Quick answer: Wash your puffer sparingly, only when it's dirty or losing loft. Hand wash it in cold water with a down-specific wash (for down) or a gentle technical wash (for synthetic). Don't bleach, soak, wring or spin it. Line dry it in a warm, airy spot out of direct sun, breaking up clumps by hand as it dries. Store it uncompressed. Always check the care label first.
A puffer is the jacket you pull on when you stop moving: glassing a face at dawn, sitting on a spot on a frosty morning, or around camp once the sun drops. It works by trapping warm air in its insulation. Keep that insulation clean and lofty, and it'll keep you warm.
Down vs synthetic: why the care is different
Our puffers come with either responsibly sourced down or high-performance synthetic fill. Check the product page or care label to see which one you've got.
| Down | Synthetic | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Duck or goose down clusters, typically a 90/10 down-to-feather blend | Polyester fibres designed to mimic down |
| Warmth for weight | Highest, and more compressible | Good, and bulkier for the same warmth |
| When wet | Can clump and lose warmth, slow to dry (DWR-treated down resists this better) | Keeps most of its warmth, dries fast |
| Washing | Down-specific wash | Gentle technical wash |
| Drying | Slow and thorough, breaking up clumps as it goes | Quick and easy |
Fill power tells you how lofty the down is. The higher the number, the more warmth for the weight. Our down puffers range from 750 to 850+ fill power, and many use DWR-treated down, which resists moisture better than untreated down. Some styles also have a waterproof outer, tape-sealed seams or fused baffles. Check the product page for your jacket's exact specs.
When to wash a puffer
Less often than you'd think. Wash it when:
- It's visibly dirty or smells
- The baffles look flat and it's not as warm as it used to be
- The outer fabric has stopped beading water
- Before storing it away at the end of winter
For most hunters, once or twice a season is plenty. In between, spot clean small marks with a damp cloth and a little technical wash.
Read the care label first
Our puffers carry these instructions:
- Cold hand wash
- Do not bleach or soak
- Do not wring or spin
- Line dry
- Iron inside out
- Or dry clean
If your jacket's label says something different, follow the label.
How to hand wash a down puffer
- Empty the pockets and close all zips and press studs. Turn the jacket inside out.
- Fill a clean bath or tub with cold water and add a down-specific wash. Normal detergents strip the natural oils that help down loft.
- Press the jacket under the water until it's fully wet. Down traps air, so it takes a minute. Gently work the water through, paying attention to the cuffs, collar and hem. Don't leave it to soak.
- Drain and rinse in clean, cold water two or three times until there's no soap left. Leftover soap is the main cause of clumping.
- Press the water out gently. Don't wring or twist it, as this can tear the baffles and shift the down. Supporting the whole jacket as you lift it out stops the weight of wet down stretching the seams.
How to dry a down puffer (the important bit)
This is where down jackets are saved or ruined. Be patient.
- Lay it flat or hang it on a wide hanger in a warm, airy spot out of direct sun. Keep it away from heaters, fires and radiant heat.
- Every few hours, shake it and break up clumps gently between your fingers, working through each baffle.
- Keep going until it's completely dry, inside and out. This can take a day or two. Any damp down left inside will clump and can go mouldy.
- Give it a final shake and fluff before storing.
Only if your jacket's care label shows a tumble-dry symbol: a low-heat tumble with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls can speed up the final stage and restore loft.
How to wash and dry a synthetic puffer
Synthetic insulation is more forgiving.
- Close all zips and turn the jacket inside out.
- Hand wash in cold water with a gentle technical wash. No softener or bleach.
- Rinse thoroughly and press the water out. Don't wring or spin it.
- Line dry in the shade. It'll dry much faster than down.
Avoid high heat. Synthetic fibres can melt or permanently flatten.
Hybrid jackets with fleece or stretch panels are washed the same way. Keep them away from Velcro and rough items in the wash to stop the fleece pilling.
Storage: don't leave it crushed
Compression is fine for a trip. It's not fine for six months.
- Store clean and fully dry.
- Hang it on a wide hanger or lay it loosely in a large breathable bag.
- Don't leave it packed in its pocket, stuff sack or a vacuum bag over summer. The insulation loses its ability to spring back.
- Keep it somewhere cool and dry, away from sheds or ute canopies that sweat.
Field care
- Unless your puffer has a waterproof outer, wear a waterproof shell over it in rain or wet scrub.
- Keep it clear of campfire sparks. Puffer outer fabrics are thin and melt easily.
- If it gets wet, dry it as soon as you can. This matters most for down.
Repairs and warranty
Got a small tear or ember hole with down poking out? Don't pull the feathers out, as it makes the hole bigger. Push them back in and cover the hole with a self-adhesive repair patch. For bigger damage or anything that looks like a manufacturing fault, check our warranty page and get in touch with our team.
Puffer jacket FAQs
Can you wash a down jacket in the washing machine? Check the care label. Our puffers are labelled cold hand wash, do not wring or spin, which is the gentlest way to protect the baffles and down.
Why is my down jacket clumpy after washing? It isn't fully dry, or soap was left in it. Rinse again if needed, then keep drying and breaking up the clumps by hand until they're all gone.
Is down or synthetic better for hunting in Australia? Down is lighter and packs smaller for cold, dry conditions and long walk-ins. Synthetic is the safer bet for wet, humid country, as it stays warm when damp. DWR-treated down and waterproof shells close the gap.
Can I dry clean my puffer? The label allows it. If you go that way, use a dry cleaner experienced with down and technical outdoor gear. For most hunters, a careful cold hand wash at home is simpler and gentler.
How do I get my puffer to fluff up again? Give it a good shake and work through each baffle by hand to break up clumps. Hanging it loosely for a day after taking it out of storage helps the insulation recover.