I have been thinking about water resistant down lately because I really don't like synthetic insulation because of its short lifespan and I would like to use something beyond fleece in that range of temps around freezing in climates that may get a bit wet. I am not trying to have a down jacket that is waterproof but rather one that will not loose too much loft due to water vapor in the air or from me. This is why I have been looking at Downtek lately but also I have been thinking about other options as the Downtek ones are very limited for a person of my height. Also Downtek only lasts for 10-20 washings so why not use a cheaper alternative if I already own down?
Along those line I have been thinking about treating my down with the Nikwax TX Direct Wash-in. I washed a down jacket I have in a 3oz solution last night with a wind shell and a rain shell to test it and I can tell the outer coating is much more water resistant but I can't tell if the down is. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this? I also saw that Nikwax makes a Down Proof that does a similar thing also. I see that some people on here do not like it while a Backpacker magazine tester gave it a thumbs up. Anyone with direct experience using it? Thanks.
