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Are down jackets good for windy conditions?

The weather forecast says it will be windy, but is your trusty down jacket up to the challenge? The good news is that down jackets are built for cold and windy conditions. Even when there is a chilly breeze, a feather down jacket will shield you from the wind and keep you cosy and warm. It's all thanks to the incredible insulation provided by the jacket's down filling. This lightweight layer makes it the perfect option for a winter coat. If you plan on buying a down jacket, here's a quick guide on why it's great for windy conditions.

How warm are down jackets?

Down jackets are exceptionally warm. They are filled with the soft, fluffy under feathers from geese. Down is an extremely effective insulator as the fluffiness or loft of down creates numerous small air pockets that retain body heat and trap warm air. This helps to keep you lovely and warm in cold weather, just as it does the geese it originally came from. As these coats provide such incredible warmth, they are ideal for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountaineering and skiing.

Down jackets have fill power ratings, which measure the down's loft and its insulating capabilities. A high fill power means more air pockets in the down, and the jacket will be warmer and more insulated for its weight. It also indicates the quality of the down. The higher the quality, the higher fill power will be. It typically ranges from around 400 to over 900. It is calculated by compressing an ounce of down and seeing how it bounces back and its loft. Jackets with a high fill power are typically much lighter and more compressible than coats of an equivalent warmth. When the weather warms up and down, jackets aren't needed; they are easy to fold up and stuff into backpacks.

What are the benefits of hooded down jackets?

When it's windy outside, you'll more than appreciate the added protection of an insulated hood. While a down jacket is great for keeping your torso warm, a hood protects your neck, head and ears. It will help to keep you warm even when there's a biting wind. Many of our down jackets come with drawcord-adjustable hoods so you can make sure they fit just right. It will also help keep your hair out of your face as you navigate mountain trails or run errands.

Are down jackets water resistant?

Unlike jackets made from synthetics, feathered jackets are not considered waterproof as the down filling doesn't stand up to wet weather. In fact, once wet, down will clump together, become heavy and stop providing warmth. However, many of our down jackets have light outer shells that don't absorb moisture, making them ideal for drizzly weather. We also have down jackets that feature our remarkable Omni-Shield™ water and stain-repellent quick-drying technology. This repels water, preventing liquids from being absorbed into the outer material and soaking or staining your clothes.

How to wash and care for your down jacket?

After lots of adventuring in the great outdoors, your down jacket will likely pick up dirt and grime along the way. But washing these types of jackets is not just a case of throwing them into the washing machine. They need special care to maintain their loft, insulating performance and help them last as long as possible. Before you start, brush off any dirt or grime and close all zippers and flaps. Next, turn the jacket inside out and put it in the drum of a front-facing washing machine. It's always best to wash a down jacket on its own. Use a washing detergent designed specifically for down or a mild detergent for delicate fabrics. Wash the jacket on a delicate cycle at a low temperature.

At the end of the wash cycle, run an extra rinse cycle to make sure all detergent is rinsed out of the jacket. You can dry a down jacket in a tumble dryer, but you must take it out regularly to shake it (ideally every 15 minutes). Adding a couple of dryer balls in with the jacket will help break up any clumps. Make sure the coat is thoroughly dry before hanging it up. Down jackets made from synthetics can be washed in a similar way.

At Columbia Sportswear®, we have an excellent range of down jackets in a variety of designs and lengths. Whether you choose a hooded, sleeveless or recycled down jacket, each is filled with high-quality, RDS-certified goose down to keep you warm as toast.