What the heck is fill power?

[Bobbinheadlodge]

You see it all the time, and chances are there was a time you had no idea what it was, or why down is so expensive. Hey 850 is a big number, so it must be good, but why?

All the answers here:http://www.idfl.com/info/articles/

For the easy, summarized not citable read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fill_power


Industry Standards for measuring down...who knew?

[Ghost17]

Thanks for posting that article, I had no idea what the number in fill power was all about.

[gunner76]

Lots of good info there

[firecat8]

Good info, I used to think more FP = more warmth, until I did some research as well.

I'm sure it's still a misconception for a lot of people.

[climbing.kevin]

thanks for the helpful info! really cleared it up for me

[Ghilliechef]

Fill power is not what it use to be . Shortage of down . The lower fill are cable of keeping you warmer as 800 did in the past . So mfg. have been coming up with new way to squeeze more warmth out . Their also chemical treatment of down , to make it more water proof (down has been known to lose it warmth if gotten wet ). I've seen where one clothing mfg. is getting 1000 down fill into a 800 down jacket. Even merino wool is going thru some changes too . More hybrid fiber put into merino wool products.

[Ghilliechef]

I forgot the new buzz words are Gold standard , silver and bronze .