Down feathers arguably provide the warmest, lightest, and most compressible natural insulation – after all, there's a reason why ducks and geese are able to thrive in freezing conditions. At Kathmandu, we're proud to use only Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down in our products. The RDS describes and independently certifies animal welfare practices in down and feather production and tracks the certified down and feathers from farm to final product.
So, how do down jackets keep you so warm? The down in your jacket expands or 'lofts' when worn, creating a buffer between you and the cold by trapping warm air. When not in use, the down can be compressed to remove excess air and packed away snuggly into its own pocket.
If you're headed somewhere chilly and need to save space in your luggage or hiking pack, then the Heli is the jacket for you.