Down Vs Synthetic Jackets - What's the Best for you?

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[DarwinOnthetrail]

Down or Synthetic?
Which one do you prefer on the trail?
What New Jacket is currently on your Gear Geek Wish List?

👇Let Us Know Down Below!👇

[generalfox]

Im 14 years old and I used to play games al the time and I was like never outside and I was very shy, but I started watching your videos and you inspired me to go out hiking and overnighting outside on the trail and i haven’t played a game in almost a month and I’m much more outside and with friends and I’m not that shy anymore, thank you. You are the best.

[bensondeluca]

An additional pro for synthetic is that certain synthetics are far more breathable than down. My go to is the Patagonia Nano Air Light for its breathability.

[dgio]

I've always worn a "Members Only" jacket.

[franciscorivera]

And two years later, i find this gem of a video. Well explained. Thanks for the info. 🙌🏼

[randiunroe]

Thanks for how well you explained that! I run a gear shop in Northern California and have this conversation with my customers all the time. I usually try to steer my customers towards synthetic with the weather we have up here. Typically if it’s cold enough to need a jacket, it’s gonna be at least overcast

[Dr_aovana_timmerman_endo]

Synthetics win for me. My patagonia micropuff jacket is warm, waterproof and windproof. I can wash it easily and tumble dry it quickly in the dryer and I'm really to go out hiking again.

[vincentmercier]

Been selling outdoor clothes for years, he is spot on, excellent and accurate info.

[ButeoAlbonotatus]

This is the best explanation of down vs synthetic jackets I've come across on the internet, and I've viewed quite a few: Clearly defines the terms and differences (what they are and why they matter) in a very succinct manner (enough info for a novice to comprehend - no jargon and minimal technical detail). Outstanding review! I'm now seriously looking into synthetic jackets for backpacking, though I'm staying with my FF down sleeping bag.

[beardjuice]

I use the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoodie Synthetic with their PlumaFill. The actual jacket is coated in a DWR finish and the synthetic material inside is also water resistant. It's definitely not a rain jacket, but it does a good job in light rain/snowy conditions. A size large 10D weighs in around 9oz so not quite as light as the two you mentioned, but still very light. Packs into its own pocket.
If I'm expecting rain or heavier moisture, I have a fairly compact rain jacket that will fit over the top if needed.

[fletcherbullock]

I might be a little alone here but I prefer a nice wool jacket. It’s water wicking for the most part and even if it does get wet eventually it’s easy to dry and while you’re still outside the water helps retain heat thus keeping you warm

[sasquatchhimself]

I've watched 3 of your videos now and I'm amazed at how much information you pack into these short videos. Thank you.

[BackcountryExposure]

Nice breakdown. My Arc’teryx Atom LT has been my favorite jacket the past three years. The insulation has lost a significant amount of loft but it also has at least 500+ days of use and it’s still in amazing shape, just not as warm as it used to be.

[ArtLoverDaiana]

Best comparison review I ever watched! There are jackets with a combination of down + synthetics so u get the little extra warmth and the little extra space in your backpack + waterproof + machine washable + more cheap + doesn't smell so bad after a long wear (compared to down).

[Kim_gs]

Patagonia micro puff hoody for me, synthetic and weighs 227 gr, 8 oz, in womens medium. It wasn't cheap, 279 euro, 319 $. I also have a synthetic quilt, made by As Tucas, a small company in the Spanish Pyrenees. 200 apex Climashield, 23 degrees Fahrenheit, - 5 celsius. It weighs 665 gr, 1.4 pounds, in a regular. It's great! Even my little doggy has one in his size, they made it especially for him😊

[crackerjack]

Down jacket has a wonderfully wide comfort range.
If comparing SYNTHETIC against DOWN when both garments are of similar construction, you will probably be just as warm in both jackets if similar rating.
But as you get warmer from hiking, working or weather, you will probably get sweaty and need to pop off that synthetic, while the down still breathes and you still feel dry, comfortable.
Although true that down loses insulation loft if it gets wet, the strategy is layering. If it starts to rain, you continue to wear it, protect it under a rainproof poncho. Poncho fits nice over your backpack anyway.

[Badgerooni]

I have a Patagonia nano puff jacket with synthetic insulation. Keeps you nice and warm outdoors all day in most conditions. Very packable and easy to move around in very comfortable. Best jacket I ever bought !

[ChrisfromFL]

Hey Darwin,
I live in Florida and now have both a down and a synthetic jacket. Since I don't have many instances to wear either, I learned an important lesson last year about down jackets. Before sunset and before the temperature started to drop I took my down jacket from my pack and draped it over my camp chair near the fire pit. Because of the humidity we have even on cold nights, my jacket became damp due to the falling temperatures and the heat from the fire. I was lucky that someone with more experience than I with down and falling temperatures who told me I had better put my jacket on or it would be totally useless in short order. Had it not been for that advise, I would have been in a heap of trouble later when the temperature bottomed out at 19°F.
I purchased a synthetic as soon as I got home!

[JamesPliny]

I think everyone's experience differs. For example, I have always been able to keep my down jacket dry. It is secure in my pack or... under a shell layer if I am wearing it in the rain. Wearing it in the rain is rarely, simply because raining that means it is above freezing temps. I was given a beautiful new brand-name synthetic to try and I have only two complaints. It isn't quite as warm, and it weighs a little more. It sure is hard for me to justify taking something heavier and not as warm. It does have a Pertex fabric on the outside, but that doesn't quite eliminate the need for my shell layer which is almost carried here in the Pacific Northwest. I currently have four down jackets, one for every season. My wife says I'm a gear junky, but it isn't so.

[katrinaaa]

I just ordered an EE Torrid with my Christmas money! Can't wait for it to come in.