What Is Down Material? A Complete Guide
If you’ve looked into outdoor products like jackets or sleeping bags, you’ve seen down insulation listed on more than a few products. But what is down material and why is it so widely used in outdoor gear? Our Outerwear Experts explain everything you need to know about down insulation and what to look for when shopping.
What Is Down Material?
Did you know that down isn’t feathers? Down comes from the plumage of ducks and geese. The plumage is the first layer of fluff that keeps waterfowl warm. As a natural insulator, down material is an effective way to keep warm in cold weather conditions. Most down manufacturers and brands including L.L.Bean, Mountain Hardwear, The North Face, and more all follow the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) when sourcing their insulation.
What Is Down Fill Power?
Down fill power is a number provided that measures the loft or fluffiness of the down insulation. This number is determined by how much space one ounce of down takes in (in cubic inches). A higher number indicates better quality because it can trap more air and provide better insulation with less weight and greater compressibility. However, a higher fill power does not necessarily translate to greater warmth.
For example, if you compare a jacket filled with 550-fill power down to one filled with 800-fill power down, and both use the same amount of down insulation, the 800-fill power down jacket will be warmer with less weight and greater compressibility.
What Is Down Fill Weight?
The down fill weight is how much down insulation is used within the jacket or sleeping bag. This can be measured in ounces or grams. The down fill weight paired with the down fill power influences the warmth of the jacket or sleeping bag. When looking for “the warmest winter jacket,” paying close attention to both the down fill power and down fill weight is important, but sometimes the down fill weight isn’t provided by the brand.
Down Fill Chart
Remember you need to pair the down fill power with the down fill weight of the jacket or sleeping bag to fully understand the warmth it will provide.
| 500 to 600 | 650 to 850 | 800 to 1000+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Level | Low | Mid | High |
| Price | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Compressibility | Low | Mid | High |
| Weight | Heavy | Mid | Lightweight |
| Warmth* | Less | Mid | More |
| Best For | Budget, Mild Temperatures | Most activities | Long-distance backpacking trips |
Pros & Cons of Down Insulation
Before choosing a down insulated jacket or sleeping bag, it’s essential to balance the advantages and drawbacks so you enjoy the perfect warmth and protection on your adventure.
Pros:
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Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
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Highly compressible and packable
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Long-lasting and durable with proper care
Cons:
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Loses insulation properties when wet
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Typically more expensive than synthetic insulation
While down insulation offers a superior warmth-to-weight ratio and durability, synthetic insulation may be a more budget-friendly and moisture-resistant alternative. For a deeper dive into the differences between down and synthetic insulation, our Outerwear Experts cover the differences between down vs. synthetic insulation.
Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or sitting in a treestand, down insulation is a popular choice for those spending time outdoors. Being lightweight, compressible, and warm makes down-insulated products popular when traveling. Understanding key factors like down fill power and weight along with the benefits and disadvantages of down can help you make the best decision when choosing your next winter jacket or sleeping bag. If you have additional questions about down insulation, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with an Expert.