Natural down jacket

When you need to stay wrapped up for warmth, then there’s no better material for insulation than natural fibres. Natural down from ducks and geese is engineered by nature to be warm and snug, and just as it keeps feathered birds warm during the harshest of winters, it can be harnessed for natural down jackets too.

This feather insulation is formed in such a way that it traps heat in even the coldest conditions so whether you’re outside for a long time in freezing temperatures or just commuting, it’s proven to keep you warm even in changeable weather. Down is lightweight, and it can be utilised in jackets for all kinds of outdoor activity adventures, from winter coats to long parkas that offer protection for your thighs. Shop the collection today!

Which kind of winter down jacket to choose?

We have lots of down jackets to choose from, and each one will keep you warm whenever you step outside in cold temperatures, whether it’s at home or abroad. Down jackets are remarkably effective at trapping heat, but they can also be designed in such a way that reduces heat loss but lets moisture escape so you don’t feel too warm or clammy when you're on the move.

A parka coat is best for freezing weather as it covers you past the waist, locking in the heat. A shorter down jacket is perfect for movement if you’re going to be walking over a long distance, such as on a hike. Hooded and waterproof down jackets mean you don’t need to wear a hat too, and they also prevent you from getting wet in light rain and splashes of water.

Trust our patented technologies to keep you warm

Down jackets are always in demand, and that’s because Columbia Sportswear® uses a range of technology to boost the heat capacity of our jackets. Firstly, you can take comfort in the fact that all of our down is RDS certified in line with our responsible down sourcing.

On the inside of the jacket, you’ll find our Omni-Heat™ Infinity, which uses a clever thermal lining to keep body heat from escaping. This is backed up with Omni-Tech™ that allows our natural down jackets to be waterproof but also breathable at the same time to let moisture escape. Heat Seal™ is used to prevent unnecessary heat loss from the stitches on the jacket, and also stops insulation from moving out of place.

With the Double Wall™ construction, wind and rain are effectively blocked from coming into contact with the insulation so it can continue to perform optimally.

As an alternative to down, we also offer synthetic down jackets which have a range of technologies to keep you warm without natural down feathers, including Thermarator™, Omni-Heat™ Infinity, and Omni-Heat™ Arctic.

FAQs

What is a natural down jacket?

Natural down is feathers used in insulation and the down is able to trap warm air molecules and hold onto them rather than losing heat quickly into the cold air. They’re great for cold weather as the down fill insulation offers protection across your whole torso, thanks to the baffle-style construction. They are some of the warmest jackets available to buy, including puffers and parkas.

Which is the warmest down jacket?

Down jackets combine a high fill power with stylish design, and at Columbia Sportswear®, we have parkas, coats, and jackets in the highest levels of 700 fill down. It’s lightweight and holds its shape over time, and many of our warmest jackets have high collars and hoods. Waterproof down-filled parkas are one of the best jackets for staying warm.

How to pick a good down jacket?

Picking the best down jacket depends on a number of conditions. Think about whether you need it for everyday use such as urban walking and commuting, or whether it’s for hiking or walking long distances in. If you want it to be completely weather-resistant, it needs to be waterproof, and consider if you need to roll it into a small bag. If you like to wrap up warm, choose a down jacket with a hood and collar. We have a huge range of down jackets available for men and women on our online store ranging from sizes XXS to 6X, including plus size clothing for men.

What should you wear under a down jacket?

As down jackets are so warm, it can be easy to overheat when you’re walking long distances, so sometimes all you might need is a long-sleeve t-shirt or shirt. If you need extra protection from the cold, think about adding a thin midlayer such as a technical fleece, jumper or hoodie.

When you have a large and bulky down jacket, such as a parka, try not to wear too many underlayers as you can overheat and it’s difficult to remove them.

How do you wash a down jacket?

Down jackets need to be washed in a quick but gentle cycle without fabric softener to keep their loftiness and colour. All zips and pockets should be done up, and afterwards, you can give it a rinse to remove any excess residue from the detergent. Don’t worry if the natural down is compressed, as it will spring back up once the jacket dries. Simply add it to a low-heat tumble dryer with some dryer balls and the loft will return. For natural down that has clumped, you can break it apart with your fingers.