If you're looking for a new jacket, you may be wondering: "Is Thinsulate warmer than down?" While the two types of insulations are very similar in terms of heat retention and comfort, they are designed for different purposes. Whether you want a jacket that keeps you warm during a cold winter day or one that keeps you comfortable during the summer will depend on other factors.
Synthetic Insulation Is Warmer Than Down
Synthetic insulation is warmer than down for a number of reasons. For one thing, it is cheaper. Down costs a lot, and supplies are scarce. Because of this, synthetic insulation is more expensive than down, but it is still cheaper than down. This article compares the benefits and drawbacks of both materials.
Down is warmer than synthetic insulation, but it does not breathe as well as synthetics. Synthetics are better at regulating body temperature because they don't trap body heat like down does. This means that a down jacket would overheat easily during high-exertion activities and perhaps lose warmth over time. Also down jackets require wet cleaning. However, synthetic insulation is more breathable, which means it will keep you warm without trapping heat.
When comparing synthetic insulation to down, you should look at how much it weighs. The weight of synthetic insulation is less uniform. It is generally measured in grams per square metre. Down weighs around 550g/m2, but synthetic insulation is much lighter. It is important to check the recycled content of synthetic insulation.
PrimaLoft Is Warmer Than Down
The answer to the question of whether PrimaLoft is warmer than down depends on your personal preference. While down is the most popular insulation material, synthetics are not as effective. Down is a natural insulator, trapping air between clusters of down plumage. These pockets trap warm air and act as a natural insulator. The fill power of down is an important measure of its quality. It measures the amount of loft one ounce of down has in cubic inches.
PrimaLoft uses premium-quality down sourced from socially responsible sources. The down is then treated with a fluorocarbon-free chemistry process. This makes down more water repellent and breathable, while also keeping its structure even when wet. This unique processing method also bonds the down to ultra-fine PrimaLoft fibers, which give PrimaLoft its extraordinary warmth and softness.
Duck Down Insulation Is Warmer Than Down
While Thinsulate and synthetic insulation are cheaper and easier to maintain, they are no match for down in terms of warmth-to-weight ratio. Rab jackets, for example, use duck and goose down. Goose down tends to be higher-grade than duck, and contains larger clusters of down for better warmth-to-weight ratio and packability. Duck down, on the other hand, has smaller clusters and is still the best choice for an everyday jacket. While premium goose down is warmer, it's not practical for everyday use.
In order to choose the best insulation for your jacket, look for the down to feather ratio. This ratio is a measurement of the percentage of down in the product, and the higher the number, the better. Generally, the ratio between down and feathers is 70:30, 80:20, or 90:10. The higher the first number, the better the quality. However, down is still warmer than Thinsulate, so it's a good idea to choose a jacket that has a higher down-to-feather ratio, if you can afford it.
Duck Down Insulation Is Cheaper
When it comes to insulating properties, duck down is the way to go. Though it isn't as warm as goose down, it is still very effective for preventing the cold from penetrating your home. Duck down is also less expensive than goose down. In addition, it retains its loft better. However, down is not completely water resistant, meaning it can become wet and lose many of its insulating qualities.
Down insulation is rated by its fill power, a number indicating its relative quality. Usually, the higher the number, the better. For example, if a jacket has a fill power of 800, it should be able to handle the heat more effectively than one with a fill power of 600. However, there are other factors that may affect the warmth of a product.
Duck Down Insulation Is Made From Goose or Duck Plumage
Duck or goose down insulation is made from the plumage of these birds. The quality and density of duck or goose down insulation depend on the fill power and loft of the feathers. A higher loft and fill power mean a warmer and lighter down. The highest quality down is from mature birds, collected during seasonal molts. Lower-quality down comes from younger birds, or from birds harvested for food.
Goose down tends to have higher fill-power than duck down. It is also fluffier and has a lower odor. Duck down is softer and less oily than goose down, but certain types can have an unpleasant odor. In addition, duck down tends to hold up better when wet. Goose down tends to clump together when it is exposed to moisture, decreasing its insulation value.