What is a down jacket?

When the cold weather strikes, a down jacket is your best friend. Loved by commuters, skiers and hikers alike, down jackets are packed with exceptional warmth but also lightweight. Whether you're hiking the winter trails, hitting the slopes, or just want a good quality reliable coat, a down jacket is the perfect solution.

But what exactly is a down jacket and what is the difference between natural and synthetic down? Read on to find out.

A down jacket is a puffy, insulated coat that uses the soft, warm, and fluffy under feathers of waterfowl, typically ducks and geese (or sometimes a combination of both), as insulation. These feathers are mainly found on the bird’s stomach, chest, and sides to keep them warm in cold and wet conditions. The loft of the down (essentially its fluffiness) creates a network of small air pockets called baffles that trap and retain warm air, creating a barrier to protect you from the cold. The construction of down jackets often includes multiple layers of material for added warmth and water resistance. Its quilted, stitched pattern gives it its distinctive, puffy look.

At Columbia Sportswear®, we follow the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) voluntary code of practice across our supply chain to ensure the down we use is responsibly sourced.

What is down fill power?

When buying a down jacket, you’ll likely hear the term fill power. It’s a number ranging from 400 to over 900 and measures the quality of down. The number comes from a series of laboratory tests that measures how much one ounce of down can fill in cubic inches. It also reflects the jacket’s warmth-to-weight ratio. The higher the fill power, the less down fill is needed to capture the same amount of heat, making it much more efficient at keeping you warm. Down jackets with a high fill power are typically lighter and more compressible than those with a low fill power but have the same warmth.

For most outdoor activities in mild weather, down jackets with a 500-700 fill power will provide the right amount of warmth you need without feeling too heavy. Jackets with 900 or higher fill power provide incredible warmth and are a great choice for exceptionally cold conditions.

There’s no equivalent down fill power test for synthetic down insulation, so it’s not possible to compare synthetic insulation efficiency.

What is synthetic down insulation?

While real feather down insulation provides exceptional warmth and is incredibly lightweight, synthetic insulation is also becoming increasingly popular. Synthetic down is an engineered insulation, typically made from polyester, designed to mimic natural down. While natural down excels in dry, cold temperatures, if the feathers inside the jacket get wet and clump together, it won't be able to insulate as effectively. It also takes a long time to dry. But this is where synthetic insulation has the edge. Although heavier, synthetic down maintains its insulating properties even when wet, making it more suitable for unpredictable rain-prone weather.

How do you care for a down jacket?

A down jacket needs proper care to maintain its superb insulation powers and avoid damaging the delicate feathers inside or causing them to clump. While you should always follow the care instructions on the jacket, here are some tips for washing and drying a natural down jacket:

Fasten all zips and brush off any loose dirt
Turn the jacket inside out
Use a mild or down-specific detergent to protect the feathers
Do not use bleach or a fabric softener
Wash in a front-load washing machine on a gentle cool cycle
For best results, dry the jacket in a tumble dryer on a very low heat
Add dryer balls or a couple of clean tennis balls to the dryer to help restore the down’s fluffiness
Check the jacket every 15 minutes to pull apart any clumps
Alternatively, lay the jacket on a towel in a warm area. Regularly fluff the jacket to maintain its loft and shape

Synthetic down jackets are easier to care for but still require careful washing and drying to maintain their great insulating properties. With the proper care, you can keep your jacket looking and performing its best for years to come.

Wherever your next outdoor adventure takes you, a light down jacket with or without a hood from Columbia Sportswear® will have your back (quite literally).