Wash new puffy prior to first use?

[Meenkya]

What is the consensus. It's a Big Agnes Hole in the wall jacket, 700 downTek WR down. Have a product called Nikwax down wash direct. Was planning on using it after my trip, then I started thinking. Usually not good...

[CalebJ]

Just wear it.

[Meenkya]

That's what I wanted to hear...thx

[Just Bill]

Good general advise for all down products-
Wash them as little as possible.

Nikwax and down soaps help to avoid stripping the natural oils from the down itself.
Once that issue is avoided... washing is hard on the shell and stitches.

As we get lighter and lighter and lighter shell fabrics- it's not the down so much as the shell that is the weak point.

Washing also strips off the DWR coating so the longer you hold off the better for that too.
Spot cleaning the shell itself with a soft cloth and warm water is a good way to go. A mild soap can be used in the footbox of a sleeping bag/quilt or armpits of a jacket if there is an odor.
I try to keep actual washing to a once a year thing if possible.

[kestral]

Another vote for not prewashing your UL fabrics and down filled items. Washing after every trip, which might be considered for odor control and cleanliness, is a no go for this stuff. I have found spot washing for stains and airing for odor to be most effective. (Airing is a fancy way of saying I put sleeping bag over the fence for a couple rain free days, down vest on a hanger under an oak tree in the shade, sun fades and slowly deteriorates fabrics but is a UV disinfectant-so a bit of a mixed review on sun vs shade airing. Yeah I know you wear it in the sun.

[Meenkya]

Great info, thx...wash as little as possible

[MuddyWaters]

Wash it when it needs it , to restore loft.

This can be much more frequent than most realize for down.

And its critical to remove all traces of soap when doing do.

[Just Bill]

Wash it when it needs it , to restore loft.

This can be much more frequent than most realize for down.

And its critical to remove all traces of soap when doing do.

Fair point on the loft... especially in a jacket.
Though an occasional spin through a low heat dryer helps fluff things up and saves a wash. Depends how much humidity cycling you're getting in my opinion. Easier to get gunk, funk, and trail dust accumulating in humid or damp conditions.

[Venchka]

Another vote for not prewashing your UL fabrics and down filled items. Washing after every trip, which might be considered for odor control and cleanliness, is a no go for this stuff. I have found spot washing for stains and airing for odor to be most effective. (Airing is a fancy way of saying I put sleeping bag over the fence for a couple rain free days, down vest on a hanger under an oak tree in the shade, sun fades and slowly deteriorates fabrics but is a UV disinfectant-so a bit of a mixed review on sun vs shade airing. Yeah I know you wear it in the sun.

The only shade in my yard is under bird poop machines. Hanging under trees is not a viable option for me.
I’ll think of something.
Wayne

[GankenBerry]

just throw it on and start trekking.