The North Face Aconcagua Hooded Down Jacket - Black - UK 14

No, the Aconcagua Hooded Down Jacket is not fully waterproof. It features WindWall™ technology for wind resistance and Heatseeker™ Eco insulation which provides warmth even in wet conditions, but it is not designed to withstand heavy rain. For persistent wet weather, we recommend pairing it with a waterproof outer shell.

Fill power is a measure of the loft or fluffiness of the down. A 500-fill power means that one ounce of down occupies 500 cubic inches of space. Higher fill power indicates greater loft and insulating efficiency for its weight. 500-fill is considered good quality for general cold weather use.

Heatseeker™ Eco is a synthetic insulation made from 50% post-consumer recycled material. It's known for providing excellent warmth, even when wet, unlike traditional down which loses its insulating properties when saturated. This makes the jacket more versatile in variable weather.

RDS stands for Responsible Down Standard. This certification ensures that the down and feathers used in the product come from ducks and geese that have been treated humanely, meaning they have not been subjected to unnecessary harm like force-feeding or live-plucking.

For long-term storage, it's best to store your down jacket uncompressed in a cool, dry place. Hanging it in a closet is ideal. Avoid leaving it compressed in a stuff sack for extended periods, as this can degrade the down's loft and reduce its insulating performance over time.

The Aconcagua Hooded Down Jacket provides excellent warmth for chilly conditions, thanks to its 500-fill down and Heatseeker™ Eco insulation. For extreme cold, layering is key. While it performs well as an outer layer in moderate cold, for severe temperatures, you might need to wear it as a mid-layer under a more robust outer shell, combined with appropriate base layers.

This is common if down clumps. Ensure the jacket is completely dry by tumble drying on low heat with several tennis balls. The tennis balls help re-distribute and fluff the down, restoring its loft. This process can take multiple cycles.

Check if any fabric is caught in the zipper teeth. If not, gently clean the zipper teeth with a small brush to remove any dirt or debris. A silicone-based lubricant or a graphite pencil can be applied lightly to the teeth to improve glide.

Some minimal down leakage is normal, especially with new down jackets. If shedding is excessive, check for small holes or tears and repair them with a patch kit designed for outdoor gear. Avoid pulling feathers through the fabric; instead, push them back inside.