Down vs Synthetic - A Rab Guide To Insulation

Nothing beats the insulative performance of down and no one knows down insulation like Rab. Whether you are looking for an everyday winter jacket, or planning a Himalayan adventure, this handy guide will give you all the information you need to pick the right jacket for the job and help you look after it.

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Down vs Synthetic Insulation

Broadly speaking, Rab garments and sleeping bags use one of two types of insulation – down or synthetic. Currently down is always warmer than a synthetic equivalent, gram for gram, as it offers the warmest warmth to weight ratio on the market. There are however instances where synthetic insulation may be the preferable choice for you depending on your requirements and usage.

Synthetic insulation is more robust at dealing with moisture, especially when compared to down that has not been hydrophobically treated. When synthetic insulation is soaked it will offer more warmth than wet down which makes it a good choice for damp and cold conditions, typical of Scottish winter climbing. It is often viewed as a much lower maintenance insulation than down as it is easier to clean and is a less expensive material making it more accessible than its down equivalent.

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Image courtesy of Rab

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When down gets wet it loses much of its insulative power and it can be difficult to rectify this even after it dries out. It is for this reason we always advise you protect your down layer with a waterproof shell in wet weather. It is also a little more difficult to clean than synthetic and does not like to be stored compressed as this can damage the fibres that keep you warm particularly over a long period of time. Down does however offer an incredibly high warmth to weight ratio and incredible compressibility making it ideal for very cold, dry conditions or for activities where weight and packability are your first priority.

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Image courtesy of Rab

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How to care for your Rab Jacket

Once you’ve got your new jacket, you’ll want to make sure it lasts - we’ve got a few pointers to help you keep it good as new.

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1. Washing Down

Rab® down products can be home cleaned, however this is a difficult and time-consuming job as the drying process can take several hours. If you’re in the UK then you can take advantage of Rab’s new wash service, a no fuss, specialist down wash service that ensures that your Rab® jacket or sleeping bag is clean, fully lofted and ready for your next adventure. If you’re outside the UK, you can find information on caring for your down products in their help centre.

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2. Storing Down

Down should be stored uncompressed and out of direct sunlight in a dry, cool place. If your down product gets damp, air it thoroughly and make sure it is completely dry before putting it back into storage. If the product is still damp after airing, a short cycle in a tumble dryer on a cool setting should help to complete the drying and restore the loft.

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3. Washing and Storing Synthetic

Synthetic items can be cleaned according to the instructions on the item. If your item has a DWR on the shell this will normally need to be reproofed after washing and throughout its life to keep it performing well. It can be stored compressed or loose in a dry environment just like the other items in your wardrobe making it very simple to look after. Synthetic provides a low maintenance insulation piece which will last for years to come through some easy maintenance.

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Now you know what you’re looking for, why not take a look at our full range of Rab insulated jackets?

Shop all Rab Clothing here

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