Even if heavy snowfall is still waiting to arrive in the lowlands, the heights of the Southern Alps have already been blanketed in white. It is time to get your down jacket out! And if you do not yet have one, here are a few tips to help you choose the right down jacket for you.
Animal or synthetic down?
The first question to address is the choice of down jacket fill: animal down or synthetic fill? While animal down fill requires the use of goose or duck down, the synthetic alternative can be of recycled or even natural origin.
Animal down, the origin of the down jacket
The first animal-down fills appeared in the fourteenth century, initially in bedding. It was not until the late 1930s that goose down was used in the first down jacket. According to an article in Le Monde, it was after several attempts that American Eddie Bauer developed a quilting technique that distributed the down evenly across the entire surface of the garment.
The down jacket first caught the attention of the military, hunters and fishermen. It was then introduced at the 1968 Winter Olympics, which made it famous. It was later adapted to appeal to urban dwellers and fashion designers. Today, however, alternatives have emerged that are more in tune with respect for nature and wildlife.
Ethical down: a textile revolution
Outdoor brand Cimalp has chosen to use animal-down-free insulation in its Cimaloft® fill, which is composed of 33% plant-based fibres and 67% recycled polyester. By launching a fill that is both bio-based and synthetic, the French brand demonstrates its commitment to animal welfare.
As well as being ethical, synthetic insulation is just as effective!
A down jacket suited to your activity
The second criterion to consider before buying a winter down jacket is how you intend to use it.
From active pursuits to waiting in the cold
A romantic forest walk, a family getaway to Canada or Lapland, an ice climbing session with friends. If you are looking for a down jacket for low-intensity or static outdoor activities, go for an ultra-warm down jacket!
Indeed, you can lose heat very quickly depending on the surrounding weather conditions. Having the right technical and durable kit in such situations is essential — just like the Himalayan down jacket. Its longer cut and exceptional fill power provide protection against wind and snow. As well as being windproof, it has hydrophobic properties thanks to its high-performance recycled natural down. And it remains highly compressible.
Intense sport in cold conditions
For dedicated athletes, summer and winter alike, even if the cold holds no fear for you, stay warm with an insulating and breathable down jacket! For long winter hikes, the lightweight Women's down jacket Morzine or Meije for Men is perfect. Ultra-compressible, it packs easily into its integrated pocket, so you can take it anywhere, whatever the weather.
It is the ideal garment for mountain outings as well as everyday use. All that remains is to make your decision: down jacket with or without hood?
The Swiss Army knife of down jackets
Among down jackets, there is also the sleeveless option! They allow extra airflow during effort. Whether in mountaineering, Nordic walking, cross-country skiing or ski touring, snowshoeing or winter hiking, this sleeveless down jacket will quickly become your essential pack item.
For example, the Velan and Arves models from Cimalp, also filled with ethical Cimaloft down, feature elasticated armholes and an adjustable hem with elasticated drawcords for effective cold protection. The front zip with high collar and zip guard offers optimal chin comfort.
And now, for tips on how to care for your down jacket and ensure its longevity, here are a few video tips!
