I've had a down coat and a duvet and I didn't find them any warmer than my usual winter coat or jacket or even a fibre duvet. Depending on how the coat is made the down will settles in it's pockets. Even if your coat is down in our climate dressing in layers is still the best thing.

Anne

When I was younger, all winter coats had a quilted lining. Those two layers made them very warm. Now you never see a lined coat for sale. Right now my favorite winter coat is my "Fake Fuh" . It looks like an old-fashioned raccoon coat. And I always get compliments when I wear it.

Hi,
I just bought 2 new down coats and they are each rated for the outdoor temps. One from Pennys said 39 to 25 degrees, and the other was from Lands End and rated for 25 to -15. The rating is determined by the type of down fill. The one from Lands End is actually thinner and lighter, but it sure is warm.

I look for items with thinsalite. Both Lands End and LL Bean have a pricy for good selection. Since we run below 0 alot we do layer, but do watch quality. REI has good outwear and I try to find it from USA or Canada. That is where my boot are from Toe Warmers are great.

I have found flannel sheets and my usual covers are warmer and nestle around me better then a down duvet.

Watching a local Search & Rescue team several years back, I learned that humans lose 80% of their lost body heat through their scalp. The volunteers were strongly advised to wear warm caps. This is in line with the old practice of wearing "Night Caps" to bed before there were self-regulating heaters.

I felt silly the first winter it tried it, but I stay warmer and the heater can be set lower. Just like the "Old days" I bought a satin night cap, and it actually helps my hair not to be so tangled. Good luck. l.marie

I knitted my husband a ski mask. He took to wearing it to bed. We used to keep our thermometer low at night to save on our energy bills. He said the hat kept his head and neck warm. I also sewed him a winter hat out of fake fur. It had ear flaps. It got dirty and matted, but he still wore it. I haven't seen it in a while. He may have lost it.

It depends on the weight (amount) of the down and its composition; also the stitching. If there's not enough stitching, down will settle, leaving parts of a coat or duvet without 'insulation'.

Our present duvet is almost TOO warm!

I can't see what difference it would make to have the down garment or duvet closer to your skin, unless there's a big air gap between you and the down. I use a light blanket under our duvet.

I used to have a down coat. Man, was it ever nice and warm. Unfortunately when I started having allergy problems I had to give up down as well as feather beds like the ones I had as a child in Germany.

It really depends on the down, on how warm you will be.

Moni

They use many down coats in (cold) Saskatchewan.

I'm surprised that you felt that yours did a poorer job than your parka.

I don't have one - have never had, so can't give advice leavened by experience.

ole joyful

May not be real down, but a synthetic.

Does the coat need a good shaking to redistribute the down? Hold it by the hem and *shake* for a minute.

(Our king size down duvet gives my arms a workout every time I make the bed. LOL)