Insulated jackets are those filled with a material designed to keep warmth in while the outer layer provides a water-resistant shell for the filling. Insulation typical comes from duck or goose feathers referred to as ‘down' or synthetic materials such as polyester.

Down is natural, soft, lightweight and is easily compressed for storage. The quality of down jackets is measured by ‘fill weight', which is the quantity of down used – the higher the number typically signifies a warmer jacket. You'll also want to look for ‘fill power' which is its ability to trap air. Duck and goose down jackets tend to have a fill power between 350-900. Despite all the positives, down jackets do have a few disadvantages when compared to synthetic fills: after a few wears and washes, down insulation can lose its fluffiness and become clumpy, letting chilly air in through the gaps and they do not perform well when they are wet.

Synthetic insulated jackets have the added benefit of being more affordable while still providing warmth and a reliable fill. Designed to replicate the qualities of down jackets, synthetic insulated jackets have ultrafine fibres that trap warmth in air pockets. The downside to synthetic jackets is their higher weight-to-warmth ratio meaning it needs to be heavier to achieve the same warmth as down. Despite this, synthetic jackets are normally quicker to dry and therefore more suitable for wetter conditions.

At BCF, we have a range of men's and women's jackets available in several styles including rain jackets, puffer jackets and vests. Able to be worn casually or while trekking through the mountains, these insulated jackets each provide their own set of benefits.

Puffer jackets are the ones you will find filled with down or synthetic materials that can stand alone as a jacket on a cold day or worn as mid layer for hiking and alpine adventures. Excellent insulators, puffer jackets have become increasingly popular over the years thanks their ability to retain heat and regulate body temperature while still being lightweight, easy-to-wear, easy-to-pack and easy-to-store.

If it's not quite cold enough for a jacket and you're happy to simply wear a long sleeve thermal top, an insulated vest can still help keep your chest warm in cooler temperatures. Like puffer jackets, our insulated vests are filled with down or synthetic material and may also feature a water-resistant outer shell.

Rain jackets, while not typically insulated, offer other benefits including wind resistance and higher water repellent or waterproof ratings than insulated jackets. Macpac's range of rain jackets for both men and women have been sealed with the bluesign® stamp of approval, certifying that the fabric has been manufactured with responsible use of resources and the lowest possible impact on people and the environment.