If you are in the market for a new down jacket, there are several factors to consider before purchasing one. When deciding on a down jacket, it is important to factor in the insulation and warmth the jacket is providing, as well as what type of activity or use it will be used for.
Factors to Consider when Buying a Down Jacket
1. Sizing
Down jackets are typically sized by chest size. For example, a woman wearing a size Medium will wear a Large down jacket. The sizing system allows down jackets to fit more snugly around the chest than normal jackets, but still be able to accommodate other body parts like shoulders and arms.
2. Fit
Down Jackets are cut to fit snugly around the midsection leaving space in the arms/shoulders/neck area so that they can expand when filled with down fill. The size can be loosely adjusted by tightening or loosening the drawstrings around the waist.
3. Fill Type
Down Jackets have down fill, feathers, or a synthetic material called Pertex Shield. Down is a natural insulator and is warmest when taken from alive animals. Down can be harvested from birds, as well as duck feathers (Canada Goose). Feathers come from various species of birds including chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys.
4. Fill Weight
The fill weight refers to how much down (or other insulation) it contains. Down is by far the lightest and its warmth to weight ratio is unmatched. A 900-fill weight-down jacket will weigh approximately one pound compared to a 950 fill weight down jacket that weighs approximately two pounds.
5. Cost
The cost of a down jacket depends on the quality of the down and fill materials used in it. Down jackets can cost anywhere from $100-$600, with higher quality down filling being more expensive and luxurious than a less expensive jacket with lower quality insulation.
Conclusion
There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a down jacket. The major factors are the quality of fill and the type and amount of down used to fill the jacket. With these key points in mind, you can decide which type of down jacket best suits your needs.
