on a down jacket?
If you are wearing a down jacket as a mid-layer, i.e. under a waterproof coat, you may consider wearing a jacket without a hood.
What is a down jacket?
Down jackets are insulated using the soft under feathers from ducks or geese. Down has incredible insulating properties because the loft (or fluffiness) of the material creates thousands of tiny air pockets that trap warm air and retain heat. The down fill of a jacket will either be goose down or duck down, or sometimes a combination of the two. ...
What is a lightweight down jacket?
The shell of a super lightweight down jacket will be made with a thin and light material. Although this is ideal for reducing weight, these jackets can be more vulnerable to snagging and abrasions. This type of jacket is great if you are wearing it now and again on cold days but if you are looking for a jacket to wear regularly for many years to come, it is worth looking for a slightly heavier and thicker outer shell which will last far longer. You can shop our entire range of down jackets, which come in a range of shapes, sizes and colors.
What is the best down fill for a jacket?
The down fill of a jacket will either be goose down or duck down, or sometimes a combination of the two. Goose down is regarded as the warmest and lightest, but duck down or jackets that use a combination are often much cheaper and still keep you very warm.
What is the fill power of a down jacket?
You will often see a number that usually ranges from 600 to 800 when looking at down jackets. This is a rating of the fill power, which measures the loft of the down and its insulating properties. The higher the fill power, the more air pockets in the down and the warmer it will be for its weight.
Is a down jacket too loose?
A down jacket shouldn’t be too fitted, or too loose. Try to allow for adding layers underneath your jacket, but ensure it isn’t too roomy as this will allow cold air in through the hems and arms. Some down jackets have cuffed waists and wrists to help seal in the warmth. Another feature to consider is a hood.
Is a down jacket waterproof?
Whilst down material loses its insulating properties when it gets wet, the shell of many down jackets will be coated with Durable Water Repellent coatings (DWR) to offer some resistance to rain. You can also get fully waterproof down jackets that combine this coating with a waterproof membrane.
Is a down jacket good for hiking?
However, if you are a naturally warm person, or will be performing a strenuous activity such as hiking or skiing, you may find that a down jacket makes you too hot and synthetic insulation will be better suited.
What is Down and Feather?
However, both down and feathers for most uses in fashion and materials for bedding and that like come from ducks and geese.
How are Down and Feathers Made?
Goose or duck down and feather are natural products that people value for their quality, softness, and insulating properties. Before turning these into materials for bedding and clothing products, it is necessary to obtain the raw materials from the birds. Various methods exist how producers remove and acquire down from the body of a bird. Studies reveal that down and feather harvested from live goose by hand is superior to the industrial feather types 2. However, it’s necessary to question the ethics of this practice as it causes harm to the animal involved.
Why do birds sleep on feather pillows?
They aid the flight of birds but also help to keep them dry and warm. Feather pillows offer more firmness compared with down pillows. The shape is long and flat, and in order to provide insulation, manufacturers would need more of it. Due to the quills and how firm it is, a feather pillow will most often be used for decorative purposes. This is because down pillows offer more softness in quality. Down does not contain quill materials that poke out. They are therefore easier to sleep on.
What is the difference between down and feather pillows?
Feathers also have quills that can poke through the material of a product. Down gives pillows more softness and malleability. A blend of these two materials will offer both firm and soft properties for support. So it’s possible to acquire a product with fillings of goose or duck feathers and goose or duck down.
Why are down pillows considered luxurious?
Down clusters have a spherical shape and contain no quills. For this reason, down pillows are usually considered luxurious. The down clusters make airy and light fibers for pillow fillings. People consider it ideal for a supportive and soft pillow due to its malleability, structure, and composition. Some believe this leads to better quality sleep and support for any sleeping position. Aside from manufacturers using these fibers in pillows, clothing brands also create down-filled jackets.
How to remove down and feathers from meat?
It usually involves immersing the bodies of the animals in hot water to make plucking easier. The down can be removed by hand or machine. Some companies acquire down and feather as byproducts from the food industry.
Is down more expensive than feathers?
There’s often the contemplation of choosing down vs. feather products. You’ll generally find pure down products more expensive than feather products. Although both are derived from the body of a bird, they have different properties which significantly affect the quality of the clothing or bedding products. For instance, a feather pillow is firmer than a down pillow.
What is down and feather?
Down is a three dimensional cluster made up of fluffy filaments and contains no quill. Feathers are from the plumage of waterfowl, and do contain quills.
Why are feather comforters used in winter?
Because they allow air to circulate and offer a wide comfort range, down and feather comforters can be enjoyed winter and summer. Down and feather fill is also ideal for pillows because it can provide a range of support options, from soft to firm, while adjusting to body movements.
Is natural fill bedding machine washable?
Natural fill bedding is resilient and lasts for years. Products containing down are usually machine washable, although it is recommended that consumers read the affixed care labels for proper care instructions. A down and feather bedding product is an investment that pays off in longevity, comfort and ease of care.
Is feather insulation good?
Down and feathers provide us with natural fill products that are breathable, durable and resilient, and provide excellent insulation without a lot of weight. Down and feather products are also natural and environmentally friendly; their manufacture leaves a far lower carbon footprint than synthetic materials.
What is the difference between feathers and down?
The main difference between down and feathers, though, is the part of the goose or duck that they come from. Feathers are from a bird's outer layer (wings & back) while down fibres are from beneath the protective feather covering that is used for insulation. Down material will last longer , is more expensive and is softer while feather material will ...
Why do feathers lay flat?
When feathers are 'stuffed' into a pillow shell, over time, the quills start to align with each other and tend to lay flat. The effect on your pillow is that it too becomes flat. To combat this flattening of the pillow due to the aligning of the feathers, some companies add down clusters to keep the feathers from compacting and the feather pillow becoming hard.
What is a down cluster?
Down clusters are round and spherical. They look like the head of a dandelion, and depending on the quality of the down, are almost the same size. This 850 fill power Hungarian down cluster is the size of a US quarter. This natural spherical shape is what gives a down pillow, down comforter, or down feather bed its loft.
Where do feathers come from?
Down and feathers come from the exact same place - either a goose or a duck. Feathers are a bird’s outer layer (wings & back) and down fibres are beneath the protective feather covering that is used for insulation. Down material lasts longer, is more expensive, and is softer. Feather material will not last as long, contains quills, and is less expensive. Feather and down blends don't last as long with some percentage of down added for support so they don't go flat.
How soft is a down pillow?
Down pillows, as you might expect, can be very soft but just how soft is largely determined by the design and fill weight of the pillow. Fill weight is the number of ounces used to fill the pillow for a given density; soft, medium, firm or extra firm.
Do goose feathers wash?
Feathers, depending on the bird, help the bird fly, keep warm, and stay dry. As a result, it is best practice to not wash a feather pillow.
Is goose down RDS certified?
All of our Hungarian white goose down is RDS certified under the responsible down standard.
What is a good down jacket?
Whether you’re a hip city dweller, a mile-crushing backcountry hiker, or an adventurous backpacker, a good down jacket is your key to staying warm and looking stylish where ever your active life takes you. In fact, having an awesome down jacket is crucial for every type of backpacker.
Why are down jackets heavier than down?
The result is a much heavier, much warmer jacket. Because they contain more down they are way puffier too. That means that you will notice their presence in your backpack. Because of this the mid/heavy weight down jackets are only intended to be used when very cold weather requires them.
What is an ultralight down jacket good for?
The best lightweight down jacket for backpacking is one which compresses and packs down to sit in your backpack, until it is needed, without taking up space.
Why do backpackers hate hoods?
Hoods are really a preference thing. Some backpackers hate them because they get in the way if you are wearing a rain jacket over your down jacket. Two obvious benefits of going without a hood: non-hooded down jackets weigh less and they are cheaper.
What is the best down jacket for women?
Best Down Jacket for Women #2: Marmot Varma Down Jacket. For something longer, the Marmot Varma Down Jacket is one of the top down jackets for women in that regard. If you are a woman who does heaps of climbing, trekking, or other mountain sports, you’re going to love this down jacket.
Why are down jackets so low D rating?
The lower the number, the less thread was used to make the down jacket. Ultralight down jackets have very low D ratings because they simply contain less thread. The lower the denier rating the lighter the jacket. Easy, right?
What is the interior pocket on a jacket?
The interior of the jacket also features a zippered pocket. If you want to pack the jacket down, the interior pocket also doubles as a stuff sack.
What to do if your down jacket is losing feathers?
By pulling out a feather or piece of leaking down, you’re making the hole which it created larger, which can result in more down or feathers working out of your jacket.
How to make down jackets loftier?
When simply looking to enhance your garment’s loftiness and “fluff up” the insulation, you can toss your down jacket into a front-loading dryer on the lowest heat setting. It’s important you use the lowest heat setting so as not to melt your jacket, and also use a front-loading machine to avoid unwanted damage. Next, you’ll want to toss in a clean tennis ball or three, and let it run for about 15 minutes. This technique will lift flat insulation to a lofty state and make it harder to sneak out of any seams or lining.
How to pull feathers back in?
If you spot a feather or some down peeking through a seam or lining, it’s probably possible to ‘pull it back in.’ ‘Pulling’ can be easier said than done but if you’re able to reverse its path, you’re the winner. By gently rubbing the area where the feather or down is escaping, the fibres of the material pull each other together, sealing the small hole that was formed.
What to do if you notice feathers leaking from a coat?
If you notice an unusual amount of down or feathers leaking from your almost brand new garment, you can find your receipt and try to return it. Keep in mind that the final decision is up to the retailer and/or the manufacturer as to whether the coat is defective.
Why can I see down through fabric?
It’s also possible to see down through the fabric if your garment is a light colour. Again, this isn’t a defect or sign of lower-quality materials. Often, semi-transparent outer materials are used to improve the lightweight feel of an insulator.
Can you wash down jackets?
Luckily, you can make your old down jacket new again with a simple wash, although it’s essential to follow proper washing directions for down products.
Is down better than insulation?
We’re not saying that when given a choice between a down jacket and a second insulation option, down is always the winner. There are some notable differences when comparing down garments to synthetically insulated garments —both have their pros and cons. But here we will look at the top of the winter insulation world, down, and that a down jacket losing feathers is far from the end of the garment.
What Is A Down Jacket?
What Is Down Fill Power?
- Down fill power is a measure of the loft or ‘fluffiness’ of the down and its insulating properties. The higher the fill power, the more air pockets in the down and the more insulating the jacket will be for its weight.
Durability & Weight
- A super lightweight down jacket will be made with a thin, light material for the outer shell. Although ideal for reducing weight they can be more vulnerable to snagging and abrasions. This type of jacket is great if you are wearing it now and again on cold days. If you are looking for a jacket to wear regularly for many years to come, it is worth looking for a slightly heavier and thic…
Fit
- A down jacket should not be too fitted or too loose. You should allow for adding layers underneath but ensure it’s not too roomy as cold air could get in through the hem and arms. Down jackets tend to be heavier than regular waterproof jackets or wool coats so remember you need a bit of room in it to allow you to move about.
Features
- Hoods– A hood will help add extra warmth but will also add bulk. If you are wearing a down jacket as a mid-layer, i.e. under a waterproof coat, you may consider wearing a jacket without a hood.
- Cuffed waist and wrists– Help to seal in the warmth.
- Pockets– Padded lined pockets are ideal for cold hands.