Fleece vs. down vs. synthetic for hiking: Which option is better? Delete this query right now with the valuable information in this detailed post!
Fleece vs. Down vs. Synthetic for Hiking: Comparison Table
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Fleece vs. Down vs. Synthetic for Hiking: What Are the Main Differences?
Fleece
It is a synthetic fabric, meaning it is man-made in factories. It does not come from animal fibers, such as down, or natural plants.
It is produced from polyester, which is a kind of plastic derived from many chemicals, including petroleum. The most common kind of polyester used to produce fleece is PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
Different kinds of fleece might be created from a mix of fibers. Both natural fibers and synthetic can be used.
For instance, fleece can be produced from a mix of polyester and spandex, rayon, cotton, wool, or recycled materials like plastic bottles.
Mixing different fibers with polyester will give the fleece various properties.
For example, blending spandex and polyester will make a stretchy fleece fabric, working great in activewear. Jackets and pants’ fleece lining is typically made from a mix of cotton fibers and polyester.
Down
One of the misconceptions is that down is derived from the feathers of a bird.
But the truth is that the plumage underneath the exterior feathers on waterfowl, like geese and ducks, consists of fluffy, wispy, and soft filaments.
Some items blend feathers and down; yet, feathers are different from down.
Down can insulate by trapping air. This material is favored by hikers for being effortless to compress, long-lasting, breathable, and lightweight.
It is the ideal insulation in dry, cold conditions or for those who want to reduce weight and save space as their top priorities.
Down insulation has often been related to geese. But many large manufacturers switched to duck recently because the goose cost has been down.
All performance standards and testing are the same for goose down and duck down, meaning it is unnecessary to worry about your product’s quality.
But you will find that the goose down option is typically used in highest-end products as it features a higher fill-power rating compared with duck down.
One of the most common criticisms of down is it tends to lose loft and clump up when getting wet, leading to loss of the insulating properties.
Synthetic
Synthetic is typically made from polyester, which is quick drying and can insulate even if getting wet (which the down option is hard to do). This material also costs less expensive than down insulation, while it is hypoallergenic and durable.
There are various competing brand names for synthetic options, making shopping confusing. So it is helpful to know if a synthetic insulator is a continuous filament or a short staple.
Short-staple insulation features short strands of fine-denier filaments, densely packed to lower heat loss. It makes jackets and sleeping bags feel flexible and soft, fairly like the down-filled product. It also enables excellent compressibility.
However, it is not as durable as the continuous filament option. The insulation might move around to produce cold spots.
Continuous-filament insulation uses a thicker continuous filament known as strong, durable, and lofty. It seems less compressible and has a stiffer feel than short-staple insulation, but it stays in place, so it is less likely to make cold spots.
Pros
Fleece
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Fashionable
- It is quick-drying
- It is moisture-wicking
- It is warmer in some situations
- It is easy to maintain and wash
- It is soft and comfortable to wear
- Provide some insulation when wet
- It does not absorb much moisture
Down
- Fire Retardant.
- Biodegradable.
- Very durable
- Very compressible
- Naturally Insulating.
- Comfortable for the skin
- Naturally Odor Resistance.
Synthetic
- Very water-resistant
- Well insulated
- Hypoallergenic
- Affordable
- Breathability.
- Lightweight.
- Drying Fast.
Cons
Fleece
- Not Sustainable
- Develop odors easily
- Not environmentally friendly
- Generate static electricity
Down
- Require special care
- Not hypoallergenic
- More expensive
- Lose insulating power when getting wet
Synthetic
- Bulkier and heavier
- Offer less warmth
- Less durable than down
- Not Environmental Friendliness.
- Traps Sweat.
Fleece vs. Down vs. Synthetic for Hiking: Which One Is Better?
This choice should come down to the weather conditions you deal with when hiking, the kind of activities you do, your personal preference, and your budget.
If you expect to encounter extremely wet weather, the fleece option may be ideal as it has great breathability and dries fast.
Fleece works well for people who are on a budget. It delivers a cozy, soft texture that will feel good against the skin. It is straightforward to wash and is durable.
Synthetic insulation is also perfect for those on a tight budget. This option is also a better choice if you frequently hike in wet weather (granular wet snow, rain, and more) since it delivers better warmth in those conditions.
For other conditions, down insulation will be a better option since it is lighter but maintains the same warmth.
FAQs
Which Is Better, Down or Fleece?
While both materials are extremely warm and breathable, the fleece option will keep you cooler when the weather is warming up. They will be the perfect option for dewy, cool, or windy spring mornings.
Is Fleece Ok for Hiking?
Fleece items are one of the great options for winter hiking. You wear them alone or as a mid-layer or base in extremely cold temperatures.
Is Fleece Warmer Than Down?
It is generally agreed that down will be warmer than fleece per ounce of the jacket. However, you can compensate for this a bit by layering up your fleeces and wearing two for more warmth.
Are Down Jackets Good for Hiking?
Yes. Down jackets are useful for hiking since their warmth-to-weight ratios tend to be much better than any other alternatives.
They are a great option for hiking, skiing, backpacking, and outdoor sports as long as the temperature is not too low.
When Should You Wear a Down Jacket?
Down is good when it is very dry and cold, basically. Not so cold and also wet? You should leave it at home.
Do I Need a Down Jacket for Backpacking?
Getting packable down jackets is ideal for backpackers. They will be perfect if you want a super lightweight down jacket that is also super packable.
It will mean your excellent layer of warmth will fit in your backpack with ease.
What Temperature Should You Wear a Fleece Jacket?
The ideal temperature to wear a Fleece Jacket is between 45 to 64 degrees.
But you can wear your fleece in any season you want. Warm yet breathable, you can count on it through spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Is Fleece Too Hot for Summer?
Fleece is derived from polyester, causing it to carry all of the summer cons. It includes preventing ventilation and trapping moisture.
What Temperature Should I Wear a Down Jacket?
You can wear it and feel most comfortable when the temperature ranges from -20°C to 15°C.
Is Fleece a Good Material for Hiking?
Fleece can be soft and fuzzy or very smooth, optimizing for high-output activities, like running, hiking, or cycling.
Is Fleece Warmer Than Synthetic Down?
No. In contrast, fleece jackets keep you cooler when the weather is warming up.
Can Synthetic Be as Warm as Down?
Synthetic insulation, generally, is sustained, less warm, and less compressible than down.
