Down vs Synthetic - Which Jacket Is Right For You
Down vs Synthetic - Which Jacket Is Right For You
How to measure the warmth of an insulated jacket?
When comparing the warmth of down jackets, there’s a lot to consider: there’s fit, baffle design and length, just to name a few. At the end of the day, it’s always going to be a trade off between warmth and weight, so before anything else you need to consider the activity you’ll be using your jacket for most. Here, we are going to focus on two factors.
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The first is loft
Loft (or fill power) is one measure of down quality. It’s the space in cubic inches that an ounce of down will occupy, and the measurement takes the form of a number – think 600, 750, 800 etc. Macpac down jackets use responsibly-sourced, high-quality RDS goose and duck down with fill powers ranging from 600-800. The higher the number, the more effective the insulation.
The second is fill weight
Fill weight is the actual amount of down inside the jacket. For example, our 800 loft Icefall Down Jacket would be warmer than the same jacket made using 600 loft down, because its higher lofting down means it has a greater warmth-to-weight ratio. However, if it’s compared to another jacket with less loft but more fill, it won’t be the warmer option.
Our Sundowner jacket is a prime example of this. It uses 600 loft down, but because it has 205 grams of fill it’s technically warmer than an 800 loft Icefall — filled with 95 grams (men’s) or 88 grams (women’s, size 10) of down respectively. The trade off, of course, is that the Sundowner is heavier and less packable.
Outer fabric
It’s not just about the insulation itself, but also what it’s encased in. The outer fabric has a lot to answer for – it dictates the entire garment’s performance from durability and warmth, right through to weather resistance.
We use a range of fabrics on our insulated jackets. Our outdoor essentials collection will generally feature classic 100% Nylon Taffeta as found in our Halo and Uber Light Jackets. This is for a more classic look, best suited for wear around town and designed specifically to handle the wear and tear of daily life.
Our technical garments use performance outer fabrics by Pertex®. Jackets like the Sundowner are designed for maximum warmth, weather resistance and durability at minimum weight for harsh environments.
If you’re still unsure about which insulated jacket is the right choice for you, head in store and talk to an expert! Knowledge is power, and they’re more than happy to show you what we’ve discussed. Arm yourself with the tools to make an informed purchase and you’ll be ready to take on the elements for many winters to come.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOWN ...
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOWN JACKET AND A PUFFER JACKET?
We get this question a lot. As the experts on cold weather gear, we’re here to help you spot the differences between the two so you can handle the cold with confidence.
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What is a Down Jacket?
Down is a soft, heat-trapping fluff from ducks or geese that keeps them warm in the wild. ”Down” jackets use this natural material as insulation because it’s great at locking in warmth.
If you’re thinking about buying a down jacket, you’ll want to look for the weight of down in the jacket (e.g., 300 grams is warmer than 100 grams). You’ll also want to ask about the jacket’s “fill power” – or the down’s fluffiness and ability to trap air. Fill power is usually between 350-900 for duck or goose, and the higher the fill, the warmer and more expensive the jacket.
As warm as down jackets can be, they can also come with a heap of problems. If you’re using it for work, your jacket’s gonna get dirty. After the typical wear and wash, down insulation settles and loses its fluffiness, collecting in clumps. Losing its heat-trapping fluff causes cold spots and exposes you to icy temps. Depending on how much down is used, it can also add bulk and weigh you down, making it harder for you to move and take care of business.
What is a Puffer Jacket?
Some puffer jackets use down, but many more use a synthetic insulation that can be lighter than down and still provide the same warmth. Synthetic insulation doesn’t clump or break apart after washing as much as down, so it makes for a better work jacket.
Style wise, puffer jackets get their name from the pattern of stitched sections filled with insulation to give it that “puffy” look.
Depending on the quality, density and loft of insulation, synthetic or not, a puffer jacket can range in its “puffiness.” Some puffer jackets can get bulky, limiting your range of motion. Think back to your mom over-bundling you to go play outside in winter and you know what it’s like to wear a very “puffy” jacket.
What Makes a RefrigiWear Puffer Better?
We have nearly 70 years of experience in some of the coldest environments known to man. So, we know what kind of insulation packs a warm punch. We created our own durable, lightweight insulation and use it in our puffer jackets to keep you toasty and free to move as you please - no clumps, no cold spots, no problem.
While we provide info like the grams of insulation, you don’t want to become an expert in that. What you really want to know is if it will keep you warm. That’s why we put comfort ratings on our jackets so you have some idea about what kind temps they can handle.
How Do You Choose the Right Insulated Puffer?
Which jacket is the right one for you? Don’t be fooled by high-priced pretenders that have thin shells that rip and insulation that clumps. Others focus on style, but their jackets leave you cold and kicking yourself in the rear after it only lasts one season. We obsess over warmth, durability and comfort and then pack these things into a stylish jacket.
Bottom line is that nothing keeps you warmer or more comfortable than RefrigiWear’s tougher industrial puffer jackets.
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