Why you should choose synthetic!

Classic down or innovative synthetic? We asked one of Sweden's most popular outdoor brands why they choose synthetics in their down jackets.

The choice between down and synthetics in winter jackets is a controversial environmental and animal rights issue. Is it ethical to stuff jackets with down? And which material is really best? Marie Ericson, material developer at Haglöfs, explains why they fill their Essens mimic jackets with an innovative synthetic filling.

- It has long been an accepted truth that down warms very well in relation to its weight. We try to challenge that assumption with the QuadFusion TM Mimic synthetic insulation. It offers warmth comparable to a high quality down, is highly compressible and reaches full thermal capacity quickly when you put the jacket on. The garments also have a good ability to retain heat even when the filling becomes damp or completely soaked," says Marie Ericson.

Essens Mimic Hood for women is a jacket with 100% synthetic filling, recommended price is SEK 2,195.

Haglöfs offers both down- and synthetic-filled thermal garments in its collection. Essens Mimic jackets and vests are good options for those who want to avoid the animal material. Instead, they are filled with a synthetic material made of spiral hollow fibers in recycled polyester with similar properties to down.

- "Thanks to the filling, we get the soft and supple feeling of a high-quality down, but in the form of an easy-to-wear garment that keeps you warm in wet and dry conditions - without extra seams and thus unnecessary cold bridges," explains Marie Ericson.

Another advantage of synthetic insulation is that it can be machine washed and hang-dried without any problems, unlike down, which requires an energy-intensive tumble drying process until it is completely dry to avoid the risk of mold, clumping and destruction.

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