Hey everybody, it’s been years since I last posted here! Looks like some of you are still around.
I’m starting to design one of the more infamously difficult gear projects: a down parka with box baffle construction. I want something to ‘play in the snow’ and to take on milder winter camping trips. I’ve got a 10°F sleeping bag which limits how cold I can go, at least for now.
I haven’t worked with down before, but more importantly I don’t own or have access to a jacket this warm to look at. My most pressing question is: how much down/loft? I don’t know what temperature ranges the jackets in BPL’s 2018 article on down parkas are good for, but the Patagonia Fitz Roy with 3.75-4.25″ of loft (two layers) sounds like a good target. Or would that be way too warm if I’m going to avoid temperatures below 0°F? Also, that loft range implies that some areas are more insulated than others. Do you have any guidance here?
To sum up:
- How much loft (or amount of down) should a 0°F winter parka have?
- Are torso/sleeves/hood/whatever insulated different amounts?
Any help is much appreciated.
