Insulated Jackets

Subcategories:

Insulated jackets are outerwear designed to keep you warm by trapping body heat. Unlike waterproof jackets that protect you mainly from rain, insulated jackets focus on thermal insulation — they help retain your body heat in cold conditions.

Main Purpose:

To keep you warm in cold weather by using materials that trap heat.

Types of Insulation:

  1. Down Insulation (Natural):

    • Made from duck or goose feathers (the fluffy undercoating).

    • Pros: Super warm, lightweight, compressible.

    • Cons: Loses warmth when wet (unless treated); can be expensive.

  2. Synthetic Insulation:

    • Made from man-made fibers (e.g., PrimaLoft, Thinsulate).

    • Pros: Retains warmth even when wet, cheaper, hypoallergenic.

    • Cons: Slightly heavier and less compressible than down.

Key Features:

  • Insulated Layer: Traps warm air close to your body.

  • Outer Shell: Sometimes water-resistant or waterproof.

  • Lightweight to Heavyweight Options: Depending on temperature needs.

  • Packability: Some compress into small sizes for travel.

  • Hooded or Non-hooded: Hood adds extra warmth.

Common Uses:

  • Winter hiking, skiing, snowboarding

  • Everyday winter wear

  • Mountaineering or alpine climbing

  • Layering under a shell in extreme cold

Comparison: Waterproof vs. Insulated Jackets

FeatureWaterproof JacketInsulated Jacket
Purpose Keep you dry Keep you warm
Main Use Rainy/windy conditions Cold/snowy conditions
Material Waterproof membrane (e.g., Gore-Tex) Insulation (down or synthetic)
Breathability    Moderate to high Varies depending on material
Warmth Minimal (unless insulated) High warmth

Note: Some jackets combine both features — waterproof and insulated — especially in winter or ski jackets.

Would you like help choosing an insulated jacket for a specific activity or climate?