It is too long to talk about the fact that warm winter outerwear does not have to be heavy. Long ago fashionable sheepskin coats, from which shoulders were breaking, have long receded into the past. They were replaced by jackets with synthetic insulation (padding polyester, silicone), but for the last 10 years, down jackets have held the palm. The name itself already characterizes these products. Indeed, from wearing down jackets there is absolutely no feeling of heaviness. But recently, manufacturers made another breakthrough, and the range of products in this category replenished with ultra-light products.
Why did this need arise?
Ultralight down jackets: the history of creation
At first, developments in this direction were carried out solely with the aim of making outerwear for tourists and athletes. In recent years, outdoor activities (skiing, climbing, cycling) are becoming more and more popular, and the demand for quality jackets for these needs is constantly growing. So that outerwear does not hinder movements at all, designers, constructors and fashion designers worked to reduce the weight of finished products to 300 grams, and they succeeded.
Moreover, in the final result, the developers achieved two goals at once: there were ultralight down jackets that can be tucked under the jacket for the purpose of additional insulation, and independent elements of the winter wardrobe.
Such a breakthrough did not long remain the property of the sports world only: the idea was appreciated, and almost all eminent designers released their collections of lightweight down jackets. Then this trend migrated to the markets, and such sewing giants as Turkey and China took the initiative. In a word, now you can buy ultra- lightweight down jackets for women and men, both from the production of famous brands, and cheaper options from Asia.
Independent wardrobe item
In total, such products differ little from traditional down jackets, with the exception of less weight. As for the design, manufacturers do not skimp on decor elements, fur trim. The color scheme is also very diverse. There are models with and without a belt, often there is a hood. In most cases, the fur comes unfastened: this allows you to expand the temperature range. For the top, they usually take ultra-thin nylon. Depending on the length and size, such a down jacket weighs from 300 grams to 1 kg.
Advantages
Also, almost all models of traditional down jackets were voluminous. And if for men or slender girls this was not a problem, then such products were shown in an unfavorable light for ladies with magnificent forms. But the ultra-lightweight women's down jackets are strictly in shape, they do not add extra centimeters, but they do not lose their heat-insulating properties.
This effect is achieved due to the fact that the fluff is not fixed in additional bags, but directly between the fabric and the lining. Most classic down jackets are stitched in wide squares, and ultra-light down jackets are sewn in narrow rectangles. This ensures that the product returns to its original shape after washing.
Insulation jacket
Its main purpose is to serve as a booty, but this does not mean that it can not be carried separately. Interestingly, it can be worn on a cold summer evening, and as an autumn jacket. True, the design does not differ in any kind of refinement, but the decor elements are reduced to zero, there is no fur, either - the manufacturers got rid of this as an extra ballast. But the result is obvious: it weighs 120 grams or a little more, with 80% of its weight being fluff. Therefore, it looks like a regular windbreaker.
Plus, such a puddle is very compact: in addition, it has a compression bag for storage and transportation, which is placed on the palm of your hand with a lightweight jacket.
Ultralight Down Jackets: A Review of Firms
The Moncler brand in the modern market is distinguished by the fact that it produces dual-use models, with one side made in brighter colors, and the other in more restrained ones. That is, buying one down jacket, in addition you can get another one. True, pleasure is not cheap.
Fortunately, there are compromise options. These are offered by the Japanese company Uniqlo. True, the models themselves do not differ in eccentricity, but prices fluctuate within the average market.
But who can afford the things of a European manufacturer, he will appreciate such Italian brands as Violanti, Peuterey, Fontanelli.
The most popular brands that produce ultra-lightweight men's down jackets are Baon, Columbia, Salomon, Baldessarini, Peercat and the same Uniqlo.
Care
They are recommended to be stored rolled up, in those same bags. An exception is products with fur. They should hang in the closet on the shoulders. But where down jackets are stored, there should be no dampness, because this will adversely affect the down. The washing is provided either manually or in the machine in safe mode with a spin at low speeds.
So, if you decide to buy winter outerwear, then you should pay attention to ultra-light down jackets. Reviews from satisfied customers confirm this.