Warmth and wearability are top priorities, and you wont find technical features like helmet-compatible hoods, slim fits, and ultralight shells. Stretch-woven shells are a new trend in down jackets, and Rab recently threw their hat into the ring with the Cubit Stretch Down Hoody. puffer coat jacket down winter mens length parka hooded duck coats jackets warm Category: UltralightWeight: 8.8 oz.Fill: 3 oz. and Feathered Friends Eos (10.6 oz.) The 700-fill duck down is respectable but falls short of being ultra-premium, and therefore the jacket doesnt offer quite as much warmth for the weight as an option like the 800-fill Rab Neutrino Pro above. And if youre looking for even more insulation (for high-altitude mountaineering, for example), its also worth checking out souped-up parkas like the Patagonia Grade VII ($899) and Arcteryx Alpha Parka ($999), both of which are warmer and lighter than the Super Alpine. of 1,000-fill-power downWhat we like: Incredible warmth-to-weight ratiothe best on the market.What we don't: Super thin shell fabric is lacking in durability. Nowadays, a lot of gear manufacturers treat down to make it more water resistant. The goal here was to combine the insulation of down with the range of motion, durability, and comfort of a softshelland wed say Mountain Hardwear pulled it off pretty well. 
Category: HeavyweightWeight: 1 lb. Now the 2, the latest model features a small increase in weight (about 1 oz. Category: MidweightWeight: 1 lb. The down jacket market ranges from performance to casual and everything in between, but you wont find a more versatile option than the Patagonia Down Sweater. One of the most noteworthy features of the Neutrino Pro is its Pertex Quantum Pro shell, which is impressively hardwearing and weather resistant despite its thin, lightweight build. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetics for easy storage.
It also wont compress down quite as easily for its size (the burly shell fabric plays a big role here), although 700-fill down still does pretty well in this regard. But the Rab is nevertheless a warm, comfortable, and durable down jacket, great for use around town and casual backcountry outings (we love to wear it to the crag)Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Rab Cubit Stretch Down Hoody See the Women's Cubit Stretch Down Hoody. But these are easy tradeoffs considering its intended use, and the Silent Down strikes us as the kind of jacket youll want to grab every day for months on end (we certainly did). How does the Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco compare to other cold-weather jackets on this list?
for the mens hoody) but comes with a number of notable upgrades. length coats winter mens down puffer parka jackets outwear hooded warm What we dont: Pricey for a casual piece. puffer Down insulation functions so effectively because the loose clusters of feathers are great at trapping body heat. The lightweight down jacket category is the industrys most popular and what most folks are in the market for. A second factor is the presence of stretch in the material. giacche trasporto casuale mantenere piumino scoperta spessore We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. If most of your use will be in the city, a down sweater is sturdier and should save you money in the process. In the typical three-layer ski clothing system, the midlayer is given the all-important insulating duties. Our Estimated Temperature Scale london fog jacket down jackets puffer coats winter hooded herald mens Notably, it also features a 3-inch longer center back length (33.5 vs. 30.3 in. As a result of all the fun tech, they also cost considerably more than your typical down sweater. But they perform well for everyday use, travel, light adventuring, and layering for winter sports. For fast-and-light missions, the Ghost Whisperer/2 remains a go-to choice.
But like the Feathered Friends, it cant match the Patagonia in terms of everyday appeal. With an impressive 3.7 ounces of 900-fill down in a 10.8-ounce build, it offers more warmth for the weight than just about any jacket here. Category: LightweightWeight: 15.7 oz.Fill: 3.5 oz. The fill weight of these jackets should be 4 ounces at the absolute minimum and often is in the range of 5 to 6 ounces or more (the Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka, for instance, has more at 8.1 oz.). In addition, we have created a round-up of the best womens-specific down jackets covering that category in particular. But all gripes aside, the Cerium is an exceptionally well-built piece of gear, looks great (we frequently get compliments when wearing it around town), and can more than handle its own in the backcountryRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Cerium LT See the Women's Arc'teryx Cerium LT. Category: MidweightWeight: 1 lb. A number of features set it apart from other jackets here, including body-mapped insulationthe down fill is centered largely around the core, while synthetic fill is used in exposed areas for added durability and weather protectionand fabric reinforcements (45D) at the shoulders and lower arms for abrasion resistance. Second, the jacket is pricey at $389, which puts it in the same price range as mid and heavyweight offerings like the Rab Neutrino Pro and OR Super Alpine. Generally, we think of down sweaters and ultralightswhich usually have between 2 and 4 ounces of fill weightas providing solid warmth in conditions ranging from around 35 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (2 to 15 degrees Celsius) with low levels of exertion, such as puttering around a campsite. Almost every jacket on this list is made with reasonably lightweight shell fabrics. Finally, the Norrna is heavier than much of the lightweight competition (you can get comparable warmth for almost 5 oz. Ultralight is a buzzword of sorts that you will inevitably run into when shopping for a down jacket, and its worth noting there arent hard-and-fast rules as to what qualifies. For daily use, travel, light adventuring, and as a midlayer for resort skiing, you just wont find a better deal. The Arcteryx Cerium LT above is an ultralight backcountry piece with a thin 10-denier shell, but that doesnt come without sacrifices. To start, it's built to handle wind and light moisture thanks to a tough Pertex Quantum shell, DWR coating, and hydrophobic down. For everyday winter and shoulder-season wear, the Silent Down is another strong option from Patagonia. Their performance-oriented lineup of jackets ranges from lightweight designs to heavyweight expedition-grade parkas, and the Eos stands out as the most approachable option for the masses. The number is calculated based on how much space one ounce of down clusters takes up in a cylindrical tube. At the extreme end of the spectrum is Montbell's Plasma 1000, which packs 1.6 ounces of down inside a superlight 4.8-ounce package. The jackets knit fabric is very tough, and the stretchiness gives it a plush feel that you typically dont get from a down piece. And if you're going to hand over this much cash, it's worth considering the Feathered Friends Eos below, which has more down, a higher fill power at 900, and weighs slightly less. For a deeper dive into the topic, see our article: Does Your Down Jacket Need a Hood?. The result is a sub-1-pound down jacket that is both impressively durable and relatively capable in wet weather. With a total weight of 10.8 ounces, a nearly complete feature set, a silky interior and exterior, and a very clean design overall, the Cerium LT plays and looks the part. With 3.4 ounces of 800-fill-power down, the jacket is light and packable enough for backpacking and travel yet offers enough warmth to use as a midlayer for skiing. Midweight and Heavyweight onitsuka tiger down hooded padded coat mens winter An ultralight jacket like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 can be stuffed into its own pocket and end up much smaller than a Nalgene bottle. For backpacking and climbing, many people get the hood and dont regret it. But we have a soft spot for this jacket (no pun intended), which receives compliments almost every time we go out. We keep a close eye on the ratio of fill weight to total weight to see what lengths the manufacturer went to trim weight (the shell denier is a good hint too, and more on that below). Its tough to pinpoint an exact temperature range in which you will feel comfortable wearing a down jacket (theres a reason no one has attempted to create a standardized rating system). At this level of quality, you reap the highly touted benefits of down insulation: lightweight and ultra-compressible warmth. Category: LightweightWeight: 14 oz.Fill: 800-fill-power downWhat we like: Retro styling with premium down fill.What we dont: Materials aren't very soft; not everyone likes the striped colorways. Keep in mind that the higher the fill power the more easily it will compress. Unfortunately, two elements that have not changed with the Ghost Whisperer/2 are its fit and cuff design. Put another way, achieving the same amount of warmth with a lower fill power requires more down, adding weight and bulk to achieve the same comfort goals. No matter what the manufacturer names a jacket, keep a close eye on fill weight and total weight to make your own determination. It all starts with that lofty and premium warmth that can only be found in a down-filled product. Denier (D) is the measurement of the weight of a thread, and the lower the number the lighter the weight. In 2013, Patagonia experimented with a 1,000-fill down jacket, the Encapsil, but hasnt yet brought it back to market, and Montbell currently offers the 1,000-fill Plasma Down Jacket and Parka with thin 7D shells. First off, both of our handwarmer pockets have stitching on the inside that reduces the usable area by a sizable margin (we undid the stitches in one pocket but our handiwork resulted in a damaged zipper). In addition, the REI lacks a hem adjustment, which is limiting for dialing in fit (the hem is fairly stretchy, however). When the coldest winter months arrive, its time for a serious jacket. Interestingly, we frequently see this category of down jacket worn as daily layers around cities, including the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 and Arc'teryx Cerium LT (which lands in between the light and ultralight styles). Welcome to our outdoor gear buyers guides and reviews here at Switchback Travel. of 800-fill-power downWhat we like: Incredible warmth for the weight and good feature set.What we dont: Fit is a bit boxy; non-elasticized cuffs dont do a great job at sealing out the cold. Their Falketind Down750 is a lightweight down jacket that has served us well both as a cold-weather midlayer (worn underneath a hardshell) and standalone piece in milder conditions. of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Super warm and tough, looks good, and a great value.What we don't: Lower fill power than the more premium options. First, down sweaters have a more casual fit than ultralight or performance jackets, including boxier torsos, arms, and hoods (when available). Category: Light/midweightWeight: 15.4 oz.Fill: 3.9 oz. On occasion, a specific design feature or the fit will differ. Even though it still doesnt match the wet weather performance of synthetics, we love the hydrophobic down movement. With this jacket, you get a healthy amount of 700-fill-power down, a truly luxurious polyester shell and lining (70% recycled), and very clean styling that is a far cry from the more technical-looking models here. Spearheaded by designs like the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody, we're seeing more and more down jackets use stretch-woven shells, which lend comfort, mobility, and a good deal of tear resistance. More fill will help you move toward the bottom end of the range and less will push you toward the middle. Another way that gear manufacturers fight moisture is a DWR (durable water repellant) treatment on the outside on the jacket. Further, the cuffs are loose and dont provide a very solid seal, which can let cold air sneak through unless you throw on a pair of gloves. Pertex's Quantum Pro (as seen in the Rab Neutrino Pro) is one of our favorite fabric techs, and known to be particularly abrasion resistantwe've tested jackets with 10-denier Quantum Pro shells and found them to be remarkably tough and hard-wearing. Lightweight And while availability is currently limited, we expect to see Mountain Equipment release more size and colorway options in late summer.See the Men's Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco. fancylookstar dreamma Outdoor Researchs Super Alpine fits a similar bill, but ups the ante with a half-ounce more down and a thicker Pertex Quantum Pro shell (30D vs. the Rabs 20D). We wore the Falketind Down750 for a winter of travel (including a 16-day trek in Nepal and backcountry skiing in BC), and it proved itself a capable companion in fall and winter conditions. Rabs popular Microlight Alpine Jacket pays tribute to the brands climbing heritage. That said, neither jacket is a true performance piece, so this doesnt necessarily change the equation for us, and we appreciate the Coldfronts tougher exterior for both front- and backcountry use. They are high-quality jackets in general, and if you are willing to take a little extra care to avoid damaging the shell, they offer a great combination of warmth relative to their weight and athletic fit that's easy to layer.
Always designed with a specific purpose in mind, Arcteryx offers a wide range of insulated jackets, and the Cerium LT is one of its most popular. And there are products that are only available for women or vice versa. While most jackets on this list are strictly down, Arcteryx has created a really nice balance of lightweight warmth and functionality. Along with warmth for the weight, compressibility is an area where down dominates the vast majority of synthetic-insulated jackets. Nitpicks aside, the Heliums solid weatherproofing and durability make it an intriguing standalone piece, earning it a spot on our list.See the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Down See the Women's OR Helium Down. These types of jackets are very popular for three-season alpine use and in cities for everything but the heart of winter. First, the 1.6 ounces of down fill is pretty meagerit may work for warm-weather backpacking on a route like the Appalachian Trail, but on its own, may not provide enough insulation even for summer nights in the mountains. But while weve found the quality of Rabs outerwear to be superior to that of Mountain Hardwear, the Stretchdowns design and colorway options are particularly special and eye-catching, which is what most people are looking for in an everyday piece. Neither a DWR finish nor hydrophobic down will keep your down completely dry, but they make nice lines of defense against light to moderate precipitation. adidas parka down coat winter duck tango jacket mens Ultralight down jackets are focused pieces designed for backpacking, climbing, backcountry skiing, and other outdoor pursuits where every ounce matters. The jackets shortcomings are similar: the Cubits bulk and heft take it out of the running for weight-conscious missions, and $300 is expensive for a casual down jacket. 12.9 oz.Fill: 10.4 oz. Fit is jacket-specific, but there are two main considerations here. of 700-fill-power downWhat we like: Warm, stylish, and a real standout in terms of comfort.What we dont: Pricey and falls short of true performance pieces in weight and packability. Down enthusiasts love its compressibility and for good reason. Many of the models are the same but the names and colorways sometimes vary. For jackets, 550 to 650-fill down is what youll find on most entry and mid-level models, which is perfectly respectable for daily wear but falls short for performance use. Much of the difference in weight of an ultralight jacket is trimmed by using a lower denier fabric for the shell. For more background information on warmth, weight, denier and more, see our down jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. For a similar casual option with even more down fill for frigid temperatures, check out Patagonias Jackson Glacier or the parka-length version of Mountain Hardwears Stretchdown belowRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Silent Down See the Women's Patagonia Silent Down. But unlike down sleeping bags, which have an official EN rating system that tests and measures their warmth on a concrete scale, down jackets are more like the Wild West. Fit also varies significantly by brand. In fact, the first time we put on the Cubit, we were struck by its loft, which felt on par with a jacket like the OR Coldfront above. But if youre willing to wait, the Eos is one of the best performing down jackets on the market for weight-conscious climbers, skiers, and moreRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Feathered Friends Eos See the Women's Feathered Friends Eos. The soft fabric prioritizes stretchiness and a plush hand feel over packability, and its taffeta construction doesnt inspire a lot of confidence around sharp equipment (it seems pretty easy to tear). pajar Budget-oriented products almost always come with compromises, and REIs Down Jacket 2.0 does fall short for serious performance use. 13.1 oz. But the Cotopaxi Fuego hits a nice balance of performance chops, casual appeal, and value, which is why we've included it on our listRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Cotopaxi Fuego See the Women's Cotopaxi Fuego. Added up, the Falketind Down750 is a hardwearing and thoughtfully designed down jacket with the top-notch build quality weve come to expect from Norrna Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Norrna Falketind Down750 See the Women's Norrna Falketind Down750. And we can't help but love the build quality. 3.9 oz.Fill: 6.1 oz. We often reach for synthetics for everyday use and light outdoor activities in the fall and spring, but they take up too much space in our packs for extended backcountry trips and most dont provide quite enough warmth for truly cold days. Why isnt the Montbell Plasma 1000 ranked higher? Most of the down jackets here are intended for backcountry use, but theres a time and place for a dedicated everyday jacket that prioritizes comfort and looks over all-out performance. For a more detailed explanation of this topic, see our article on down vs. synthetic insulation.Back to Our Top Down Jacket Picks Back to Our Down Jacket Comparison Table.
Category: LightweightWeight: 1 lb. Mountain Hardwear launched its Stretchdown line a handful of years ago, epitomized by soft and stretchy shells and welded seams (rather than stitched baffles). Category: HeavyweightWeight: 1 lb. And theres no denying the Expedition Packs coziness, attention to detail, and good looks, which are a testament to the brands overall expertise. Third, we really like the Lightlines clean looksits a nice choice for everything from technical use to everyday wear in cold climates. belstaff moss The latest model is around 20 percent lighter than its predecessor Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review, Best Cheap Down Jacket: REI Co-op 650 2.0, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody ($325), Outdoor Research Coldfront Down Hoodie ($229), See the Women's Outdoor Research Coldfront, Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody ($290), See the Men's Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown, See the Women's Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown, Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie ($279), See the Men's Outdoor Research Helium Down, See the Women's Norrna Falketind Down750, Outdoor Research Super Alpine Down Parka ($399), See the Men's Outdoor Research Super Alpine, See the Women's Outdoor Research Super Alpine, See the Men's Rab Cubit Stretch Down Hoody, Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie ($275), See the Men's Mountain Equipment Lightline Eco. Below are the best down jackets of 2022, including leading down sweaters, ultralight models, and winter-weight designs for cold weather.
The tiny packed size means you have little reason to leave it behind, and can fit it easily into either a daypack or overnight backpacking pack. Optimally you would have both, but if youre only in the market for a single jacket, theres simply no better insulator than down. Most down jackets on this list are offered in hooded and non-hooded versions. REIs original 650 Down Jacket was our top budget pick for years, and their latest 2.0 sticks to the winning formula. Warmth is quite impressive with 5.3 ounces of 700-fill down, plus you get more weather-ready VerticalX ECO synthetic insulation at the shoulders and cuffs. This makes them a serious liability in wet conditions or if youre sweating heavily, which is why some prefer a synthetic jacket that continues to insulate when wet. Lastly, Patagonia products don't come cheap, although again, we love the sleek styling and you should get a very healthy lifespan out of this jacketRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Down Sweater See the Women's Patagonia Down Sweater. On top of that, you get waterproof Pertex Shieldthe same fabric used in ORs popular Helium Rain jacketon the hood and shoulders for protection from rain and melting snow. These down jackets generally have similar fill weights as lightweight down sweaters, but are ultralight due their use of premium down (fill power), thin shell fabrics (denier), and minimalist zippers and pockets. 5.3 oz.Fill: 7.5 oz. Finally, winter-ready jackets will obviously be the heaviest options, including the 1-pound-15.8-ounce REI Stormhenge Down Hybrid. 4.7 oz. Most notably, OR upped the fill power from 650 to 700 and added 1.1 ounces more down, but the addition of synthetic fill and a more durable shell (30D vs. the Transcendents 20D) increased total weight by more than 4 ounces, which is significant. Ultralight Fill weight is the actual amount of down stuffed into a jacket, measured in ounces. But circling back to value, the 650 Down Jackets combination of warmth, build quality, and price are simply unmatched (we even dedicated an article to breaking down why we think the REI is the best cheap down jacket currently on the market)Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's REI 650 Down Jacket See the Women's REI 650 Down Jacket. The new Coldfront Down Hoodie carries the torch: at $229, its a considerable step down in price from the more premium options on this list but doesnt fall too far behind in terms of performance. Its listed as having a 27-inch length down the center back, but certainly didnt feel that way in person (the medium was way too short while the large was too baggy). thelworldofmensfashion Like the Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown above, the Cubit features a soft and pliable shell by way of Pertexs 3D Weave Technology, along with welded baffles to keep insulation in place without the need for stitches. Second, the jacket lacks interior storage (we appreciate dump pockets for storing skins or climbing shoes), and the hand pockets low placement makes them inaccessible under our backpacks hip belt. Apparently the fill power numbers are far sexier, and as a result, we sometimes have to call the manufacturers to track down fill weight as its not always listed (for more information, see our article: Down Fill and Insulation Explained). A lower denier rating means the material is less durable and more prone to tears or punctures. But while the Super Alpine provides a bump in protection compared to the Neutrino Pro, youll have to ask yourself if its worth the extra half-pound of weight (not to mention some additional bulk). At just over 13 ounces, it's a far cry from ultralight and you can shave significant weight with a number of the more backcountry-centric options below. For uses like backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, ski touring, or whenever you have to lug around your own gear, the total weight of your down jacket should play a significant role in your buying decision. of 800-fill-power downWhat we like: Parka-length coverage, water-resistant shell, and lots of loft.What we dont: Heavier than the Neutrino Pro without noticeably more insulation. A couple seasons ago, Mountain Hardwear revamped one of the original ultralight down jackets: its popular Ghost Whisperer. When gear companies really prioritize cutting weight, youll see changes to zippers, a trim fit, and a lack of pockets. In terms of the competition, the Cerium LT above is significantly lighter, and the use of synthetic Coreloft in the hood and shoulders (which insulates even when wet) lends similar wet-weather assurance. In addition, the shell minimizes the swish-swish sound common among down pieces (hence the name), and the hood can be zipped into the collar when not in use (a handy feature when layering under a shell). The most notable downsides of the Thorium AR come with the increased weight and size. As such, it is the one article of clothing youre most likely to swap out depending on weather conditions. To start, theres a little more 800-fill down stuffed inside, and the recycled shell is a bit thicker, which translate to modest increases in warmth and durability. But with the Helium Down Hoodie, Outdoor Research addresses both of these concerns in one fell swoop. The biggest reason we rank the Cotopaxi here is material quality: the Fuego has a noticeably plasticky and slippery feel, especially when held up against pricier options like the Patagonia, which is much softer by comparison. But with a touch more warmth than the Cerium LT and a more hardwearing build for less money, there is a lot to like about the ThoriumRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Thorium AR See the Women's Arc'teryx Thorium AR. Its true that the Neutrino Pro is undeniably heavy and bulky, and its chart-topping warmth means its not a versatile piece for summer hiking or backpacking. Outdoor Research jackets arent always the highest-quality or most technical on the market, but they are some of the best values. of 800-fill downWhat we like: Waterproof fabric on the hood and shoulders; particularly abrasion resistant.What we dont: Shell is fairly crinkly; heavy for a performance-oriented jacket.
