• this seems like it might be the most fitting thread.. I have a RAB microlight alpine jacket and I've been pretty cold wearing it, so i'm looking at another, heavier down jacket but struggling to figure out what is warmer.

    I was recommended this: http://eu.patagonia.com/enGB/product/mens-hi-loft-down-sweater-hoody?p=84902-0-SULY but it was 600 fill down vs my RABs 750, but i guess its maybe more about the amount? Im confused either way

  • Yeah you've got the right idea. There are two attributes to compare - the fill power (e.g. 600 or 750, with bigger numbers being more fluffy or 'warmer') and fill weight, which is the actual amount of down stuffed into the jacket, in grams.

    There are other features that make a jacket warmer, like a storm tube/draught tube (insulated flap over the main zip), insulated collar, insulated cuffs, draw cord around the waist etc.

    Probably the biggest difference is whether the construction is baffled (little boxes of down between the outer and the lining, creating an even thickness of insulation) or 'sewn-through' whereby the outer is sewn directly to the lining and the down is stuffed into little pockets - economical to manufacture, but you get cold spots at the stitch lines because there is no insulation there.

    Sorry I can't open the links so can't comment directly.

    I have a thin belay-style down jacket (Chinese, very cheap and very light) for summer and a big fully-featured Macpac jacket for winter adventures. I got the Macpac jacket a size larger than usual so I can wear it over the light one, for when it's just that cold.

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