From outerwear to sleeping bags, Nikwax’s new down-fill technology can keep you more comfortable outdoors. As technology continues advancing, the outdoor industry is keeping up. And this new waterproof down is slowly revolutionizing the way we stay warm and dry outdoors — from the backcountry to everyday hiking and camping adventures.

Down are those fluffy clusters of fine fibers found underneath the outer feathers of ducks and geese. Product engineers use sustainably harvested down as a common insulation for high-performance coats and jackets and sleeping bags. And if you’ve ever been caught in the rain on a hike (a light drizzle or steady stream) or found yourself out in the backcountry with constant snowfall, you know how quickly the down insulation in your jacket can lose effectiveness — leaving you chilled, wet and uncomfortable.

That’s where Nikwax Hydrophobic Down+ (NHD+) and Nikwax Hydrophobic Down Recycled (NHD Recycled) products come in. This technology keeps the down clusters in your jacket (or gear like a sleeping bag) from getting wet so you don’t need to worry about getting caught in the rain or snow. Essentially, each of the down fibers are coated with a waterproof coating, to help repel water those fibers stay fluffy and keep you warm.

About Nikwax

Founded in the late 1970s, Nikwax continues to be the international leader in waterproofing products for outdoor apparel and gear more than 45 years later. The team at Nikwax uses a lot of complex science to create their technology, but the bottom line is, Nikwax tests its product extensively. With NHD+ you’ll stay dry more than 600 percent longer than other competing waterproof down products, and with NHD Recycled, you’ll stay dry more than 900 percent longer.

Brian Davidson, the Nikwax North America President, said that Nikwax’s industry partners have been seeking high-performance PFC-free (no Perfluorinated Chemicals) waterproof down fill.

“And we’ve been able to deliver two,” Davidson said. “That are not only PFC-free but perform better than anything else in their respective categories.”

Nikwax scientist and engineers designed this technology to repel water and still maintain loft in damp conditions. When individual down clusters expand (or loft) to fill an area inside a jacket, that down’s volume is mostly trapped air. When treated to become NHD+ and NHD Recycled the down gets a water-repellent coating — making a down-filled jacket or sleeping bag stays dryer, remain lightweight and still compressible. Hence, it’s a great choice for use in unpredictable weather.

From ponchos to high-performance jackets, this new waterproof down treatment is being used inside a wide range of outdoor gear. So, whether you’re planning a multi-day backpacking trip or just looking for a stylish and practical jacket for everyday wear outdoors, products with NHD+ and NHD Recycled may be good to consider.

Rab and Therm-a-Rest are just two companies using this new Nikwax technology inside their high-performance outerwear. Popular products like the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down and the Rab Women’s Axion Pro Down Jacket are designed to withstand the elements outdoors for years to come.

Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down

When you think of a poncho, you may think of one of those thin yellow lightweight coverings that come in a package the size of a wallet. But the Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho is not your typical rain poncho. Think cold weather, rain, and snow. In wet conditions, this poncho elevates your traditional poncho by being both down-filled (warm) and water-resistant.

Therm-a-Rest’s product engineers designed this fluffy oversized poncho using Nikwax Hydrophobic Down (NHD+) fill. Paired with a water-resistant shell and the Nikwax new down fill technology, the Honcho Poncho Down pullover stays puffy and warm even in wet conditions. No clumping or loss of loft so you can stay outside comfortably longer.

You’ll also find a comfy fitted hood and a large built-in zippered pouch for storing snacks and small gear like your phone or binoculars. I’ve found the front pouch incredibly handy when you’re sitting around a campfire or taking a rest on a trail.

The Honcho Poncho also folds into itself and breaks down to a 13-by-9-inch bag for easy storage. I love that this is a versatile piece that you can use beyond hiking and camping, too, like in your backyard around a fire pit or at outdoor events.

Therma-a-Rest also has a number of sleeping bags using this new down technology, like the Parsec 20F/-6 Sleeping Bag.

Bottom line: The Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down is versatile for changing weather conditions, oversized to easily slip on over all your outerwear and it helps keep your clothes dry underneath to keep you warm. It’s lightweight (weighing in at 1 pound, 3 ounces), packable and made of responsibly sourced materials.

Rab Axion Pro Down Jacket

Product engineers designed this cozy and lightweight Rab jacket using Nikwax Hydrophobic Down to solve some common outdoor gear problems, like staying warm in cold and wet conditions. Since the jacket’s NHD insulation repels water and maintains its loft, even when it’s wet, you’ll stay warm and dry, no matter what the weather throws your way.

That means you can wear this jacket in rain and snow and not get chilled like with a traditional down-filled coat.

From the quality stitching to the helmet-compatible removable hood to the high-quality zippered hand pockets and large chest pocket, this jacket comes with 700 fill-power down with a NHD finish. Paired with a pro ripstop nylon outer shell, you’ll find yourself comfortable in the wind as it creates a wind-proof barrier. Rab manufacturers also use recycled fabrics — including the down fill.

Bottom line: The Rab Axion Pro Jacket down fill is treated with a water-repellent coating to keep you dry in wet conditions. It’s responsibly sourced and incredibly cozy, packable and lightweight.

---

Suzanne Downing is an outdoor writer and photographer in Montana with an environmental science journalism background. Her work can be found in Outdoors Unlimited, Bugle Magazine, Missoulian, Byline Magazine, Communique, MTPR online, UM Native News, National Wildlife Federation campaigns and more.