Synthetic Vs. Down Parkas
Down, which is made up of goose or duck feathers, is a popular insulation for clothing and sleeping bags. It has advantages and disadvantages versus synthetic fibers. Your choice will probably depend on what factors are most important to you--there is no clear winner.
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Physical Properties
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Down is light and can be squeezed down into a tight space, making it more convenient to pack for traveling. Down is also "thermostatic," which means it can both keep you warm and keep you cool.
Environmental Issues
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Down can lose as much as 80 percent of its effectiveness if it gets wet. For this reason, you may want a waterproof down jacket, which is more expensive than a normal one. You may also be allergic to goose or duck feathers.
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Dealing with Wetness
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Furthermore, wet down takes a long time to dry compared to most synthetic fiber.
Cost
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Down feathers are not cheap, whereas synthetic fibers can be mass-produced. This means that a jacket insulated with synthetic fiber is usually cheaper--and these fibers can be water-resistant as well.
Maintenance
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Down insulation can be damaged by the normal washer-and-dryer cleaning process, whereas synthetics don't need special treatment.
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