A guide to insulated jackets for winter

When you’re outdoors and the temperature starts to drop, a well-chosen insulated jacket will maintain your temperature without compromising your performance. Your choice of insulated jacket for the winter should take into account the activities you have planned alongside the weather you are likely to encounter and your type of trip.

This guide will explore the advantages of different types of insulation, including down and synthetic materials. Understanding the key features of insulated jackets will help you make the right choice for your next activity, giving you the peace of mind to focus on performance.

Are insulated jackets warm?

Insulated jackets are designed to retain body heat close to the skin and keep you warm. To stay warm outdoors, your jacket needs to be matched to the weather conditions. For active wear, insulation should be balanced against weight and breathability for a comfortable experience. 

An understanding of the different options for insulation will help you choose the right jacket for your activity. 

What does ‘insulated jacket’ mean?

An insulated jacket uses natural or man-made materials to reduce heat loss from the body in low temperature conditions. Down feathers or synthetic insulation trap air to prevent the transfer of thermal energy through the jacket. This helps to maintain a comfortable microclimate around your body. 

The temperature difference between your body and the surrounding air causes thermal energy to be lost from the skin. This makes you feel cold and compromises performance as the body works harder to stay warm. 

In low temperatures, blood vessels constrict, putting extra strain on the cardiovascular system. Breathing tends to become shallower, providing less oxygen to your muscles.  Dexterity and concentration are negatively affected, increasing the risk of accidents. An insulated jacket is a key piece of equipment to guard against these issues.

Shell jackets are single outer layers designed to be worn over the top of other clothing. They do not provide much insulation themselves. In contrast, insulating jackets are filled with materials creating pockets of air in the lining of the coat. This keeps warm air close to the body, allowing you to continue your adventure.

Down

Down insulation is made from duck or goose feathers that are found close to their skin, and is famous for its superior insulating properties. A high warmth to weight ratio keeps down jackets lightweight. As well as keeping you warm in cold conditions, down is also highly compressible. This allows you to pack your jacket in incredibly small spaces. 

Fill power is a measurement of the amount of space that one ounce of down will occupy. The higher the fill power, the more effective the insulation. High fill power means that the down has a higher lift and will trap more air in between the feathers. 

Our premium Summit Series™ range uses the highest quality commercial down available. These jackets can perform in the harshest conditions. The North Face also created the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) which certifies a commitment to animal welfare throughout the feather supply chain.

The North Face Women’s Diablo Down Jacket utilises 700-fill down to keep you warm and comfortable in low temperatures. With ripstop fabric for a tough construction. A versatile, durable down jacket, this is ideal for hiking.

Synthetic Insulation

One of the disadvantages of down is that it does not perform well when wet. The wet feathers clump together, reducing the effectiveness of the insulation. Synthetic alternatives to down use small clusters of fibres to trap air in the same way as down feathers. These materials do not compromise performance when wet. Man-made insulating materials are a vegan, cost effective option as they do not rely on animal production.

Thermoball™ technology was developed by The North Face to mimic the properties of natural down. Thermoball™ uses small packets of synthetic fibres that achieve the heat-trapping effects of down feathers. These fibres do not compromise their shape when they become damp, continuing to provide warmth in all conditions.

With down jackets, the more feathers, the better the insulation. This can lead to bulky jackets that are not suitable for active pursuits. Synthetic fill keeps you warm while remaining lighter than a traditional winter jacket. 

The North Face Men’s Thermoball™ Eco Jacket 2.0 uses Thermoball technology with 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. Ideal for hiking, this jacket provides lightweight, functional warmth in cold conditions along with a responsible environmental impact.

Baffles

Baffles are the pockets of space within the lining of the coat that contain the down or other insulating materials. The use of baffles allows an even distribution of insulation across the coat. The size and sewing construction of the baffle will affect the insulating performance, comfort and bulk of the coat. 

Box-wall baffles allow for greater warmth as the loft of the insulation is not restricted at the edges. Sewn-through baffles compromise some of the insulating properties to achieve a less bulky, more packable finish that is usually less expensive. Consider the needs of your activity along with personal preference and style when choosing between insulated jackets.

The North Face Youth 1996 Printed Retro Nuptse Jacket is a versatile, insulated, lightweight jacket for young explorers. 700 fill goose down provides warmth in a comfortable, lightweight coat that can be stowed away into its own pocket for easy packing.

Related: All you need to know about insulation

Layering

Insulated jackets are most effective when combined with other clothing in a layering system. Layering allows you to trap heat efficiently and adapt to variable conditions. Well chosen combinations of clothes will keep you moving whatever the weather.

Think through your clothing in three main layers:

• Base layer – A lightweight, thermal base layer should fit close to the skin to allow easy addition of other clothing. Look for comfortable materials that wick moisture away from the skin

• Mid layer – Fleece or soft shell mid-layers add extra insulation by trapping body heat close to the skin

• Outer shell – A waterproof outer shell offers protection from the elements. It can be easily added on top of other clothing when it starts to rain.

Related: How to layer up and keep warm for winter

Are insulated jackets good for winter?

To choose a good insulated jacket for winter, you should consider the weather you are likely to encounter. Insulated jackets are designed for low temperatures but, if you expect wet conditions, then a waterproof jacket is essential to stay warm and dry.

Are insulated jackets waterproof?

Insulated jackets can be waterproof, depending on the outer fabric layer, but not all will protect you against rain. Insulation depends primarily on the materials used to line the jacket, while water resistance depends on the outer shell. 

Waterproof fabrics work by preventing the movement of water molecules through the pores in the material. This can be achieved by adding coatings or through weaving methods. The challenge for rain jackets is keeping water out without preventing the movement of water vapour when you start to sweat. A lack of breathability will result in damp, uncomfortable conditions inside the jacket.

Tightly-woven fabric construction can produce pores that are too small for water to pass through but remain permeable for breathability. A durable water repellent (DWR) coating will cause water droplets to bead on the surface of the jacket rather than soak through.

To choose a waterproof, breathable, insulated jacket, consider the level of moisture protection you need. 

Related: What’s the difference between water resistant and waterproof?

Jacket Finder

Your outdoor gear is the key to ensuring the adventures don’t stop when temperatures start to drop. A good choice of insulated jacket will ensure maximum comfort and performance for outdoor activities throughout the winter.

Try The North Face jacket finder to help you identify the right jacket for your specific needs. In five clicks, we can help you choose the perfect jacket for your next adventure. From skiing to climbing, weekend hikes to extreme expeditions, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need for your next trip.