Synthetic vs. Down – What You Should Know
January 23, 2025
Category: Outdoor Gear, Outdoor Lifestyle, Sustainability
There are many factors to consider when buying an insulated jacket or sleeping bag, and the type of insulation should be at the top of your list. Is it going to be down or synthetic? To make sure you get what works best for your particular needs and expectations, it’s essential to understand what sets them apart. It’s obvious we’re a big proponent of synthetic insulation – the continuous filament variety – so we’ve laid out some things to keep in mind as you’re making a purchase.
Cost
We all have a budget, so the first thing to know is that there is a big price discrepancy between down and synthetic. High-quality or ethically sourced down is an expensive material and typically is 1.5 to 3 times more expensive than synthetic alternatives, mostly due to the complexity of the construction needed to incorporate down. While Climashield® insulation is a continuous material, down must be pieced together – this is why all down products have a similar look. Synthetic insulation will almost always be more affordable, and as it is also more durable, it can last for years with the proper care.
Moisture Resistance
Synthetics, such as our continuous filament insulation, significantly outperform down in wet conditions. Although the latter can be chemically treated to become more hydrophobic, the water-repellent coating usually wears off after just a couple of seasons.
Aside from rain and humidity, one thing people often fail to think about is the effect of perspiration on insulation performance. People perspire approximately 7–17 ounces per night during sleep and this moisture can linger in a down sleeping bag, greatly affecting its thermal efficiency and exposing users to a dangerous loss of body heat. Aside from performance, the moisture from your body can cause the bag to add extra pounds which is crucial if you’re carrying a pack. In contrast, synthetic insulation retains much of its warmth even when wet – a reliable choice for wet or humid environments, or during high-intensity activities where sweat becomes a factor.
Care and Longevity
Not only is synthetic insulation easier to clean than down, but it is also more robust against numerous wash cycles. Most synthetic garments can be machine-washed and spun or even air-dried. Meanwhile, to maintain its thermal efficiency, down requires careful handling and specialized detergents. Although down performs well in extremely cold but dry arctic conditions, synthetic insulation proves more durable over time.
Synthetic insulation shines in high-impact activities, enduring repeated compressions and movement without losing loft. Down, while resilient in its natural state, can degrade over time if frequently compressed, such as in sleeping bags or jackets used for rugged activities.
Hypoallergenic Properties
The chemical processing of high-quality down reduces its inflammatory potential, but synthetic fibers are almost entirely hypoallergenic from the start, making them the best choice for users prone to allergies. What’s more, non-organic fabrics are also less hospitable to microbes and mildew, making them odor-resistant and cleaner for longer.
Ethical Practices
From an environmental standpoint, one of the key advantages of synthetic is that it doesn’t rely on animal products, making it suitable for vegans. Furthermore, polyester fibers can be produced from recycled plastic waste, such as in the Climashield® ECO line, which is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.
After laying out these advantages over down, it is worth noting that not all synthetic insulation is created alike. We’ll tackle these comparisons in an upcoming post.