Go for synthetic if there’s a fair chance of getting wet or if your true first concern is getting a break on the price. Not sure which is right for you? If you’re going somewhere cold but mostly dry, natural down is probably the way to go, but it will probably be more expensive. Synthetic insulation goes by a lot of names, depending on the brands associated with it, but synthetic down insulation will never be labeled as down unless it’s a clearly labeled mixture of real and synthetic materials. You should also know that although the industry is still improving and innovating ways to make down more water-resistant, no feathers are truly waterproof. You might see fancy terms added in, like Mountain Hardwear’s proprietary Q.Shield waterproofing treatment, but if it’s “down,” it’s still the real deal. In terms of labeling, if a jacket just says “down” it’s definitely natural down insulation. On the flip side of the coin, synthetic down is less prone to clumping when it gets wet, so in mixed weather conditions, it might be a safer bet. One trade-off is that synthetic down weighs slightly more by volume (and insulating ability) than natural down, so synthetic-filled gear tends to be marginally heavier and bulkier.
Synthetic down really does insulate well, without losing packability or the lightness of natural down - not to mention it’s hypoallergenic. Synthetic insulation is our attempt to mimic natural down’s insulation power with polyester fibers arranged in different sizes that cluster and trap heat much like the real thing. Also worth noting: although big efforts have been made by a lot of brands and outfitters such as Patagonia and The North Face, not all down is sourced ethically, and animal cruelty can become part of natural down insulation’s production chain. But when natural down gets wet, it clumps and loses a lot of its heat-retaining ability. Down and synthetic-filled products both offer these qualities, but there are pros and cons to each.ĭown comes from the layers under protective exterior feathers of geese and ducks - it works for them while they float and fly around every winter, so of course, it keeps us warm as well.
The best insulating piece, whether it’s a jacket or a sleeping bag, must be warm, light and easily packable. What to Know Before You Buy a Synthetic Down Jacket Down vs.
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