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What is the purpose of the thin down jackets?

If you're looking for a lightweight and packable jacket, a thin down jacket could be right up your trail. After all, you don't always want or need a thick or bulky jacket. Thin down jackets provide as much warmth as thicker jackets but are easier to wear, especially as part of a layering system. Whether hiking mountain trails, hitting the slopes, or commuting, they will provide you with the comfort and versatility you need, even in challenging conditions.

Packable and convenient

Who wants to have to carry around a heavy jacket if they don't need to? Fortunately, that's not something you have to worry about with a light, thin down jacket. Whether you're wearing it on its own or as part of a layering system, you can simply take it off and store it. Some of them are highly compressible, thanks to box baffle, so you can easily pack them into a stuff sack, pouch, or bag. They take up very little space, which can be a huge relief when space is at a premium in your backpack.

The lightweight appeal of down jackets is all down to their fluffy and light insulation. Down jackets are made with duck and geese down feathers, which is a spectacular natural insulator. Its little air pockets trap and retain warm air to create a warm, insulating barrier. This effectively keeps warmth in and the cold out. A thin jacket with a higher fill rating is sure to keep you warm, while the stitches help keep the insulation in place.

Synthetic down jackets are also very warm, and some designs are fairly slim, but they cannot compete with the warmth-to-weight ratio of natural down. However, it does perform much better in wet weather and will continue insulating while natural down can't.

Breathable

If you face the dilemma of whether or not to take your jacket with you, it's not a worry when you have a thin down jacket. Not only are they light, but they are also made from breathable material, which makes them great for high-energy activities. Wear it when skiing, snowboarding, or fast hiking. It will keep you warm while also letting sweat and moisture escape, leaving you feeling dry and fresh all day.

Layering your thin down jacket

A great advantage of owning a thin down jacket is that you can use it to layer with. Some people opt for a three-layer system to help them stay dry and warm. It starts with a base layer like a moisture-wicking shirt that will draw out sweat and moisture. Then, a middle layer is added, which is the insulation layer, so it is time to put on your thin jacket. You can then finish off with your outer layer, a waterproof or water-resistant jacket for wind and rain protection. What's great about using a layering system is that you can remove layers as you need to for continuous comfort. If you start to get too warm, take off your thin down jacket and stuff it in your bag. It's that easy. Their smaller size and lighter weights make them tremendously versatile, enabling you to make quick changes as needed.

No one ever regrets buying a down jacket, especially one that is lightweight and packable. It’s a great investment. At Columbia Sportswear®, all our expertise and passion for the great outdoors go into every one of our jackets. We want to help as many people as possible embrace their inner adventurer and experience the joy of the outdoors. Our thin down jackets are not just lightweight but extremely warm, too. They'll keep you cosy and comfortable and shield you from the wind. They have a host of convenient features like durable outer fabric, adjustable hoods, cuffs, and zipper pockets. So head over to our store and browse our full range to find your perfect thin down jacket.