DownTek Introduces Water-Repellent Down

[Bella Rae]

Has anyone heard the news, of the company DownTek producing a waterproof down? I would love to see this in action! I think I heard that the water-repellant down will be available in LL Bean, and some other companies, Fall 2012 collections.

[pastywhite]

DownTek | Water Repellent Down

[ppine]

This stuff would probably be great for wet snow conditions but I would never trust it in really rainy conditions. I first used Goretex in Alaska more than 30 years ago and got wet. The umpteenth version of Goretex made now will still get you wet in SE Alaska. On the Alaska Outdoors Forum guides, hunters, and fisherman still swear by Helly Hansen rainwear that doesn't breathe well, but at least you don't get wet from the outside.

[pastywhite]

Helly Hanson is the bomb if you are going to stand in the rain. 100% waterproof all the time. If you are doing anything aerobic it would suck though. Waterproof from the inside too.

I have been looking for a good quality, waterproof down jacket for awhile and there are not many on the market - and not in the affordable range. I actually got one of the super cold weather down parkas from ebay (TNF) and it is too warm for my climate. Great for when I have to stand outside in the snow though (like twice a year).

There is defiantly a market for water-resistant down products.

[IndianaHiker]

Well only be available in higher end products it looks like. I notice that the website says that it will only be available in 700 fill or better. Many of the lower end down bags and jackets are 650 fill. However it does look pretty cool.