DOWN is the finest natural material for thermal insulation in technical clothing and sleeping bags. It comes from the soft layer of feathers without quills found beneath the outer feathers of water birds such as geese and ducks.

Choose free fibers that comply with the ethical standards set by GRS (Global Recycled Standard)

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The parameter that indicates the quality of down, specifically its ability to expand and trap air.

How is it calculated?

One ounce (28.35 grams) of down is compressed into a standard cylinder and then allowed to expand.
The volume occupied by the down in cubic inches represents its fill power.

• 500–600 FP: Medium quality down.
• 600–700 FP: High-quality down.
• 700+ FP: Excellent quality down.
• 800–900+ FP: Premium down.

Made primarily of polyester, a lightweight, affordable, and durable material.
Synthetic loose fibers are materials designed to mimic the insulating properties of natural down.

PROS

- Heat: Exceptional thermal performance with an unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio.
- Lightness: Significantly lighter compared to synthetic materials.
- Compressibility: Packs down better, taking up less space in the backpack.
- Durability: If properly cared for, maintains performance for many years.
- Breathability: High, effectively regulates body temperature.

CONS

- Moisture sensitivity: Loses insulating ability when wet.
- Maintenance: Requires special care for washing and drying.
- Ethics: Can be controversial without certifications like RDS (Responsible Down Standard).

PROS

- Moisture sensitivity: Loses insulating ability when wet.
- Maintenance: Requires special care for washing and drying.
- Ethics: Can be controversial without certifications like RDS (Responsible Down Standard).

CONS

- Weight: Heavier compared to down for the same level of insulation.
- Compressibility: Less compressible than natural down.
- Longevity: Tends to lose thermal performance with prolonged use and washes.
- Breathability: Inferior to down, less effective in temperature regulation.

Hollow fiber waddings have an internal cavity that traps more air than solid fibers, improving thermal insulation effectiveness. These battings are generally lighter, more compressible, and more efficient than traditional battings.

Solid fiber waddings do not have an internal cavity. These battings are generally heavier and less compressible compared to hollow fibers, but they still provide good insulation. They are used in many jackets and technical clothing, but they tend to have lower thermal performance and compressibility than hollow fibers.

Hybrid waddings combine natural fibers (such as wool) with synthetic fibers to create a blend that aims to combine the advantages of both materials, such as breathability and moisture resistance.

PROS

- Lightweight: Loose fibers are often lighter, providing better warmth-to-weight ratio.

- Compressibility: They can be packed down more easily, taking up less space in storage or while traveling.

- Breathability: Loose fibers, especially natural ones, offer better breathability and moisture wicking.

- Thermal Performance: High-quality loose fibers (like down) provide superior insulation.

CONS

- Moisture Sensitivity: Loose fibers, particularly down, lose insulation when wet, reducing their effectiveness.

- Durability: Over time, loose fibers can break down or shift, affecting performance.

- Care: They often require more care when washing and drying to maintain their structure and effectiveness.

PROS

- Good Insulation: Wadding offers solid insulation, especially when made from high-quality fibers.

- Moisture Resistance: Synthetic wadding generally performs well in humid or wet conditions, unlike natural fibers.

- Durability: Wadding tends to be more durable and less prone to losing its structure over time.

- Easier Maintenance: Wadding is typically easier to wash and maintain compared to loose fibers.

CONS

- Heavier: Wadding tends to be heavier than loose fibers, reducing its warmth-to-weight ratio.

- Less Compressible: It does not pack down as easily as loose fibers, taking up more space.

- Lower Breathability: Some types of wadding, especially synthetic ones, are less breathable compared to natural loose fibers.

Hollow fiber used as next-to-skin refers to the use of fibers with internal cavities in garments that come into direct contact with the skin. These fibers are designed to maximize comfort and performance in clothing worn close to the body, such as base layers or technical apparel.

The unique structure of hollow fibers allows them to trap air, improving thermal insulation and providing warmth without adding bulk. When used as next-to-skin layers, hollow fibers also offer excellent moisture management properties, helping to move sweat away from the skin to keep the body dry and comfortable. Additionally, their lightness and quick-drying ability make them highly functional. The breathability of hollow fibers also ensures the maintenance of a comfortable body temperature.

Hollow fiber used as a mid-layer refers to the use of fibers with internal cavities in garments worn between the base layer and outer layer. These fibers are designed to provide additional warmth and insulation, maximizing comfort and performance in clothing worn as a middle layer.

The unique structure of hollow fibers allows them to trap air, improving thermal insulation and providing warmth without adding bulk. When used as a mid-layer, hollow fibers offer excellent moisture management properties, helping to transfer sweat away from the skin to keep the body dry and comfortable. Additionally, their lightness and quick-drying ability make them highly functional. The breathability of hollow fibers also ensures the maintenance of a comfortable body temperature.