Natural feathers and down give perfect insulation: i.e. they absorb and retain large volumes of air in the form of countless air chambers, which acts as a barrier between our bodies and the cold outside. Down is also light, water-repellent, breathable, can be compressed and then returns to its natural size! This is why, despite the advent of new technical materials in the field of padding, the down jacket still plays a leading role both for more technical purposes (mountaineering – northern climates) and as ‘fashion’ item.