Down Jacket with Moisture Management Innovation

eVent Fabrics, a leader in waterproof and breathable fabric technologies, has partnered with ALLIED Feather + Down to demonstrate a new evolution in down jacket performance. Debuting at Performance Days in Munich, March 18–19, the concept system addresses one of the most persistent limitations in insulated outerwear: internal and external moisture building up inside the insulation chamber.

The collaboration pairs ALLIED’s 800 fill power ExpeDRY® down, which is engineered with gold particles to accelerate water vapor evaporation, with eVent’s highly breathable, downproof, and weatherproof 2-layer stormburstLT laminate. Together, the materials create an advanced system designed to actively manage moisture both inside and outside the jacket, helping maintain loft and thermal efficiency across a wider range of conditions and activity levels.

“This is an opportunity to rethink how the entire insulation chamber functions,” said Chad Kelly, Vice President of eVent Fabrics. “stormburstLT delivers over 55,000 g/m² breathability with 8,000 mm waterproofness, while remaining 100% windproof and PFAS-free. By blocking external moisture and allowing interior vapor to escape more efficiently than traditional downproof shells, we’re helping the insulation system stay drier and perform more consistently.”

Traditional downproof outer shells have serious limitations. Not only do they allow external moisture in, they also trap water vapor inside the down chamber, effectively introducing moisture on two fronts.  As internal moisture accumulates and condenses, loft diminishes, reducing insulation performance during high-output activity. 

A specialized laminate ideal for use in both down jackets and apparel made for high exertion activities in unpredictable weather, stormburstLT is more weatherproof and windproof than traditional downproof shells, all while remaining extremely breathable, lightweight, and packable, extending the functionality of what was just a layering piece into a jacket capable of protecting the wearer in foul weather.

ExpeDRY® down was developed specifically to combat internal humidity. By integrating gold particles at the molecular level, the technology speeds the evaporation of moisture within the down cluster itself, actively working to maintain loft in damp or high-exertion conditions.

“Down is inherently breathable and the challenge has always been the surrounding fabric environment,” said Matthew Betcher, Creative Director at ALLIED Feather + Down. “ExpeDRY prevents condensation inside the insulation chamber, accelerating vapor movement away from the down clusters. When paired with a more breathable, downproof laminate like stormburstLT, the effect is amplified. The insulation dries faster, the chamber stays drier, and performance improves beyond what conventional constructions allow.”

The result is a premium down jacket as an integrated performance system in which insulation and shell material are engineered to function together. The stretch properties of stormburstLT further enhance mobility, expanding the performance window for cold-weather pursuits.