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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.
- What Makes This Down 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
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
- What Makes This Down 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
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
Tommy Hilfiger Packable Down Jacket
- What Makes This Down 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
Best For: Hiking
Fill Type: Duck Down
Shell Material: Polyamide
Lining: Synthetic
Gender: Men’s
Sizes: XS to 4XL
- What Makes This Down 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
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
Wantdo Packable Puffer Down Jacket
- What Makes This Down 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
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
- What Makes This Down 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
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
- What Makes This Down 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
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
- What Makes This Down 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
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
- What Makes This Down 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
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
- What Makes This Down 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
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
How To Choose A Down Jacket – Buying Guide
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 best 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
Q: What Is A Down Jacket?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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