Outdoor Retailer: DriDown insulation from Si..

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

DriDown insulation from Sierra Designs • Down is far and away the most efficient insulation used by the outdoor apparel companies. One of down's major weaknesses is its inability to provide warmth when damp. Sierra Designs unleashed DriDown at the show and received rave reviews, including Gear of the Show from Outside magazine. Ever hear the word hydrophobic? That is what creators of DriDown say happens to down treated with their secret molecular polymer application. Sierra Designs claims DriDown in the Tov and Gnar Lite jackets will stay dry seven times longer in the presence of humidity and dries 33 percent faster than other downs. Sierra Designs will also use DriDown in its sleeping bags. Water-resistant down is especially important for folks spending days and weeks at a time in humid conditions, but it also comes in handy for more casual down users when a water bottle leaks during the family camping trip or a sleeping bag is left against the side of the tent during a downpour. The Tov ($259) and Gnar Lite ($229) jackets will be available in fall 2012. Sleeping bags will be available June 1. Information • sierradesigns.com

Editor's Note - This preview came from the Winter Market Outdoor Retailer show held in January in Salt Lake City.

Outdoor Retailer: DriDown insulation from Sierra Designs