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What Is Down Fill Power & Why Does it Matter?

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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!

 

 

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Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

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Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.

Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement

The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.

The psychological thrill

In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently. 

The benefits of embracing the edge

Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.

The balance of risk and reward

While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger. 

Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.

Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.

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Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

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Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news. 

The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise. 

Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails. 

Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important? 

Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy. 

The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources. 

These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources. 

Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important: 

  • Allows for sustainable rural development 

This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy. 

  • Test new technologies 

Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy. 

  • Improving the effect of climate change 

Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air. 

Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air. 

  • This leads to job creation 

Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms. 

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails 

Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors. 

Embracing the Use of Green Technology 

Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails. 

By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment. 

The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it. 

Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors 

Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive. 

Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources. 

Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty 

The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes. 

Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem. 

Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before. 

Providing Health and Wellness Benefits 

Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being. 

Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy 

These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses. 

This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists. 

Conclusion

Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants. 

From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market. 

Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com

 

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Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

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Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.

If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.

Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool

Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.

Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.

Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks

Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.

Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.

Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions

Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.

Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner

A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.

Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight

A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.

Endnote

Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.

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