The main way to do so is to tinker with the baffles, the compartments that prevent the down from moving around or clumping up. With its latest, ahem, baffling move, Japan-based Goldwin has hit upon a ...

Whereas most down jackets have baffles stitched in after the fact to keep the insulation in place and eliminate cold spots, the Launch’s baffles are woven into the fabric itself. The 85% nylon/15% ...

The Stormhenge gives you the best of both worlds: it has a two-layer construction and seamless shoulders like a rain shell but is stuffed with 850-fill goose down and fleece-lined pockets for warmth.

So if you're climbing an 8000-meter peak or backpacking over a spring weekend, down isn't always the best choice. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, keeps you warm when wet, but it can be ...