When the air turns cold, you know it’s time for outdoor activities. You will need to layer up and get yourself and your family insulated outerwear, something that is designed to hold heat close to your body and serve as buffer against the cold air.
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When choosing an insulated outerwear, there are four things that you need to consider:
Down or synthetic materials/insulation
Anticipated weather conditions
How you plan to use it
Fit and features
Down or synthetic materials/insulation
There are three different kinds of insulation. Your choices include the following:
1. Down Insulation
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This is the best insulator. You get the most warmth for the least amount of weight. It is not at all bulky. It is not a great idea, however, if you’re planning to get wet. Don’t use it in rainy weather.
2. Water-repellent down
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This down jacket is treated with a molecular-level polymer. Unlike the traditional down that gets soaked when wet, this one can withstand light moisture or mist. Of course, you can’t let it get soaked.
3. Synthetic materials
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Synthetic insulation jackets are water repellent. This is your best option if the weather is wet. These things feature quick-drying fibers. It mimics down jacket’s feature, so it can be lightweight and compressed as well. Over the years, down is getting better with new products that come along.
4. Fleece
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This is best for chilly and cold conditions, but not when it’s seriously cold. This is typically use as a middle or insulating layer in a 3-part layering system. This helps regulate heat.
Anticipated Weather Conditions
When buying insulation jacket or vests, you need to anticipate the weather. You need to take into consideration the wet conditions. Even if you have your own jacket, you still need to bring a waterproof protection, in case of downpour. If it’s going to be cold instead of wet, you can just use a light fleece jacket.
How you Plan to Use It
Do you want to wear jacket or vest? It’s a matter of personal preference. If you have high tolerance for cold temperatures, you can just use a vest for insulation buffer. If you get cold easily, you may need to carry a fleece jacket.
Jacket or vest? It’s a matter of preference.
You can choose to get a hood jacket or no-hood jacket. If you’re often forgetting your hat when it’s cold out, you’d benefit from a hood jacket especially one with fur ruff around the hood.
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Fit and Features
You can try on different sizes of the same jacket. You need to consider how it’d feel and fit with layers underneath. Raise your hand over your head to make sure your entire body will remain insulated and covered even when you’re stretched out.
If you’re an allergy sufferer, you will likely have to consider your allergies when making a choice. Down, for instance, is not allergenic. It is a natural product and contains organic matter.
You should also check the features of the jacket or vest before you buy one. Check the pockets, the snugness of the cuffs, draw cord and zippers.
Down jackets are awesome for beating cold weather. It’s actually pretty old, the first jackets date back centuries ago. Over the years, this jacket has been redesigned and recreated to create an even more perfect design - one that could withstand unpredictable weather.
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With many options to choose from, how do you know which one to buy? What are the things you have to consider?
Is Down Right For You?
Down jackets has been the be-all, end-all outerwear for any outdoor winter pursuit. In recent years, many manufacturers have resorted to using synthetic materials for a lighter jacket. However, down is still a better option if you would like a lighter jacket. Unfortunately, the fluffiness quality of a down is lost once the material gets wet.
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So, if chances are you will get soaked outside, you may want to don a synthetic jacket instead of a down. It will be heavier, but you will likely be warmer. So, if you’re going kayaking, you might be better of with a synthetic jacket.
If you’re after longevity, down jackets are a better option. They last longer than synthetic. This is why they are a tad more expensive. It is not unheard of for a quality down jacket to last a decade.
Are You a Trail Runner?
Trail running can be challenging. It is easy to go from overheated to chilled in a blink of an eye. You would likely want to carry as little load as possible. A great option for you is the ultralight jacket or sweaters which weigh less than a pound. It is made of high-fill down. It will fight off the chill as you go running.
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Are You a Backpacker?
If you’re into backpacking, you would benefit from using a mid-level warmth down jacket. Make sure to keep a close eye on the weight. Every once counts when backpacking.A 750 and up fill is a smart choice. It is warm, but it isn’t heavy.
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Are You a Climber or Boulderer?
When it comes to rock climbing or boulder climbing, you need to go with the warmest option. This means high fill. You will worry about the weight less. It is important that you are able to stay warm while you move upwards. You might benefit from a down with hood, think “parka”.
