Warmers in clothes. What are there and what is more practical and warmer? Fillers for down jackets: which is better

The women's clothing store offers down jackets, short coats and coats with different insulation, so you involuntarily wonder with what filler to choose a winter down jacket, so as not to freeze cold in it? An important indicator of the ability of a down jacket to retain heat is a filler. The durability of the product and the preservation of its original properties even after a couple of seasons of wear depend on the quality and properties of the insulation.

On sale you can find one- or two-layer fashionable down jackets different style. For the Russian winter, two-layer jackets are more suitable, and for European and southern regions, a single-layer jacket is quite suitable, it can withstand temperatures up to minus 12 degrees, and there is no lower.

Before proceeding with the choice of a down jacket for the winter, in accordance with, let's deal with its filling and study the entire list of contenders for filling a winter jacket. So, manufacturers choose artificial synthetic fibers and natural materials as a filler.

Natural ones have been a priority for a long time, as they kept heat well, but they require complex care and the creation of special conditions for washing. New-fashioned synthetic ones are slightly inferior in terms of heat-shielding properties, and some even surpass natural heaters. The main advantages of synthetic insulation include ease of care and hypoallergenicity.

Each type of filler has its own characteristics and features. Want to figure out which filler is the best? Let's explore the qualities and properties of each of them.

What is the best filler for a down jacket: types and descriptions of materials

Consider all natural fillers

Fluff. It can be duck, swan, eider down. Jacket stuffed with it proper care will last over 10 years. Thanks to this filler, jackets stuffed with down got their name "down jacket". Advantages of the material: high heat-saving capacity, lightness, softness and durability.

As for the shortcomings, we will include the high cost of the final product (although it is formed not only because of the filler, but also depends on the coating fabric, style and brand). For the care and washing of a down jacket based on down, special conditions. Sensitive people also note the appearance of allergic reactions during wear.

Among all the downs, the most expensive and warmest is eider fluff. It is used for warming products for women living in harsh climates. Jackets with eider down are suitable for outings, long walks in the fresh air.

Goose and duck down the most common option. IN Lately it is often blended with synthetic fibers to keep the cost down. In principle, this has little effect on the heat-saving abilities of products. And judging by the reviews, women's down jackets with duck and goose down mixed with artificial fibers are easier to wash and retain their properties after manipulation in an automatic machine.

Feather + down. Enough frequent filling for women's down jackets and coats. On the one hand, the pen reduces the cost of the product, and on the other hand, it creates a certain basis for volume. On personal experience I will say that a down jacket with a feather can be washed at home.

For information: P uh is usually denoted on the manufacturer's labels with the word "down". Inscription "feather" means a mixed type of feather with down. Word "Intelligentdown" indicates that a combination of down and synthetic filling is used here. If you want to know how to choose a good down jacket for women by filler, you will have to learn these characteristics by heart. In addition to these inscriptions, the label may contain the designation "Cotton" or "polyester." This means that cotton, batting or synthetic winterizer was used for filling.

The label also indicates the ratio of down component to feather (fraction on the label). 70/30 or 80/20. Usually the first digit is the percentage of the pen. Check the percentage before buying a down jacket. Normal - 70-80%. It is with this indicator of fluff that the product will be adapted to the harsh climate and cold winter.

Looking ahead a little, I’ll tell you how to determine how to determine a synthetic winterizer or fluff is in a down jacket. To do this, squeeze the filler through the fabric with two fingers, and rub it between your fingers. At the synthetic winterizer, holofiber and other artificial filler, a creak will be heard, it will seem to slide between the fingers. Down does not make such a sound, and if the filler is created in a combination of down and feather, then between your fingers you will feel thin feather rods, they are quite noticeable to the touch.

Wool. This natural material for filling jackets. They are conditionally called a down jacket, since there is no down in them. A winter jacket or short coat stuffed with wool perfectly retains heat and is inexpensive. Often sheep or camel wool is used for filling.

Disadvantages: the final product is heavy and shrinks when washed. Also causes allergic reactions. Recently, manufacturers have been practicing a mixed type of filling for down jackets, these are wool and synthetic fibers. Thanks to this combination, such jackets lend themselves well to washing at home in automatic washing machines.

Artificial fillers: advantages and disadvantages for down jackets

Sintepon . Popular and cheapest material for down jackets and coats. Recently, it has been supplanted by modern types of fillers and has rarely been used for stuffing clothes. Advantages:

• retains heat well;
• is not a hydroscopic material;
• dries quickly after getting wet;
• can be washed in automatic washing machines.

Disadvantages: loses volume after the first wash, and after a few washes it clumps, with the exception of quilted products.

Isosoft . Excellent material for filling down jackets. This is a European membrane insulation from the manufacturer Libeltex.

Isosoft advantages:

• has a low weight;
• well repels moisture, does not absorb it;
• even a thin layer perfectly retains heat;
• products with isosoft filling can be washed in a washing machine;
• the down jacket on isosoft dries quickly, does not lose its original appearance during long-term wear.

The disadvantage is the high cost.

Holofiber. Artificial insulation made of synthetic spiral fibers. It is used as a heater for women's and children's clothing. According to the reviews of the owners of down jackets on holofiber, this is a real find for the Russian cold winter.

The following advantages of this material are noted:

• a light weight;
• does not get lost when washing;
• inexpensive and accessible;
• bulk material;
• hypoallergenic.

It is believed that holofiber does not allow air to pass through well, but if it is used in conjunction with a down jacket fabric coating, this disadvantage disappears.

Thinsulate . The insulation is made of highly siliconized polyester fiber, twisted in a spiral. There is air around the fibers. It is also called artificial swan down. The thickness of the fibers is 60 times less than the thickness of a human hair. It has a high ability to retain heat. To achieve identical characteristics, a thickness of 10 times less than conventional fillers is required. Initially, thinsulate was developed by order of NASA for the clothing of astronauts and polar explorers. Currently, this insulation is considered the warmest and thinnest of fillers for down jackets.

Advantages of thinsulate:

• light weight with large volumes;
• has improved thermal insulation properties;
• in the process of wearing it does not stray into lumps;
• well tolerates washing, does not deform and does not crumple after prolonged use;
• environmentally friendly hypoallergenic material;
• does not absorb odors;
• does not shrink after getting wet;
• dries quickly.

Among the disadvantages: it can cause overheating of the body, it is expensive and accumulates static electricity.

Sintepukh. It is a fluffy volumetric mass of synthetic fibers with a hollow structure. It consists of white springy fibers, intertwined, they form a dense structure. There are several types of synthetic down, among them siliconized down. Twisted polyester fibers are additionally treated with a silicone emulsion. This allows them not to cling to each other, to maintain volume for a long time.

The characteristics of the insulation are as close as possible to fluff.

Advantages of synthetic fluff:

• environmental friendliness and hypoallergenicity,
• the material does not absorb odors, does not accumulate dust;
• high wear resistance, it does not collapse;
• antibacterial, microorganisms and fungi do not live in synthetic fibers;
• breathability, provides ventilation
• resistant to deformation, the original form returns after compression, stretching;
• water resistance, fibers quickly evaporate moisture after wetting, but even wet they retain heat-insulating properties;
• tolerates washing well, does not shrink;
• in care, down jackets on sintepuhe are well washed in typewriters.

So, if we compare fillers for down jackets, which one is better, we can note the following: if you are looking for light and warm down jacket, then your choice is sintepuh or tinsulate filler. For allergy sufferers, it is also better to choose synthetic insulation, they do not cause allergic reactions and do not contribute to the reproduction of microorganisms. All adherents of natural insulation are recommended a combination of feather + down, they have better performance characteristics than 100 down or feather. If the label indicates the proportion: 80% down (down) in a combination of 20% feather feather, you will not freeze in a down jacket even in extreme weather conditions.

Recently, more and more often on clothing tags opposite the word "filler" you can find the following phrase: spray-bonded cotton wool. Many of my friends and blog readers ask what kind of filler it is, how it behaves in winter, and how to take care of it.

Spray-bonded cotton wool is an environmentally friendly, safe material. On the label of a down jacket or jacket, it is indicated as follows: spray bonded wadding. It is made from natural cotton and cotton wool. It is soft, wear-resistant and breathable material. By technical properties This filler is close to bio-fluff. It has a high quality of thermal insulation, does not cause allergies, does not give in to rotting and corrosion, does not crumple, and has air permeability. Be sure that microorganisms, moths and other insects will not start in the spray-bonded cotton filler. Spray-bonded wadding will not climb through the seams and roll into clumps. It will help you withstand the most severe frosts.

I hope I answered the question of what is the best filler for a down jacket and now you know for winter.

down.

Fill power

Don't let the label fool you Made in China

Canada Goose

Snow Mantra Canada Goose 675 F.P.

Bask

Taimyr FP650

Alaska

Duck Down 90/10 F.P. 650+.

Jackets like Everest Micro Light

Weight only 516 grams!!!

We present the TOP-5 of the warmest down jackets presented in our online store!

But first, let's define what a down jacket is? And by what criteria should it be judged?

For some reason, we call down jackets all voluminous jackets with insulation, no matter what. So, on the label of a real down jacket it should be written down. This means that it is the fluff inside: eiderdown, swan, duck or goose. Chicken down is practically not used in the manufacture of quality items: if chicken and poultry, then certainly not waterfowl. Consequently, its fluff does not have the heat-saving properties that are so necessary for a person.

It is important to remember that the percentage of down in a really high-quality down jacket should not be lower than 80%, while the remaining 20% ​​of the “stuffing” is a feather. Down jackets with a different ratio are less warm.

Another important indicator is the density of the down or its ability to compress ( Fill power) is a very important quality criterion. If this figure is 550 and above, then the down jacket is good. Try to roll the down jacket into a tube, folding the sleeves inward. The smaller the bundle is, the better quality fluff in the product. The faster the thing returns to its original position, the higher the Fill Power indicator and the better its quality.

Don't let the label fool you Made in China"on an expensive down jacket (at least 7,000 rubles) is not a fake if it meets quality standards and is produced in compliance with all technologies, things simply made in Asian countries are cheaper.

Also pay attention to the quality of the material: a modern down jacket is made of high-quality and lightweight microfiber, which does not allow down to pass through. This fabric "breathes", wear-resistant and can withstand the lowest temperatures. These can be membrane fabrics such as Dry Factor, Pertex® Microlight, Gelanots®, etc.

In our online store there are several well-known manufacturers of down jackets, such as Canada Goose, RedFox, Bask, etc.

We will start with the world famous Canadian manufacturer of warm down jackets. Canada Goose. This is one of the few companies that have not moved their production to China (Made in Canada), so their jackets are traditionally of high quality, reliable and expensive. Not so long ago, their down jackets were worn mainly by workers at polar stations and Canadians themselves. But now it is a status item worn by businessmen, corporate directors and even V. Putin. Why did it happen?

Firstly, Canada Goose makes really high quality and warm down jackets. And they have been making them for more than a decade, so the models are well run in and thought out. Secondly, it turns out that there are still not many manufacturers in this niche that produce something similar. Therefore, there is not much competition. Canada Goose down jackets are so popular not only because they are so good, but also because there are not many analogues of them.

Snow Mantra- this is the warmest down jacket from Canada Goose, and probably the warmest in the world! Top quality white duck down filling 675 F.P. With 3M™ reflective stripes for increased visibility, glove and mitt loops, and self-tethers for emergency situations, provide highest protection, safety and warmth.

Famous Russian manufacturer firm Bask(Basque) is known primarily for its down jackets, although they also make other outdoor clothing. The range of down clothing is very wide, although it is inferior to Canada Goose. By the way, all clothes are sewn in Russia. Of particular interest are down products from the recently appeared series "Beyond the Arctic Circle".

Taimyr- this is kind of our answer to the Expedition from Canada Goose: the jackets look very similar, and they are positioned in the same way. The most versatile and warmest jacket in the Polar Circle series. The outer fabric is very dense and durable (250 g/m2), under it is a membrane that blocks water and wind. Plenty of pockets, windproof skirt, Alaska style hood with coyote fur trim. The down jacket uses goose down with FP650. You can find fault with the jacket only on trifles: the outer pockets are not very voluminous, inner fabric it is not fixed in them and crawls out when the hands are taken out. Not like that a large number of possible colors as desired. The down jacket turned out to be very warm, and quite confidently competes with top models from other manufacturers.

Alaska- warm, but light winter down jacket for harsh winters. With a temperature regime of -30 ° C, and wear-resistant, Nylon Supplex upper fabric - it will perfectly protect on cold days from moisture, wind and sleet. The down jacket is used goose down 85%, Feather 15%, F.P. 650+, 400 grams.

Men's down coat for use in extremely low temperatures. Lasting outer material with water-repellent impregnation. Insulation: Duck Down 90/10 F.P. 650+.

Jackets like Everest Micro Light are sometimes called down sweaters. In cold weather, it can be worn as a stand-alone jacket, and in the rain as a warm intermediate jacket in addition to a storm jacket, for example, K2 or Alpine Ascent. The jacket was highly appreciated by the participants of the expedition "The first ascent of the Western Face of the K2 Summit".

One of the lightest down-retaining materials used. Insulation: Goose down F.P.650+. Weight only 516 grams!!!

First of all, you need to decide on the type of filler that should be present in your down jacket. by the most the best filler Loon fluff is rightfully considered: it is light, but at the same time very warm, does not absorb moisture and does not fall off over time.

The only drawback of this material is its rather high cost. Down jackets with goose or duck down are somewhat inferior in their characteristics to winter jackets with eider down insulation: they are heavy and not so warm. But goose down has one indisputable advantage - the prices for such down jackets are very democratic.

artificial filler

To the best options artificial insulation materials such as, firetec and thinsulate can be attributed. These are microfibers that have high thermal insulation performance. For down jackets based on artificial fillers also has its advantages. Firstly, there is no need to dry-clean the down jacket, as it can be washed in the washing machine. Secondly, such jackets practically do not absorb odors (for example, tobacco, smoke or exhaust gases) and do not cause allergic reactions.

Notation

The type of filler can be determined from the information indicated on the label of the down jacket. If the word "wool" is indicated on the label, then this means that woolen batting acts as a heater. The inscription "polyester" denotes synthetic types of filler. If you see the word “down” on the label, then you can be sure that there is down (swan, goose, eiderdown or duck) inside the winter jacket. The inscription "feather" on the label says that the filling of the down jacket has a combined composition, which includes both down and feather. The last option is considered the most common.

If the down jacket is based on a combined filler, then the percentage of down and feather must be indicated on the label. The most common option is in the proportion of 70/30 (the down jacket insulation is 70% down and 30% feather). In jackets designed for warmer weather, this ratio can be 60/40 or 50/50. Such down jackets can hardly be called warm, it will be comfortable in them only in spring or autumn. For frosty winter weather, it is better to opt for a down jacket with the highest percentage of down - 80/20 or 90/10.

Quality

In order to choose a good winter down jacket, you should pay close attention to parameters such as the weight of the jacket, the quality of the seams and the type of fabric.

In high-quality jackets, the down is distributed in blocks - if the size of the blocks is more than 20 cm, then the filler will lie unevenly and eventually begin to fall down. Such a down jacket is not able to retain heat at a sufficient level. In a quality thing, the fluff in the block should move freely and not stray into a lump. To determine the quality of a down jacket, you can arrange a small test for it - squeeze the down block tightly, and then release it sharply. If the block quickly acquires its original shape, then everything is in order.

The fabric of the down jacket should be strong and dense. It is not difficult to determine this - just bend the down jacket in half in the seam area, and then run your finger over the fabric. If at this moment you feel even the slightest tingling, then the product is not best quality. The seams on a winter down jacket should be even, moisture resistant and windproof.

When choosing a winter jacket, it is also necessary to pay attention to such a parameter as the weight of the product. A high-quality down jacket should be light - its weight should not exceed 1.5 kg.

Any self-respecting manufacturer must mark its product with brand marks, which can most often be found on zippers and rivets. As a rule, a bag with spare fittings (buttons, fasteners, etc.) and filler samples is attached to a quality item. It will not be superfluous to ask the seller to provide a certificate for the product. From this document, you can learn more about the type of filler, compliance with accepted international norms and standards, country of origin, etc.

As soon as the first cold weather comes, most of the population puts on down jackets. These clothes "came" from Canada and are becoming more and more popular every year. It does not constrain movements, perfectly retains heat and looks stylish. But it’s not so easy to figure out how to choose a down jacket for the winter for women. How warm it will be depends primarily on the filler.

A few years ago, products from a Canadian manufacturer were considered the best down jackets. But today, "native" ideas and technologies are used very widely, so it is not necessary to buy goods directly from Canada. To choose a quality item and determine the strength of the product, it is enough to carefully study the information on the label and carry out a few simple manipulations.

Fluff or artificial "stuffing"?

So, how to choose a down jacket for the winter for women? It is necessary to decide what the filler will be. One of the main rules - the more fluff, the warmer the jacket. Its presence can be determined by the inscription on the down label. The word feather indicates that the filler contains a feather. If the manufacturer combines these two "fillings", then he puts a fraction on the label. The first value indicates fluff, and the second indicates feathers. For severe frosts, a product that contains at least 80% fluff is suitable.

Whose fluff to choose?

The answer to this question depends on personal preferences and climatic conditions. Most often, down jackets are filled with duck, goose, eiderdown or swan down. It is worth noting that at correct operation and proper care, the goose "insulation" will last at least 20 years, but the duck one - no more than 5 years. If you decide how to choose a warm down jacket, you need to consider this fact.

Important little things

If the product is of high quality, a small bag of filler and spare accessories will be attached to it: buttons, buttons and a piece of similar fabric. Filler distribution - important nuance. It should be located in medium-sized blocks, then the fluff will not settle at the bottom of the product. Sometimes it is not easy to notice these blocks: the manufacturer hides them behind a decorative layer of fabric. Therefore, a thing must be studied closely in order to notice all the little things.

All fasteners, rivets and zippers must be branded and of high quality.

Inspection and fitting

Of course, you can’t buy down jackets without trying them on. It’s not enough to look at a photo, you need to put it on, fasten it and spin in all directions. After that, you need to remove the thing and carefully examine your sweater: are there any feathers or any spools on it.

Also check out the jacket. Feathers or fluff should not stick out of it. It is worth being alert if lumps and seals are felt.

There is a little-known but effective test for those who do not know how to choose a down jacket for women for the winter. It must be rolled up into a tube. When he straightens out, dents and creases should not remain on him. If such an insignificant load led to deformation, then the quality of the product leaves much to be desired.

It is difficult to determine synthetics by touch, so you need to read the data on the label. About availability artificial materials such inscriptions as polyester, cotton and wool testify.

Compression ratio and layering

When thinking about how to choose a warm down jacket, you need to know that products can be single-layer and multi-layer. The latter keep heat better and are suitable for winter sports. But for a city dweller, a single-layer model will be enough.

The filler of the down jacket should quickly return to its original position after compression. This can be checked by strongly squeezing the material. If this method seems not reliable enough, then it is better to look at the label. As a rule, the compression ratio is displayed there, it is denoted by F.P. In the event that the thing is of high quality, the number 550 or more will be indicated there. Don't know how to choose the size of a down jacket? First you need to study the data indicated on the label.

It also provides information on the level of down treatment. If there is a designation DIN EN 12934, then the filler was thoroughly washed, dried and disinfected.

Seams and lining

A high-quality one has only even and neat seams, from which the insulation does not “stick out”. All threads must be strong and not damaged.

So that the fluff does not fall off, the gasket is sewn. The sleeves and the bottom of the jacket are made with an elastic band so that the cold does not penetrate inside. In practical models, you can unfasten the down jacket and fur insulation. This allows not only to wear the product in warmer weather, but also facilitates cleaning and washing things.

Some manufacturers provide a "undershirt" - a knitted vest that comes unfastened.

How to care for a down jacket?

So that the thing lasts for a long time and does not lose its appearance, you need to know not only how to choose a down jacket for the winter for women, but also how to properly care for it. All information is indicated on the label, but there are generally accepted rules. You can wash the down jacket at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees, setting the gentle mode.

For owners similar products it is worth remembering that in no case should they be soaked: prolonged exposure to water causes irreparable damage to things. Also, you do not need to dry the down jacket on the battery.

Dry the jacket should be unfolded in a room that is well ventilated. You can take the product to the balcony. The thing must be laid out on a clean large terry towel so that it absorbs moisture. Periodically, the down jacket needs to be turned over.

All detergents should be selected with great care so that they do not harm the product. Well, if they are antibacterial, then microorganisms will not multiply in the filler.

So that adverse factors, such as rain, snow, do not spoil the original appearance of the down jacket, it is worth purchasing. It must be applied before going outside.

So that when it does not go astray, in washing machine you can put small balls, for example, for ping-pong. They will not allow fluff to fall into lumps or cake.

Today, models are presented in a wide variety, so it is not so easy to choose down jackets. The photo will help to study the possible assortment and choose the best option.

Very soon, the vast expanses of our Motherland will be covered with snow and a bitter frost will come, but we still have a little time left to choose and purchase the best option for protection from the cold. What is the warmest, lightest, most beautiful and practical piece of winter wardrobe that is the most popular today? Everyone knows the answer, well, or almost everyone, is it a down jacket or just down jacket.

Down jackets today are littered with all the counters: from clothing markets to showcases of expensive boutiques. Customers can choose from a huge range of down jackets for every taste, color and wallet, of any manufacturer and design. But there is a huge difference between a real down jacket that will keep you warm and comfortable all winter, and that “feather bag” that is often brazenly sold to us under the guise of a down jacket. So, so that you don’t become a “miracle in feathers” and waste your hard-earned money, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with our guide, where we will try to briefly but concisely analyze all aspects of choosing and acquiring a truly high-quality and practical down jacket.

So, a down jacket is an item outerwear, jacket or coat, designed to be worn in the cold season. To protect the body from the effects of low temperatures, only natural down and feathers of waterfowl are used as a heat-insulating filler (eider down and down of geese grown at low temperatures in the northern countries and the Siberian part of the Russian Federation are especially valued). The surface of the down jacket is made of light, durable and breathable fabric (membrane), the seams must be taped for better tightness and thermal insulation. For uniform distribution of down over the volume of the jacket, it is placed in special down bags, separated from each other by sealed seams. The design of down jackets should provide maximum protection against heat loss by the human body. Some down jackets can provide warmth even in frosts down to -85 ° C. The first down jackets appeared in the 16th century in Norway and were stuffed with eider down, but it is officially believed that the patent for the modern classic down jacket (parka) was received in 1940 by Eddie Bauer, an American designer and founder of the Eddie Bauer casual clothing brand of the same name.

The main advantages of down jackets include - excellent heat-insulating properties with low weight, ensuring air exchange without heat loss, thanks to the properties of membrane fabrics, versatility and practicality, durability with proper care, all kinds of design.

Perhaps the only drawback of down products is their rather high price. But we must not forget that the optimal time for the "life" of fluff is calculated for a period of 7 to 10 years, and with proper care for it, even twenty. Synthetics will last you only 3-5 years. It follows that down is more than twice as durable as synthetics, which is why it costs more.

Some of our sellers and buyers mistakenly believe that a down jacket is a generalized name and that any jacket with a heater that is similar in design can be called that. It's a delusion. Which, by the way, is used by not quite clean-handed businessmen. Down jackets use only natural down, any synthetic analogue turns a down jacket in an ordinary jacket with insulation.

A real down jacket will become an indispensable winter thing for you and will delight you for many years, but in order to choose the “right” down jacket, you need to know the fundamental points. We tried to collect the main practical tips and we really hope that they will help you choose and purchase the perfect down jacket.

1. Down(down), the most important thing in a down jacket. The principle of thermal protection of down is simple - it creates an air gap between the body and the external environment. Air is a poor conductor of heat and the actual air layer created by down is the main heat insulator. And how well the material holds this very layer is an indicator of the quality of this insulation. It is well known that the down of waterfowl (primarily goose down) as a thermal insulation is an unsurpassed material: it is light, airy and perfectly retains a large amount of air inside. But fluff fluff is different. It can be large, small, caked, airy, rotten, etc. and so on. and the properties of a particular batch of fluff depend on these parameters. There are many options, but when it comes to thermal insulation properties, then to evaluate them all over the world, such an indicator of elasticity as Fill Power is used, which reflects the ability of the down to recover after compression - this is the main indicator of the quality of the down. Elasticity is determined as follows: take 1 ounce of fluff, compress it, remove the load and determine to what size the fluff has recovered. In a good down jacket, the Fill Power value should be at least 550, its best performance reaches 950 units.

• up to 400 - poor quality fluff.
• 400 - 450 - medium quality fluff.
• 500-750 - excellent quality fluff.
• 750 and above - down of exclusive quality.

The point of using goose down with a high Fill Power is as follows: the heat insulator in clothing is essentially an insulating air gap of the same thickness, called loft. Down with different Fill Power can produce the same loft at different weights. So, for example, using 550 insulation requires 40%-50% more weight than using 800 down to create the same degree of insulation. The Fill Power indicator is a generally accepted indicator of the quality of down stuffing and for any quality down jacket this indicator is indicated on the tag or label, so when choosing a down jacket, pay first attention to this indicator.

Down jackets use down mixed with feathers, the "golden ratio" is considered 80% down (down) and 20% feather (feather), in down jackets for extreme conditions, this ratio can be 90% down and 10% feather. The description indicates through a fraction, for example - 80/20. A larger percentage of the feather indicates the low quality of the down jacket and such a down jacket will not warm you in cold weather, and the hard feather rods will come out, piercing the fabric.

2. Down jacket weight, speaks about the quality of the filler and the product as a whole. After all, another clear advantage of down as a winter clothing insulation is its lightness. For example, a regular men's 550 Fill Power down jacket weighs less than 1 kg, while The North Face extreme jacket, a model called Supernatural, with a Fill Power 950 rating, weighs only 370 g (!) and is designed for high-altitude climbing. In addition, natural down is so soft that it allows you to move freely without restricting your movements. The use of membrane fabrics and various elements can significantly increase the weight of a down jacket.

3. Material the outside and the lining must be waterproof, because the down is highly hygroscopic and it easily accumulates moisture and requires quick drying. If this is not done, it may simply deteriorate. Also, the material must be durable and waterproof. With all this, it must have breathable properties, i.e. provide air exchange without heat loss. All these properties are possessed by modern membrane materials, this is a type of fabric that, due to its special structure, has water-repellent or windproof properties and at the same time passes water vapor through itself. Manufacturers of such fabrics call them differently, but they have the same principle, the most famous membrane is gore-tex.

Synthetic materials with special impregnations are also used, which provide all the qualities necessary for down jackets. In the description, fabrics with water-repellent impregnations are referred to as DWR (Durable Water Repellent).

Fabrics are very popular with manufacturers Ripstop with a special reinforcing structure due to the weaving of nylon threads into the thickness of the main fabric. While maintaining lightness, the strength of such a fabric is comparable to the strength of a parachute fabric.

4. Construction down jacket, very important condition when choosing a real, high-quality product. It is the design that allows you to distribute the fluff as efficiently as possible and ensure the optimal heat / weight ratio. In most down jackets, the inner and outer fabric of the down jacket is simply sewn together, forming sections, and each section is filled with down. A huge disadvantage of such down jackets are the cold seams between the sections, through which a huge amount of heat is lost. Such down jackets are called single-layer and they will warm you only in frosts down to -10 -15 C °. The size of the down sections (packages) plays an important role, their size should not exceed 20 cm, otherwise the down will simply fall off at the bottom of the package and all the qualities of the down jacket will be reduced to zero. If you want to buy a down jacket for severe frosts, then you should consider some features of their tailoring. Such down jackets are called two-layer, due to the fact that the upper part of the down jacket is practically separated from the down lining, and at the joints it is stitched through an intermediate tape - a “warm” seam. A design is also used when the down bags themselves have two layers - outer and inner, and they are offset relative to each other and overlap the outer seams. Such down jackets are able to retain heat in extreme frosts down to -30 to -70 ° C.

The main zipper on a down jacket should have two-way fabric protection to prevent heat loss. At chin level, the zipper should be protected by a fleece insert. Zippers on pockets should also have external protection. To keep the neck warm and the wrists not cold, a real down jacket should have warm collars and cuffs made of materials such as Polartec or knitted fabric.

5. Temperature rating. When choosing a down jacket for yourself, ask yourself the question - at what lowest temperature will I wear it, how much time will I spend on the street, how to get to work or place of study? Indeed, for the inhabitants of central Russia and the inhabitants of Siberia, Mother Nature has prepared quite different conditions winter period of the year. To facilitate the selection of down jackets based on the outside temperature, some manufacturers of down jackets (and other winter clothing and footwear) use a so-called temperature rating. This value is usually indicated in the description of the down jacket on the labels, and shows that the manufacturer guarantees comfortable conditions at a given temperature below zero.

But not all manufacturers provide such data. For an approximate definition of this indicator, you can use the binding to the Fill Power value. Clothing that uses down Fill Down 550 or Fill Down 600 Designed primarily for daily use at temperatures down to -25 C°, this down is already an excellent quality down and creates a good degree of insulation. down jackets Fill Down 700 have a lower weight of the product and are comfortable in them up to -25 -30 ° C. Exclusive Down Fill Down 800- allows you to achieve a very high ratio of heat / weight and is used to lighten clothing and achieve the highest degree of comfort in frosts down to -35 ° C and below.

6. Style downy products do not differ in variety. For men, it is preferable to choose classic parkas (parka) and voluminous bomber jackets (puffer, bulk), for women, along with unisex parkas and women's jackets, elongated down coats (coat) are very popular. For people living and working in conditions of extremely low temperatures, as well as for travelers and hunters-fishermen, down suits are sewn, consisting of a jacket and trousers sewn together. The choice of the style of a down jacket should be approached with all responsibility, since, first of all, a down jacket is designed to protect against the cold, and not to walk on the catwalk. Remember that a down jacket for frosts from -15 ° C and below must necessarily cover your lower back and have a hood, therefore the best option is a classic down parka with a hood. Otherwise, diseases of the genitourinary system and kidneys are guaranteed. When choosing a down jacket for children, also consider the degree of protection of the child's body, only you are responsible for the health of the child.

If in winter you prefer to travel by car, then you should take into account that down jackets are quite bulky, and it is problematic to drive in long women's down coats.

A distinctive feature of the "parka" jacket is the fur trim on the hood. Some manufacturers use only natural fur - coyote, red and black-brown fox, raccoon, while others are content with artificial analogues because of the rhetoric of animal welfare societies. The fur trim has not only a decorative function, but a purely applied one - protecting the face from the frosty wind. Pay attention to the parkas of the Eskimos and their fur hoods - these tough guys know a lot about winter clothes.

Before buying, carefully measure your dimensions and compare with the size chart ( size chart) of a specific brand. Also pay attention in the description to the product to fit things fit - regular(go size to size) slim(skin-tight), relaxed(loose fit, oversized for a size or more).

7. Choosing a manufacturing company quality clothing with the use of down is of paramount importance. We advise you to give preference only to well-known and trusted clothing manufacturers with a rich history in the field of down jacket production, focusing on the development and production of down jackets for low temperatures, with good reviews about product quality. Companies - adherents of the use of natural and safe materials, but not lagging behind the development and application of innovative approaches in production, with a wide range and adequate prices.

Of course, today almost every more or less well-known brand has down products in its collection, but these clothes are not very suitable for use in our conditions and are more decorative, design role. From hundreds of manufacturers, we offer you to opt for time-tested and conditions-tested harsh winters This: Canada Goose, Pajar, Bask, Bogner, Joutsen, Hallie Hansen, Peak Performance, Fjallraven, The North Face, Marmot, mountain hardwear, Patagonia, Columbia, Jack Wolfskin, Lands" End, LLBean, Eddie Bauer, cabelas, Woolrich, Parajumpers, Moncler, Haglofs, Halti, Rossignol. As you can see from this list, most of the companies represented are from the Nordic and Scandinavian countries, where they know what real frost is.

8. The price of a down jacket, ranges from $120 for a simple down jacket to $1,000 and up for luxury brand down jackets. An adequate price for a good down jacket of a famous foreign brand will be the amount of $200-600 depending on the materials used and subject to purchase on well-known Internet sites in the USA and Europe. Of course, the same down jackets can be found in Russian retail, but then prices will have to be boldly increased by 2-3 times. And at all sorts of sales and seasonal discounts, an excellent down jacket can be purchased at huge discounts for only $100-250, not to mention eBay.com and Amazon.com with their truly amazing opportunities snip off wonderful things at ridiculous prices.

Well, buying down jackets for $ 1000 and more from fashionable couturiers, for whom appearance is of paramount importance over the main property of a down jacket, is a purely individual matter. The main part of the price tag here is the payment for a high-profile brand. Often, such down jackets are simply categorically not suitable for use in harsh climates, as they are created by designers from France and Italy, where the climate is much milder.

Here we will not consider Chinese-Turkish consumer goods for $ 50 -100 with a "swing" under Moncler and Canada Goose, wagons offered on the Chinese sites Aliexpress.com and Taobao. It is foolish to assume for such a price to get real goose down, at best it will be chicken, at worst - cotton wool. After all, downy raw materials pass special treatment: it is cleaned of grease and dust, passes veterinary and radiation control, is treated with special antibacterial and water-repellent agents, and only after that it is allowed to the production of down clothing and it is simply impossible to imagine that for all those millions of down jackets with which our markets and stores are littered, there was so much goose down!

9. Where can I buy a real down jacket? There are 2 answers to this question: in the near future mall or in a foreign online store. We advise you to direct your eyes towards the second option, because there are at least 6 huge positive points when buying a down jacket abroad:

• Adequate prices due to very strong competition (similar down jackets in our stores are offered at a price one and a half to two times higher, and the price for the luxury segment simply reaches cosmic values, there is no need to pay rent and staff salaries to our sellers, there is no customs fee clearance and duties, no VAT). Plus honest discounts up to 30-70%!
• It is far from always possible to buy goods in a company store or from an official dealer of a particular brand. There are not so many of them so far with us, and those that are mainly located in large cities. It's much easier to do this online. On the website of each brand you will find a list of company stores and official dealers, incl. and on the Internet.
• Confidence in the authenticity of the goods (the ability to buy goods directly from the manufacturer, and large foreign online stores value their reputation very much and will never sell you a fake, which cannot be said about our dealers, who can easily hand over Chinese Woolrich, Moncler or even in a respectable shopping center even Canada Goose for $1000.
• A huge selection of manufacturers, models and sizes is available for you to choose from without having to leave your home.
• There is always an opportunity to find reviews and reviews about the product from ordinary buyers.
• The goods can be returned or exchanged without any problems (without going through the 7 circles of hell)

Perhaps the only sensible manufacturer of down jackets in Russia is the Bask company, whose down jackets can be purchased at the Bask.ru online store. In any case, you should pay attention to Russian Bask down jackets.

Important note: If a large foreign online store offers you to choose a regional site, for example, in Russia, then be sure to compare prices before choosing. very many overseas stores believe that only millionaires live in the Russian Federation and significantly increase the price tag. The images show two women's down jackets for the winter 13/14 season from the official Moncler online store, offers for Russia and Germany (the price tag is the same for the rest of Europe). Comments are superfluous.

Screenshot from Moncler.com

Where to buy down jackets online

In the official online stores of manufacturers. But here a "surprise" may await you, because. far from all such stores accept payment from residents of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus and offer international delivery, and even at an affordable price.

• Bogner (Germany)
• Fjallräven (Sweden)
• Hally Hansen (Norway)
• Haglöfs (Finland)
• Halti (Finland)
• Jack Wolfskin (Germany)
• Moncler (France)
• vest– sleeveless down jacket

Insulation(goose down, duck down, 550-850 Fill, 80/20, 90/10, 60/40) - insulation (goose, duck down, the value of the elasticity of the down, the ratio of down and feather in%).

body liner(Lining) - lining material.

Shell- fabric, the top cover of a down jacket, both from natural and synthetic fabrics or mixtures thereof.

• membrane- multilayer membrane fabric, has a high density and weight, can have different brand names - Gore-Tex, HyVent, etc.
• DWR treated/covering - coating the upper fabric with a waterproof composition.
• ripstop- fabrics with a special reinforcing weave structure.

wind proof(block wind) - windproof.

Waterproof- waterproof.

Hood- hood.

Cuffs(soft, rib-knit inner) - cuffs (from the inside with a soft, knitted insert).

Detachable(hood, ruff, skirt, fur) - removable part (hood, collar, skirt, fur).

Adjustable(hood, gaiter / throat, cuffs, cord waist & hem) - adjustable / tightening parts (hood, neck, cuffs, drawstring at the waist and along the bottom hem).

Fur(natural / genuine or faux) - fur (natural or artificial), as an element of decoration.

Zipper(external, internal, two-way) - a zipper (outside, inside, in both directions), give preference to YKK locks.

VELCRO closure - Velcro

Pockets(external, internal, security, hand warmer, dual entry, zip-off) - pockets (external, internal, secret, for warming hands, with double access, with a zipper)

fit(regular, slim, relaxed) - fit, cut (regular, tight, loose fit - usually oversized).

Bulky- voluminous, baggy.

Overall length- the total length of the down jacket.

Weight(light, medium, heavy) - weight (light, medium, heavy).

wash(machine or hand) - washing (machine or hand).

Quality down jackets can last more than a dozen seasons if properly cared for. No supernatural care conditions are required, just try to keep the fluff in the down jacket from getting wet, and if this happens, dry it as soon as possible. It is necessary to store a down jacket in a straightened form on a coat hanger. Read care labels carefully!

Pay special attention to the washing process. We will give a few practical advice for washing in the washing machine.

1. For washing, we set the most soft and delicate program.
2. Be sure to fasten all zippers and buttons
3. Use special liquid detergents for down jackets
4. A washing temperature of 30 degrees Celsius is sufficient
5. Turn on the extra rinse mode for better rinsing of the powder.
6. Minimum spin speed: when wet, some down jackets become very heavy and the machine simply cannot cope with the spin. In this case, it must be pressed manually.
7. Place 3-4 tennis balls in the washing machine drum.
8. The down jacket is dried in a straightened form in warm and sunny weather on the balcony or bathroom
9. During the drying process, periodically fluff the down jacket, straightening the fluff.
10. After complete drying, you can put the down jacket again in the washing machine along with 3-4 tennis balls and turn on the spin mode (no wash and no rinse). The centrifuge with balls should beat the filler a little more and make the clothes more voluminous.