No matter what activity you are enjoying - staying warm is just as important as being comfortable or having fun! In fact, staying warm is a matter of safety. Keep reading for valuable insights into the power of insulation during cold weather!
Different activities and types of weather demand different types of insulation. Both down and synthetic filling have pros and cons worth learning more about when deciding what to wear on your next adventure.
Down is not the same as feathers. It’s a material from the undercoat of birds, a natural material with amazing warming and ventilating capabilities. In production, the down is formed into clusters that both keeps the warm air trapped while at the same time allowing the air to travel through so that you don’t get overheated. Down clothing is also “feathery” light keeping you flexible and comfortable all day without weighing you down. Down clothing is optimal in dry conditions, a downside is it takes longer to dry and isn’t as efficient at repelling moisture. The warming capabilities of down clothing are often described by its fill power.
Synthetic insulation is made of synthetic fibers that are formed into similar types of clusters as those in down clothing. This means synthetic insulation works in similar ways as down, keeping the heat from escaping too far away from your body. Clothing made in synthetic materials are sometimes a little heavier than down clothing but are much more resistant to moisture and also dries faster. 50-100 g/m² is usually enough insulation for mid layer-clothing whilst 100-200 g/m² will keep you warm during those really cold days.
Down jacket |
A natural material that keeps you warm, light and ventilated. |
Benefits |
+ Retains heat + Lightweight + Insulates very well |
Disadvantages - Inefficient at repelling moisture |
Syntethic jacket |
A material made for more intense acitivies that keeps you warm and dries faster. |
Benefits + More resistant to moisture + Dries faster + Efficient at high-intensity activities |
Disadvantages - Weighs more than down |
Fill power in down clothing describes how effective the garment is at retaining heat while still feeling lightweight, in other words its quality. A higher fill power results in a fluffier feel and warmer jacket, this occurs when the down clusters are fully expanded inside the garment. A general tip is to look for a jacket with a fill power rating of at least 550, then it will be both warmer and more comfortable.
The fill weight of down clothing describes how much down the product contains. Just as fill power, fill weight plays an important role in the warmth and comfortability of a down product. Fill weight gives an indication of how soft or firm a product is, as well as how easily it can be compressed. A light down jacket is easier to compress whilst a heavier down jacket is warmer.
For a better understanding of the different terms regarding down clothing and their effects on insulation - have a look at this chart - with warmth rating on one axis and fill power on the other. This gives you a more visual look into what type of weather the different garments are optimal in. The higher the fill power, the warmer the jacket feels.
The Igloo Jacket
Fill Power: 800
Fill Weight: 10,3 oz in size Medium (Men's)
The IGLOO™ Jacket comes snugly filled with down insulation to keep you nice and cozy on urban explorations or ski runs down the slopes. The large removable hood is helmet-compatible, the numerous pockets include a ski-pass slot, an internal pocket, two fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, and two chest pockets. Recessed cuffs block cold air out and the down insulation will keep you warm even on the coldest days.
The Outdoor Parka
The Outdoor Parka is designed to withstand even the harshest conditions during wintertime. A quick-drying, synthetic Hyperloft™ insulation provides this padded jacket with outstanding warmth and comfort. With no less than nine smart pocket options, you’ve got plenty of storage possibilities and several places to warm cold hands. The jacket is DWR treated for added water repellency, and the large, spacious hood is adjustable for a perfect fit.
Flex Down Jacket
Fill Power: 650
Fill Weight: 3,5 oz in size Medium (Men's)
The Flex Down jacket is made in a durable 4-way stretch fabric making it super comfy and it follows your every move during outdoor adventures.Filled with RDS certified down and protected with a PFC free DWR for water repellency. Equipped with 3 outer pockets with zipper closing and 2 larger inner pockets.
Helix Collection
The Helix Collection is designed for outdoor winter activities, making it perfect for for alpine skiing, hiking and winter sports. All of the garments in our Helix Collection have a synthetic Hyperloft™ insulation and a waterproof outer shell. They are equipped with several pockets, including a ski pass pocket on the jacket and anorak. Pit ventilation and a helmet-compatible hood on the jacket gives you the freedom to enjoy all alpine activities while adjustable leg openings on the pants ensure a great fit over any kind of hiking- or ski boots.
Helium Down Jacket
Fill Power: 600
Fill Weight: 3,4 oz in size Medium (Men's)
Helium Down Jacket is insulated with RDS certified down. A lightweight and versatile jacket designed for all kinds of outdoor adventures. It’s easy to compress and has an excellent warmth to weight ratio. is insulated with RDS certified down. A lightweight and versatile jacket designed for all kinds of outdoor adventures. It’s easy to compress and has an excellent warmth to weight ratio.
Helium Padded Vest
The versatile Helium Padded Vest has synthetic insulation and provides warmth despite its low weight. Wear it as an extra mid-layer under your shell jacket or as a standalone in dry conditions. This lightweight and compressible vest is easy to bring in your pack and works great for all kinds of outdoor activities, all year round.
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