IS A DOWN JACKET SUITABLE FOR SKIING?
Would you like to take your down jacket to the slopes because you know it will keep you warm like nothing else, but you're worried about getting too hot or getting it wet from the snow? Don't worry! We'll explain why a down jacket is not only suitable for skiing but actually the best possible choice!
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN FROM THIS POST?
- Why is a down jacket suitable for skiing?
- Will a down jacket get damaged on the slopes?
- Which down jacket is ideal for skiing?
IN SUMMARY
It's a myth that a down jacket is not suitable for skiing. A product filled with goose or duck down is perfect for activities, including winter sports. A jacket from Pajaksport, such as the Phantom model, will provide you with thermal comfort, preventing overheating while taking up minimal space in your luggage! By using it as a thermal layer under a hardshell, you'll not only ensure proper thermal comfort but also move the dew point away from the down and protect the jacket from damage in case of a serious fall.
DOWN JACKET - SPECIAL TASK JACKET
You've probably heard many times that a down jacket is not suitable for intense activities, especially in winter. The common belief is that the hygroscopic nature of down insulation makes it unsuitable for snow sports. And surely, you'll be too hot in it, and once you sweat, the down will absorb all the moisture...
If you believed in these myths, we'll surprise you: a properly constructed down jacket (and we're only talking about Pajak products here) breathes much more effectively than the best membrane. And even if it gets wet, it dries rapidly, mainly through the warmth of your body.
Of course, there are also down jackets with a membrane, designed, for example, for climbers, but due to lower breathability, they are more suitable for stationary use.
YOU WON'T FREEZE IN A DOWN JACKET!
You can really freeze on the slopes. Wind, frost, high energy expenditure – all of these make it challenging to maintain thermal comfort. But not when you're wearing a jacket insulated with duck or goose down. Nature has endowed these birds with excellent cold protection: the down near their skin has the ability to trap air heated by their bodies between its three-dimensional "hairs." This motionless layer of air is the most effective insulation under the sun. And it works the same way in a jacket – your body warms up, heat tries to escape, but voila! The insulation "catches" it.
An essential characteristic that determines the effectiveness of down insulation is the loftiness of the down. It is measured in cubic inches per ounce (cuin), indicating the volume that a maximally expanded and then compressed ounce of down occupies. In the outdoor industry, down with a loftiness of 600 cuin and above is considered significant. Pajak jackets feature 750 fill power down.
The loftiness of down insulation has another significant advantage: the higher the rating, the more compressible the jacket for transport. So if you're embarking on a long journey with a small bag or starting your snowboarding adventure with ski touring instead of a comfortable lift ride, where every gram and centimeter in your backpack is worth its weight in gold, this characteristic will likely be your greatest ally.
DOWN SWEATER FOR EXTREME COLD
A down jacket or vest doesn't have to be an outer layer. If temperatures are extremely low or heavy precipitation threatens to soak through, a down jacket can serve as an intermediate layer. Place it between your thermal underwear and hardshell, and it will effectively replace a fleece layer.
WHAT DOWN JACKET FOR SKIING?
Now that we know a down jacket performs excellently for skiing and provides unbeatable thermal comfort, let's talk about which model to choose.
Without a doubt, the jackets from the Phantom line are begging to be taken to the slopes. These super-light jackets boast fantastic compression ratios, allowing them to occupy only about a liter of space in your luggage. By eliminating internal partitions and employing an X-shaped construction, the weight has been reduced, and the insulation properties have been improved more than ever before. Additionally, the adjustable hood of Phantom jackets is designed to accommodate a helmet effortlessly.
There's also the Phantom Anorak – a real treat for outdoor enthusiasts with a slightly retro touch. The ergonomic design of this pull-over jacket provides excellent protection for the lower torso from the cold while allowing freedom of movement. Of course, it also features low weight and high compression, achieved by using 750 cuin Polish Goose down and covering it with ultralight TOREX™ Airtastic™ fabric.
The Shadow vest with unrestricted shoulder movement is also suitable as a thermal layer. Like the Phantom jackets, it's designed in every detail to allow you to enjoy outdoor activities to the fullest even in low temperatures. But why talk about it when you can experience it yourself on pajaksport.pl.
Photo source: pajaksport.pl