Why Proper Care Matters
Down is nature’s best insulator, trapping warm air in tiny pockets to keep you toasty in cold conditions. However, dirt, oils, and moisture can reduce its loft and insulation properties over time. Proper care not only extends the life of your jacket but also ensures it performs at its best in the outdoors. Follow these steps to keep your down jacket in tip-top shape.
How do I take care of my down jacket?
- Wash it regularly (but not too often)
- Dry it properly to maintain loft and prevent clumping
- Fix any rips to keep the insulation in place and your jacket in play for longer
How often should I wash my down jacket?
You don’t need to wash your down jacket after every wear, but if you wear it lots, aim for two to three washes per year. Signs that it’s time for a clean?
- Dirty cuffs and collar from body oils and sweat buildup
- The jacket begins to lose its loft and feels flat or lumpy
- You notice that water stops beading and rolling off the fabric (if your jacket has a water-repellent finish)
How to wash your down jacket
Remember to always check the care label on your jacket for specific instructions!
Step 1: Pre-Wash Prep
- For a gentle clean, consider handwashing your jacket with a non-detergent soap. We recommend Nikwax Down Wash Direct®, but be sure to rinse it thoroughly afterwards.
- For a deep clean we recommend a front-loading washing machine but if you’re using a top-loader with an agitator, just make sure you place your jacket in a mesh laundry bag.
- Zip up the jacket, close the pockets (check them first to make sure you’re not leaving something valuable inside), and loosen any elastic cords.
Step 2: Choose the Right Detergent
- Regular laundry detergents will strip down feathers of their natural oils, reducing loft and insulation. We recommend you use a specialised down wash like Nikwax Down Wash Direct®.
- Avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which can damage the outer shell and the down fill.
Step 3: Washing Cycle
- Select a gentle cycle and use cold or lukewarm water (30°C max) to protect the down.
- Do not overload the machine—wash the jacket on its own or with similar lightweight gear.
Some of our down jackets contain ALLIED HyperDRY down, a water-resistant treated down that repels moisture better than regular down. There are a few key care differences to keep in mind:
- Less Frequent Washing: HyperDRY down resists moisture and clumping, so wash only when dirt builds up or it has lost its loft (once or twice a year is good).
- Use a Down-Specific Detergent: Even though HyperDRY down retains water resistance, regular detergents can strip its hydrophobic treatment. Stick with a specialised down wash like Nikwax Down Wash Direct®.
How to Dry Your Down Jacket
Drying your jacket properly is crucial to restoring the loft.
Tumble Drying
- You might be surprised by how heavy your jacket is when wet, so handle it with care. Start by spreading your jacket out on a towel, then roll the excess water out—never wring or twist the jacket.
- Place the damp jacket inside out in the dryer.
- Add two to three clean tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps and restore loft.
- Dry on low to medium heat for several cycles, checking occasionally to redistribute the down.
Air Drying
- Lay the jacket flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated, sunny area.
- Turn the jacket every few hours and gently shake it to redistribute down.
- Allow up to 48 hours to fully dry before storing.
How to Repair Your Down Jacket
Outdoor adventures can be rough on your gear. It can pay to take your down jacket off in certain scenarios, say while you’re bush-bashing, but sometimes there's no escaping wily branches. If your jacket does get a tear, it’s best to act fast to prevent any down from escaping.
Option 1: Patch the Tear
- Use Gear Aid Tenacious Tape™ for an instant, waterproof repair. These patches are a quick and inexpensive fix. You can pick these up from your local Macpac store.
- Take care around the edges as frayed edges may lead to peeling, cut the patch to size and smooth out the jacket.
- Apply the patch with firm pressure and let it set for at least 24 hours before wearing.
Et voilà, that’s all you need to do.
Option 2: Heat Patch Repair
- A heat patch is more secure and will last a lot longer than a sticker patch repair.
- You can send your jacket to Macpac’s repairs team in Christchurch or Remote Equipment Repairs in Australia for a permanent heat-bonded patch. While we always try to match fabrics, this isn't always possible. Think of your mismatched jacket as a badge of honour. You’ve just done a brave and honourable thing keeping your gear in play for longer!
Option 3: Baffle Replacement (for those big tears)
- If the tear to your jacket is quite significant and the down has shifted, you might want to consider a partial or full baffle replacement. This involves replacing damaged panels to restore full insulation.
- Our repairs team will be able to help with this but if you’re ever unsure, just pop into your nearest Macpac store or get in touch online. Our team are happy to help.
If you’re ever unsure, just pop into your nearest Macpac store or get in touch online. Our team are happy to help.
Taking the time to look after down properly will reward you with a longer lasting, better performing jacket.
