How to pick the perfect down jacket for winter weather?

Do you need a new winter jacket but feel overwhelmed with all the choices? You've hiked to the right place. Ask anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors and they will likely tell you a down jacket is the ideal coat for winter conditions. Whether worn on their own or layered, their powerful insulation and lightweight design make them a winter staple. But how do you know which one is right for you? If you need help picking a perfect down jacket for winter, read on to learn more about this iconic jacket.

Which type of insulation should I choose?

To help you find your perfect high-quality winter down jacket, we'll start by exploring its insulation. You have a choice between natural down insulation (real) or synthetic insulation (engineered). Both are great winter warmers but perform differently depending on the conditions.

Natural down

Have you ever noticed what lies underneath the tough outer feathers of a duck or goose? That's down, and these soft, fluffy feathers are used as insulation in our down jackets. Baffles in the jacket trap and store warm air and body heat to provide a highly effective barrier of insulation. While some brands use duck down, we stick to down from geese as this is widely believed to be better quality and provides greater warmth. All our down is certified by the Responsible Down Standard, which prioritises the welfare of the birds. The geese are well-cared for, and no live plucking or force-feeding is permitted. This ensures the birds' well-being at every stage.

Jackets using natural down feathers boast an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, especially compared to jackets of similar warmth. Their lightweight construction makes them highly compressible and easy to stuff in a carry sack or bag for storing in your backpack. However, there is one important thing you should note when considering investing in a down jacket. Down is not waterproof or water-resistant. If the material gets wet, then it stops insulating by trapping moisture rather than heat. The feathers will clump together and only regain their loft (fluffiness) once completely dry. But this doesn't mean you can't wear a down jacket in wet conditions. Layering with a waterproof jacket or outer shell will give you the rain protection you need.

Synthetic insulation

While synthetic jackets look very similar to natural down jackets and also provide great warmth, they perform differently, especially in wet or moist environments. With insulation made from engineered polyester fibres, synthetic jackets are very warm and a great option for mild conditions. Many puffer-style jackets use synthetics as insulation, making them heavier and bulkier than down. However, synthetics excel in wet conditions. Unlike down that essentially stops working, synthetic insulation carries on providing warmth. They also take much less time to dry than real down, so you'll be back outside and on your way in no time.

Style meets performance

Just because you opt for a high-performance down jacket doesn't mean you have to compromise on your style. Down jackets come in a huge choice of colours, from classic black to shades of red, blue, green, and many more. You can also opt for hooded or sleeveless designs, which demonstrate how versatile down jackets are. Along with packable options, these jackets also feature drawcord adjustable hems, elastic cuffs, zippered hand and chest pockets, and Omni-Heat™ thermal reflective technology for extra warmth.

Buying a down jacket is a long-term investment. With the right care, you can still wear it and enjoy its warmth for many years. Ultimately, the perfect down jacket for you suits your lifestyle and needs. Going to be out a lot in the rain? Consider a synthetic jacket or layer a natural down jacket with a hood and a waterproof layer. If you’re going to be adventuring in the freezing cold, a natural down jacket with a high fill power is a great option.