Insulation layers are designed to be used on top of a base and mid layer, and are purely for additional warmth. Insulation layers should be lightweight and low bulk, with full zips to allow venting. Insulation layers are filled with either down, or synthetic fills, with some fills being hydrophobically treated for some water resistance. Though down insulation is the champion of warmth retention,  synthetic fill garments are rapidly catching up, but for now nothing can compete with down’s ability to loft (puff up), offering incredible amounts of warmth for very little weight and bulk. Of course all down isn’t created equal and neither are all down jackets, so feel free to contact our experienced Paddy Pallin Staff via email, phone or visit our stores. 

As far as moisture management goes, synthetics absorb little water, allowing faster evaporation. Synthetic based insulated layers (jackets and vests) are not only lightweight, they are also very durable. When down gets wet it loses its insulating properties, whilst synthetics retain almost all of their thermal efficiency when wet. If you’re going somewhere that’s likely to be very wet, consider a synthetic option.