Benefits of Down Jackets

Are you looking for a lightweight, exceptionally warm, breathable, stylish jacket with great packability? The good news is that you’ve found it. Down jackets contain all these features and more, making them excellent winter coats. Whether hiking winter trails, hitting the ski slopes, or commuting, these types of technical jackets are what you need. Using innovative technology and clever engineering, our down jackets are designed to keep you warm and insulated even in the coldest climates.

Let’s take a closer look at down women’s and men's jackets, and their numerous benefits.

A hooded down jacket uses goose and duck feathers for insulation, similar to what you’ll find in quality duvets. The down's fluffiness (often referred to as loftiness) traps air pockets, retaining heat and maintaining a consistent temperature. When dry, down is super lightweight, making it an ideal fill material for gilets and winter coats. These women's jackets feature distinctive quilted or puffer styles that distribute warmth evenly across the jacket.

Down jackets come with varying levels of warmth, determined by fill power, which ranges from 300 to over 900. Higher fill power indicates better quality, resulting in a warmer and lighter warm jacket.

A synthetic down jacket uses engineered insulation made from polyester fibres. While natural down delivers superior warmth in cold, dry conditions, synthetic insulation has the edge in wet weather. Unlike natural down, synthetic continues to keep you warm even when wet.

Down jackets are a popular choice for cold weather for good reason. Compared to many other jackets, a light down jacket offers impressive insulation properties and is durable and remarkably lightweight. Whether wearing it every day for running errands or while adventuring outdoors, you’ll enjoy exceptional warmth without any bulk. They will keep you warm and comfortable without feeling restricted or weighed down. Here are some other key benefits of a down winter jacket:

• Insulation: they provide incredible warmth thanks to the down feathers trapping air and creating little pockets of warmth across the jacket. Depending on the conditions, you can stay warm without having to wear multiple layers.

• Lightweight: down jackets are surprisingly lightweight. This makes them extremely comfortable and easy to wear for long periods.

• Packability: these coats can be easily compressed when you don’t want to wear them. Just fold them down into a small size and stuff them in your backpack or carry pouch.

• Durability: with the right care, down jackets can last for decades. As down is exceptionally resilient, it recovers its loft and shape after being compressed, ensuring the jacket maintains its insulation abilities.

• Versatile: there’s a down jacket for most activities. On a backpacking trip? A light and packable down jacket is ideal. Commuting to work? A light down jacket will keep you warm and looking smart. Skiing? A jacket with a high fill power will keep you warm and comfortable on the slopes.

• Water repellent: down is not waterproof, but treated with our Omni-Shield™ water and stain-repellent technology, moisture and stains cannot be absorbed into the jacket material. Alternatively, layer a waterproof jacket on top.

• Hypoallergenic: synthetic down is hypoallergenic, making it friendly to sensitive skin.

• Features: most women's down jackets come with a range of great features, including interior and exterior pockets, hoods to keep your neck and head warm, and chin guards.

• RDS approved: At Columbia Sportswear®, we only use Responsible Down Standard (RDS) approved down in our jackets.

At Columbia Sportswear®, we have an impressive selection of goose feather down jackets, including synthetic options, in various colours, lengths and styles. Choose a sleeveless down jacket, extreme cold jacket, or warm parka to fit your style, lifestyle and budget. Use our filters to select your preferred level of insulation, waterproofness and warmth for the perfect natural down jacket experience.

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