Here's why you should choose a down jacket this winter

When the winter approaches and the temperature starts to drop, an insulated jacket is essential to continue your outdoor adventures. One item that will help keep you warm this winter is a down jacket. Down jackets are filled with feathers to insulate your body from the cold air outside. 

Choosing the right down jacket for your needs can be a daunting prospect. This guide will help you understand all the key factors to consider when buying a down-filled coat. You’ll have all the information you need to stay warm and active, whatever the weather.

What is a down-filled jacket?

A down-filled jacket is an insulated jacket using feathers from ducks or geese. These feathers trap air close to the body to keep you warm. Down has a highly efficient warmth-to-weight ratio, which results in a lightweight, insulated jacket.

In cold weather, your body loses thermal energy to the cold air around you. Trapping air in the lining of your jacket helps to slow down this heat loss. 

Down feathers are found close to the skin of ducks and geese. They create a natural insulating layer next to the body of the animal. Down jackets use these same feathers to line the coat, providing effective insulation without adding weight or bulk.

Down is extremely compressible, which allows down jackets to be packed in small areas. This makes them ideal for taking in your bag if the temperature might start to drop.

Are down-filled coats warm?

Down-filled coats are designed to keep you warm using lightweight, insulating feathers. Down jackets have been in use since 1936 to maintain body temperature in cold conditions. Fill power ratings are a guide to the volume of the feathers. A higher rating means less down is needed to trap an equal amount of heat.

To increase the amount of insulation either more down can be packed into the coat, or higher quality down can be used. The fill power rating indicates the quality of the down, while the weight will show how much down is compressed into the coat. How warm you feel will depend on the combination of the two. 

Your choice of fill power and fill weights will depend on the needs of your activity. Increased weight will increase insulation but also make the coat bulkier and more restrictive to movement.

Fill power usually ranges from 400 - 900. The North Face down jackets range from 550 to 1000, representing the highest quality commercially available down.

The North Face Men’s City Standard Down Jacket uses 700-fill down as the perfect all-rounder for the winter trail or the cold commute. Ethically sourced down and ripstop nylon outer fabric combines for an effective, durable jacket. With zipped pockets and an attached hood, the jacket also packs down into its own self-contained pocket, making it ideal for travel.

The premium Men’s Summit L6 Cloud Down Parka is designed for enhanced thermal performance on cold mountain ascents. The 800-fill jacket utilises cloud down technology, an arrangement of baffles (the compartments containing the down) that provides maximum space for the down to loft while keeping the lining close to the body. 

Is duck or goose down better?

Clusters of goose down feathers tend to be larger than duck down due to the size of the birds. This means that goose down will have a higher fill power than duck down. Products using duck down will usually be cheaper than goose feathers.

The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification was created by The North Face, representing a commitment to animal welfare throughout the feather supply chain. All down products from The North Face use RDS certified goose down. This ensures that no geese have been subjected to unnecessary harm in order to provide feathers.

Can down jackets be waterproof?

Down jackets can be waterproof, depending on the fabric used for the outer layer. Down feathers are used in the coat lining, while water resistance is provided by the outer shell. Down does not insulate effectively when wet, although synthetic alternatives have been engineered to maintain performance when damp.

Down jackets with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating will be able to withstand light showers. If you expect to encounter heavy rain, then consider packing a separate waterproof rain shell or looking for a synthetic alternative to down.

Thermoball™ technology was developed by The North Face to achieve the heat-trapping effects of down feathers. The small clusters of synthetic fibres used in Thermoball ™ clothing do not change shape when they become damp. This allows them to provide warmth in all conditions.

Are down jackets worth it?

Down jackets are a worthwhile investment due to their superior warmth-to-weight ratio and high levels of compressibility. For active use in cold conditions, the flexibility and performance of down jackets are difficult to match. A well-maintained down jacket can be a reliable piece of your outdoor equipment for many years.

A high quality down jacket is an effective piece of equipment to keep your outdoor adventures on track in cold weather. To continue enjoying the benefits of your down jacket, take care of the coat according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spot clean any light marks or dirty areas. Use tennis or dryer balls when washing and tumble drying a down jacket to fluff up the feathers and prevent them from clumping together. 

Related: How do you fix a down-filled jacket?

Which is the best down jacket?

To choose the best down jacket for your needs, consider warmth, weight and size. Think about the temperatures you are likely to encounter to decide on the amount of insulation you need. The size and weight should be chosen so that your jacket doesn't inhibit your movement and can be packed easily.

The best down jacket will vary depending on your specific activity and weather conditions. Consider the following key features when making your decision:

• Warmth-to-weight ratio - Think about the temperatures you are likely to encounter to decide on the level of insulation you need.

• Layering - Think about your other clothing to choose effective layer combinations.

• Waterproof - A water-resistant coating can handle light rain but choose a waterproof shell fabric for heavy downpours.

• Features - Consider additional features such as zipped pockets, hoods and reinforced panels for extra protection when carrying a backpack.

The North Face Women’s Diablo Down Jacket uses a lofty 700-fill down to provide maximum warmth in a lightweight coat. With elasticated cuffs and adjustable hem, it's ideal for winter hikes and walks.

Jacket Finder

When winter approaches, the right jacket can ensure that your outdoor adventures continue uninterrupted. With all your clothing and equipment, careful planning will give you peace of mind, leaving you to concentrate on enjoyment and performance.

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.