Jackets
Jackets picks, all in one place: who this category suits, what to double-check before ordering, which part of the QC photos deserves a close look, and the trap newcomers fall for most. Read this page first, then shortlist with confidence.
Jackets · Quick checks
Good for: Down, puffer, denim and technical shells — winter warmth to light rain layers.
Confirm: Fill power, length (hip vs knee), and whether it packs into its own pocket.
QC focus: Down leakage at seams, zipper brand, and the stitch density of the baffles.
Trap: A high 'down percentage' means little without fill power — 90% at 550FP traps less heat than 80% at 800FP.
Down vs synthetic
Down compresses smaller and warms better per gram, but loses loft when wet. Synthetic insulation keeps some warmth when damp and is easier to care for — pick it if you walk in rain or sweat a lot. For city winter, 700+ fill power down is the sweet spot.
Reading the baffles
Box-baffle construction stops down from shifting between chambers and keeps warmth even; sewn-through seams are lighter but let cold spots form. Run your hand across the panel — if you feel the stitch line, that's a cold bridge you'll notice on a freezing day.
Hardware that lasts
YKK or riri zippers glide for years; generic pulls snag and split. Check the storm flap, the snap strength, and whether the cuff velcro still bites after a few opens. Small hardware decides whether a jacket looks new after one season.
Keep browsing other categories
Field notes are general pointers, not guarantees — check the row notes and SilkRoadSupply's policy pages before you order.