We are set for another few months of battening down the hatches, with winter rattling at the window and topping up the JoJo tank.

For some, that means pyjamas, socks and warm drinks in front of the heater at home, but then you get those adventurous, outdoorsy friends who never turn down the chance for an early morning hike.

You know, the kind of person who says there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. They’re out and about tackling local trails with friends and family and love a campfire, and perhaps there is something to be learnt from their attitude.

Whatever elements Mother Nature decides to throw at us, we can always be prepared. Some might call it dressing up for the occasion, although the key is dressing down.

Down jackets made from duck and geese feathers, to be more precise, which are quickly becoming this season’s must-have winter accessory.

You might have heard people talking about down fill power when talking about jackets, but what does this actually mean for you and I when we’re trying to battle the winter chills?

Simply put, fill power is the measure of how much space the same weight of different quality down clusters will fill. The more space the down clusters takes up, the higher the fill power. Fill power can range anywhere from 300 (low quality) all the way up to 900 (extremely high quality).

Cape Union Mart exclusively stocks K-Way, known to South Africans as a technical brand which offers great value. One of the most useful ways to check the quality of a down jacket is by looking at its fill power.  K-Way’s down jackets are all 650 or higher, meaning that they only stock down jackets of great quality. They ensure that all of their duck down is responsible sourced from reliable suppliers.

Here are a few interesting facts about down:

1. It’s biodegradable. Down comes from ducks and geese – it will decompose over time and go back into the soil to nourish future growth.
2. It conserves resources. Because it’s a by-product of the food industry, there’s no unnecessary wastage.
3. It’s renewable. Down is a renewable resource which we should never run out of.
4. It has a smaller carbon footprint. Due to down jackets and sleeping bag fillings being a natural animal product, they have a lower carbon footprint than synthetic alternatives.

So there’s the feelgood factor in terms of how they are made, and then there’s the actual feeling good factor of wearing one.

Each ounce of down has approximately two million fluffy filaments to keep you warm, the breathability allows sweat to quickly evaporate, and if you look after your jacket it’s going to last a very, very long time.

That means you shouldn’t dry clean it, by the way, and you don’t want to wring it out, either. Cape Union Mart recommends washing your jacket with Storm Down Wash, making sure that its quality isn’t compromised for years to come.

If you’re keen to get in on the action, we did some digging around and found these on offer:

K-Way Men’s Drake Down Jacket 

Armour-proof yourself against the elements with one of the most popular outdoor clothing items available: the K-Way Drake Down jacket.

This jacket can handle light rain as its breathable, windproof fabric also repels water to keep your core warm and dry. As this lightweight jacket is only 280 grams, it’s highly compressible and folds up compactly, which is convenient when travelling.

K-Way Woman’s Tundra Down Jacket

The K-Way Woman’s Tundra Down Jacket features an aesthetically pleasing asymmetrical shoulder pattern, and thin diagonal channels which allow for a tighter fit.

Although it is a trendy and versatile item, the jacket still boasts a 100% windproof, water-repellent and breathable outer shell locking warmth in and the cold out.

The elasticated cuffs, hems and high collar also keep the wind out, while the pockets quickly warm frosty fingers.

K-Way Kids Printed Cygnet Down Jacket

You have to look after the little ones, especially if they’ve just treated you for Father’s Day, so get them kitted out, too. K-Way’s Printed Cygnet Down Jacket packs a lot into a small package as it is water-resistant, windproof and has two hand warmers.

In addition, it is extremely lightweight and easily foldable, which makes it a cinch to pack into your already overstuffed parenting bag.

Winters are for dressing warmly, but if you dress warmly enough there’s no reason you can’t still get out and about to explore.

It never hurts to look and feel good whilst doing it, either.