Down Parkas
Down parkas represent the pinnacle of winter insulation technology. Using premium goose or duck down, these parkas offer exceptional warmth-to-weight ratios, superior compressibility, and luxurious comfort. With fill powers ranging from 550 to 900, down parkas provide unmatched protection against extreme cold while remaining surprisingly lightweight and packable.
Premium Down Parkas
Top-rated down-filled parkas with high fill power insulation
Understanding Down Fill Power
Fill power is the most important metric for down insulation quality. It measures how many cubic inches one ounce of down can fill. Higher numbers mean better insulation efficiency:
- 550-650 Fill Power: Good quality, affordable option providing solid warmth
- 700-750 Fill Power: Premium quality offering excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- 800-900 Fill Power: Ultra-premium, maximum warmth with minimal weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Fill power measures the loft or fluffiness of down insulation. Higher fill power (700-900) means better insulation with less weight. Parkas with 700+ fill power offer premium warmth, while 550-650 fill power provides good warmth at a more affordable price point.
Most down parkas have water-resistant shells with DWR treatment, but down itself loses insulating properties when wet. For truly wet conditions, look for parkas with waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex or consider synthetic insulation alternatives.
Use a down-specific detergent and wash on gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low heat with clean tennis balls to restore loft. Never store a down parka compressed while damp. Follow manufacturer care instructions for best results.
