How to choose your insulation

To choose an insulated jacket, first match the insulation type to your activity and climate: synthetic is best for damp or active conditions, while down is ideal for dry and cold environments. Then, consider the insulation's fill weight (synthetic) or fill power (down) to gauge warmth, and check for features like baffle construction and a proper fit that is snug but not restrictive.

• Synthetic:Ideal for damp, cold conditions, or when you will be active. It retains warmth even when wet, making it a good choice for hiking in the UK or for high-exertion activities where you might get sweaty.
• Down:Best for dry, cold conditions where the jacket can remain dry. High-quality down is very warm for its weight and can be compressed into a smaller package, making it excellent for static activities or as a warm layer under a waterproof shell.
• Hydrophobic down:A good compromise for wet environments, as it is treated to resist moisture and retain loft better than untreated down, though it's not fully waterproof.

• For synthetic jackets: Look at the insulation weight, usually measured in grams per square meter (g/m2g / m squared 𝑔/𝑚2). Higher numbers mean more warmth. A weight of 50−100g is good for spring/autumn or as a mid-layer, while 100−200g or more is for colder weather.

• For down jackets: Check the "fill power" rating, which indicates the quality of the down. A higher number (e.g.700−900) means the down is of higher quality and traps more air, but you also need to consider the total weight of down in the jacket to determine its overall warmth.

• Thickness: As a simple rule, a thicker jacket will generally be warmer than a thin one, regardless of the insulation type.

• Fit:The jacket should be snug to minimize air gaps, but not so tight that it compresses the insulation. A too-loose jacket will have too much dead space that your body has to work to warm up.
• Sleeves and hem:Ensure the sleeves are long enough to cover your wrists, and the hem is long enough to cover your lower back when you bend.
• Baffles:These are the compartments that hold the insulation.Box-wall bafflesare generally warmer because they allow the insulation to expand fully, whilestitch-through bafflesare lighter and more common in packable jackets but can create cold spots.
• Hood:Decide if you need a hood for extra warmth and wind protection or prefer a hoodless jacket to avoid bulk when layering.
• Pockets:Consider if you need hand-warming pockets or internal zippered pockets to secure items.