It can be very warm if the quilted cells are smaller than 15x15 cm, and the label says Fill Power with numbers above 750. This means that the item contains exclusive quality down.
It's very resilient. The jacket with it looks thin and light, completely different from an insulated winter jacket, but it warms an order of magnitude better than “plump” wardrobe items with low-quality down (up to 450), as well as synthetic and cotton models.
What is a double-layer and single-layer down jacket?
In single-layer ones, the outer and inner sides are stitched to each other. Because of this, the level of heat loss is high. In two-layer models, the lining and upper part meet only at separate points and these places are additionally insulated. Is two-layer so warm? Yes, this design retains heat better.
Type of filling of a two-layer and single-layer down jacket
Types of fillers:
- 100% down;
- combination of down and feathers;
- wool;
- cotton wool;
- artificial material (or a combination of several).
Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.So, pure down weighs very little, a product made from it, when folded, takes up minimal space, it is very warm (even a single-layer model), but such a thing cannot be washed in a regular machine - the material does not tolerate contact with water. In addition, it is allergenic.
Especially often, individual intolerance occurs against the background of improper storage of a wardrobe item and poor-quality processing of the filler (the material was poorly cleaned or debris got into it during mechanical processing). Children are more susceptible to the disease. Therefore, for schoolchildren and preschoolers, it is better to buy a two-layer down jacket made of artificial fabrics for the winter - it is warm even at -25, but the likelihood of allergies is low and can be washed at least every day.
Important! If you do not promptly dry a wet down jacket with a high down content, the filling will deteriorate, begin to smell bad, and black spots will appear on the outer material.
Weight of a two-layer and single-layer down jacket
A single-layer down jacket, contrary to its name, can weigh a little more than a two-layer one. Depends on the type of material, its processing, seasonality and length of the item. A floor-length model with any filling will be heavier than a short down jacket, and a down jacket made from down with high elasticity will weigh much less than one with low elasticity (Fill Power 800 is on average 50% lighter than Fill Power 500).
The weight also depends on additional inserts and decorative elements. Membranes, fasteners in the abdomen, hood, fur trim, heat and reflective stripes - each detail adds 50-200, or even more, grams.
Important! A model that you will wear outside in severe frosts should cover your lower back, have cuffs or their equivalent, and a hood. The drawstrings at the hem and hood are a plus.
The cost of a two-layer and single-layer down jacket
The price depends on several factors. A two-layer branded item intended for winter sports or fishing will be expensive. A model of the same type, but not designed for use in extreme conditions and not aimed at athletes, will cost less.
Well, a thin down jacket without any impurities is very rarely found on store shelves due to the high cost of the filler - it is so expensive that it is unprofitable to create outerwear items from it. A limited audience can afford downy things. Therefore, most down jackets consist of 15–25% feathers.
Important! Feather causes allergies more often than down.
For what conditions is a two-layer and single-layer down jacket intended?
Among the two-layer ones there are options for sports, fishing, mountain climbing. Such things are bought if you plan to stay in extreme conditions. Single-layer ones will perform well during walks around the city and during a short trip (for example, from work to home).
What temperature is enough for a single-layer and a two-layer down jacket?
The average comfort temperature for single-layer jackets is not lower than -15. There are also warmer models (for example, finely quilted down), so you need to focus on the indicators specified by the manufacturer. Two-layer down jackets made of good synthetic material or down with a certain design - the layers are offset relative to each other and overlap the seams, there are cuffs on the arms, the zipper is additionally insulated - are able to withstand severe frosts, down to -70 degrees.
Thermal insulation qualities also depend on the elasticity of the material. Main landmarks:
- 550–600 indicates that a particular model can be worn daily at temperatures down to -25 degrees;
- 700-750 – such a product will not be cold at -30;
- 800 and above is an ideal option for residents of Siberia and those who plan to be outside for a long time at -35 and below.
But it is also worth considering that in a winter model containing fluff and impurities, the latter should account for less than 50%. If more, the item is demi-season or designed for use in a warm region where severe frosts do not occur.