Best_Down_Jackets

When it comes to staying warm in cold weather, nothing beats a down jacket. In addition to being warm, the best down jackets are also incredibly lightweight and compressible, allowing you to take them anywhere with you. Because of this, they are the favorite apparel of many hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

If you want to get the most out of your down jacket, you need to consider more than just its style. Factors like down fill power and weight also play important roles because they directly show you how warm a jacket is. To help you choose, we’ve created a buying guide that will debunk all of these terms. In addition, our down jacket reviews will present the best down jackets so you can stay warm and cozy regardless of the temperature.

1

OUR TOP PICK

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket


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Summary

The REI Co-op 650 down jacket is an ideal garment for hiking, camping, and backpacking adventures. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and filled with high-quality down that will provide good insulation even on very chilly days. As a bonus, the jacket is stylish and works great for wearing every day too.

Fill Type and Weight

As its name suggests, the REI Co-op 650 jacket has a down fill power of 650. Considering that it’s filled with high-quality goose down, it’s one of the warmest down jackets when you look at the warmth to weight ratio. Furthermore, the down is naturally-sourced and RDS-certified (Responsible Down Standard), which means that the animals weren’t harmed in the process.

Shell Material and Protection

The shell of this jacket is eco-friendly and made from recycled nylon taffeta. It resists tears and abrasions well, and blocks the wind efficiently. Furthermore, the jacket is treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) which prevents water and snow from soaking in the surface so the down inside can remain dry.

Lining and Comfort

Much like the shell, the lining is made from the same nylon taffeta fabric. It further increases the durability of the jacket and helps retain warmth. At the same time, it makes the jacket very comfortable to wear.

Additional Features

A thing that we really like about this jacket is that it comes with elastic cuffs and hem. Due to this, the warm air is trapped inside and the wind can’t get in and cool you down. In addition, the jacket also features zippered pockets on the sides for keeping your hands warm on windy days.

Outdoor Performance

The appeal of this jacket lies in its versatility – you can use it on the trail, in your backyard, or when running errands around town. It weighs only 11 ounces and packs down in its own left pocket so you can take it with you everywhere you go.

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  • What Makes This Jacket Stand Out
  • Elastic cuffs and hem prevent cold air from getting inside
  • Packs into its own left pocket for easier carrying
  • Eco-friendly nylon shell made from recycled materials
  • Zippered side pockets keep your hands warm on chilly days
  • RDS-certified down fill (no animals were harmed in the process)
  • Responsibly sourced
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Everyday Wearing
Fill Power: 650
Weight: 11 ounces
Fill Type: Natural Down (RDS-Certified)
Shell Material: Nylon Taffeta
Lining: Nylon Taffeta
Gender: Men’s
Sizes: S to 2XL

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Patagonia Down Sweater Women’s Down Jacket

Patagonia Down Sweater Women’s Down Jacket


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Summary

Fluffy, comfortable, and very durable, the Patagonia down jacket is the best women's down jacket you can get. It features a women-specific cut that follows the lines of your body well, giving you an unparalleled comfort level while preventing gusts of cold air from coming inside.

Fill Type and Weight

The down used to fill the Patagonia jacket is responsibly sourced from geese. It’s incredibly lofty and has 800-fill power which makes this top rated packable down jacket exceptionally warm. The fill power results in a great warmth-to-weight ratio, and this is in fact one of the lightest female down jackets that you’ll come across.

Shell Material and Protection

Made from high-quality ripstop polyester, the shell of this jacket is incredibly tough. Even though down jackets are notoriously sensitive to branches and sharp objects, this lightweight down jacket can withstand even harsher outdoor use. Besides protecting you from wind and low temperatures, the jacket is also treated with DWR that prevents the water from soaking in.

Lining and Comfort

Since it’s one of the loftiest models available, the comfort that the Patagonia women’s down sweater provides is really impressive. At only 12.2 ounces it feels like you have nothing on, while giving you top-level protection even if the temperature drops very low.

Additional Features

When talking about the features, we must mention the quilted design that makes the jacket a lot more functional. It distributes the down evenly throughout, eliminating any cold spots. Furthermore, the best down jacket for women comes with a longer hem for additional lower back protection.

Outdoor Performance

The performance of these women's lightweight down jackets is very good regardless of the conditions. The lofty down gives you great warmth during cold days, while the DWR-coated shell even allows you to use the jacket in light rain without compromising the insulation.

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  • What Makes This Jacket Stand Out
  • Ripstop shell material with DWR coating for repelling water
  • Quilted construction keeps the down in place so it’s evenly warm
  • Longer hem gives you additional protection on windy days
  • Zipper garage on the chin prevents chafing and discomfort
  • Nylon-bound elastic cuffs prevent the heat from escaping
  • Responsibly sourced
  • High quality shell fabric
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Female Campers and Hikers
Fill Power: 800
Weight: 12.2 ounces
Fill Type: Goose Down
Shell Material: Recycled Ripstop Polyester
Lining: Recycled Ripstop Polyester
Gender: Women’s
Sizes: XS to 2XL

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3

BEST VALUE

Tommy Hilfiger Packable Down Jacket

Tommy Hilfiger Packable Down Jacket


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Summary

If you’re after a lofty backpacking down jacket on a tighter budget, the Tommy Hilfiger mens down jacket is the one for you. Not only does it offer exceptional warmth and insulation, but it also comes in a wide range of great-looking designs to boost your style.

Fill Type and Weight

To reduce the production cost and price, the Tommy Hilfiger down jacket is filled with duck down instead of loftier goose down. Even though the fill power and fill weight aren’t specified by the manufacturer, customers agree that the jacket works very well on moderately cold days.

Shell Material and Protection

The shell of this jacket is made from polyamide which looks great and blocks wind efficiently. While it might not be the strongest material around, the jacket will last a long time if you pay a little attention while wearing it.

Lining and Comfort

One of the biggest upsides to getting this jacket is the comfort it gives you. Despite costing less than most other models we’ve talked about, the comfort level can match almost any other jacket. Besides the down itself, the soft synthetic liner also contributes to the great feeling.

Additional Features

As you can see, the Tommy Hilfiger down jacket features a quilted design. The quilts help keep the down in place so it doesn’t move around and create cold spots. The jacket also comes with a stand-up collar, as well as two easily-accessible pockets on the sides.

Outdoor Performance

When talking about the performance, the jacket works best when worn casually in moderate weather. It probably won’t be warm enough to wear on its own in very low temperatures. However, you can always use it as a mid-layer under a protective hardshell.

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  • What Makes This Jacket Stand Out
  • Stand-up collar design improves the warmth in the neck area
  • Spacious and easily-accessible side pockets for keeping hands warm
  • Functional quilted pattern keeps down evenly distributed
  • Polyamide shell resists moisture and abrasion really well
  • Incredibly lightweight and compact when packed (easy to take anywhere)
  • High water resistance
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Hiking
Fill Type: Duck Down
Shell Material: Polyamide
Lining: Synthetic
Gender: Men’s
Sizes: XS to 4XL

View More By Tommy Hilfiger »
4

Marmot Ares Down Jacket

Marmot Ares Down Jacket


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Summary

One of the things we really like about the Marmot Ares down jacket is the freedom of movement it gives you. It features the Angel-Wing design that allows you to move your arms without feeling restricted or lifting the jacket. In addition, it’s also water-resistant to a degree which improves the overall protection it gives you.

Fill Type and Weight

The jacket is filled with duck down that has 600 fill power. Despite the lower-quality down and lower fill power, the fill weight of this jacket is more than substantial to keep you warm on chilly days during the fall and winter. Additionally, the Ares jacket also works great as a mid-layer during the coldest months.

Shell Material and Protection

To ensure good wind protection, the shell of this jacket is made from polyester. It’s also fairly resistant to scuffs and abrasion which reduces the chances of tearing. Furthermore, the shell is treated with a DWR coating that repels water from the surface so it doesn’t reach the down inside.

Lining and Comfort

Just like the shell, the lining of this jacket is also made from polyester fibers. This is a good choice because it feels very nice to wear. Due to this and the Angel-Wing design we’ve mentioned, the overall comfort of this jacket is excellent.

Additional Features

The design of this jacket is fairly simple and includes only the basic features. These include two zippered side pockets for warming your hands, as well as elastic cuffs around your wrists to prevent the sleeves from riding up and to keep the cold air from getting inside.

Outdoor Performance

Thanks to its DWR-coated polyester shell and the Down Defender treatment, the Marmot Ares down jacket is one of the best men's down jackets wet and rainy weather. You don’t have to worry if you get caught in bad weather while camping or hiking because the jacket is capable of holding the water out until you reach a shelter.

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  • What Makes This Jacket Stand Out
  • Down Defender treatment protects the down from moisture
  • Angel-Wing design allows unrestricted arm movement
  • Zippered hand pockets for carrying essentials and small items
  • Excellent option for layering under waterproof hardshell jackets
  • Ripstop polyester shell resists tears and abrasions during use
  • High quality shell fabric
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Unrestricted Movement
Fill Power: 600
Weight: 15.5 ounces
Fill Type: Duck Down with Down Defender
Shell Material: Polyester with DWR Coating
Lining: Polyester
Gender: Men’s
Sizes: S to 2XL

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5

Wantdo Packable Puffer Down Jacket

Wantdo Packable Puffer Down Jacket


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Summary

The Wantdo packable puffer down jacket looks great and provides very decent warmth when the temperatures drop. It features a quilted design with narrow sections that guarantee even heat distribution around your body. Additionally, it also features a cozy hood for additional head protection on windy days.

Fill Type and Weight

Filled with premium duck down, the warmth that this jacket provides is very good. According to the specs, the total weight of the down is between 7.7 and 11.3 ounces depending on the size you choose. The fill power is not specified, but customers are very satisfied with its warmth-to-weight ratio.

Shell Material and Protection

One of the most interesting things about the Wantdo duck down jacket is that it comes with a water-resistant shell that has a 3000mm waterproof rating. The shell is made from 20D 400T nylon that is coated with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to prevent water from getting inside.

Lining and Comfort

The lining of this jacket is made from the same material as the shell. It’s very gentle to the touch and makes the jacket comfortable even if you’re wearing it over short sleeves. The entire jacket is puffy and lightweight so it feels very cozy for all-day wearing.

Additional Features

As we’ve pointed out, the Wantdo duck down jacket comes with a hood for additional protection. However, this isn’t the only great feature that you’ll get. It also has a total of four pockets – two on the outside for keeping your hands warm, as well as two on the inside for stashing a media player, a smartphone, or your wallet.

Outdoor Performance

Due to the specific design, the Wantdo down sweater hoody is very versatile and can be used in many situations from fall to spring. The water-resistant shell allows you to wear it in light rain, while the low bulk and good insulation make it a solid option for layering in the winter.

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  • What Makes This Jacket Stand Out
  • Nylon shell with DWR coating protects you in light rain
  • Media port for easily threading headphone cable
  • Carrying pouch included for easily transporting the jacket
  • Elastic cuffs provide prevent heat from escaping
  • Available in a large number of sizes and colors
  • Easy to access chest pocket
  • High water resistance
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Wind Protection
Weight: 7.76 to 11.28 ounces
Fill Type: Duck Down
Shell Material: 20D 400T Nylon with DWR Coating
Lining: 20D 400T Nylon
Gender: Men’s
Sizes: S to 2XL

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6

The North Face Arctic Women’s Down Jacket

The North Face Arctic Women’s Down Jacket


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Summary

The detail that separates the North Face Arctic women’s puffy jacket is the hem length. Designed as a parka, it provides additional protection to your thighs and the lower back area. Other than that, it’s worth pointing out that it features a double-layer DryVent shell that makes it one of the most excellent down jackets for women to wear in rainy and snowy weather.

Fill Type and Weight

The main insulating material in the North Face Arctic women’s down jacket is goose down. It has a 550-fill power rating and excellent fill weight so you can use it even in very cold weather.

Shell Material and Protection

As we’ve pointed out, the shell of this jacket is made from high-quality DryVent material. This is a blend between nylon (73%) and cotton (23%). Besides rain protection, it also blocks wind so it won’t be able to cool you down.

Lining and Comfort

Despite being on the heavier end of the spectrum (almost 3 pounds), the comfort of this jacket is very satisfactory. The liner is soft and the jacket allows good mobility, so you’ll enjoy wearing it.

Additional Features

When talking about the additional features, the North Face Arctic jacket really shines. The most interesting additions are the Heatseeker side panels that boost the insulation and make the jacket even warmer. Other great features include a covered Vislon front zipper, a storm flap behind it, and zippered internal and external pockets for organizing smaller items.

Outdoor Performance

If you’re after a down jacket that you can also wear in the winter, this is an obvious choice. It’s heavily insulated, adjustable, and features a long hem and a faux fur hood to give you additional protection.

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  • What Makes This Jacket Stand Out
  • Parka design provides additional warmth and thigh protection
  • Removable hood with a faux fur trim for additional head warmth
  • Storm flap behind the zipper prevents wind from getting inside
  • Fully seam-sealed shell keeps the down inside dry in the rain
  • 150g Heatseeker side panels provide an additional insulation layer
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Casual Wearing
Fill Power: 550
Weight: 2 pounds 13.5 ounces
Fill Type: Goose Down
Shell Material: DryVent (73% Nylon + 27% Cotton)
Gender: Women’s
Sizes: XS to XL

View More By Hawke & Co »
7

Columbia Frost Fighter Insulated Down Jacket

Columbia Frost Fighter Insulated Down Jacket


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Summary

In addition to the excellent insulation and heat-retention, the Columbia Frost Fighter down jacket also features the Omni-Shield water and stain repellent on the shell. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about it getting dirty or wet when you go camping or hiking.

Fill Type and Weight

To provide you with top-level warmth without skyrocketing the price tag, the Columbia Frost Fighter uses faux down. It has a fill power of 650 and a total down weight of 5.3 ounces which gives it a great balance between low weight and great insulation.

Shell Material and Protection

Made from ripstop nylon, the shell of this jacket is among the most durable we’ve featured. It prevents cold air from getting inside, and the Omni-Shield treatment we’ve mentioned makes sure that raindrops or melted snow can’t reach the down inside.

Lining and Comfort

Unlike the shell, the lining of this jacket is made from polyester to provide a higher comfort level. Because of this, the jacket won’t cause chafing or discomfort even if you wear it all day. The fit is snug but not restrictive so you can freely enjoy your activities while wearing it.

Additional Features

A detail we really like but don’t often see on down jackets is the abrasion-resistant chin guard. Thanks to this, you can zipper up the jacket completely without chafing your chin. Furthermore, the jacket features an adjustable hem with a drawcord, as well as bindings at the cuffs which prevent the sleeves from moving.

Outdoor Performance

On their own, the Columbia Frost Fighter lightweight down jackets are excellent for moderately cold weather. However, they have very low bulk so it’s possible to combine them with hardshells.

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  • What Makes This Jacket Stand Out
  • Omni-Shield coating protects the jacket from water and stains
  • Cuff bindings prevent the sleeves from moving and riding up
  • Roomy and versatile fit allows full unrestricted movement
  • Abrasion-resistant chin guards improve jacket durability
  • Drawcord on the hem for easily adjusting the tightness
  • High water resistance
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Rain Protection
Fill Power: 650
Weight: 5.3 ounces (Down Weight)
Fill Type: Mixed Down (Synthetic Insulation)
Shell Material: Ripstop Nylon
Lining: Polyester
Gender: Men’s
Sizes: L

View More By XPOSURZONE »
8

Mammut Meron IN Hooded Down Jacket

Mammut Meron IN Hooded Down Jacket


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Summary

When it comes to down quality, the Mammut Meron IN hooded jacket is the best down jacket for men that you can get. It’s made from the highest-quality 900-fill goose down that provides incredible warmth with minimal bulk. On top of this, the jacket is extremely compressible and easily packs in its own pocket for convenient carrying.

Fill Type and Weight

Filled entirely with goose down, the Mammut Meron IN jacket is one of the highest-quality jackets on this list. Considering this, the price is more than reasonable. As we’ve mentioned, the down has 900 fill power which makes it incredibly lofty and able to insulate you even in very thin layers.

Shell Material and Protection

To complement the premium fill, the shell of this jacket is made from high-end materials too. Using ripstop nylon with an additional DWR coating, the Mammut Meron IN winter down jackets protect you from wind, cold air, and light rain equally well.

Lining and Comfort

The lining of this model is made from the same materials as the shell, which ensures that the jacket won’t be damaged easily. Due to the down quality and the overall jacket fit, the Meron IN is incredibly comfy to wear.

Additional Features

For improved head protection, the Meron IN jacket comes with a hood. An interesting thing about it is that it’s adjustable and helmet-compatible so you can use the jacket for a wide array of sports. Furthermore, the jacket is also compatible with a harness and comes with a 2-way zipper.

Outdoor Performance

Owing to the construction quality, this jacket is excellent for very low temperatures. It’s a great option for winter hiking and mountaineering, but you can also enjoy it as an everyday jacket during the colder months.

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  • What Makes This Jacket Stand Out
  • Adjustable helmet-compatible hood for additional warmth
  • 900 down fill power provides the best warmth to weight ratio
  • Convenient side pockets are compatible with backpacks and harnesses
  • Toray ripstop shell resists light rain making sure you’re always dry
  • Jacket packs in its own pocket for additional carrying convenience
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Very Low Temperatures
Fill Power: 900
Weight: 14 ounces
Fill Type: Goose Down
Shell Material: Ripstop Nylon Shell with DWR Coating
Lining: Ripstop Nylon
Gender: Men’s
Sizes: S to 2XL

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9

Patagonia Grade VII Down Jacket

Patagonia Grade VII Down Jacket


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Summary

For those of you looking for a warm and versatile winter down hiking jacket, the Patagonia Grade VII jacket has a lot to offer. It’s filled with premium-quality down, has very low total weight, and provides impressive protection even when the temperature drops below zero.

Fill Type and Weight

The Grade VII Patagonia down sweater hoody is filled with high-quality goose down that has a fill power of 800. Not only is the down super-insulating, but the jacket has a lot of it and weighs almost 1.5 pounds. Because of this, Patagonia claims that this is by far one of their excellent down jackets in terms of warmth.

Shell Material and Protection

Made from 15D ripstop nylon, the shell of this ultralight down jacket can withstand any type of outdoor use. As you would expect from a premium model, it’s coated with DWR for additional water protection.

Lining and Comfort

Same as the shell, the lining of this jacket is made from Pertex Quantum nylon materials. It resists tears and damage really well while allowing you full freedom of movement whether you’re just walking or taking part in winter sports.

Additional Features

Similarly to the previous model we’ve talked about, the Patagonia Grade VII comes with a two-way zipper. Because of this, it won’t get in the way if you’re using a harness or a belay device. It also features a high collar, an adjustable hood, and a total of four pockets.

Outdoor Performance

The performance of this hooded jacket is exceptional, and it really shines during the winter months. You can use it for any type of winter sport and we’re sure that it won’t let you down.

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  • What Makes This Jacket Stand Out
  • Impressive 800 fill power keeps you warm even in very low temperatures
  • Puffy and lightweight construction feels incredibly soft and comfortable
  • Four pockets (a zippered chest pocket on both sides + 2 hand pockets)
  • Adjustable hem and elastic cuffs ensure that the cold air stays out
  • Two-way zipper for easy access to your belay device or harness
  • One of the best warmth to weight ratio on the market
  • High water resistance
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Winter Weather
Fill Power: 800 Fill
Weight: 1 pound 7.8 ounces
Fill Type: Goose Down
Shell Fabric: 15D Ripstop Nylon with DWR Coating
Lining: 15D Pertex Quantum Nylon with DWR Coating
Gender: Men’s
Sizes: S to 2XL

View More By Outdoor Research »
10

Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody Down Jacket

Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody Down Jacket


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Summary

The Outdoor Research Transcendent down jacket is an excellent choice if you put a great accent on comfort and breathability. It’s lightweight, cozy, and filled with high-quality 650-fill down that will keep you warm wherever you go. In addition, it comes with an adjustable hood so you can count on great head protection too.

Fill Type and Weight

As we’ve pointed out, the Outdoor Research Transcendent jacket is filled with high-quality down that has 650 fill power. With a weight of just under one pound, the jacket feels very light when wearing while still maintaining the warmth. According to the manufacturer, the down has a mixed source (goose and duck).

Shell Material and Protection

One thing that stands out about this jacket is the shell quality. It’s made from tough 20D ripstop polyester that won’t be easily damaged if you brush it on a branch or other sharp objects. It provides exceptional protection from cold weather and wind, but we would advise against using it in the rain because it’s not a true waterproof down jacket. 

Lining and Comfort

Much like the shell, the lining of the Outdoor Research Transcendent down jacket is both comfortable and durable. It’s made from 44D nylon Taffeta that feels great even if you wear it the entire day.

Additional Features

The Transcendent jacket is packed with great features which makes it very versatile in different outdoor situations. Besides the hood we’ve mentioned, the jacket also features two zippered hand pockets on the sides for keeping your hands warm. Furthermore, it has a drawcord hem as well as elastic cuffs to keep the air out.

Outdoor Performance

All things considered, the performance of this jacket is great. Many hikers agree that it offers just the right amount of down to keep you warm on most days without adding too much bulk or weight.

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  • What Makes This Jacket Stand Out
  • Tricot-lined collar significantly improves neck comfort
  • Fully adjustable hood provides additional head protection
  • Internal storm flap prevents wind from getting inside
  • Left-hand pocket works as a stuff sack for easy carrying
  • Available in six colors so it’s easy to match with other gear
  • High water resistance
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Best For: Comfort and Breathability
Fill Power: 650
Weight: 15.4 ounces
Fill Type: Mixed Down
Shell Fabric: 20D Ripstop Polyester
Lining: 44D Nylon Taffeta
Gender: Men’s
Sizes: S to 2XL

View More By BGSD »

How To Choose A Down Jacket – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_A__Down_Jacket

Type

Based on their design and additional features, down jackets can be sorted into a few different categories. All of these have their pros and cons, so we’ll say a few words about each of them so you can easily figure out what you need.

Ultralight Down Jacket – These jackets usually feature a smaller amount of high-quality down with a high fill power (over 600). They are very warm, comfortable, and pack down very small. However, a down jacket ultralight model won’t be enough for very cold weather and might get damaged easier than heavy jackets.

Down Sweaters – This type of jacket is a little heavier than the best ultralight option, which makes it great for both layering and everyday use. While they are a bit bulkier when packed, they are often warmer than an ultralight down jacket.

Heavyweight Jackets – If you want to wear a down jacket in winter, this is what you should look for. Not only do these feature high-quality down, but they also have a lot of it inside. In addition, they come with stronger shells that make them more durable. They are a bit heavier and bulkier, but it’s worth it if you need additional protection.

Related Reviews: Softshell Jacket & Softshell Jackets For Women

Size and Fit

For a down jacket to keep you warm and cozy, you need to get the right size and fit. Since it relies on trapping air to keep you warm, you need to make sure that the jacket doesn’t leave too much space around your body. Down jackets are sold in standard sizes, but we advise that you double-check the size chart and see whether a model runs true to size.

As for the fit, down jackets need to be fairly snug in all areas. Some of the puffer jacket best models allow you to adjust the fit and come with cinch drawcords at the hem or waist, as well as elastic or Velcro cuffs. Thanks to this, you’ll be able to close all the gaps and prevent wind from getting in the jacket.

Style and Design

While style shouldn’t be the first consideration, we can all agree that it’s important when choosing a jacket. While a lot of these jackets have a similar quilted design, there can still be some differences between them. These differences include quilt size, hem length, pocket placement, and whether the jacket has a hood or not.

Weight

The weight of a jacket is important both when wearing it and when carrying it in your backpack. All down jackets are very lightweight, meaning they won’t cause any discomfort while wearing. However, there are still small differences in weight between them caused by the down weight and down fill powers. To help you with this, we’ve listed the weight for all the best down jackets for men and women that we’ve featured.

Shell Material

When it comes to shell materials, the most common choices are nylon and polyester. Keep in mind, however, that these materials can’t be too thick so they don’t increase the overall weight (Denier rating usually between 10 and 20D). Because of this, even the most excellent down jackets can be fairly easy to damage on sharp objects or branches if you’re not careful.

Compressibility And Packability

Another big upside to getting a down jacket is the fact that it can be compressed to a very small size. How much you’ll be able to compress it mostly depends on the down fill quality (loftier down compresses better). Thanks to this, the jacket will take very little space in your backpack. Some of the best down jackets can even be stuffed into their own pocket, making packing even more convenient.

Water Resistance

Water protection is what separates a good down jacket from a great one. While down isn’t naturally resistant to water, your jacket can still give you very decent rain protection. For example, some jackets come with DWR coating on the shell that repels water and prevents it from soaking in. On top of this, some models feature specially treated down (Down Defender) that won’t get soaked and lose its insulating properties.

Related Post: How To Waterproof A Jacket

Related Review: Hardshell Jacket

Warmth

The main reason for buying a down jacket is getting additional insulation and warmth. The benefit of these jackets is that they can work on their own in moderately cold weather, or be used as a mid-layer when temperatures drop below zero. The overall warmth of a particular padding jacket depends on fill power and fill weight, which we’ll explain in detail in the next section.

Fill Power and Weight

When choosing any type of down garment, fill power, and fill weight are two of the most important factors to consider. Down fill power represents its ability to trap air and insulate you. On the other hand, down weight represents the amount of down used in a particular jacket. Logically, higher fill power and more weight mean a warmer jacket.

Additional Features

While this is not the first thing you look at when buying a new jacket, additional features still play an important role when it comes to functionality. For example, zippered side pockets are a really nice addition for keeping your hands warm. Furthermore, an inner pocket might be very useful for stashing your valuables.

One more feature we like to see in the best ultralight down jacket is a hood, as it gives you additional head protection on windy days. It’s even better if the hood can be stowed away or even completely removed when you don’t need it. Lastly, adjustable cuffs and hems are very useful at preventing wind from getting inside the jacket.

FAQs

What_Is_A_Down_Jacket

Q: What Is A Down Jacket?

A: 

A down jacket is a type of jacket that is filled with down, sourced from either ducks or geese. These jackets are excellent insulators and keep your body warm, which is why they are a favorite for many hikers and campers. In addition to wearing them on their own, you can also use them as a layer under a waterproof hardshell. While they might cost more than a standard jacket, the warmth they provide will make the investment worth it.

Related Review: Budget Down Jacket

Q: What Are The Benefits Of A Down Jacket?

A: 

The main benefit is the warmth it gives you. Down is very lofty and traps a lot of air, which results in very impressive insulation. It has an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio, so a down jacket lightweight design can keep you warm in very low temperatures. Lastly, the down jackets packable and compressible design makes it easy to carry them in your backpack as a backup.

Q: How Warm Are Down Jackets?

A: 

Generally speaking, down jackets are pretty warm. Down has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, which guarantees good insulation even for lower-quality jackets. This being said, the overall warmth depends on the fill power and fill weight.

Q: What If I Am Allergic To Down? Can I Still Wear This Jacket?

A: 

Yes, you can. Most of these jackets have undergone a treatment that has eliminated all the allergens from the down. Because of this, you can safely wear them without any irritations and reactions.

Q: How To Patch A Down Jacket?

A: 

The first thing you need to do is clean the area around the tear. Afterward, get the repair patch and cut it just slightly larger than the hole. After this, it’s time to remove the backside of the tape and add the patch. We advise that you always use an adhesive patch and avoid sewing kits.

Related Post: Down Jacket Repair

Q: How To Wash A Down Jacket?

A: 

While it depends on a particular model, most of these jackets are safe for washing in a machine. However, make sure you do it with a milder detergent on a gentle cycle. As for drying, putting the jacket in a dryer will distribute the down more evenly compared to air drying.

Globo Surf Overview

If you’re looking for warmth, ultralight down jackets are the smartest choice. In addition to great insulation, they are also very lightweight and easy to carry anywhere you go. We hope that our buying guide and reviews have helped you decide and pick a jacket with the right style and down fill to keep you warm on all of your outdoor adventures.

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Globo Surf
My name is David Hamburg. I am an avid water sports fan who enjoys paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and kite surfing. Anything with a board or chance I can get in the water I love! I am such a big fan I decided to start this website to review all my favorite products and some others. Hope you enjoy!