Frequently Asked Questions
Down or synthetic for a men's insulated jacket?
Down offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio and compresses better, ideal for dry, cold conditions; synthetic insulation stays warm even when damp and dries quickly, making it better suited to wet weather.
When should you wear a down jacket while hiking?
Especially during breaks, at camp and at altitude where the temperature drops, or in cold weather. It's an insulating layer you put on when you stop and take off when you're moving, so you don't work up a sweat.
Is a down jacket waterproof?
No: insulation and moisture don't mix, especially down. A water-repellent fabric will cope with light showers, but in sustained rain, cover your puffer jacket with a waterproof shell to keep its warmth locked in.
How to choose the warmth of a down jacket?
Match the fill to the temperatures you're expecting: a lightweight down jacket for stops on milder days, a warmer model for serious cold and altitude. A hood and compressibility are both handy features.