Your down jacket may be one of the most important purchases you will make! Having the right warm, insulating layer can make or break your enjoyment level on a trekking or climbing trip around the world. If you are trekking to Everest Base Camp or heading for the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, you want to make sure that you have the right jacket for your journey.
The Correct Down Jacket for Your Trip
There are so many different down jackets out there. Many of them also have different levels of warmth, from the ultra lightweight to a heavy down jacket. The video below should help you understand the difference between the different types of down. Hopefully, it will also help you understand what type of down jacket you should consider for your chosen adventure.
Choosing Your Jacket
The number associated with a down jacket, like an 800 fill goose down jacket, does NOT equate to how warm the jacket is. That number actually relates to the quality of the down jacket you are purchasing. Most of the high end outdoor companies, like Patagonia, Marmot, Rab, etc, they are going to use a high quality of down. This means it is around a 700 or 800 fill. However, this does not mean that it is a warmer jacket! The most important thing to consider when looking at the warmth of a jacket is the loft or amount of down actually in the jacket. So, in simpler terms, the puffier the jacket, normally the warmer.
In this video, Laura compares three of her jackets. All of these are Patagonia jackets. The reason that they are all Patagonia is that Laura has actually worked for Patagonia for years. She learned about the gear and was able to test out many of their products. It is a brand that we all trust for our outdoor adventures. However, there are many great brands out there at the moment, with a LOT of great choices! Find the right brand for you and let us know if you need help in choosing your jacket!
Ask the Experts
If you need further information on any of our treks or climbs CONTACT US. We have years of experience in the region, therefore we are the people you need to consult. We want to make sure that all of our clients get the right information. Read some REVIEWS from our trips.
If you sign up to an Ian Taylor Trekking trip we provide you with an itemized kit list for each trip that we run. Remember there is no one size fits all when it comes to gear. You will need different layers and down jacket, depending on the month you decide to travel and the adventure you have chosen. Make the most of your trip, don’t skimp on the jacket and ruin your adventure!