HORSES FOR COURSES INSULTATED JACKETS

Horses for courses is the key concept when looking at insulated/ puffer jackets, the costs as you will see can varies but there is a huge difference between walking in the Waitakere’s rather than scaling Everest so you need to choose what it is the jacket will be used for. Its a balancing act as always to weigh up use against price. There are many insulted/puffer jackets in the world of winter clothing, here are a few things to consider before making your final decision. Insulated /puffer jackets have a signature quilted design with sections that are "puffy" between the stitching thus the name. They are filled with down insulation or synthetic fibres, both of which can provide a high level of warmth depending on how well they are made and the quality of the synthetic fibres. They characteristically are compactable and lightweight despite being very warm (with the down-filled jackets weighing a little more, so keep that in mind). The "puffs" of a puffer jacket are created by the combination of the insulation layer and stitching. Vertical and horizontal puffers are the most common, but you can also find diamond and other geometric shapes created due to stitching. Functionally, a puffer jacket with vertical stitching may lend itself to a more fitted design due to the already vertical lines created. Yet because they are lightweight, aren't weighing down by heavy materials, both horizontal and vertical puffer jackets can still be very roomy and comfortable to wear. Probably the biggest consideration with any insulted jacket, if you really need to keep warm these is great but often they work so well that they can simply be too hot. For example if you wearing one skiing – the activity alone in an insulated jacket can be too much but if on the same day you a belaying a fellow climber a puffer jacket is a great way to keep warm and encumbered