When you're shopping for a new puffy jacket, one of the most important decisions you'll have to make is between down and synthetic insulation. The type of insulation directly affects the warmth, weight, water resistance, compressibility and price jackets. Both down and synthetic have pros and cons when it comes to performance, so choosing the right type of insulation for your use can turn a cold, uncomfortable outing into an enjoyable time outside.
Down is a unique insulator only found in three families of animals, ducks, geese, and swans. The word “down” comes from the Old Norse word “dúnn”, which had the same meaning as its modern equivalent. In many of today' s garments, down fill and feathers are widely used and known for their exceptional insulating characteristics but have a lesser-known history that dates back hundreds of years.