Pyrenex, the French down jacket

25 Avril 2025
Pyrenex, la doudoune à la française

Pyrenex for 160 years

The Pyrenex story began 160 years ago when the Crabos family started their business. The company was based in the heart of Les Landes, a region known for goose and duck farming. The first down-filled vests appeared during the Second World War, designed to protect prisoners from the cold. In the 1960s, the company modernized, and the first bedding items were introduced. This activity became a real growth driver for the company.

In 1968, the company officially took the name Pyrenex. The French brand developed sports items, starting with sleeping bags, then the Pyrenex down jacket.
In June 2020, Pyrenex was awarded the "Label Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" (EPV - Living Heritage Company), by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

This label is a mark of recognition from the State, established to distinguish French companies that possess, among other things, industrial and artisanal know-how of excellence.

Living Heritage Companies maintain their production activity in France, in high value-added sectors. They are representative of the "made in France" spirit and know-how and forge the French economic and cultural identity.

The history of the Pyrenex down jacket

Following the advice of Louis Audoubert, known for his expeditions around the world, Pyrenex designed its first down jacket. It appeared in the 1970s. As a technical garment, the Pyrenex down jacket was designed to protect and insulate in the most extreme conditions.

Initially dedicated to expedition professionals, the Pyrenex down jacket became a fashion item in the 1980s. It was seen on the streets and became an essential piece of the modern wardrobe. The Oisans down jacket brought fame to Pyrenex, recognizable among many others with its leather inserts. This was followed by the Spoutnic, Authentic, and Mythic down jackets with their lacquered fabric and unparalleled comfort.

Pyrenex down jacket model Ruben Deep Khaki reference 045196

Pyrenex, a wealth of expertise

Since its beginnings, Pyrenex has made down its main expertise. Renowned for its quality, the filling of Pyrenex down jackets originates from Aquitaine, the Pyrenees, and Poitou. These conditions ensure the uniqueness of the French brand and further guarantee its quality. A filling that provides optimal warmth. Indeed, goose and duck feathers and down have exceptional insulating capacity given their weight. The down/feather ratio is around 90% / 10%. This is the best possible ratio to ensure warmth for a down jacket, especially when considering the quality of the filling used by Pyrenex.

Pyrenex down jackets are also distinguished by their lightness. This is mainly due to the filling they contain, but also to the work put into the fabrics used. A major asset for everyday life, following your every move! In short, Pyrenex down jackets perfectly adapt to the urban environment.

Technicality and warmth do not exclude the aesthetic aspect of Pyrenex down jackets. And on this point, the French brand innovates! Starting with the fabric finishes of the down jackets. There are several finishes:

  • The shiny finish and its dynamic look that modernizes the down jacket.
  • The matte finish, with its clean and pleasant feel, which proves very effective.
  • The drill ("wool cloth") finish, elaborate and sophisticated for a noticeable elegance.

New Pyrenex models are released every season. Meanwhile, the flagship models remain just as effective. We are thinking particularly of the Authentic Jacket or the Spoutnic Jacket. To summarize, Pyrenex down jackets bring together everything you could want from a good down jacket. Comfort, lightness, warmth, design, details, nothing is left to chance, and that's why we appreciate them!

The Pyrenex lightweight down jacket

Because the down jacket is no longer only worn in winter, Pyrenex reinvents it and offers the light down jacket. Less thick, the light down jacket is no less effective and warm. It is ideal for mid-season and the cool mornings that accompany it. Its style differs from the classic down jacket. There are more design choices: bomber-style cut, with or without a hood. The light down jacket can be worn either with a simple t-shirt, blouse, or shirt underneath; or over a leather jacket, for example. It can be mixed with different styles, from the most classic to the most sophisticated.