Outdoor Action Blog

Down jackets and Sleeping bags can be both complicated and very simple to understand, so here we will try and explain in a language that we can all relate too.

Down feathers can come from both Duck and Goose. Duck Down is normally found in goods which are just for warmth and not for any technical use, such as duvet’s, pillows and good value for money jackets. Goose down being the better quality is more found in the outdoor goods when warmth to weight ratio is more useful.

Down Quality is measured by its Fill power and is quite straight forward to understand with a bit of maths. Different fill powers are commonly seen at 600+, 700+, 800+. What this means is that 30gms of 700+Down will cover 700 cubic inches of space, 800+ will cover 800 cubic inches of space etc.

So let’s take a jacket that has of down in it of 600+ fill power and a jacket that has 800+ fill power. The 800+ will be lighter, will in essence not seem to be as bulky, but because has the higher fill power will keep you warmer.

So what to choose, If your just using the jacket or sleeping bag just for warmth purposes around town, watching your favourite sport or light walking, then a jacket of 600+ fill power will be more than adequate. Where if you are using the item on the hill or climbing, then a higher 800+ fill power be better option for as you will be saving on weight and pack size.

For our full range of down jackets please visit or Mens Section, Womens Section, Kids Section

For our Sleeping bags please click here