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Men's Down JacketLooking for men's down jacket for a reasonable price? There are many styles and price ranges for a warm and fairly priced down jacket if you do a little research. Choosing the best men's down jacket requires a keen eye to detail and a good understanding of what makes a good down jacket. The materials are important but the real key to durability and warmth is the quality of the filler and how many ounces are used in the jacket. Serious down jackets are measured by the temperature they are comfortable in and the amount and weight of the down. If you are going to be in extremely cold climates, something with at least 24 ounces of 700-fill down and a rating to match, probably -40. The design and method of the quilting is very important too. Too loose and the filler can move around and leave gaps which don't protect from the cold. Poor stitching both in materials and layout can quickly deteriorate and that's the end of that jacket for any warmth.. What type of Style?: It really depends a lot on what you'll be doing while wearing the down jacket. If you will be exerting a lot of physical effort, you really don't want a low temperature design. The reason is you'll sweat and that will ultimately make you colder. Pick a design that allows the freedom of movement you'll need for skiing, hunting, or whatever you choose to do while wearing the down jacket. Look at the zippers, pockets, and snaps to make sure they are firmly attached and reinforced. Budget Factor: A men's down jacket, regardless of style, can be pricey. Especially if you see a famous designer name or big time brand. A decent brand with quality construction can be found for around $100 (barely). But most middle of the road prices tend to run from $150 to $300. If it's a good quality jacket and lasts 2-3 years, that's still a good value. And to get a good -40 temperature rating design, plan on going well over $500. Don't go too cheap or your down jacket will not last or be warm. Care and Cleaning: Never throw your men's down jacket into a normal washer. You want to use a commercial model with out the center piece to keep the down from being moved around and becoming bunched up. Don't use stain removers unless you know they won't harm the material. Wash on the gentle cycle with plain water or special soap for down material. After washing take out jacket and pat with towels to get excess water out. Fluff each section with your hands. Then you can put the jacket in a dryer on low heat or no heat for about 15 minutes. Take out and thoroughly fluff by hand again. Then put back in dryer for another 10-15 minutes on no heat. Then take out and fluff and hang for final drying process. The best men's down jacket choice is one that fits your lifestyle and budget. Look at the weight and number on the down content, check out the seams and how the zippers and snaps are attached. Look for the best value, not just the best price. |
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