The use of down feathers to line winter clothing goes back over 500 years. Researchers have found evidence of Russian farmers selling bird down to Dutch merchants as early as the 1600. Records show the Norwegians had been farming Eider ducks and harvesting their down for use in outer clothing by 1890. This is because of the effectiveness of down feathers in keeping the frigid Scandinavian winter weather at bay. Down clothing is just as prized by people all over the world today as it was those many years ago as modern man has rediscovered the power of down feathers to keep them warm.

The 1970s saw an explosion in the demand for the down jackets with removable sleeves. They were prized not only for their warmth, but for the fashion statement they made. During that time a wide range of companies large and small began to produce and sell these specialty jackets. The down jackets can be worn by men, women and children and are available in a seemingly endless array of styles and colors. People prefer down jackets not only because they are warmer than other fabrics, but also because they are water resistant and can be easily compacted for storage.

Style is also a popular reason millions of people choose down jackets with removable sleeves. It is like having two jackets for the price of one. Wearing the jackets without the sleeves allows the wearer to keep their body’s core warm while allowing them the freedom to show-off the clothing they are wearing below. The down feathers also make the jackets very light. If they are properly cared for the jackets can retain their loft for up to three to five times as long as synthetic fabrics.

A good down jacket can last for as much as 20 years before the feathers break down. That means buying a down jacket can be a great value. However choosing the right down jacket is important. Down jackets are not made from 100% down. They are usually a combination of down and small feathers. The label will usually indicate the percentage of down in the jacket. It may show a rating of 80/20. This means it is made of 80% down clumps and 20% small feathers. The higher the percentage of down clusters the warmer the jacket. Want a warm, stylish, lightweight, durable, versatile jacket? Choose a down jacket with removable sleeves.

The two layer construction of the eVent jacket is perfect for staying warm, and the dop liner makes it possible to adjust to different conditions. When it’s not as cold, remove the liner so as not to overheat. 140g of European good down provide a soft filling that adds to the ability of the jacket to maintain warmth to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chest pockets include water resistant zippers, which protects the contents of the pockets. Likewise, you are well-protected in the water resistant material. An internal pocket provides security for valuables. A hem drawcord keeps the water and drafts out, as well. Additionally, elastic cuffs contribute to a draft free sleeve. The waterproof hood is helmet compatible, so that protective gear doesn’t compete with your warmth and comfort. The jacket provides for the escape of water vapor to prevent overheating.

The great fit of the Rab Microlight Alpine eVent down jacket is one of the most important features. The lack of a bulky, parka feel is one of the most appreciated features, according to customer reviews, along with the outstanding warmth in a variety of conditions. Available in a range of sizes, the Microlight style from Rab is perfect for people of all sizes. Durability is outstanding, while flexibility is comfortable for those who wear the jacket.

There are lots of choices in winter wear, but when you want to enjoy the activities of winter, you don’t want a jacket that will restrict your movement, nor do you want to be faced with overheating, and having to constantly adjust your clothing to keep your personal comfort in check. With the Rab Microlight Alpine eVent down jacket, you don’t need to worry about restrictive clothing, nor do you need to concern yourself with having to adjust to temperature levels as your activity increases or decreases. This is a great jacket to invest in for many years of outdoor activity and enjoyment.

Exactly how do you go about cleaning your jacket, though? Most people know that feathers stick together and get clumpy when they’re wet, so it seems counterinuitive to put something stuffed with them through the washer and dryer. However, it is quite possible and easier than you might imagine.

Washing Your Jacket

Begin by making sure everything is removed from the pockets of your jacket, as well as removing any accessories or attachments. Next, put your jacket in the washing machine by itself with your usual detergent and no bleach. Set the temperature on warm and use the machine’s most gentle cycle. Machines with a “no agitate” option are very good for this.

Once the cycle is finished, take your jacket out right away. If you notice that it looks saggy and disfigured, don’t be upset. This is completely normal. Your jacket will be returned to its former poofy glory when during the drying process.

Drying Your Jacket

Before you start drying, make sure you have a can of tennis balls on hand, because you’ll need them for this step. Put the jacket into the dryer by itself along with the new tennis balls. Set the machine’s temperature to warm, using particular caution with nylon materials that can melt with high heat. It’s not advisable to use the delicate setting, as it doesn’t cause enough power to sufficiently dry such thick, heavy items. Expect to have to run your jacket through the dryer several times before it comes out fluffy.

The tennis balls have the benefit of “beating” your down jacket, fluffing up and rearranging the feathers. This method also works with other down items.

Once your jacket is finished drying, use caution when removing it. Buttons, snaps and zippers can be very hot, as well as the jacket’s material. You can let it cool before you wear it, or if you need it right away, you can enjoy the extra warmth.

Most people that give this jacket a try are right away surprised by how really light it feels wearing it. It actually weighs on average less than 1.5 pounds (or approximately 0.7 kg.). This achievement was obtained by using advanced nylon and insulation material that prevents body from any heat loss, keeping its temperature steady and warm, while at the same time allowing its users great maneuverability. Sincerely, if you are going to do even the simplest activity like shoveling the snow or yard work, you do not want to have a jacket that will restrain you, but the one that will permit free movement of your hands and your whole upper body. That is exact reason why it is so popular among sports enthusiasts and professionals as well as any active outdoors person.

Those people that like hiking and carrying backpacks will certainly appreciate its double layer taffeta paneling. These added pads are positioned around shoulders areas and can provide additional comfort and protection even when their packs are extra heavy. So, even after few hours of carrying extra heavy loads, their shoulders will not be bruised. Thus, many winter lovers that like to strap snow sleds to their back and pull them can certainly enjoy this jacket. Also, for those that need their hands warmed up from time to time, there are two extra padded hand pockets.

Another great characteristic of this jacket is its durability. Normal wear and tear as well as prolonged use and abuse will still leave this jacket in optimal condition. So many consumers who like to make purchases for a long run should really consider this jacket as even year after year of wearing it, this jacket will still look great.
Customers can pick it in five different and distinctive colors which include Boulder Blue, TNF Black, TNF Red, Sequoia Red, and Deep Water Blue. Models with these colors are available in a variety of sizes from Small to 2X Large with super large 3X Large available in only TNF Black. This makes it a great choice for anyone who is anywhere from 5 feet to over 6’6” tall.

So regardless if you just want a sport jacket that will permit you to easily move around, or you want a jacket that looks great but still keeps you very warm, North Face Nuptse 2 Jacket should suite you just fine.

Their products are guaranteed against any kind of liquid from outside get on to you inside. Weather it is moisture from the wet grass that you are kneeling in or the water that comes with a sudden squall, Gore-Tex jackets are protected with their patented technology.

Keeping a Gore-Tex down jacket clean in important to get the maximum out of it. Apart from reading instructions given when you purchase your Gore-Tex, the following should also help you wash your Gore-Tex outerwear:

Cleaning the Gore-Tex jackets are quite easy. You can machine was hem in warm water with any powdered detergent. You can then tumble dry on medium heat. Liquid soaps are not recommended.

Sometimes, with regular laundering and exposure to the sun and the wind, the DWR treatments on the jacket, which is the durable water repellent which makes the water bead and roll off the garment, can wear of. This is the reason that special care must be taken to ensure that you clean the jackets according to the given instructions. Proper warm steam setting while ironing will also restore the water beading on the outer surface.

If after years and years of use, the Gore-Tex jacket has depleted all its DWR treatment protection, you can use a spray-on or a wash-in in water repellency to treat the outer surface of the jacket.

If there are any kinds of stains on the down jackets, before laundering, saturate the stained areas with aerosol pre-wash treatment. Wash immediately after this in cold water and with mild powdered detergent. The company recommends using a front load machine. Do not use liquid soap.

For heavy stains, you may find that you have to repeat the procedure. For stubborn stains, it may be worthwhile to contact the Gore customer service. You must not give the jacket for dry cleaning as this process can strip the oil from the down feathers which will cause them to lose their softness and warmth. Tumble dry the jacket on low heat. Use a mild iron but never a hot one.

The Gore-Tex fabric does not get spoiled with salt water so it is an ideal outerwear when you go sailing, paddling or cruising.

In exceptionally cold temperatures the objective is to stay warm. No material keeps the body warm with such light weight material as a down jacket. When functioning in cold weather it is important to know what kind of weather you might find yourself in especially if you are an outdoors man. Coats that are too bulky are uncomfortable to wear so; down is light weight, but warm. Down is not always packed just right and air can get through, but in dry times the coat is quite comfortable.

LL Bean’s sixteen ounce jacket is a favorite and is warm through some very cold temperatures. If you are local to a very cold area you probably already know the warmth factor but if you are not the 800 weight is about the best warmth. North Face is also a brand that carries warm down jackets. Trekking out into the snow on a ski slope requires a coat that will keep you warm and dry. Water proof material and wind resistance has a great deal to do with the warmth level of any jacket including down; staying warm if you are wet is a bit difficult.

Dressing warmly no matter what kind of coat you wear is important. Putting on a summer outfit and expecting to stay warm is not going to happen no matter how much you pay for a garment and high quality down does not cost change. Several brands have proven themselves to stand up under cold weather the MB Brand being one. If you are going to be out in damp weather something water proof may help. Down is considered the best where warmth is concerned but under wind-less dry circumstances. This jacket material is considered a special item but it is not always the best choice. Other materials may be better depending upon the elements. The reputation of down is well documented but there are times when the temperature ratings are not adding up.

Down is the layer of soft feathers found between a bird’s skin and the stiffer feathers used for flight. The unorganized and disconnected barbs of down create space and trap air against the skin leading to a layer of insulation that can keep the bird warm in even the coldest climates. Down quills are also hollow, like all feathers, and this further traps air.

As geese and ducks became more common during the 13th and 14th century, the down from the slaughtered birds was saved and used for bedding stuffing and clothing, but because making a single piece of quilted fabric was so labor intensive, down was reserved only for the wealthiest nobility and merchants, but as is inevitable with any popular and useful item, as the skills improved the cost dropped and eventually machines were designed to stuff the quilting and by the 20th century, anyone could afford a down outfit.

After down was plucked, it had to be dried in the sun and breeze for a few days to keep the down from molding and then it was tightly quilted by hand to produce the fabric capable to make clothing. The first recorded use of down in a jacket was by a Japanese ruler in the early 16th century, who showed off a feathered jacket. Throughout history, jackets have been made from the down of ducks and geese, with the most expensive from the arctic eider duck.

The eider is “farmed” in Scandinavia by protecting nesting sites from predators and then the down used by the ducks to make the nest is harvested in moderation during the incubation of the eggs and then after the ducks leave the nest, the remainder of the down is harvested, all without harming the ducks. Over time, the majority of down has started coming from Chinese domesticated geese and is harvested after the birds are killed for meat.

Some down is obtained by plucking from live birds, but this practice is decried by most animal welfare groups and is banned in many countries. Currently, down clothing is rated as either being “100% down” or simply “down” with the former being just that, only down feathers in the insulation while the latter can have any percentage of synthetic fibers mixed with the down, and if labeled “goose down” it must contain at least 90 percent goose down. Down has stood the test of time as an insulating product.

If kept dry and well cared for, down will last for many years, longer than synthetic fibers, although wetting down will completely eliminate the thermal properties and will allow it to clump and mildew. Down also becomes allergenic as it ages, although this is because of contamination with molds and dust mites.

Down functions as insulation in birds and like most natural items, it is uniquely suited for the role, and for this reason, man has adapted down for its own use in jackets and bedding, and like most natural substances, down remains much better than synthetic substances in keeping heat in and cold out.

When drying a down jacket by use of commercial drying, it should be supplied with a low heat. The process may take a long time but your jacket will be protected from damage by strong heat from the dryer. In most cases down jackets are not be put in dry cleaners. This is because they can be affected by chemicals associated with dry cleaning. These chemicals can burn your jacket and make holes throughout your down jacket. Try to consult specialists who specialize in down jacket laundry and you will have your jacket professionally cleaned and dried.

You can put the down jacket inside a washer machine and spin-dry it at a high speed. Ensure that you read the manufacturer’s instructions before drying the jacket in an automatic dryer. Every down jacket has got a label put by the manufacturer to guide people on how to wash and dry the garment. Before drying your down jacket in an automatic dryer, there are a number of things to observe: first, you are supposed to check the type of fabric used to make the jacket. This is essential because down jackets with lighter material can actually form creases if they are subjected to too much heat and a high speed. Secondly, you should observe the colour of the jacket. Down jackets with lighter colour can easily lose the colour if the heat is too much. Therefore, make sure that you take note of the jacket material and also its colour before inserting it into an automatic dryer. Ensure that you read the manufacturer’s label in order to know the amount of heat to apply while drying your down jacket.

It is advisable to fluff your down jacket after drying it for about 10 minutes. Just use your hand to overturn the inside of the jacket and put it back into the automatic dryer. This is will ensure that the jacket dries equally and at a faster rate. You should repeat this process for quite some time to ensure that your jacket dries completely.

It is somehow tricky to manage down jackets and thus you should be ready to handle them properly to avoid damaging. It is good to have a look at the manufacture’s label before doing anything with the down jacket. These labels contain some important instructions that you should follow when washing and drying down jackets.

The Blue Label Bellecombe Hooded Down Jacket from Ralph Lauren is ideal for the coming months. Made of lamb shearing trim and filled with a lovely, comfortable mix of duck down and feathers, it features a drawstring hood. The hood has lamb shearing trim which is removable. The jacket has a two-way zip closure and also a button fly and canvas trim. There are button flap pockets at the left chest and front hips.

For ventilation and to make the jacket high on comfort levels, there are quadruple grommets at the underarm. The buttoned cuffs are adjustable. At the back, in the center there are drawstring closures.

The interiors are fully lined. The waist also has an interior drawstring attached. From the shoulder to the hem, the jacket measures 33 ¼ inches. The jacket lining is made up of 100% polyester lining. The jacket is filled with 80% grey duck down and 20% other miscellaneous feathers. The hood trim is dyed. The trim is made up of lamb shearing which has an Italian origin.

The jacket is available in two colors, in Gilded Bronze and Antique Loden. Sizes are available in extra small, small, medium, large and extra-large. Right now the jacket is available on a special discount price of $419 as against the original price of $698.

This is a jacket which serves the function of keeping you warm without cramping your style. It is intended for serious winter cold. It is a great fashion statement to wear for those of us who like to get out in the cold. However, you may find it a tad too heavy and warm for backpacking.
It has a very relaxed fit and the Ralph Lauren stylis cuts and practicality to boot. You can wear it over base layer and lightweight insulated jacket to provide more warmth. The hood is roomy enough and looks amazing as does the cinched waist with drawstrings to show off your figure. The breathable coating on it ensures that you can wear it practically anywhere in the winter months. It truly is a stunning one which you will love.

So use the promo code and buy this lovely piece of chic which will not just keep you warm in the winter but make heads turn as well wherever you go. It is good value for money.

People prefer down jackets because they tend to be warmer that fiber jackets, then can be compacted more to make storage easy and down feathers are generally more able to withstand water than fiber. When you are comparing fiber to down, or when you are just trying to decide between different kinds of down jackets, you should take the time to become completely familiar with down and know exactly what you are buying when you do decide to make the investment.

Why Choose Down Over Fiber?

When comparing down jackets to fiber-insulated jackets, durability and functionality are two important factors. The feathers in a down jacket generally last up to five times longer than fiber stuffing. A down jacket can keep someone warm for up to 20 years, while fiber begins to break down and become essentially useless after an average of four years.

Down from a goose

Fiber tends to lose a lot of its insulating properties when it gets wet. Since winter jackets are generally worn in conditions where the can get extremely wet, fiber’s inability to withstand moisture can become extremely inconvenient. Down will stay twice as warm as fiber, even when the materials are equally as saturated with water.

The reason that down is able to keep you warmer than fiber is the perfect construction of the down feather for resisting moisture. Down retains a lot of air between feathers, and the small hair-like extensions that come off of each feather are able to fill in the gaps with additional support. When the down gets wet, it is able to absorb the water easier than fibers. Water also tends to run off feathers, which allows a down jacket to shed water better than fiber.

Down Content

Consumers need to read the label on down jackets before making their purchase. A down jacket is never 100 percent pure down feathers. The down itself is referred to as down clusters. Mixed in with the clusters are smaller feathers that can degrade the down’s ability to retain heat.

When you read a down jacket label, you will notice that it has ratings such as 80/20 or 90/10 on it. Those are percentages. The first number is the percentage of down clusters in the insulation mix, and the second number is the percentage of small feathers in the mix. The relationship between the down cluster percentage and the ability of the jacket to retain heat is direct. A down jacket with a high down cluster percentage is going to keep you warmer than one with a lower cluster percentage. In terms of warmth, a 90/10 jacket is a better investment than an 80/20 coat.

Jacket Construction

Consumers looking for a down jacket that will offer the greatest amount of warmth will want to look at how the jacket is constructed. You may be familiar with the down jackets that look like they are made out of tubes of down. That type of construction is called a stitch-through jacket. This means that the jacket seams are stitched through the jacket. While this helps to make the jacket lighter and more convenient for hiking and other outdoor activities, it also creates cold spots in the jacket that can make it uncomfortable.

To get a down jacket that offers a solid wall of protection from the elements, you will want to get a jacket that is made using the box wall method. Two outer layers of material are used to create a shell that holds the down as a continuous wall of down. These types of down jackets tend to retain body heat better and will keep you warmer.

Another aspect of down jackets that people sometimes do not consider is whether or not the jacket cut is gender specific. Down jackets for males have a different insulation pattern than jackets designed for females. Once again, it is important to check the label before buying a down jacket to be sure you are getting the right cut.

Arctic expedition. They use down jackets from Canada Goose.

People that buy down jackets tend to be active outdoors. One design feature that your down jacket needs to have if you intend to be active is referred to as a scoop. This is a feature that ensures that your jacket will keep your entire body warm even if you are raising your arms above your head.

Finally, when you are buying a down jacket, you should look for one that offers the ability to customize the fit to help keep you as warm as possible. Down jackets with Velcro hems and pull-strings to adjust things like the collar, hood and cuffs will work to keep you warm at all times.

Convenience

The criteria you would use to decide between down and fiber comes down to how you intend to use your jacket. Down jackets tend to be more expensive that fiber jackets, but the added investment can make sense if your situation requires a jacket that can be easily packed for travel.

People who travel to colder climates, camp in cold areas or hike in cold climates need to invest in a down jacket because of the convenience down offers when packed. Because down feathers use air as one of its primary warming elements, that means that there is a significant amount of room between feathers. Down jackets can be compressed more than fiber jackets, which makes down easier to pack in suitcases and backpacks. Down can also spring back after being unpacked quicker than fiber.

The advantage that a down jacket has over a fiber jacket is the perfect construction of the goose feather that is the primary insulating material in a down jacket. Goose feathers are able to be compressed into a much smaller area than an equivalent volume of insulating fiber. It allows you to pack your down jacket into the smallest backpack to take with you on your hiking trip into the mountains.

Wicking

Body moisture wicking is the process of removing moisture from your body and allowing to evaporate. A down jacket is extremely adept at wicking while a fiber jacket is unable to match the wicking ability of a down jacket.

The wicking feature of a down jacket offers two advantages over fiber jackets. Wicking body moisture and allowing it to evaporate away will keep you much more comfortable than fiber jackets that retain your moisture. In areas with extreme cold, wicking can remove moisture from your body that could otherwise cause disease or freeze and create areas of exposed skin that could be in danger of frostbite.

Durable Water Repellent

There are several different kinds of materials that can be used to make a down jacket such as nylon or polyester. The fabric you choose depends on the design and look that you want. But when you choose your down jacket, remember that water can degrade the ability for the down to keep you warm. A down jacket does resist water better than a fiber jacket, but it is still affected by moisture. That is why your down jacket should be coated with Durable Water Repellent, or DWR, to give an added layer of water protection.

But don’t let anyone tell you that a coating such as DWR is infallible. Adding DWR to nylon creates a lightweight, warm and attractive down jacket, but seams in any jacket cannot be coated for protection. That is why the box wall method is the preferred construction design of a good down jacket. The box wall method reduces the amount of seams that can cause weak points in the water resistance of the jacket’s surface.

Down jackets come in a variety of designs and colors to fit into any hiking, camping or general winter clothing combination. Using a down jacket has several advantages over fiber insulated winter coats. When you compare down jackets to fiber jackets, you will see why down jackets are the better investment.