Which fabric of down jacket is more suitable for outdoor activities?
Which fabric of down jacket is more suitable for outdoor activities?
1. Classification of outdoor down jacket fabrics
1.1 Waterproof coating (laminated) fabrics
Waterproof coating (laminated) fabrics are a common type of fabric in outdoor down jackets, and their main feature is good waterproof and breathable performance. This fabric achieves waterproof function by coating a layer of waterproof membrane or coating on the surface of the fabric, while retaining a certain degree of breathability, so that the wearer can keep the body dry during outdoor activities. According to relevant test data, the water pressure resistance value of waterproof coating fabrics is usually above 1000mm, which can effectively resist the invasion of light rain and moderate rain. In addition, the windproof performance of this fabric is also relatively good, which can block the invasion of cold wind and provide reliable warmth for outdoor activities. However, the breathability of waterproof coating fabrics is relatively weak, and long-term wearing may cause the body sweat to be unable to be discharged in time, thereby affecting the comfort of wearing. In outdoor activities, such as mountaineering and hiking, down jackets made of this fabric are suitable for wearing in cold and precipitation environments, and can provide better protection for the wearer.
1.2 High-density waterproof fabric
High-density waterproof fabric is a kind of fabric that achieves waterproof function by increasing fabric density. Its fabric density is generally above 290T. After the post-processing process of high-temperature fusion of the surface fabric, it can effectively reduce the gaps in the fabric, thereby improving the anti-down and waterproof performance. This fabric is the lightest and softest among all down jacket fabrics, and it also has good breathability, allowing the wearer to feel a high degree of comfort during outdoor activities. According to relevant research, the waterproof level of high-density waterproof fabric is generally around 3000mm, which can effectively resist the invasion of light rain and moderate rain. In addition, this fabric also has a certain windproof performance, which can block the invasion of cold wind and provide reliable warmth for outdoor activities. In outdoor activities, such as camping and skiing, down jackets made of high-density waterproof fabrics are suitable for wearing in cold and dry environments, and can provide the wearer with a better warmth and comfort experience.
1.3 Ordinary woven fabric
Ordinary woven fabric is a common down jacket fabric, which is characterized by low cost and relatively simple processing technology. This type of fabric is generally made of low-density nylon or polyester. When making down jackets, anti-down cloth is added to the inside of the fabric to play an anti-down role. Ordinary woven fabrics have good anti-down performance and can effectively prevent down from drilling out of the fabric, thereby ensuring the warmth of the down jacket. However, the waterproofness and breathability of this fabric are relatively weak. Long-term wearing may cause the body sweat to be unable to be discharged in time, thus affecting the comfort of wearing. In addition, the windproof performance of ordinary woven fabrics is also relatively poor. The cold wind can easily penetrate through the gaps in the fabric, affecting the warmth effect. In outdoor activities, such as daily commuting and light outdoor activities, down jackets made of ordinary woven fabrics are suitable for wearing in dry and windless environments, and can provide basic warmth for the wearer.
2. Fabric performance comparison
2.1 Waterproof performance
In outdoor activities, waterproof performance is one of the key indicators of down jacket fabrics. According to relevant test data, the water pressure resistance value of waterproof coated fabrics is usually above 1000mm, which can effectively resist the invasion of light rain and moderate rain. The waterproof grade of high-density waterproof fabrics is generally around 3000mm, and its waterproof performance is better. In contrast, the waterproofness of ordinary woven fabrics is relatively weak and can only withstand light rain. In practical applications, down jackets made of waterproof coated fabrics and high-density waterproof fabrics are more suitable for wearing in outdoor environments with precipitation, such as hiking and mountaineering, which can effectively prevent rain penetration and keep the body dry.
2.2 Windproof performance
Windproof performance is also important for outdoor down jackets, especially in cold and windy environments. Both waterproof coated fabrics and high-density waterproof fabrics have good windproof performance and can effectively block the invasion of cold wind. According to relevant research, the windproof effect of these two fabrics can reduce heat loss and keep the body warm. The windproof performance of ordinary woven fabrics is relatively poor, and cold wind can easily invade from the gaps in the fabric, affecting the warmth effect. In outdoor activities, such as skiing and mountaineering, down jackets made of waterproof coated fabrics and high-density waterproof fabrics can better resist the cold wind and provide reliable warmth for the wearer.
2.3 Breathability
Breathability directly affects the comfort of wearing, especially in high-intensity outdoor activities. The breathability of waterproof coated fabrics is relatively weak. Long-term wearing may cause the body sweat to be unable to be discharged in time, thus affecting the comfort of wearing. High-density waterproof fabrics have better breathability, which can make the wearer feel more comfortable during outdoor activities. The breathability of ordinary woven fabrics is between the two, but in the case of insufficient waterproofness and windproofness, its breathability advantage is not obvious. In practical applications, down jackets made of high-density waterproof fabrics are more suitable for wearing in cold and dry environments, and can take into account the needs of warmth and breathability.
3. Fabric selection in different outdoor environments
3.1 Alpine cold environment
In the alpine cold environment, the selection of outdoor down jacket fabrics needs to comprehensively consider warmth, windproof and waterproofness. According to relevant research, both waterproof coated fabrics and high-density waterproof fabrics have good windproof performance and can effectively block the invasion of cold wind. In the alpine cold environment, the wind is strong and the temperature is low. Fabrics with excellent windproof performance can reduce heat loss and keep the body warm. At the same time, waterproof performance cannot be ignored, because the alpine environment may encounter moisture after snowfall or snowmelt. The water pressure resistance value of waterproof coated fabrics is usually above 1000mm, while the waterproof level of high-density waterproof fabrics is generally around 3000mm, which can effectively resist the invasion of precipitation and keep the body dry. In addition, high-density waterproof fabrics are light, soft, and have good breathability. In high-intensity outdoor activities such as mountaineering and hiking, they can keep the wearer warm while maintaining a certain degree of comfort. Therefore, in the cold environment of the mountains, choosing down jackets with waterproof coated fabrics or high-density waterproof fabrics is a more ideal choice, which can provide reliable warmth and waterproof protection for the wearer.
3.2 Humid and rainy environment
In a humid and rainy environment, waterproof performance is the primary consideration for down jacket fabrics. According to relevant test data, both waterproof coated fabrics and high-density waterproof fabrics have good waterproof performance and can effectively resist the penetration of rainwater. Among them, high-density waterproof fabrics have a higher waterproof rating of about 3000mm, and perform better in environments with continuous rainfall. In addition, high-density waterproof fabrics also have certain breathability, which can discharge sweat produced by the body to a certain extent and keep the body dry. In contrast, the waterproofness of ordinary woven fabrics is relatively weak, and can only resist light rain. In a humid and rainy environment, it is easy to be penetrated by rain, causing the body to be wet and cold. Therefore, in a humid and rainy environment, it is more appropriate to choose a down jacket made of high-density waterproof fabrics. It can effectively prevent rainwater from penetrating, while taking into account a certain degree of breathability, providing the wearer with a comfortable wearing experience.
3.3 Dry and cold environment
In a dry and cold environment, warmth retention and breathability are the key factors in choosing outdoor down jacket fabrics. Due to its light and soft characteristics, high-density waterproof fabrics can provide good breathability while keeping warm, so that the wearer will not feel stuffy during outdoor activities. Although this fabric has a high waterproof rating, its waterproof performance advantage is not obvious in a dry environment, while its breathability can better meet the needs of the wearer. In contrast, although ordinary woven fabrics have a lower cost, their breathability is not obvious when they are not waterproof and windproof. In addition, the windproof performance of ordinary woven fabrics is relatively poor. In a dry and cold environment, the cold wind can easily penetrate through the gaps in the fabric, affecting the warmth-keeping effect. Therefore, in a dry and cold environment, it is more appropriate to choose a down jacket made of high-density waterproof fabrics, which can keep warm while taking into account breathability, providing the wearer with a comfortable wearing experience. # 4. Summary
Based on the above analysis, the choice of outdoor down jacket fabrics should be determined according to the specific outdoor environment and activity requirements. Waterproof coated fabrics and high-density waterproof fabrics perform well in waterproof, windproof and warm-keeping performance, and are suitable for use in complex environments such as cold, wet and rainy mountains. Among them, high-density waterproof fabrics also have good breathability and are light, thin and soft, and are more comfortable to wear, especially suitable for high-intensity outdoor activities such as mountaineering and hiking. Although ordinary woven fabrics have a lower cost, they are relatively weak in waterproof, windproof and breathable performance, and are more suitable for dry and windless environments such as daily commuting and light outdoor activities. Therefore, when choosing outdoor down jackets, consumers should reasonably choose the type of fabric according to their actual needs and activity scenarios to ensure the best warmth and comfort experience during outdoor activities.