Outdoor Blog

What Is Down Fill Power & Why Does it Matter?

Published

3 years ago

May 20, 2021

Close up of red down jacket, winter fashion outfit

If you’ve ever bought outerwear made from down or other goose down products for winter weather camping, hiking, or snow sports, you’ve probably seen fill power ratings on the labeling.

What is down fill power though? And does it matter for keeping you warm? Read on to learn all about down fill power before you start the search for the best down jacket on the market. While fill power doesn’t measure warmth directly, it is an important factor in understanding how down garments work.

What fill power measures is the quality and efficiency of the down insulation. So it tells you how much down is required to capture heat. Together with the amount of down used in the garment, you can use this to figure out how warm it will be.

production of down duvets work with feather products light white fluff keeps in hands view from sides

You can make a down comforter in an afternoon with basic sewing skills.

Fill Power Ratings

If you’re on the hunt for the warmest outdoor wear you can find, understanding fill power is a big help. And let’s be honest, almost everyone is looking for as much warmth as they can get when getting ready for a winter hiking or camping trip. So let’s dig into fill power. Fill power, as mentioned above, measures down quality. More specifically, fill power measures the cubic inches of loft produced by an ounce of down.

Loft, in this case, refers to how “fluffy” the down is, or how much space it takes up. This is directly related to the amount of heat the down can capture. So a higher quality down with more “loft” will have a higher fill power and capture heat more efficiently. A lower quality down will have less “loft” and a lower fill power.

With all this in mind, it starts to become clear what fill power is all about: efficiency. A higher fill power means a down jacket can be lighter and easier to store while being just as warm. So a 500 fill power jacket is not necessarily less warm than a 900 fill power jacket, it’s just that a jacket with a low fill power will need to be much bulkier to provide the same amount of warmth.

What’s So Special About Goose Down

This all makes a bit more sense when you consider the mechanics of how goose down keeps you warm. There’s a reason, after all, that goose down is the insulator of choice for so many outdoor brands. The way that goose down works to keep you warm is by trapping pockets of warm air close to your body in between the feathers. The air trapped in these little down clusters keeps you warm.

This is the same way down keeps a goose warm and is the same mechanism that most synthetic insulation aims to imitate. While some of those synthetic alternatives can be better for wet weather or special applications, goose down remains one of the warmest, lightest, and most compressible options for cold weather.

Now in most down fills, there’s a variation in the size of the feathers and how many of them are truly down versus slightly larger and bulkier feathers. Higher quality down is going to have very small/fine feathers and very few non-down feathers in the mix. So high quality down can keep you very warm and is also quite soft to the touch.

This also depends somewhat on where the down was taken from. Goose down occurs in two basic varieties: natal down and body down. Some other birds also produce “powder down” which forms from the breakdown of larger feathers. With goose down, the important thing to know is that body down, the under plumage of mature geese, is generally considered to be higher quality than natal down, or down from goslings that haven’t matured yet.

Kinds of Down

Alternatives like duck down can be just as effective though, and Eider Duck down is even considered to be the finest down option of all. This is very expensive though and the duck is endangered in many places. So goose down remains the most popular option on the market as it provides almost the same level of quality.

Other types of duck down are also used, but some have a bit of a “gamey” smell compared to the fresher smell of cleaned goose down. Most goose down is referred to as “white” goose down, but the color of goose down doesn’t actually matter that much.

While the soft, fine down used for insulation is white most of the time, it can turn gray or brown in the summer months. It may not look as nice as white down, but it works just as well if it’s still from the downy under-layer of feathers.

The Down Fill Power Test

Now that we’ve looked at what fill power means and how it indicates the quality of goose down, we can look at the full fill power range available as well as how down’s fill power number is determined. As we now know, high fill power indicates higher quality down that provides more heat capture per gram of down. So let’s look at how this number is determined.

A higher fill power indicates more down clusters and larger clusters per gram. These larger clusters trap more warm air, making it easier to keep toasty. So how do you find out how many clusters there are and how much air is trapped? In a fill power test, goose down is placed in a plexiglass cylinder and then compressed until all the air is removed. The more air is captured, the less space the down will take up when compressed.

So better quality down is more compressible than lower quality goose down and will take up less space after a down fill power test. In a standard down fill power test, 30 grams of down is used in the compression, and environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and other influences must be accounted for. Fill power numbers range from 550 to over 800, and anything over 650 is considered good quality, with fills over 800 being the highest quality.

What Is Fill Weight?

Once the fill power of the down is determined, there’s one other measurement to consider: fill weight. With both fill power and fill weight in mind, you can figure out exactly how warm, light and compressible a down garment will be.

We already know that higher fill power indicates greater efficiency and quality of the down, but what is fill weight? It’s pretty simple, this is just the weight of the down used in ounces. So a jacket with 100 grams of 450-fill-power down should be about the same warmth as a 900-fill-power jacket with 50 grams of down.

Of course, this all depends a bit on how the down is distributed as well. Good quality down products will use baffles to distribute the down evenly and prevent it from bunching up at certain points. So, while fill weight and fill power are important considerations in finding the right down jacket for your needs, there’s a lot more to consider than just this!

Finding the Right Down Jacket

Finding the right down jacket for your next backpacking trip, camping expedition or day hike depends a lot on the amount of warmth you need. The best down jacket for climbers in very cold and unforgiving regions may need to aim for the maximum loft and warmth they can get. If you don’t need so much warmth though, a lighter option will be more comfortable.

So you should balance warmth with weight and compressibility to fit your specific needs. You should also consider how long you’ll be out, how often you plan to use the jacket, and what other outerwear you’re going to have on or available.

One final thing to keep in mind is the weather. Down gets heavy and pretty useless when it’s wet. This is one reason some people prefer synthetic insulation instead. But there are lots of ways to approach the problem.

Some just use a waterproof shell to protect a down parka underneath, and really layering garments like this is the best way to stay warm and dry. It can be tempting to look for the one jacket that does everything, but nothing beats effective layering. After all, there’s very little that can beat the warmth-to-weight ratio of down insulation.

The Responsible Down Standard

Down isn’t perfect though. Like any other product, there are more and less ethical ways to buy down products. So in addition to looking out for fill weight, fill power, and how the baffles are laid out, you should check your down products for Responsible Down Standard certification. This certification means that the down used did not come from animals subjected to unnecessary harm or cruelty.

Presented by the Textile Exchange, a global nonprofit for standards in the fibers and materials industry, this certification ensures that ducks, geese, and other down-providing animals are treated humanely. The group works with farmers, producers, and retailers to encourage the humane treatment of animals while producing down goods and to promote the welfare of down-producing animals.

This certification has gained traction in part as a response to the prevalence of live-plucking and other inhumane practices reported by watchdogs in the industry. This issue is complicated by the fact that some geese and ducks are not used for just one product. So some geese are used to produce multiple products and it can be difficult to track which were used for what.

The Responsible Down Standard certification has taken some of the guesswork out for consumers, however. So if you’re concerned about animal well-being and want to make sure the down your purchase was ethically produced, just look out for this certification.

There are other certifications you might want to look into for sustainability or labor practices, but at least on the sustainability front, down is often a much better option than the synthetic insulators offered as an alternative.

More About Down: Comforters, Sleeping Bags, and Duvets

And goose down is great for more than just jackets! In fact, some of the best cold-weather sleeping bags, duvets, comforters, and other products use down to provide warmth without too much weight. Just like with outerwear, down sleeping bags and bedding have the advantage of compressing quite a lot to take up little space in your pack.

In fact, some of the highest quality winter sleeping systems out there take up such a minuscule amount of space that they’ve allowed today’s ultralight backpackers and trekkers to go longer, farther, and faster than ever before. At the center of this technology, however, is the tried and true standard of winter wear: goose down.

In addition to being considered the best option for outerwear, goose down is used in bedding so often because it can be very comfortable and light. In fact, one of the most common uses of high fill-power goose down is to make comforters that are warm without being too heavy.

Of course, the alternative is also popular too: comforters with a low fill power that can feel heavy without being too warm. The takeaway is that there’s a lot that can down with goose down, especially when you understand fill power ratings.

Alternatives to Goose Down

Of course, you’ll also find a lot of synthetic insulation options for outerwear, sleeping bags, and more when you walk into a big camping chain like REI or Cabela’s. These synthetic options often promise to be lighter and sturdier than goose down, but there are few that really beat out the power of down when it comes to ultralight insulation.

Many of these synthetic fills are made of polyester and cotton blends. While these do perform a bit better in wet weather than down, traditional down fills match and even exceed synthetic blends in lightness, compression, and warmth. Plus, down can be produced much more sustainably, and doesn’t rely on chemical processes that can be harmful to the environment.

Hiker wearing hiking backpack and hardshell jacket on hike in forest.

Layering a down garment with a hardshell jacket is a great way to deal with heavy rain.

What to Do About Rain?

If you’re worried about rain or snow, you can combine a down garment with a waterproof windbreaker or even a hardshell jacket to get more protection from the weather. One advantage of layering up and using multiple garments for staying warm is that you can be ready for any weather!

If it warms up a bit, you can go down to just the shell, and if it’s dry, you might only need your parka. All-in-one approaches to outerwear leave you stuck with everything on at once, which can be heavy and uncomfortable. The best option for a great winter trip is to go with a real goose down parka and combine it with a waterproof outer layer.

Final Verdict

So, for many, the intersection of effectiveness, sustainability, and comfort makes down a clear winner for staying warm on a winter camping trip. After all, down is biodegradable and so won’t add to the pile-up of synthetic materials in landfills across the world.

It’s also really really good at keeping you warm! And with a better understanding of fill power, fill weight, and how down is classified, you should be set to get the most out of your next down insulated piece of outerwear.

Bonus video: Check out this video of a down fill-power test in action!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter