What you need to know about insulation with winter jacket

Down, synthetics and wool are the most commonly used insulation materials in winter coats. Each has its own advantages, but the way they keep you warm is similar: your body generates heat and warms the static air trapped between the fibers and filaments of the material. "We know that air is the best insulator on the planet," said Hsiou-Lien Chen, an OSU textile researcher and associate professor. “If we can increase the space for trapping air, the insulation of the material will improve.” Here's how each method works and how to determine which one is right for you.

Down

Numerous filaments emanating from the center point form the down tuft sphere and air pockets. These clusters provide the greatest warmth of any insulator weight. However, when it gets wet, it collapses and loses its ability to retain warm air. Outerwear with a water-repellent or water-repellent shell, or hydrophobic down formed when filaments are treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating in the face of winter snow, sleet, and sometimes rain. Look for a jacket with. Down is also usually the most expensive insulator because it is made from geese and ducks. If you buy a down jacket, be prepared to pay a premium.

Synthetic insulation

Polyester insulation is made from two petroleum derivatives, terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol (although these compounds are commonly obtained from recycled water bottles). The resulting fibers are crimped to create an air-retaining loft and spun into a roll of cloth. Newer and more sophisticated synthetic insulation, such as Patagonia's Pluma Fill and The North Face's Thermo Ball, are designed to mimic ultra-fine threads and tufted shapes. Synthetic insulation, regardless of shape, is generally cheaper to manufacture than down and maintains insulation when wet, but still cannot compete with down for full warmth.

wool

Some coats give priority to wool and completely skip synthetic insulation. These organic yarns have a natural curly shape that resembles the artificial structure of polyester fibers, providing space for air. Wool has poor thermal conductivity, which keeps the inside of the jacket warm. Together, wool provides excellent insulation, but it is heavy and can absorb up to 30% of its weight with moisture. As a result, wool is often used in casual outerwear rather than performance-focused jackets.

Evaluation of filling power and grams

When shopping, pay attention to the fill power of down and the weight of the synthetic insulation used in the winter coat. Bulkiness is the loft produced by an ounce of down, and the higher the number, the better the quality of the down. Most winter coats have 500 to 800 fills. Synthetic insulation is measured in grams per square meter, and higher numbers indicate that the material is traditionally thicker and therefore warmer. Most winter coat synthetic insulation weighs less than 200 grams.

These numbers are important, but the overall heat capacity of the jacket depends on other factors as well. For example, packing insulation in a baffle that is too small can result in loss of the attic. If you ski, run, hike, or do other sports in cold weather, keep in mind that adding more insulation can lead to excessive sweating. If this water is not drained from the skin, it may freeze and become cold.